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GG4572: DIGITAL GEOGRAPHIES (2017-2018)

Last modified: 25 May 2018 11:16


Course Overview

The rapid evolution of technology has had many impacts on the study and practice of Human Geography, altering traditional notions of space, place and time, and introducing opportunities for novel research. In this course, we use a mixture of theory and application to familiarise students with issues and innovations in Digital Geography ranging from the digitisation of social practices and networks to digital divides and the problem of privacy.

Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 4
Term Second Term Credit Points 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus None. Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Dr Mark Beecroft
  • Dr Caitlin Cottrill

Qualification Prerequisites

  • Either Programme Level 3 or Programme Level 4

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

  • Any Undergraduate Programme (Studied)
  • GG3570 Concepts in Human Geography (Passed)

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

None.

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

Rapid technological change has seen the emergence of an academic sub-discipline of Digital (or Virtual) Geography that both complements and contrasts with traditional geographic concepts of space, place and time. In this course, we aim to familiarise students with key theories and trends of this emerging area, including:

·         The political and economic geography of the Internet

·         Digital divides (economic, social, spatial, demographic) + divides within the Internet

·         Digital technology and international development

·         Public policy and private investment (including international comparisons)

·         Digital economy, including new economic models and IT as a utility

·         Digitisation of social practices and networks

·         Data shadows/privacy

·         Urban and rural digital geographies

·         Digital modification of place and mobility

To complement these theoretical underpinnings, we also introduce students to an applied task focusing on:

·         Innovations in research methods and techniques

·         Handling digital data in the social sciences

·         Data analysis and presentation

·         Ethical considerations

By so doing, students will gain an understanding of how the emergence of the digital age has impacted upon the discipline of Geography.


Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 30 August 2024 for 1st term courses and 20 December 2024 for 2nd term courses.

Summative Assessments

1st Attempt: Three pieces of assessment: one long essay (33%), one computer-based practical assignment (33%) and one 1-hour exam (33%). Resit: A resit for this course is not normally available until the following academic year.

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Feedback

Students will all receive individual written feedback on their essay and computer-based practical assignment using G&E?s comments sheets. Verbal feedback on exam performance will be provided on request.

Course Learning Outcomes

None.

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