GEOG 286 - Special Topics

Devoted to a specific topic unique for each semester and instructor. Permission from instructor is required for registration.

SPRING 2018

SEC. 3 - ALVAREZ LEON: CRITICAL GIS - The objective of this course is for students to develop mapping and spatial analysis skills in conjunction with the theoretical tools necessary to use such skills in a rigorous, critical practice. In an environment characterized by the proliferation of digital datasets and new spatial media, there is pressing need for technically-informed critical inquiry -a foundation of responsible data production and consumption. This course provides a theoretical perspective that incorporates insights form fields such as Critical GIS, Information Studies and Science and Technology Studies.  The structure of the course is divided in two types of weekly sessions: (1) seminar sessions, where the class will discuss and workshop through key readings, concepts, and examples of the Critical GIS curriculum, and (2) laboratory sessions, where the class will focus on the learning and practice of spatial analysis and mapping tools. The technical component of the course centers on becoming familiar and comfortable with the use of the R software as a means for spatial analysis and mapping. Through weekly reading, discussion, and group exercises, the students will refine their critical grasp of the technical tools they acquire. In this process, they will develop a GIS practice that is both technically competent and sensitive to the broader social, political, and epistemological implications of geospatial tools and technologies. This course is aimed at upper level undergraduates, as well as graduate students. It meets twice weekly, and assumes no prior knowledge of R, spatial analysis, or critical GIS.; SEC. 5 - SANGERMANO: HABITAT MODELING (MODULE B) - This course introduces niche-based habitat suitability modeling and evaluation through lectures and hand-on exercises.

FALL 2017

SEC. 1 - ROY CHOWDHURY: LAND AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE. Permission required. SEC. 3 - SPHAR: ECONOMY, PLACE, AND POLITICS IN THE 21st CENTURY. Permission is not required - In this course we will focus on the deeply intertwined nature of economies and politics through a geographical lens, emphasizing the rootedness of both economies and politics in particular places. Even though this rootedness often seems to have lost importance with the onset of economic globalization, throughout the semester we will explore how it is in fact as important as ever. By critically analyzing the changing nature of this three-way relationship between place, politics, and economy we will better understand how economic globalization shapes and remakes our economies, our politics, our lives, and our cities. We will also explore how citizen-led projects, such as participatory budgeting in Porto Alegre, Brazil, are fostering new visions for radical democracy by rethinking this three-way relationship. Through this course students will engage with pressing issues in economic and urban geography, and be able to apply this knowledge through case study analyses of key global cities. They will learn how current debates in economic globalization shape city, state, and national politics, and be able to explain how places, policies, and economies are co-constituted through these processes.

Program of Liberal Studies (PLS) Designation: no

Anticipated Terms Offered: Fall and Spring