GEOG/GEOL 305 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems Course Syllabus Geography Program Winthrop University Spring 2014 Instructor Information Instructor: Bryan Townsend, MA Geography, GISP Office Hours: by appointment E-Mail: townsendb@winthrop.edu
Phone: 803-242-9858 (Cell) Homepage: http://www.winthrop.edu/geography/ Course Information Course: GEOG/GEOL 305 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems Section: 001 CRN: 22115 (GEOG) & 22116 (GEOL) Lectures/Lab: W 5:00-6:15 pm Location: G04 / G07 Owen Credit Hours: 3 This course also fulfills the general education technology requirement. Course Description and Goals Course discusses solving problems with spatial analysis by using geographic information systems, a powerful technology that combine layers of data in a computerized environment, creating and analyzing maps in which patterns and processes are superimposed. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are used to encode, store, analyze, and report spatial data. They link different information technologies such as mapping and database management systems. They also provide a repository for spatial data, which can be constructed, maintained, edited and analyzed. The ability to use spatial information facilitates management and decisions in a wide array of fields and GIS are increasingly being used for practical purposes. They include marketing, resource management, facility location, environmental impact assessment, urban planning, transportation, and tracking crime data, just to name a few. The general goals of the course are: Students will constantly be exposed to cartographic information and will develop map reading skills, ranging from the simple reckoning of locations to the understanding of the spatial structure and process that maps can represent. Students will become familiar with standard quantitative and qualitative methods, enabling them to accurately understand the meaning of information and how this information can be used to understand economic and social issues. In addition to the ability of understanding and reading maps, students will develop cartography skills and will be able to create maps on their own. Students will learn how to use ArcMap GIS software particularly for the purpose of qualitative and quantitative information analysis as well as for cartography. ArcMap will be the one of two main tools in which students will apply the geographical methodology. How digital earth representations are created, stored and accessed To think spatially by exposure to geographic content using various mapping and visualization interfaces How maps and data are combined in meaningful representations How to interface maps as graphics into other presentation formats General Education Goals 1.3 Understand and practice rhetorical techniques and styles by writing and by giving oral presentations 3.4 Use computers competently 3.5 Use the library and other information sources competently
4.2 Understand cultures in their own terms and in terms of the diversity of ideas, institutions, philosophies, moral codes, and ethical principles 7.2 Examine problems, issues, and choices that confront citizens of the world University Level Competencies This course also addresses the following Winthrop University Level Competencies: Competency 1: Winthrop graduates think critically and solve problems Competency 3: Winthrop graduates understand the interconnected nature of the world and the time in which they live. Competency 4: Winthrop graduates communicate effectively. These requirements are met by applying tools offered through technology that provide a geographic perspective to solving interconnected challenges and issues of the world we live in. The nature of geography as an interdisciplinary science allows for observation of issues from economic, social, political, cultural, and environmental viewpoints. Many of the hands on exercises use these issues as examples while learning the technology. The techniques and tools taught offer a spatial view of the issues which provides a better understanding of the problem and thus hopefully better solutions. Student Learning Outcomes Geography by its nature is holistic in its approach to world problems. Consequently by the end of the semester students should be able to: 1. Information Platforms: understand how computers work, how hardware components are linked together, and the relationship between hardware and software; know how to use instructions in a technical manual; know how to perform basic computer operations. 2. Communication: understand the function of a network; know how, when, and why to use email and the Internet. 3. Presenting verbal and visual information: use technology to produce documents; use technology to create and deliver presentations. 4. Data manipulation: work with programs to enter, manipulate, and query data (for example, using spreadsheets, databases, or similar programs). 5. Researching: Apply research techniques using library resources and the Internet; evaluate information obtained by computer (reliability, validity, ephemerality, timeliness, bias, etc.); recognize plagiarism and understanding appropriate use issues); know how to use Dacus library computer resources. 6. The Foundations of Technology: know major events, standards, and terminology that have affected the integration of computers into our world and culture; understand (at least in broad terms) how computing has changed and that it will change in the future, 7. The Impact of Technology on our Lives, Society, and Culture: understand how computers will affect the ways individuals interact with their world understand ethics issues involving computing; understand issues concerning the interpenetration of computers into all phases of our lives; understand the roles of citizens in an electronic democracy.
