Geography, continuation course, 30 credits

Main field of study

Course level

Advancement level

Entry requirements

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of the course, the student should be able to:
- account for the theory, methods, development of ideas and its applications in the field of geography
- implement social processes that form and transform the landscape and the economic space
- develop methods for landscape analysis
- demonstrate Geographic information systems (GIS).
- demonstrate skills in analysing and accounting for processes that form a landscape
- Use geographic method
- Problematise and analyse relationships between natural conditions and human influence in the landscape in different time-space scales
- plan and carry out an independent scientific work and to review scientific work critically
- master methods for collection, analysis and presentation of geographic information.

Course content

The Changing Landscape 7.5 HE credits
In the module, the landscape concept and theories and methods for landscape analysis are covered. The effects of social processes and people on the landscape are highlighted. Studies of landscape change in different time-room scales.

The Economic Landscape 7.5 HE credits
The module covers the international supervising work and the change and geographic shift in the goods and services production, as well as the extent and geographic patterns of the international trade. The interplay and the conflict between local, regional, national and global space are noticed. Attempts to govern the economic development from a spatial perspective are covered, as well as different theories on and models for localisation and regional development. Special attention is given to different categories of economic actors - independent companies, networks, transnational concerns, states and confederations of states - and their ability to influence the geography of the economic activities.

Spatial Analysis, 7.5 HE credits
Geographic methods for analysis and presentation of spatial data. Introduction to and application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

Essay 7.5 HE credits
Independent scientific work based on geographic issues related to the contents of the modules above. The results are presented in an essay that is covered in a seminar.

Teaching and working methods

The teaching takes the form of lectures, exercises, supervision, laboratory sessions, seminars and field trips. Participation in exercises, seminars, field trips and laboratory sessions are compulsory. The examiner may grant exemption from compulsory parts if there are special reasons. The students should actively and on their own responsibility profit by the contents of the reading list, complete all practical assignments and participate actively in seminars and field trips. On the basis of individual supervision, the student should accomplish an independently written work (essay). The student should defend the work and critically review another student's work at an essay seminar.

Examination

The course is examined continuously through the following examination forms: written examination, individual take-home examination and essay seminar, as well as active participation in compulsory parts and carrying out assignments related to them.

Grades

Other information

Department