This coursework is designed to assess the material covered in ‘Module C: Qualitative Methods in Human Geography’ in cases where it has not been possible for the student to undertake the relevant fieldwork.

The assessment takes the form of a literature review essay that critically analyses recent geographical approaches to ethnographic research in small-scale everyday spaces such as high street shops and businesses. Your essay might discuss ethnographic methods of participant observation and interviewing, visual methods, and/or sensory ethnographic approaches.

We would like you to critically analyse how geographers have approached research in everyday spaces on local high streets, using methodological literature to support your reflections. Examples of geographical studies you might consider are given on the following pages. Relevant methodological references can be found in the Module C reading lists, available on the GG1011 Moodle site (Module C: Term 1 Week 9). Readings given in the box ‘Reading for field practicals’ might also be helpful.

As a guide, you may wish to think about questions such as:

How have geographers approached the ethnographic study of small-scale high street spaces in recent academic work?
Why have they chosen these particular methods?
What do these methodological approaches enable in their work?
How might such methods contribute to geographical understandings of high street spaces more broadly?
In writing the essay, you may wish to consider the departmental guidelines for literature reviews found in section 8.5 (pp. 45-6) of the 2019-20 Undergraduate Handbook.

The marking criteria for this assessment follows the departmental criteria for coursework essays. It will thus be marked according to the following points:

1. Focus on the question/assignment

2. Level of critical understanding

3. Extent to which arguments are supported by further reading
4. Evidence of independent thought in argument or analysis
5. Appropriate bibliography and referencing style

6. Effective communication