Learning to Use GIS in Development, Area Studies and International Affairs

3 units

In this course you will be introduced to the concept of spatial thinking, which will help you determine why and when to use GIS to address a spatial problem relevant to Global Studies. The course will be organized into four sections based on 1) area studies, focused on demographic inquiry; 2) development, focused on site selection; 3) global cultural studies, focused on data creation and editing; and 4) international affairs, focused on digital elevation, density and basic spatial statistics. The class will explore some tools available for visualizing and analyzing data, but our main tool will be ArcGIS. The aim of this course is that you learn concepts and develop a skillset that you can apply to other projects.