Away MAVE

The Distance Mode of MA in Values and the Environment at Lancaster University

412 Philosophy of Conservation in Practice

Assessment

Assessment for this module is based on a 3,500 word essay and a field diary

If you would like feedback on an essay plan please send it to me in plenty of time for you to make use of the comments.

Please note there is a penalty of 5 marks for work that is seriously overlength (seriously overlength is defined as more than 10% longer than the maximum or guidline length).

Essay Questions

to be added

What is a field diary and how do I use this for assessment?

A really useful way of helping to make the most of a field trip is to keep a diary. These work best if you get yourself a new notebook specifically for the trip rather than using loose pages of A4 if that is your normal method of note taking.
What do I write in it?

EVERYTHING

You might like to start a few days before leaving and take the time to record a few hopes and fears as well as a list of things to remember to take. Once embarked on the diary can be where you record all of the following:

* Notes from any presentations, lectures etc. (you will be used to this)
* A record of books mentioned, possible contacts, names and contact details of people you meet.
* A record of interesting discussions that take place anytime anywhere. (Don't break the flow by switching into note taking, but write it up when you have a moment to yourself and definitely before you go to sleep.)
* Ideas that suddenly come or that you are developing.
* Sketches of things and places - even if you are not skilled in this it helps you to look and will aid recall.
* Stick in pictures, postcards, brochures, tickets - anything that will bring back a sense of where you have been or the journey.
* Memories, reflections, worries, frustrations, unconnected thoughts, sounds heard, attempts to articulate smells and so on.

When the trip is over review your diary and write some 'back at home' reflections on the whole experience.

Using your field diary for assessment

To avoid inhibition in your reflections I would plan to use your diary as a resource from which to construct a tidied up or expurgated version.
However, if it does turn into a wonderful account of the whole trip and does happen to weave together the things learned, the reflection and analysis of the ideas and things encountered and how that experience has affected you in a well balanced way - and it is legible - you could hand it in as it is.
Most people will want to refine the diary from its raw form into an account for public consumption (or at least your tutor's). This gives you the opportunity to word process and refine some of the things you have written. Try not to loose their flavour as diary pieces though. Do include reference to the course content, analysis, your own responses, and something of what you personally got from the trip.

What should I avoid doing?

Don't just write an essay - keep it lively and direct.
Don't construct an experience afterwards to fit what you think is expected.
In what you present for assessment try to keep a healthy balance between: self, place, others, ideas as encountered and academic analysis.