View Specification DocumentConcepts in Human Geography GEOG5135
- Academic Session: 2026-27
- School: School of Geographical and Earth Sciences
- Credits: 20
- Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
- Typically Offered: Semester 1
- Available to Visiting Students: No
- Collaborative Online International Learning: No
- Curriculum For Life: No
Short Description
This course introduces students to the critical theory that shape contemporary human geography. It explores key conceptual lenses, such as feminist, postcolonial, queer, Black, Marxist, and more-than-human geographies, to examine how theory informs understandings of knowledge, place, inequality, power, and difference. Students will develop the conceptual tools needed for critical thought and research encounters with pressing geographical issues.
Timetable
2 hours per week [can replace GEOG5004 Monday 2-4pm ]
Requirements of Entry
Normally entry to MSc in Human Geography programme or approval by programme convenor
Excluded Courses
GEOG5004 Conceptualising Human Geography 1
GEOG5080P Conceptualising Human Geography 2
Co-requisites
None
Assessment
Essay 1 (2000) - 35%
Essay 2 (3000) - 65%
Course Aims
This course introduces you to the critical conceptual lenses that shape human geography debates and builds your confidence in working with theoretical ideas.
The course aims to:
■ Develop your confidence in engaging with complex theoretical and conceptual debates in human geography.
■ Explore a range of critical perspectives - such as feminist, postcolonial, Marxist, queer, Black, and more-than-human geographies - and their implications for geographical thinking and research.
■ Encourage you to think critically about how conceptual lenses shape knowledge production, research practices, and understandings of power and inequality.
■ Provide opportunities to reflect on which conceptual approaches you find most meaningful and how these might inform your own thought and research.
■ Build your capacity to connect diverse theoretical debates through structured reflection, discussion, and collaborative learning.
Intended Learning Outcomes of Course
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
1. Demonstrate a critical understanding Critically appraise key conceptual lenses in human geography
2. Critically discuss and compare how different theoretical approaches shape geographical understandings of key concepts such as place, power, and difference.
3. Synthesise and communicate complex theoretical ideas clearly in classroom discussion and written form.
4. Reflect critically on how conceptual lenses shape knowledge production and identify the implications for your own geographical thinking.
5. Work independently and collaboratively to engage with theoretical debates, showing confidence, creativity, and respect for diverse perspectives.