ENV-357 Making Maps: Creative Cartography
Maps select and use symbols and representations that argue for a particular interpretation of the world. These visual arguments reflect assumptions about how to categorize and prioritize groups of people and spaces. This course opens by examining possible symbols and elements for use in maps with an emphasis on how these symbols correlate to such assumptions about what is true and valuable. Students will spend time evaluating the representation of information on both historical and contemporary maps. The class will also examine the recent evolution of cartographic technology with a focus on how digital technologies have affected our ability to perceive the prejudices embedded in symbol selection.