Maps are an invaluable tool for understanding and presenting research in the social sciences and humanities, but many researchers do not take full advantage of them because of the technical hurdles involved in map making. But those hurdles are getting lower, and this course will provide the theoretical background and technical skills needed to make maps for publications and presentations. Each week one lecture will focus on theoretical aspects, such as Critical Cartography and debates over colonialist maps, while a second lecture will introduce mapping techniques such as interpolation and data representation. During weekly lab periods, students will collect spatial data using GPS, and use spatial data and geographic information system (GIS) software to create maps. Students will also perform an independent project to collect data and create a map with a span ranging anywhere from a single archaeological excavation pit to some aspect of modern life covering several city neighbourhoods.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Critique approaches for communicating via maps
- Produce appropriate spatial data and apply GIS techniques to creating maps
- Explain advanced spatial analysis concepts in the social sciences and humanities
Indicative Assessment
- Graded lab exercises: 4% each, 8 of 9 counted, 32% total [LO 1, 2] (32) [LO 1,2]
- Exams (2): 10% for first exam, 20% for second exam; 30% total [LO 1, 3] (30) [LO 1,3]
- Individual Project: 38% [LO 1, 2] (38) [LO 1,2]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
4.5 hours of lecture/lab per week, plus reading and independent project time. Estimated at 10 hours/week. The total workload for the course is 130 hours for the whole semester including in class time and independent study.
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Prescribed Texts
Course materials are available on Wattle.
Preliminary Reading
A selection of articles and chapters covering theoretical aspects of cartography and case studies from the social sciences and humanities. Also instructional material related to GIS use. The specific articles/material to be read have not yet been selected.Assumed Knowledge
Some basic familiarity with computer use. No GIS software experience assumed.Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 1
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2019 | $3360 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2019 | $5160 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3611 | 25 Feb 2019 | 04 Mar 2019 | 31 Mar 2019 | 31 May 2019 | In Person | View |