Course Materials Textbook This course will not have a prescribed textbook with readings and exercises, however there are many supplemental text you may purchase for additional information. Course Website In addition to the course text, there is also a companion website for the course. This website URL will be provided to students the 2 nd week of class. We will make use of blackboard throughout this course (online.winthrop.edu). Course Requirements Laboratory Exercises & Review Questions You will complete a series of laboratory assignments that are worth 60% of your overall grade. Assignments will be due at the start of class the week after assigned Pages of any deliverable should be properly stapled (no paper clips or other binders) and each page should contain your name within the document header in the upper right. The footer of each page should contain the page number (1 of X pages). Failure to follow this will result in lost points for the assignment. Exams There will be a final exam (or cumulative assignment) worth 40% of your overall grade. Final Exam April 30, 6:30 40% Course Rules and Guidelines Special Needs: Winthrop University is dedicated to providing access to education. If you have a disability and need classroom accommodations, please contact Gena Smith, Program Director, Services for Students with Disabilities, at 323-3290, as soon as possible. Once you have your Professor Notification Form, please tell the instructor so that he/she is aware of your accommodations well before the first assignment, test, or paper. If you have questions about accessibility or other accommodation issues, please contact Gena Smith. Information about services and accommodations is also available on the Services for Students with Disabilities Web site: http://www.winthrop.edu/hcs/disability.htm Attendance: Attendance is mandatory and will be checked randomly throughout the term. Those students missing more than 5 classes will receive an F. Any extenuating circumstance that may prevent a student from attending class needs to be discussed with the professor the moment they arise. Please see the undergraduate catalog for the University Attendance Policies. For further details refer to: http://www.winthrop.edu/undergradcatalog/ Student Code of Conduct: As noted in the Student Conduct Code: Responsibility for good conduct rests with students as adult individuals. The policy on student academic misconduct is outlined in the Student Conduct Code Academic Misconduct Policy in the Student Handbook (www.winthrop.edu/studentaffairs/handbook/).
Classroom Etiquette: In order to create an environment where students are able to interact and learn it is imperative the all cell phones, pagers, and other electronic devices be turned OFF (not on silent mode or vibrate). Text messaging is not allowed during class. Students not obeying this policy will be asked to leave class. If you are expecting an important phone call you are to notify me during the beginning of the class. If you wish to record the lecture you must consult with the professor prior to recording any lectures. Many students feel uncomfortable when they are recorded. If a test or exam is scheduled for a particular class, students will not be permitted to take the test/exam when 15 minutes has expired since the start of the test/exam session. A grade of zero will be entered and the lateness will be treated as an absence. Assignment Submission: All assignments will be handed in directly to the instructor at the beginning of the class on which it is due. Any assignment handed in after that time will be assigned late penalties accordingly. If a student cannot hand in an assignment directly to the instructor, prior arrangements should be made. It is your responsibility to ensure that I receive your assignment. email submissions will NOT be accepted unless arranged with the instructor prior to the assignment due date. All assignments will be typed, single spaced, 10 or 12 point font with the student name and p age number appearing on all subsequent pages (as a footer and NOT part of the regular body). The first page will not contain a header with the student s name or other information. This i nformation will be on a cover page. In addition all assignments will have a cover page that inc ludes the following: assignment number/name, course code and title, student names and IDs ( NOT social security number), and instructor s name. If an assignment s instructions differ from those above, the assignment instructions will bethe ones followed. Failure to follow submission requirements will result in a reduction in grade of 10%. Students may be required to submit an electronic version of their assignment upon request, please retain electronic versions of all assignments until they are returned to you. Late Penalties: All assignments are due as instructed. Penalties for late assignments are 10%/day (Saturday/Sunday counts as 1 day) to a maximum of 5 days (or a total loss of 50%), after that time it will NOT be graded and a zero (0) score will be recorded. If the assignment is an oral presentation the assignment handout will discuss the appropriate due dates and any associated late penalties. 24 Hour Rule: The instructor will not discuss the grade on an assignment, project, exam, test, etc. during the first 24 hours after it is handed back. Contact the instructor via e mail the following day to make an appointment to discuss the grade. Exception: If the problem is a mathematical error follow the instructor to his office after class and the appropriate adjustments will be made. Exam Deferrals: Legitimate student conflicts are defined as follows: more than one scheduled exam per period; more than two scheduled exams per day; and more than three
