Module Information

Module Identifier
MM19010
Module Title
Tourism Principles and Impacts
Academic Year
2019/2020
Co-ordinator
Mr Hugh Preston
Semester
Semester 1
Other Staff
 

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Exam 1.5 Hours   Unseen written examination  50%
Semester Assessment Written assessment (essay of no more than 2,000 words)  50%
Supplementary Exam 1.5 Hours   Unseen written examination  Repeat failed element  50%
Supplementary Assessment Written assessment (essay of no more than 2,000 words)  Repeat failed element  50%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

* Explain definitions of tourism and the related concepts of leisure and recreation;

* Discuss the historical development of tourism at the destination level and globally;

* Explain the domestic and international nature of tourism;

* Explain a range of theories that can be used to understand the nature of tourism and its impacts;

* Identify the impacts of tourism in socio-cultural, economic, environmental, political terms and explain their significance;

* Explain the principles of sustainability and social responsibility in the context of tourism.

Aims

The module will provide students with the opportunity to develop knowledge of the concept, nature and significance of tourism. Through a historical and contemporary context, they will examine the issues surrounding the development of tourism. Further they will learn to identify the social, economic, environmental, political and cultural impacts of tourism on destination areas and globally, as well as the principles underlying the responsible management of such. Field visits will introduce students to the local tourism industry and its importance in the local economy. At the end of the module students will have a robust appreciation of the significance of tourism, which will serve as a foundation for future studies.

Brief description

This module introduces students to the nature, scope and significance of the tourism industry through an exploration of its principles and impacts. The module also investigates the issues surrounding tourism development and helps develop the skills, knowledge and understanding needed to work in tourism. It also introduces students to issues of sustainability and corporate social responsibility. The concepts covered in this module lay the foundation for future tourism studies and this will be a pre-requisite module for studying further modules in the tourism area.

Content

The module will be delivered through a series of lectures and local field visits. The lecture series will form the principal framework for teaching and learning. Indicative topics to be covered include:

  • Definitions of tourism, leisure and recreation;
  • Theories of tourism;
  • Historical development of domestic tourism and current economic significance;
  • Historical development of international tourism and current economic significance;
  • Economic impacts of tourism;
  • Environmental impacts of tourism;
  • Social and cultural impacts of tourism;
  • Political aspects of tourism;
  • The sociology and psychology of recreation and tourism;
  • Issues and principles of sustainable tourism and social responsibility.
Field visits will enable students to evaluate the principles and impacts in the local area, and assist them in their understanding of the geographical and economic context of the region.

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number The witten assessment will require students to collect, manipulate and analyse relevant quantitative data. Feedback will be provided on the marked reports.
Communication Both the written assignment and the examination will require students to express their understanding clearly and concisely. Feedback on the assignment will be provided on the marked reports.
Improving own Learning and Performance
Information Technology The written assessment will require students to locate and download data from the internet and to use electronic sources of information. This will be both quantitative and qualitative in nature. Feedback will be provided on the marked reports.
Personal Development and Career planning
Problem solving The written assignment will require students to identify factors which influence a problem and the manner in which it might best be solved. Feedback will be provided on the marked reports.
Research skills
Subject Specific Skills The module will provide students with a baseline of knowledge to understand the tourism industry and employment opportunities. Knowledge gained in this course will be fundamental to application in future modules.
Team work

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 4