Fieldwork for Human Geography
- Richard Phillips - Sheffield University, UK
- Jennifer Johns - University of Liverpool, UK
This book encourages students to critically engage with the reasons for doing fieldwork and what they can get out, explains methods and contexts, and links the fieldwork with wider academic topics. It looks beyond the contents of research projects and field visits to address the wider experience of fieldwork: working in groups; understanding your ethical position; and opening your eyes, ears and minds to the wider possibilities of your trip.
Throughout the book, the authors present first person descriptions of field experiences and predicaments, written by fieldtrip leaders and students from around the world including the U.K., U.S.A., Canada, Singapore, and South Africa.
There are a lot of books about fieldwork in human geography. I think this one is really amazing, because it presents the content in a simple and activating way. German books on the topic are usually structured a bit differently, and my students enjoyed this approach to learn about fieldwork.
I would always recommend it as a first read.
A really worthwhile text which fills a gap in the market unlike others. The chapters on relating fieldwork to skills and job prospects is particularly useful and timely when we need to be arguing for the relevance of taking a Geography degree. The methods and contexts section is also extremely creative and innovative
Very happy with the book. It will be essential reading on a series of our bachelor courses (Human Geography) and master (Cultural Geography)
Phillips and Johns show the importance of fieldwork in geographical research. Their book gives an answer to many urgent questions appearing during the preparation and execution of fieldwork beginning with the importance of the formulation of a research design. It is an inspiring book not only recommendable for bachelor or MA students but also for PhD students and researchers doing fieldwork.
cover this field afresh as a textbook and fillign a key gap
I recommended this book as an introduction to empirical work as it offers a simple, easy to read overview.
Very thoughtful piece of work! Could become a classic for undergrads. It seems to be published under some pressure, for there are some typos who shouldn't be in such a book. I'm looking forward to the publication of a second edition without these annoying spelling problems... Maybe one or two thought could be spared to the old fashioned design which most of my students did not like...
Finally, the kind of book many of us have been waiting for.