scheduled exams in any four consecutive periods. A student with a legitimate conflict will receive written notification from the Office of Records and Registration. The instructor involved will also be sent notification of the conflict. Conflicts should be resolved by the student and instructor. It is the student's responsibility to initiate the resolution of any conflicts. Personal conflicts such as travel plans and work schedules do not warrant a change in examination times. For further details refer to: http://www.winthrop.edu/undergradcatalog/ Missed Test/Exam Policy: There are only four acceptable excuses for an individual missing an exam or test. They are: 1. Illness: I will need an official certificate from your doctor verifying that you have a medical condition that precluded you from writing the schedule exam/test. You will also be required, within reason, to notify the instructor as early as possible prior to, or immediately after the scheduled date. An email will suffice. 2. Funeral Attendance: I will need proof of funeral attendance with the date of the ceremony clearly listed. 3. Mandatory Courtroom Appearance: I will need a copy of your official court summons with the date of attendance clearly listed. 4. Winthrop Athletic Participation and other Approved University Activities: I will need a signed letter from a member of the senior coaching staff (Head or assistant) indicating the day(s) you will be absent. In all situations, the makeup test/exam will occur within 5 class days of the missed date. Only in the event of illness will this deadline be extended however the medical note must clearly indicate that you were unable to attend class after the missed test/exam. Make-Up or Bonus Work: There will be NO make up work or bonus material of any kind for major tests. If the circumstances warrant, a special assignment may replace certain work. Grading Policy All grades are based on the sum total of all assignments, tests, exams, etc as specified in the course syllabus. Grades will NOT be based on how hard you worked, classroom attendance, classroom participation, the need to graduate by a certain date or the need to maintain a specific GPA for academic scholarships, financial aid, athletic scholarships or athletic eligibility considerations. You are responsible for knowing the drop dates as indicated in the academic calendar I will not drop anyone from the course in order to prevent them receiving a poor grade nor will I provide an incomplete unless extenuating circumstances exist. Students who wish to receive and incomplete as a result of illness will be instructed to seek a medical withdrawal from the class. I will not discuss your standing in the course via phone, email or in person with anyone but the student themselves. It is illegal for me to do so unless a release form has been signed with the student and properly registered with Records and Registration. Upon confirmation from Records and Registration, only then will I discuss grades with approved individuals. In the interest of fairness, there are no exceptions to these rules.
Grading Breakdown: The following letter breakdown will be used for the assignment of final grades: (Letter Grade/Percentage Value Range) A 94-100 A- 90-93 B+ 87-89 B 83-86 B- 80-82 C+ 77-79 C 73-76 C- 70-72 D+ 67-69 D 63-66 D- 60-62 F 0-59 Syllabus Change Policy: The delivery of a course is dynamic in nature and cannot always follow the course calendar and schedule. Wherever possible the instructor will attempt to ensure that the schedule is followed. The following changes can be done without consultation with the class, though any changes will be announced: 1. Changing the sequence/order in which material is delivered 2. Adding or removing content 3. Changing the date of a schedule test or assignment (Exams cannot be changed). At least 1 weeks notice will be given when changing a test or assignment deadline. Any changes with regards to the distribution of grades, the application of letter grades, or any changes that effect the assessment and evaluation of student performance will be discussed with the class. If two thirds of the class is in agreement with a proposed change then the change is accepted. A revised syllabus reflecting that change will be provided electronically to the class. Course Format Please note this couse is a hybrid meaning it will have one meeting time for half of the required course time per week (Wednesdays, 5-6:15pm). We will combine traditional face-toface classroom instruction with online computer-based learning. Students will be given opportunity to interact with and observe the instructor as the software is explored and demonstrated. Assignments will be made for outside class time to include readings, videos, tests and some hands on exercises. Course Calendar and Schedule Week Day Date Course Content 1 Wed. 1/15/2014 What is covered in GEOG 305, GIS for Local Government 2 Wed. 1/22/2014 What is ArcGIS.com and Desktop GIS? 3 Wed. 1/29/2014 Spatial Journals 4 Wed. 2/5/2014 Population Mapping Feb 10-11 SCARC GIS Conference, Columbia, SC 5 Wed. 2/12/2014 Change Detection 6 Wed. 2/19/2014 Spatial Data
7 Wed. 2/26/2014 Spatial Analysis 8 Wed. 3/5/2014 Story Maps 9 Wed. 3/12/2014 The Big Picture of GIS 10 Wed. 3/19/2014 Spring Break 11 Wed. 3/26/2014 Understanding Geographic Data 12 Wed. 4/2/2014 Analyzing Geographic Data 13 Wed. 4/9/2014 Class Project 14 Wed. 4/16/2014 Class Project 15 Wed. 4/23/2014 Class Project April 30, 2014 FINAL EXAM 6:30-9pm