Human geography: Bachelor Level

The course is offered both as a standalone course and as part of a program. It is a compulsory course within the Bachelor program in Economic History and Human Geography (S1SAP) and the Social Science Environmental Studies Program (S1SMI) for students who choose the Human Geography specialization. The course is an advanced-level course in Human Geography and includes a bachelor’s thesis.

To be admitted to the course, students must have completed at least 90 credits at the undergraduate level, including a minimum of 60 credits in Human Geography and 7.5 credits in GIS. For students enrolled in the Bachelor programme in Economic History and Human Geography (S1SAP) this corresponds to courses with Human Geography as the main subject during semesters 1–3, as well as a passed intermediate course in Human Geography, including 7.5 credits in GIS.

Modules

1. History of ideas, theory and method (7,5 credits)

The module consists of two components: History of Ideas and Methodology.

In the History of Ideas component, the intellectual history of geography and its development as a scientific discipline is addressed, including its division into different branches, as well as various theoretical perspectives and research orientations.

In the Methodology component, qualitative and quantitative methods are covered, along with thesis and research design. (This module corresponds to learning outcomes a) through e)).

2. Specialization in Human Geography; People, Place, and Sustainable Development (7,5 credits)

The module aims to deepen the student’s knowledge in the field of Human Geography and sustainable development. It also seeks to develop academic writing skills through the preparation of a literature review based on independently selected sources. (This module corresponds to learning outcomes f) and g)). For students in the SMIL program, the chosen topic must relate to issues specifically concerning environment and sustainable development.

3. Thesis and opposition (15 credits)

The module aims to enable students to plan, carry out, and present a scientific project. This is achieved through the writing of an independent thesis. In addition, the module includes an opposition assignment and active participation in seminar discussions.

Knowledge and Understanding

a. Demonstrate familiarity with and insight into the intellectual history of geography.

b. Be well acquainted with, understand, and critically assess different conceptions of science.

c. Show awareness of how societal developments across different historical periods have influenced the evolution of human geography as a discipline.

d. Possess in-depth knowledge within a self-selected subfield of Human Geography with a focus on sustainable development.

Skills and Abilities

e. Be well versed in qualitative and quantitative social science methods and demonstrate the ability to apply them in practice.

f. Have knowledge of and the ability to address social science problems using different theoretical approaches.

g. Demonstrate proficiency in academic writing.

h. Independently plan, conduct, and present an extensive study within the field of Human Geography, applying social science methods. This includes the ability to critically interpret information, identify research problems, complete the work within specified time frames, and present findings in a scientifically appropriate manner.

i. Conduct a critical analysis and discussion of a Human Geography study in the form of an opposition assignment.

Judgement and Approach

j. Demonstrate awareness of the role of knowledge in society and the responsibility associated with its use, including familiarity with ethical requirements and aspects of research. For students enrolled in programs at the School of Business, Economics and Law:

k. Show the ability to collaborate with individuals from different educational backgrounds to formulate questions aimed at addressing sustainability challenges.

The course is sustainability-oriented, meaning that at least one learning outcome clearly demonstrates that the course content meets at least one of the University of Gothenburg’s established criteria for sustainability labeling. This content also constitutes the main focus of the course.

Teaching consists of lectures, seminars, exercises, literature studies, supervision, and excursions. Attendance is mandatory where specified. During work on the bachelor’s thesis, 16 hours of supervision are offered. One academic year after starting the thesis, the student’s right to supervision expires.

Language of Instruction: Swedish
Some parts of the teaching and course literature may be in English.

The course includes a combination of assessment methods.

• Module 1 is assessed through a written examination at the end of the module. In addition, mandatory seminars and exercises form part of the assessment.
• Module 2 is assessed through the writing of a literature review and active participation in a mandatory seminar, conducted at the end of the module.
• Module 3 is assessed through the writing of an independent thesis. The assessment also includes an opposition assignment and mandatory attendance at thesis seminars.

Students who fail to attend mandatory components or do not submit written reports within the prescribed time must complete supplementary assignments to pass the course.

For students enrolled in programs at the School of Business, Economics and Law (e.g., SMIL), participation in Sustainability Day is mandatory. Students must also complete a group assignment in connection with Sustainability Day (or an alternative supplementary assignment for those who were absent).

Students who are close to passing may be given the opportunity to revise their thesis and submit a revised version to the examiner within one week after the seminar. If a student has failed the same assessment component twice and wishes to change examiner for the next examination, such a request must be submitted in writing to the department and shall be granted unless there are special reasons to the contrary (Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 6, Section 22).

If a student has received a recommendation from the University of Gothenburg for special pedagogical support, the examiner may, if compatible with the course objectives and provided that unreasonable resources are not required, decide to offer an adapted examination or an alternative form of assessment.

If a course has been discontinued or undergone major changes, students are guaranteed at least three examination opportunities (including the regular examination) over a period of at least one year, but no longer than two years after the course has been discontinued or revised. For internships and work-based education, the same principle applies, but is limited to only one additional examination opportunity.

The course uses the following grading scale: Excellent (A), Very Good (B), Good (C), Satisfactory (D), Pass (E), and Fail (F).

To receive a passing grade (A–E), students must attend all mandatory components and achieve a passing result on all assessed elements.

The final grade for the course is based on the combined results of the assessed components and is determined in relation to the established grading scale.

Course evaluations are conducted at the end of each module. The results and any changes to the course structure must be communicated both to the students who participated in the evaluation and to those who are about to start the course.

Data collection and thesis work may involve costs, which are to be covered by the student. Students who re-register for the course are not offered additional supervision hours beyond those granted during their initial registration. Supervision hours are valid for one academic year; thereafter, support for thesis work expires due to the department’s resource limitations.