Unit information: Images of the Earth: The World from above in 2012/13

Unit name	Images of the Earth: The World from above
Unit code	GEOG25160
Credit points	20
Level of study	I/5
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
Unit director	Dr. Della Dora
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	YR 1 units
Co-requisites	YR 2 A-syllabus units
School/department	School of Geographical Sciences
Faculty	Faculty of Science

Description including Unit Aims

Geography comprises diverse ways of imagining, interpreting and picturing the globe and its landscapes, and the implications of these for human existence. This course examines the role of geographic images, especially maps, in representing space at different scales (from the global to the local) and in shaping western geographical imagination in different historical periods. While following a chronological pattern from Classical antiquity to the present, classes are arranged thematically, with a specific focus on the different cultural contexts in which cartographic representations were produced and with which they actively interacted.

The objectives of the course are:

• to understand the idea and the implications of picturing spaces, and their close connection to conventions of seeing and vision;

• to trace historical and theoretical relations between maps, landscape representations and other spatial images;

• to interpret maps and other spatial representations;

• to learn to think about maps and mapping critically and from different theoretical perspectives.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On completion of this Unit students should be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the key developments that have taken place in the history of cartography in recent decades and which have paved the way for new approaches to the study of maps and other graphic spatial representations.

• Approach the study of maps through a range of theoretical and methodological perspectives.

• Critically explore maps politics and poetics of representation.

• Consolidate their knowledge, thinking and develop their research skills by completing an extended essay based on the critical analysis of a map.

• Develop oral presentation skills, construct arguments and communicate effectively.

• Work collaboratively on group projects.

The following transferable skills are developed in this Unit:

• Presentation skills

• Time management

• Critical Assessment

• Analytical and interpretive skills

• Group work

• Written and verbal communication

Teaching Information

• 50min. lectures

• Student presentations

• Visit to the cartographic treasures in the UoB Library Special Collections

Assessment Information

Assessment:

20 min. group presentation (10%)

2,000 word essay: critical analysis of a map of own choice (30%)

3hr final exam (60%)

Percentage of the unit that is coursework: 40%

Percentage of overall unit mark involving group work: 10%

Does the group work lead to an individual or group mark? GROUP

Does the group work provide individual feedback for students? NO

Total student learning and assessment hours:

Lectures: 20

Coursework (research paper): 50

Group Presentation: 8

Meeting with Instructor during Office Hours (mandatory scheduled meeting to discuss research paper): 1

Revision, Reading and Self-Study: 118

Final Examination: 3

Total for unit: 200 Hours

Reading and References

1. Cosgrove, D. (2001). Apollos Eye. Baltimore and London: Johns Hopkins University Press.

2. Dodge, M., R. Kitchin, and C. Perkins eds. (2009). Rethinking Maps. London: Routledge

3. Harley, B. (2001). The New Nature of Maps. Baltimore and London Johns Hopkins UP.

4. Harley B. and D. Woodward (1987-2007). The History of Cartography, 6 vols. Chicago UP.

5. Thrower, N. (1999). Maps and Civilization. Chicago UP.

6. Wood, D. (1992). The Power of Maps. NY & London: The Guilford Press.

RECOMMENDED:

1. Cosgrove, D. (2001). Apollos Eye. Baltimore and London: Johns Hopkins University Press.