GIS for Social Justice

Catalog description

In this course, students will apply an ethical lens to explore maps, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and other location-enabled technologies, with an eye towards (1) understanding the ways that they have been used (and abused) to promote inequality and (2) examining recent efforts to use GIS to combat this past and promote social justice. This course will combine readings and discussion with GIS lab activities that engage students in map-making to promote social change. Students will ultimately focus on the questions "What does justice look like?" and "How can GIS help us get there?" This is an introductory course with hands-on technology experience.