CCOG for GEO 221 Winter 2025
- Course Number:
- GEO 221
- Course Title:
- Mapping Cultural Landscapes
- Credit Hours:
- 4
- Lecture Hours:
- 30
- Lecture/Lab Hours:
- 0
- Lab Hours:
- 30
Course Description
Introduces field research methods in human and cultural geography, as well as applications of geospatial tools to explore local landscapes. Incorporates a variety of field components to engage students in data collection and field observations. Includes research on a local issue, applying field method techniques to collect data, and digital storytelling with maps. Prerequisites: WR 115, RD 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement test scores. Audit available.
Intended Outcomes for the course
Upon completion of the course students should be able to:
- Apply geographic concepts, research methods, and geospatial tools to analyze local landscapes.
- Produce maps that communicate a purpose, create awareness, and explore patterns or trends.
- Use field observation and other data collection techniques to analyze local landscapes.
Outcome Assessment Strategies
Students will be expected to demonstrate mastery of themes, concepts, issues, competencies and skills by any combination of the following:
- Creation of paper or web-based maps
- Digital storytelling
- Written results of class labs and exercises
- Field observations exercises and projects
- Final project on issue affecting local landscapes
- In-class discussions
- Map Critiques
Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)
Themes, Concepts, Issues:
- Preparing for data collection
- Measuring field phenomena
- Sampling geographic phenomena
- Collecting data by observing
- Collecting data by asking questions
- Conducting Interviews and/or surveys
- Implementing Field research design
- Using GPS-based apps
- Photography & Rephotography
Competencies and Skills:
- Demonstrate the relevance of geography to the complex, real world.
- Identify the links between geographic facts, principles and theories and those problems that are relevant in the real world.
- Demonstrate skills in direct observation and use of maps.
- Demonstrate the use of geographic models and recognition of geographic problems.
- Identify various types of geographic interpretation such as spatial association and spatial interaction.
- Demonstrate effective communication using digital storytelling tools such as StoryMaps.
- Collect field data and create maps using geospatial tools such as ArcGIS Online, Survey123, and Field Maps.