Human Geography Fieldwork: Iceland (U02535)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : GEO-4-ICEHUM

This course builds on second- and third-year course work and fieldwork to develop the practical aspects of Human Geography through the study of contemporary Icelandic society. The field trip incorporates the tuition and practice of social science research methods (qualitative and quantitative) with group-based and individual research projects.

The core themes addressed during the field trip are:
- nature-society relationships in the Icelandic context, with a specific focus on fishing, national park management and alternative forms of energy production
- political, social and economic impacts of immigration and emigration for an island community
- historical and contemporary legacies of colonialism and geopolitical implications for small states

The field classes and independent research projects are designed to engage with contemporary political debates which centre on the environment, immigration and regional economic links.

The field trip will be based in the capital city of Reykjavik, with two day excursions to study the wider conurbation of Greater Reykjavik and the environmental management implications for the region of Gullfoss-Geysir.

Seven full days are spent in the field, three of which are devoted to individual and group project work.

Entry Requirements

? This course is not accepting further student enrolments.

? This course is not available to visting students.

? Costs : £350

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Geography, (School of GeoSciences, Schedule N)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 4th year

? Delivery Period : Semester 2 (Blocks 3-4)

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 5 weeks

? Additional Class Information : 2 x 2 hour seminars in advance of the field work. Seven days field work in Iceland. 2 x 3 hour project presentation seminars on return during following Semester.

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

After successful completion of this course, students will have developed a detailed knowledge and understanding of the social and environmental factors which continue to influence the development of Icelandic society.

Students will be able to consider the specific social and environmental issues in the Icelandic context, but will also be able to apply this knowledge to critically assess nature-society relations; the development of island communities and the impacts of migration and colonialism on contemporary societies.

Students will have developed their transferable skills of team working, project design and implementation

Students will have undertaken extended individual and group project work through the practical application of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.