Download Honours Tourism stream

Honours Tourism stream
Candidates are required to do the compulsory modules and two others.
Compulsory Modules:
GES 711 History and Philosophy of Geography and Research Methods
GES 701 Research Project
GES 741 Advanced Tourism and Development
GES 742 Theoretical Perspectives on Tourism
Elective Modules
GES 731 Environmental Management
GES 732 Urban Geography
GES 733 Economic Geography *
GES 734 Political Geography *
GES 736 Development Geography *
GES 738 Geographical Information Systems
Note:
The choice in respect of modules may be limited by the department if circumstances make
this necessary. In extraordinary circumstances a module other than those listed above may be
offered.
1. History and Philosophy of Geography; Research Methodology (GES 711)
An introduction to postgraduate work, the class sessions explore a wide range of
issues to do with the making and conduct of Geography. Its chronological
development is explored indirectly while discussing matters such as subjectivity,
innovation, 'mere' description, the notion of a discipline, the scientific fixation, the
institutionalisation of inquiry, the role of powerful interest groups, and dilemmas
about the nature and use of evidence. This 'philosophical' component is
complemented by a methodological one that includes, for example, work with library
reference materials and discussion of different styles and conventions of research
communication. The purpose of the course is to help students stretch their perspective,
challenge their preconceptions, and build research confidence and capacity. A
defensible and distinctive geographical imagination is every new professional's right.
2. Geographical Information Systems (GES 738)
The module aims to acquaint students with the principles and applications of
Geographical Information Systems (GIS) in Geography and related fields. The users
of GIS span many fields, including city and regional planning, architecture, geology
and geomorphology, hydrology, computer science, remote sensing and surveying, and
it is used by government agencies at all levels as well as private industry and , of
course, academics. A GIS is said to consist of computer hardware and software
capable of integrating information (both spatial and attribute), and people. It can
therefore be seen as much more than a tool and a body of literature already exists in
which the principles underlying the use of these systems are being debated. The
importance of GIS for Geography lies in its data handling and analysis capabilities. In
conjunction with the theory, students do practicals and are given training in the use of
various GIS packages, such as Arc/Info, ArcView, Idrisi and Geomedia
3. Research Project (GES 701)
4. Environmental Management (GES 731)
Management is the execution of planned controls so as to achieve a desired outcome.
Environmental management is when management skills and techniques are applied to
care for the earth. In South Africa this is based on the principles of integrated
environmental management (IEM) which promote sustainable and environmentally
sensitive development. IEM requires appropriate environmental input at all stages of
development from inception through to construction, operation, maintenance etc. This
course aims to introduce students to environmental management with reference to
current practice in South Africa. A large part of the course will be dedicated to the
theoretical and practical aspects of environmental impact assessment and strategic
environmental assessment. As environmental law covers a wide and diverse field,
reference will be made to the law affecting the management of selected resources of
South Africa.
Topics to be covered:
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Introduction: Terminology
nvironmental Management: An introduction
Ecosystem Management and Environmental Ethics
Environmental Law and Policy
Environmental Impact Assessment: Overview, History and Theory
Environmental Impact Assessment: Practical and Case Studies
Strategic Environmental Assessment
Water and Development
Resource/Environmental/Ecological Economics Perspectives
Waste Management
GIS and Environmental Management
Course Material
Students are required to obtain copies of the relevant literature at their own expense.
Copies of relevant literature will be made available in the Department.
5. Urban Geography (GES 732)
This module provides an introduction to global urban processes, an understanding of
urban concepts pertaining to urban policies for urban change, urban spatial structures,
transport, housing, urban economic development, urban tourism and conservation
with an emphasis on South African cities. In addition the focus will be on examining
questions of societal change in South African cities.
6. Economic Geography (GES 733)
7. Political Geography (GES 734)
8. Advanced Tourism and Development (TOU 741)
This module is designed to follow Theoretical Perspectives in Tourism. It assesses the
role of tourism in development in both developed and developing countries. The
following topics are covered:
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e.
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The theory of tourism as a vehicle for development
Tourism and economic development issues
Tourism and community development issues
Tourism, development and the environment
Tourism and development in South Africa
Research in tourism and development
Theoretical perspectives on Tourism (TOU 742)
This module serves both as an introduction to tourism at postgraduate level for
students who have not previously studied the subject, and provides an advanced
theoretical basis for those who have. The following topics are covered:
g. The historical development of tourism as a system
h. The demand for tourism - tourism motivation and behaviour, tourism market
segmentation, international and national tourism flows
i. The supply of tourism products - the natural and cultural tourism resource
bases
j. The 'attraction' and 'transportation' sectors of the tourism industry
k. Contemporary issues in tourism marketing, management and research
l. Global changes and future trends impacting on tourism
Development Geography (GES 736)