The past and present use of mapping to plan for and manage urban areas. Students will review the historical role of maps in urban planning, understand how research uses mapping to address problems in areas such as health or food access, and discuss developing technologies and methods. Throughout the course, students will learn methods and approaches used in critical cartography to understand the role maps play in shaping urban politics and policies.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students: Course presentation on a relevant topic.
Athena Title
Maps and the City
Prerequisite
GEOG 3630 or GEOG 3630E or permission of department
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
At the conclusion of the course, students will be able to explain the historical role of maps and spatial analysis in shaping urban policies and development, primarily in the United States.
At the conclusion of the course, students will better understand the methods used for mapping and analyzing urban communities.
At the conclusion of the course, students will have gained critical literacy as a map reader and user through using techniques from critical cartography.
At the conclusion of the course, students will be able to describe how maps can be used to facilitate urban governance as well as for community activism.
At the conclusion of the course, students will have developed their own positions on ethical issues related to mapping and spatial technologies in urban settings.
At the conclusion of the course, students will have improved their ability to read, synthesize, and respond to research using spatial analysis in urban settings.
Topical Outline
Maps and city planning: Howard’s Garden city, Burnham’s Chicago plan, Concentric zone model, Sanborn maps, Redlining maps, zoning
Critical cartography and the politics of urban mapping
Maps in today’s cities: case studies from health, housing, and/or environmental sustainability
