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MONTGOMERY COLLEGE Department of Applied Technology Applied Geography, Cartography & G.I.S., And Geographic Education
Course Syllabus--Fall 2006 GE 151, Introduction to Cartography
Professor: Tanya Allison Office hours: TR: 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Work phone: 240-567-7614 E-Mail: tanya.allison@montgomerycollege.edu Office: TEC 218A Main Office: TEC205
Texts: Slocum, McMaster, Kessler, & Howard. Thematic Cartography and Geographic Visualization, 2nd. ed., Pearson-PH, 2005.
Rand McNally, Goode's World Atlas, 21st ed., Hudson Pub: 2005 (optional)
INTRODUCTION: Cartography, the construction and use of maps, has been employed by humans since antiquity. To understand what cartography is, we must understand the definition and function of a map. A map is the symbolization and generalization of reality. As geographers, we are involved with space and the analysis of the distribution of phenomena in space. Maps are the tools employed to visually represent the distribution of data. The type of data that can be illustrated varies with the area to be mapped and the scale of the map. Moreover, the type of data influences the type of map that can be created. Cartography, however, involves more than just learning how to portray data on a map. In the broadest sense, cartography is defined as the science of map-making. Included within this definition is the construction and production of maps, map design, and ultimately, the use of the map. This course will emphasize the elements of cartography that are involved in all aspects of map-making.
Communication is important. You are encouraged to ask questions any time. I have an open-door policy. If I am not available to meet with you right away, I will schedule an appointment with you to meet as soon as possible. Otherwise, office hours (above) are times set aside especially to assist you.
Please note: If a class is in session in TC 218, please wait until the class is dismissed before entering. I welcome you all! I want this semester and your cartography course to be a positive experience therefore I strive to make it productive, educational, and enjoyable!
Objectives: To identify the elements of cartography, specifically scale, design, and data manipulation techniques, such that the construction and use of a variety of maps will be understood. Students should gain an appreciation for manual techniques. This intro course is mostly a hands-on approach, therefore you will be applying yourself much differently than is expected in computer cartography. Although various software is allowed for most projects, some are required to be done by hand, i.e. pen and/or pencil. As with most cartographic projects, research is crucial and mandatory. This becomes an important role as part of the requirements for successfully executing the final project. The objectives will be accomplished through lecture, lab projects, and reading assignments. Finally, students should gain an appreciation for maps and map-making, and interpretation skills should be enhanced. Note: GE151 serves as the pre-requisite to the advanced mapping courses.
COURSE GRADE will be determined as follows: *500 points total Exams = 200 pts. @ 100 pts. each Lab assignments = 150 pts. Participation = 20 pts. Field trip = 30 pts. Final project = 100 pts.
*Final grade will be determined on the following scale: 90-100% = A 80-89% = B 70-79% = C 60-69% = D 59% and below = F
EX: If you have a total of 440 points at the end of the semester, you will have an 88% which is a 'B' for the course. IF a curve is administered, it will be no more than one or two percentage points. However, this will be determined on the class final average.
You will have two exams. A verbal outline will be given prior to each exam. Do not forget exam dates. All make-ups are given at the regularly scheduled time for final exams. After exams I and II have been graded, they will be returned to the students for review and discussion. All tests will be returned to the professor. Grades will then be recorded. If a student fails to return their exam during the review class period, a zero will be recorded for that exam. Exams will not be returned to students. However, you may come by at any time to review your exam. Exams include lectures, texts, videos, lab assignments, field trips, and special handouts. There may be an undetermined amount of possible bonus points
There will be seven small cartographic-related assignments throughout the semester pertaining to lecture material. Students will have time to work on these during lab. Students are also welcome to use the lab (both TC 218 and 217) outside of class time provided no other class is in session. If the doors are locked, identify yourself to one of the faculty members, instructional assistant, or staff in the main office and ask them to unlock the door. You may need to present an ID. Late assignments are not encouraged and in some cases not accepted without penalty. No late assignment will be accepted during the last regularly scheduled class week.
Participation is worth 20 points. This can mean the difference between an entire letter grade. For each absence over one, three points are automatically deducted for each additional absence. Therefore attendance can help your grade significantly. Also, attitude, discussion. and quality of work is considered a significant part of participation. The professor maintains the right to drop a student for multiple absences (refer to schedule). Attendance will be taken each class period. If you arrive after attendance has been taken (tardy), it is your responsibility to notify me of your attendance after class. If you are unable to attend a class, I would appreciate an advance notice (in person or via phone) if possible.
There will be one required field trip arranged during the semester which should prove to be informative, educational, and beneficial for students (as well as fun). It will be your responsibility to arrange your schedule appropriately. Students may have to provide their own transportation. An advance notice will be given as well as written instructions. If you are unable to attend, you can still receive the 30 pts. by writing a research paper over the cartographic topic of my choice. The assignment will be given to you in writing. One class is waived (refer to schedule).
A final project will be assigned in late September in lieu of a final exam. This project will require out-of-class time. However, time will be permitted to work on these in class. Time tables will be required and students will meet individually with the professor periodically (by appointment) to show their progress. Procrastination is not encouraged.
SUPPLIES Needed: Black disposable pens (you may find it necessary to have color pens as well); colored pencils (Berol Prismacolor suggested), ruler, calculator. You will discover that other items are desirable (and in some cases necessary) that are not reflected on this list. Depending on the assignment you are welcome to use any materials that are personally accessible to you such as computer graphics, typeset, ruboff lettering, etc., unless otherwise indicated*.
*Note: in some cases, the projects are required to be done by hand.
DISABILITIES: Any student needing accommodations may make an appointment with the Disability Support Services (DSS) @ 240-567-5058, CB122. An authorized letter is required from DSS. NOTE: Cell phones must be turned off completely (not silent, buzz, or vibrate) before class and put away (out of sight).
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karl.reis@montgomerycollege.edu
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