Subject details

At the completion of this subject students will be able to:

  1. to inculcate in students an analytical approach towards their geographical environment through field study of a selected area and/or topic
  2. practice a range of geographical fieldwork methods as well as understand their benefits and limitations
  3. plan creative and effective fieldwork types; construct basic fieldwork apparatus; introduce progression into fieldwork; use ICT in fieldwork
  4. plan pre & post-fieldwork activities; value the social dimension associated with fieldwork (group work, leadership tasks, communication, cooperation etc.) and be able to assess risk and be aware of safety concerns.

  • Topics

    • Fieldwork Skills and their Place in Geography
    • Power, Subjectivity and Ethics in the Field
    • Research Design and Rigour
    • Interviewing and Oral Histories
    • Surveys and Participant Observation
    • Making use of government data
    • Archival research and newspapers
    • Presenting data clearly: communication and presentation of research results
    • Analysing Data
    • Focus Groups
    • Cross-Cultural Research
    • Fieldwork in the Workplace

  • Study resources

    • Instructional Methods

      • Disscusion forum/Discussion Board
      • Online assignment submission
      • Standard Media
      • Web links

    • Online Materials

      • Resources and Links
      • Online Assessment
      • Printable format materials
      • Audio-Video streaming

Entry Requirements

Others

Note: Level 2 subjects normally assume an introductory level of prior knowledge in this area, e.g. from studying related Level 1 subjects or other relevant experience.

Special requirements

No special requirements

This subject provides practical experience in preparing, conducting and analysing fieldwork from a geographical perspective. Skills in qualitative and quantitative data selection, collection and analysis will be developed together with training in the preparation and presentation of research results for a range of clients.

Please Note: If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.

Find out more about the Academic Integrity module.

  • Assignment 1 - Exercises (50%)
  • Assignment 2 - Report (50%)

Textbooks are subject to change within the academic year. Students are advised to purchase their books no earlier than one to two months before the start of a subject.

View textbooks

Related degrees

Undergraduate

Bachelor of Arts (Geography)