Study-Unit Description

Study-Unit Description


CODE IMS5025

 
TITLE Space, Place and Tradition

 
UM LEVEL 05 - Postgraduate Modular Diploma or Degree Course

 
MQF LEVEL 7

 
ECTS CREDITS 4

 
DEPARTMENT Institute of Maltese Studies

 
DESCRIPTION This study-unit, tailor made for the Master in Maltese studies, deals primarily with the human and spatial aspects of the Maltese Islands and with the basic elements of the physical geography that condition the overall human impact on the small space of the islands, and in contrast to the vastness of Malta’s maritime space and the uses of the marine domain. The unit works through a series of selected themes such as population, historical, economic and transport geography, together with the processes involved in rural and urban development, to be complemented with targeted sessions on various aspects of marine and maritime spatial and cultural thematics. Coastal scenarios will also be considered with special emphasis on the part played by ports and harbours. The unit includes two field sessions to complement the lectures delivered that highlight the long-standing relationship between man and the sea in an island reality like that of the Maltese Islands. Traditions relating to the subject will include honey production and silk, as well as place names connected to habitat, occupation and skills.

Study-unit Aims

This study unit deals with patterns, processes and man/environment relations. As a result the unit offers candidates the opportunity to:

- examine issues within the spatial aspect
- experience the fieldwork aspect of the subject
- appreciate the influence of humans on the environment, and vice-versa
- evaluate the changes to the natural landscape by human agency
- understand problems associated with high population densities
- appraise the long-standing relationship between man and the sea in an island reality like that of the Maltese Islands.

Learning Outcomes

1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

Explain the interactions between the human and physical environments in the Maltese context and compare the processes that effect the Maltese environment. The student will be able to report on the spatial context of Malta's socio-geographic environment as well as the interdisciplinary approach to understanding place.

2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

- list the nature and reasons for the population growth and urban spread of the islands
- analyze new ideas and think spatially
- comprehend and explain the reciprocal relationships between physical and human environments
- use and describe the appropriate geographical terminology
- comprehend, analyze and explain the nature of change
- describe representations of geographical space and different geographical representations
- be appraised of the long-standing relationship between man and the sea in an island reality like that of the Maltese Islands

Main Text/s and any supplementary readings

Reading lists will be offered by all lecturers. Publications, unless stated, are available at the University Library.

Main Texts

- Attard, M.: ‘Land Transport Policy in a Small Island State – the Case of Malta’ in Transport Policy, Vol. 12/1, 2005.
- Attard, M. & Schembri, J.A: ‘Manoel Island: An Island with a fort ... and a future’. In S. Mercieca (ed) Mediterranean Seascapes, (Malta University Publishing, 2007)
- Blouet, B.:The Story of Malta, (Progress Press, Malta, 2009)
- Cini, C. & Borg, J.:The Maritime History of Malta, (Salesians of Don Bosco publishers, 2011). (Supplementary text)
- Deidun, A., Borg S. & Micallef, A.: ‘Making the case for Marine Spatial Planning in the Maltese Islands’ in Ocean Development and International Law 42:136–154, 2011, (available directly from Dr. Alan Deidun)
- Portelli, P.: Insects of commercial value in Maltese culture and tradition, (Master Dissertation in Maltese Studies, University of Malta 2011)
- Zammit Ciantar, J.:The placenames of the coast of Gozo, (Malta, 2000)

Websites

MEPA http://www.mepa.org.mt/home?l=1
NSO http://www.nso.gov.mt/site/page.aspx

 
STUDY-UNIT TYPE Lecture

 
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Assessment Component/s Sept. Asst Session Weighting
Examination (2 Hours) Yes 100%

 
LECTURER/S Maria Attard
Joseph A. Borg
Michelle Borg
Timothy Gambin
Paul Portelli (Co-ord.)
John A. Schembri
Noel Vella

 

 
The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints.
Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice.
It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2023/4. It may be subject to change in subsequent years.

https://www.um.edu.mt/course/studyunit