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Geographic Information Science

Return From Whence You Came!

Instructor: Dr. Dawn Wright, dawn@dusk.geo.orst.edu, 222 Wilkinson, 737-1229

Course Overview: GIS is hot stuff nowadays, but what is it that truly makes it hot? In other words, what is geographic information science? What are the leading theoretical questions and issues surrounding the use geospatial data, and the cognitive, computational and societal implications of the technology? Here is your opportunity to find out, along with ~100 students across the country. GEO 507 is a national, web-based reading/discussion seminar in Geographic Information Science that will be taught simultaneously at 5 American universities. You will be interacting with students and faculty in near real-time using the latest in web-conferencing software (Allaire Forums). As you engage in discussion you'll not only receive a broad overview of the "hot" theoretical questions, but exposure to and fresh perspectives on different academic backgrounds. Students on all campuses will proceed through a common syllabus, drawing on the expertise of faculty (well-known GIS "experts") from around the country in several cutting-edge research specialties. Universities that have committed at this point are Oregon State (the host of the seminar and provider of the web conferencing environment via the CMC), San Diego State, the University of Georgia, the University of Minnesota, and Lousiana State University. All of these instituions are members of the University Consortium for Geographic Information Science (UCGIS). UCGIS "cybervisitors" to the course will most likely come from Ohio State, the University of Colorado at Boulder, Clark University, SUNY-Buffalo, UC-Santa Barbara, the University of Washington, the University of West Virginia, and Hunter College-City University of New York.

An added dimension of the course will be the convening of a special panel at the GIS/LIS meeting in Fort Worth, Texas, November 10-12. As this is an experimental course nationwide, the panel will:

• allow for a mid-term evaluation of the seminar, particularly with regard to what might be missing from the course at that point in terms of content.
• give participating students an opportunity to discuss the pros and cons of taking part in such a unique learning setting as the virtual seminar.
• allow students to report on their progress in their course.
• give participating students and faculty an opportunity to meet one another in person.

Prerequisites: Graduate standing. Technical expertise in GIS software use or programming is NOT required. GEO 565 or 580 will be helpful, though not required.

Class Meetings and Office Hours: Class meetings (Mondays, 3:00-3:50) will be augmented by web-based group discussions. Faculty will hold discussion periods and electronic office hours available to all participating students across the nation. Nationwide student interaction will be encouraged.

Readings: Readings will be provided on the web. At least 5 themes will be covered, each with a 4-5 page white paper followed by a short bibliographic list. The seminar will cover each theme individually. You will be expected to read all of the literature on the web site, and expand your reading for one theme. You will read and critique other students' work, and contribute to class discussions. You will also be expected to contribute to the online discussion forum, and to permit your written work and online discussions to be published on the virtual seminar web site.

Last updated 14 August 2000
http://dusk.geo.orst.edu/virtual/

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