CHRISTINA FRIEDLE
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Geography 221: Field Geography, The Local Landscape

CRN: 27761
Spring 2012                                                                            
Sylvania Campus, HT 301
T/TH 3:00 - 4:50 pm
Office Hours: 2-3pm M/W
Office: SS 215, E41                                                     
971-722-4072
christina.friedle@pcc.edu

Course Texts (recommended):  
1. the GIS 20 essential skills, Gina Clemmer (ISBN: 978-1-58948-256-2)
2. Infinite City: A San Francisco Atlas, Rebecca Solnit (ISBN 10: 0520262506)

Course Description and Focus

Throughout human history, maps have influenced how we see the world and helped us understand human and physical phenomena. Maps are a powerful tool for people and communities to manage their resources, make decisions, plan for the future, capture local knowledge, raise awareness on environmental and/or social issues, and communicate their findings or concerns to others.

In this course we will explore mapping as a way of understanding human and cultural geography of Portland.   We will examine cultural aspects of Portland and conduct research to collect data and create maps of these phenomenon.  We will also discuss cartographic principles to find the best way to communicate the data we collect.
We will be working with Portland State University's Center for Spatial Analysis to collect data and map topics such as artisan foods, green-ness, art, geek-ness, and homelessness in Portland.  The data and maps will be part of a 'Cultural Atlas of Portland' that the center is creating.

Course Format

This course is a combination of field work, computer-based labs, lectures, guest speakers, mapping, and collaboration.

GIS Software

This course uses ESRI's ArcGIS Version 10 software program. It is available in the following classrooms: Sylvania HT 301, Rock Creek Bldg 5 Rm 125, and the CRC at Sylvania, Rock Creek & Cascade campuses.

Additionally, an education license of the software will be given to all students enrolled in the course for use outside of class on your personal computers.  

Assignments and Grading

Reaction Papers (15%): there will be a reaction papers assigned throughout the quarter based on reading assignments posted on the syllabus. 

Participation (35%): participation in this class is essential.  your participation grade will include a variety assignments ranging from field surveys to research and data entry.

Group Projects (50%): the class will be broken down into 9 groups to work on different aspects of the course project.  each group will graded on their specific assignments given by the instructor throughout the quarter. 

Final grades will be based on the following scale: A (90-100), B (80-89), C (70-79), D (60-69), and F (below 60). 

Cultural Topics

The topics that we will research as part of the 'Cultural Atlas of Portland' include:  

1. Paved Portland – Mapping Cement 
2. Portland – The Roads Not Travelled (Nor Built)
3. Kids’ View of the Portland
4. Geek Portland
5. Artisan Food
6. Art Galleries
7. Dollars and Scents: Wealth and Toxic Smells in Portland
8. Gimme Shelter
9. Green Portland 
10. Negative Spaces
11. Edges of Portland
12. 82nd Avenue - Historical Perspective
13. Old Growth

Course Outline  (DRAFT)
**Course schedule is subject to change and will be updated throughout the quarter. 

Topics

------------------------------------------------------------------
April 3, 5


Introduction to Course, Course Project, Geography & GIS

Cultural Atlas - List of all Topics
______________________________________

April 10, 12

Lecture.  Field Data Methods

Field Reconnaissance Project - Public Art, Part I
______________________________________

April 17, 19

Groups. Define and set topic criteria

Field Reconnaissance Project - Public Art, Part II
______________________________________

April 26

Present.  Methods for Cultural Topics

NO CLASS APRIL 24 (PCC In-Service)

______________________________________

May 1, 3


Research.  Library & Internet Research

Discussion.  What is a Map?  What is an Atlas?
______________________________________

May 8, 10

Discussion.  Writing Map Narrative
Map Prompts

GIS Overview
______________________________________

May 15, 17


Activity.  Introduction to GIS Mapping

______________________________________

May 22, 24

In-Class Work Session

Present.  Progress on topic

______________________________________

May 29, 31

In-class Work session

______________________________________

June 5, 7

Map Critique / Finalize Maps

Work on final Presentations
______________________________________

June 12

CLASS PRESENTATION
______________________________________

Assignments

------------------------------------------------------------------

Read.  'Building Biographies: To Know Cities from the Inside Out' by Larry R. Ford

Reaction Paper guidelines

_____________________________________



DUE: Reaction Paper #1 (4.12)

DUE: Field Recon Part I (4.12)

_____________________________________


Read. Pgs 1-8 in Infinite City: A San Francisco Atlas

DUE: Field Recon Part II (4.17)

_____________________________________


DUE: Reaction Paper #2 (4.26)

DUE: Presentation on topic & methods (4.26)

_____________________________________

Read.  Turnbull, David 1994. Maps are Territories: Science is an Atlas
http://territories.indigenousknowledge.org/home/contents



____________________________________


DUE: Summary of research findings on topic (5.8) 

DUE: Reaction Paper #3 (5.10)

_____________________________________


DUE: ArcGIS Activity (5.17)

DUE: Map Narrative (1st Draft 5.17)

_____________________________________



DUE: Presentation on topic (including 1st draft of maps 5.24)


_____________________________________





_____________________________________



DUE: 2nd Draft of Maps (6.5)


_____________________________________


Group Evaluations (6.12)

_____________________________________

'How To' Submit an Assignment

1. Your last name should be the first part of the file name, followed by the lab number or assignment name.  For example: friedle_Lab1

2. Submit a single document in .pdf format

3. The subject line of your email should reflect the assignment name.  For example: Reaction Paper 1

Additional Resources

ArcGIS Desktop Tips & Shortcuts

ArcGIS Desktop Version 10 - Service Pack 1 download
                                              Service Pack 2 download

Attendance

Although attendance is not officially a part of your grade, it will be difficult to keep up if you are not regularly in class.  If you need to miss class or leave class early, talk to me beforehand to make arrangements.  If you have a personal problem that is inhibiting your performance in this class, please come talk to me as soon as possible so that we can discuss options to make your efforts in this class successful.  

Academic Dishonesty

Plagiarism is “the unauthorized use or close imitation of the language and thoughts of another author and the representation of them as one's own original work (Dictionary.com).”  This is unacceptable.  Cheating is also unacceptable.  If you have any questions about the college’s academic policy, see pages 9-11 of the Students Rights and Responsibilities Handbook, online at http://www.pcc/edu/about/policy/student-rights/student-rights.pdf.  

Students with Disabilities

Students with disabilities wishing services and/or accommodations are required to register with the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD).  Please contact the OSD office as soon as possible so that services can be arranged and provided in a timely manner.  The OSD phone # is 503-614-7409.

Contact ME

  • Home
  • About Me
  • Courses
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    • About Us
    • Don't be a Dangle!
    • Event Calendar
  • Resources
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    • Tools
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  • Blog
  • Aventuras Colombianas