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Syllabus
PREREQUISITES AND RECOMMENDED COURSES
Required: None
Recommended: GGR 230 (Map and
Image Interpretation)
Note: This class can be completed with
little or no computer background but will be much easier with a modest
amount of previous computer experience.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Until recently, spatial literacy has been
relegated to the realm of GIS experts running high-end software.
Recently, however, things have changed as data have become more widely
available and applications have spread throughout society. “Introduction
to GIS” introduces the concepts, theory and techniques of handling
spatial data with computers.
To evaluate the usefulness of this course
in fulfilling liberal studies requirements, please note that:
- This is a liberal studies course in the Science/Applied Science
distribution block.
- The thematic focus of this course is Technology and Its Impact,
as it provides an overview of computer operations (with an emphasis on
PCs) and the application of computers to the input, manipulation,
analysis and cartographic output of geographic information.
- Important essential skills the course encourages are
quantitative/spatial analysis, use of technology, critical thinking,
and effective writing.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
In relation to the understanding of the
theme Technology and Its Impact, by the end of the course,
students will be able to:
- explain the fundamentals of a GIS, including what they are, how
they are used, and what is required to develop and maintain them
(skills: use of technology).
- use GIS computer software to conduct rudimentary spatial analyses
on varying types of data (skills: use of technology, spatial
analysis and critical thinking).
- employ learned skills to combine GIS knowledge with practical
application in a final report (skills: critical thinking and
effective writing).
COURSE STRUCTURE/APPROACH
TEXT AND MATERIALS
Required text:
- Davis, David E., 2004. GIS for Everyone. ESRI Press,
Redlands, CA, 3rd edition).
Required materials:
- A blank CD or rewritable CD for backup of your work
- A portfolio in which to keep exercises
- A notebook for keeping notes
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Laboratory
To complete the exploration assignments,
you may either use our lab on campus, Rm. 34, Bldg. 82, or provide your
own. If you provide your own lab, you must have at least a 486/33 PC
with Windows© 98 or higher, 8MB RAM, CD-ROM drive and 10MB free disk
space. You must be able to install software on the system. Check this by
trying to install the software included with the text.
EVALUATION METHODS
Assessment of Outcomes
We will use 4 evaluation systems to
assess your achievements in related to the theme Technology and Its
Impact: computer-based laboratory Explorations, written assignments,
readings and discussions, and quizzes.
- Computer lab Explorations - Your steps completed in the
computer lab exercises will evaluate your understanding of the
concepts presented in Objectives 1 and 2 above (Essential skills:
spatial analysis, critical thinking, and use of technology).
- Assignments - Written and graphical reports reflecting your
work on the computer will demonstrate your achievements in Objectives
2 and 3 above (Essential skills: spatial analysis, use of
technology, critical thinking, and effective writing).
- Readings and Discussion Sets - Your performance on the
discussion sets will indicate your knowledge of the fundamentals of
GIS listed in Objective 1 above (Essential skills: critical
thinking and effective writing). Discussion segments are expected
to consist of two to five sentences per submission.
- Quizzes – You ability to correctly answer questions about
explorations, assignments and readings will test your knowledge of
gained through the three assessments listed above (Essential skills:
Critical thinking, use of technology and spatial analysis).
Learning Portfolio
The results of the Explorationsand
Assignments, which unite critical thinking and
effective writingwith the use of technology in spatial
analysis, will be particularly appropriate to include in your
learning portfolio, and will demonstrate your achievements in the theme
of Technology and Its Impact.
Grading System
The due date of each product is indicated
on the calendar. WORK TURNED IN AFTER THE DUE DATE WILL BE PENALIZED BY
5 POINTS PER DAY. |
