Overview

This module takes advantage of our local area by enabling you to spend five days of fieldwork in and around Eryri National Park, Anglesey and the north Wales coastline. This module combines fieldwork to provide a broad overview of the processes that have given rise to the distinctive features found throughout north Wales, and will be supplemented with key lectures that will provide a context to the geological, historic, social, cultural and political background to the region.

The story of north Wales begins over 100 million years ago, and the region comprises a rich geological history, embodied in the UNESCO Global Geopark status (GeoMon) on Anglesey. Eryri and its environs were visited by Charles Darwin and other famous 18th Century geologists (Murchison and Sedgewick). The region is known for its glacial landscape, which was formed over the last 30 thousand years during the last glacial period. It is a landscape famed for its slate (Bethesda, Blaenau Ffestiniog - now a UNESCO World Heritage site) and copper (Parys Mountain) exports has a rich industrial legacy. The language, the culture and the history of Wales plays an important part in the north Wales we see today. From neolithic to Roman sites, to agricultural and industrial revolutions that have shaped the landscape and the peoples, to castle-building landowners pitted against striking quarry workers, north Wales has it all.

You will be asked to produce a virtual field guide to an area of their choosing based on their experiences and field notes made during the field study. You will also undertake an online quiz testing their knowledge of the regions’ history and development.

This module combines fieldwork to provide a broad overview of the processes that have given rise to the distinctive features found throughout north Wales, and will be supplemented with key lectures that will provide a context to the geological, historic, social, cultural, economic and political background to the region.

Students will be taken to key sites that demonstrate how these processes interact and relate to places.

Assessment Strategy

Threshold (40% - 50%): The student displays a basic understanding of the principles and basic knowledge of subject. Relevant information is discussed to basic depth the written assignment and tasks. Most of the key issues are identified but there may be some omissions or gaps in understanding. Links between theory and practice are not well developed.

Good (>60%): The student displays sound knowledge of subject, ability to contribute constructively to debate, ability to write perceptive and well-argued reports. Descriptively presents information in the written assignment and tasks.

Excellent (>70%): The student demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of subject and clear ability to pull together various elements of the course material. Evidence of background reading. There are no major areas omitted and the student demonstrates an ability to critically analyse and evaluate relevant information. A clear, concise, descriptive style of presentation in the written assignment and tasks

Learning Outcomes

• Ability to communicate a broad knowledge and understanding of the geography of north Wales, exemplified by a key site, in a relatable and understandable format to the publics that is underpinned by subject accuracy.

• Understanding of how different landscape processes interact over a range of spatial and temporal scales.

• Understanding of the key geological, historic, social, cultural, economic and political processes that have produced the distinctive north Wales landscape.