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Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title Advanced Urban Geography Research Project
Module Code GEO1018 (ITS: GY329)
Faculty History & Geography School Humanities & Social Sciences
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 10
Description

This module will equip students with the skills and knowledge to undertake and complete an original research project in urban geography as part of a group. Research topics may include both contemporary and urban historical options. A sample of the variety of research topics which may be available include: the creation of the urban edge, exploring suburban spaces, housing in the urban environment, contested and symbolic landscapes, commodified urban landscapes, tourism and heritage in the urban landscape, the geography of lodgers and boarders in the historic city. Students will be introduced to the key skills, methodologies and sources used by urban and urban historical geographers. A fieldwork component may be included as appropriate to the topics under consideration. Students will develop competence in managing and sharing research data and findings. Research findings will be presented in a range of formats, while individually students will record their own learning experiences in a reflective journal.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate an understanding of, and familiarity with, a broad range of historical and contemporary source materials and their potential uses in urban geography research
2. Develop key skills and methodologies utilised in urban geography research
3. Create, manage, collate and analyse geographical datasets
4. Communicate research findings effectively in written and / or oral format
5. Document and critically reflect on their own individual learning experiences


WorkloadFull time hours per semester
TypeHoursDescription
Lecture48Lectures/Seminars
Assignment Completion32Individual Learning Journals: Learning Journal entries
Assignment Completion24Written Assignments/Reports
Assignment Completion122Group Research Project: Preparation, research, writing and presentation of research project
Assignment Completion24Research Presentation: Preparation and presentation of research
Total Workload: 250
Section Breakdown
CRN20485Part of TermSemester 2
Coursework0%Examination Weight0%
Grade Scale40PASSPass Both ElementsY
Resit CategoryRC1Best MarkN
Module Co-ordinatorRuth McManusModule Teacher
Assessment Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
AssignmentLearning Journal: Learning journal with regular entries as specified20%As required
AssignmentShort individual written assignments / reports on specific elements of research project15%As required
ProjectResearch Project (Group): Identification of project, research, preparation and writing up of group research project50%As required
PresentationResearch Project (Group):Oral presentation of research using an illustrated professional presentation15%As required
Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
RC1: A resit is available for both* components of the module.
RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module.
RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element.

* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Introduction
Introduction to urban geography research

Critical reading and discussion
students read and make notes on required reading in key fields of research, for class discussion

Identification of potential research projects
group formation, identification of potential research projects, assigning topics

Key sources materials and skills
developing the necessary knowledge of sources and the required skills, including fieldwork, landscape interpretation and (where appropriate to the specific projects) cartographic elements as required

Field visit (possible)
independent fieldwork possibly including visits to archives and repositories as relevant to the project

Project work
Managing and collating data effectively as a group

Analysis
Analysis and writing up research report

Completion
Project completion and presentation

Indicative Reading List

Books:
  • Duffy, Patrick J: 2005, Exploring the history and heritage of Irish landscapes., Four Courts Press, Dublin,
  • Flowerdew, Robin & Martin, David: 2005, Methods in Human Geography: A guide for students doing a research project,
  • Gomez, Basil & Jones, John Paul (eds.): 2010, Research methods in geography: a critical introduction., Wiley-Blackwell,
  • Kitchin, Rob & Tate, NJ: 2000, Conducting Research into Human Geography, Prentice Hall,
  • Nolan, W. & Simms, A.: 1998, Irish Towns, a guide to sources, Geography Publications Dublin,
  • Prunty, Jacinta: 2004, Maps and map making in local history. Four Courts Press.,
  • .Rose, Gillian: 2001, Visual Methodologies: An Introduction to Researching with Visual Methodologies. Sage,


Articles:
None
Other Resources

  • Readings: Readings will be assigned as appropriate to the research topics selected,

<< Back to Module List View 2024/25 Module Record for GY329