Course Description & 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.

This course takes on a slightly different topic each year.  Essentially, it is a cultural mapping class that cover the following topics: Field Methods, Data Collection, Maps, Basic Introduction to ArcGIS, and Map Creation.  The course is designed to have an overarching theme, is project based, and is done in collaboration with a community partner.  Students work in groups throughout the quarter to complete their mapping projects and in-class activities.  Students are expected to participate in class discussions, critiques, and to present their work throughout the quarter for feedback.  Topics that have been covered in this class include:  Access to healthy and affordable food, Cultural aspects of Portland, and Psychogeography.  To see examples of the map produced for each theme go to the Projects link and check them out.