Essay in Human Geography
In this course, you will learn how to plan, carry out and present a scientific project in the form of an academic essay. You will apply knowledge and skills acquired during the first year of studies in human geography, and write an academic essay based on data collected during a field course, either in Sweden or abroad.
Essay in Human Geography, 7.5 credits, is offered as a freestanding course and as part of the Bachelor's Programme in Human Geography – Society, Environment and Global Processes, 180 credits.
The course consists of an independent project, as well as lectures and seminars that prepare you for the essay work. The course concludes with a critical review of a fellow student’s essay and a defence of your own.
The course includes a field course of approximately five days in a Swedish municipality. The field location varies from semester to semester. During the fieldwork, student groups collect material for their essays, using methods such as surveys, interviews and observations. Each group is assigned a supervisor who meets with the group before, during and after the fieldwork.
As an alternative, a one-week field course is offered in Berlin as part of a ç within the Erasmus+ framework. The overarching theme is Sustainable Transformation of Neighbourhoods in Europe. The field course is conducted in collaboration with students and staff from the University of Groningen, Humboldt University of Berlin, Politecnico di Milano, and Stockholm University.
Teaching Format
Compulsory teaching elements include introductions, lectures, seminars and supervision.
Detailed information, including assessment criteria, is provided during the course introduction and via the learning platform Athena.
Learning outcomes
After completing the course, you are expected to be able to:
- formulate a scientific research question related to topics covered in previous studies in human geography, and operationalise it within the framework of an academic essay
- apply appropriate research and analysis methods and demonstrate academic rigour
- critically review the essays of fellow students according to the academic standards required in this course
- identify research ethics issues in all situations, and evaluate both your own and others’ work based on such ethical norms
Assessment
Assessment is based on the submitted essay and participation in a seminar that includes both opposition and defence.
Examiner
Several teachers are involved in the assessment and grading of the course.
Examiner: Lowe Börjeson
Course coordinator:
Ulf Jansson
Student Affairs Office/International Coordinator
Contact the Student Affairs Office in the first instance if you have general questions about your studies at the department, including matters related to registration in systems such as Ladok and Athena. You can also request certified transcripts and other official certificates and talk to the International Coordinator about studying abroad as part of the Department's courses and programmes and exchange studies within the Department's agreements.
Study Counsellor
The study counsellor can provide information and guidance on study pathways, programme and course selection, admission, eligibility, approved leave from studies, discontinuation of studies, credit transfer, degrees and careers. You should contact the study counsellor if you are experiencing difficulties keeping up with your studies or have other study-related concerns.
