Spatial Analysis in the Humanities and Social Sciences

Description

The course explores how spatial thinking and spatial analysis techniques can be used to investigate and interpret cultural, historical, and social questions. Students will be introduced to key concepts in spatial theory and will learn practical methods for analyzing geographic data through tools like QGIS. Throughout the course, students will learn to work with historical maps and spatial data compiled from analogue and digital sources, and apply these skills to case studies in fields like heritage studies, history, archaeology, media studies, social sciences, political science, etc. In addition, students will engage with critical evaluations of mapping and visualization techniques to develop a deeper understanding of how spatial dimensions and connections shape our understanding and experience of social life and our environs. The course emphasizes a combination of theoretical and hands-on learning through weekly lectures, where students will gain an understanding of fundamental concepts and theories of spatial analysis, and seminars where students will gain practical experience using GIS and other software to conduct spatial analysis. Assignments and projects will encourage students to apply these tools to real-world research questions, allowing them to create and interpret maps, visualize data, and draw meaningful conclusions from spatial patterns. By the end of the course, students will have developed the skills necessary to integrate spatial analysis into their own research, culminating in a final portfolio where they will present their findings through a combination of maps, visualizations, analysis, and a written report. Course Objective: This course aims to equip students with the necessary theoretical and practical competencies in spatial analysis for the Humanities and Social Sciences, using digital tools to implement spatial thinking and facilitate the study of space, place, and geographic context. By the end of the course, students should be able to: Understand the fundamental concepts and theories of spatial analysis in the Humanities and Social Sciences and apply them to cultural, historical, and social questions. Utilize Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and other spatial technologies to analyze and visualize spatial data in basic ways Develop spatial hypotheses and critically evaluate the application of certain spatial methods. Communicate findings from spatial analysis clearly and effectively, both in written and visual forms. Assessment Information: Group presentations and discussions with peer evaluation (10%) Labs: assignments on various GIS tasks related to mapping and spatial analysis (30%) Critical essay on the use of spatial theories in the Humanities and Social Sciences with peer evaluation (20%) Final portfolio: Compilation of assignments, presentations, and critical essay developed throughout the course, accompanied with reflection on course and learning trajectory (40%) Teaching Methods: Lectures: Weekly lectures provide theoretical grounding in spatial analysis concepts, including GIS principles, critical spatial theory, and case study analysis from various disciplines within the Humanities and Social Sciences. Lectures will also incorporate interactive group discussions focusing on the interpretation of spatial research and case studies. Students will critique and analyze the use of spatial methodologies through selected readings. Labs: Weekly hands-on sessions and seminars where students learn to use GIS and other software, analyze spatial data, and create visualizations. Exercises will include working with real-world data sets and applying spatial analysis techniques.