Mapping the Social World: Introduction to Spatial Analysis in the Social Sciences
Module title | Mapping the Social World: Introduction to Spatial Analysis in the Social Sciences |
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Module code | SSI3021 |
Academic year | 2023/4 |
Credits | 15 |
Module staff | Dr Cecilia Meneghini (Convenor) |
Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
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Duration: Weeks | 11 |
Number students taking module (anticipated) | 30 |
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Module description
This module introduces students to thinking spatially in the social sciences by providing an overview of spatial themes and techniques, drawing examples from criminology, political science, sociology, and other disciplines. It covers introductory and intermediate concepts and tools related to Geographic Information Systems (GIS), using OGIS software. Emphasis is evenly split between learning how to make maps and a variety of spatial analyses. These spatial skills can be used in social science research, as well as in law enforcement, public policy, and other applications. Although familiarity with basic descriptive statistics is assumed, the module is hands-on and targeted to beginner students with an interest in maps, spatial analysis, or social geography.
Module aims - intentions of the module
This module provides you with an applied introduction to spatial analysis using GIS in the social sciences. You will learn about spatial construction of place, basic mapping skills and spatial data creation and geoprocessing, and statistical methods to explore and model spatially referenced data using ArcGIS software. These spatial skills can be used in a variety of careers, including law enforcement, public policy analysis, and data-driven journalism.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Advanced modelling of geographic objects such as specific locations (e.g., buildings or events such as crimes), networks (e.g., streets), and bounded areas (e.g., counties);
- 2. learn how to collect, manage, and edit spatial data at an advanced level (including administrative records and self-collected data) for use with spatial analytic software (such as OGIS);
- 3. develop critical thinking skills for reviewing and interpreting spatial data;
- 4. create and analyse the results of spatial statistical models at an advanced level;
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. apply advanced spatial analysis methods to social science problems;
- 6. demonstrate and explain different methods of spatial analysis and their implications for relevant policy;
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 7. use spatial analytic software to analyse social data; and
- 8. demonstrate sophisticated written analytical skills by producing a clear data report on deadline.
Syllabus plan
Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some or all of the following themes and methods:
- Orientation to spatial thinking in the social sciences
- Geographic data types and structures
- Preparing data for spatial data integration
- Basic principles of cartography
- Thematic mapping
- Map projection and coordinate systems
- Georeferencing and mapping points
- Measuring distances
- Geoprocessing and geocoding
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
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22 | 128 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
Category | Hours of study time | Description |
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Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | 22 | 11 x 2 hour tutorials |
Guided Independent Study | 45 | Reading assignments |
Guided Independent Study | 24 | Preparing for seminars |
Guided Independent Study | 59 | Preparation for essays |
Formative assessment
Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
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Group presentation | 10 minutes | 1-7 | Written |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
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100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
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Interim data report 1 | 20 | 750 words | 1-5, 7-8 | Written |
Interim data report 2 | 20 | 750 words | 1-5, 7-8 | Written |
Final data report | 60 | 1500 words | 1-8 | Written |
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Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
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Interim data Interim data report 1 (750 words) | Interim data report (750 words) | 1-5, 7-8 | August/September re-assessment period |
Interim data report 2 (750 words) | Interim data report (750 words) | 1-5, 7-8 | August/September re-assessment period |
Final data report (1500 words) | Final data report (1500 words)1-8 | 1-8 | August/September re-assessment period |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Basic reading:
- Clemmer, G. (2018). The GIS 20: Essential Skills (3rd Edition). Redlands, USA: ESRI Press.
- Lloyd, Christopher D. (2010). Spatial Data Analysis: An Introduction for GIS Users. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press.
- Piza, E. and Baughman, J. (2021). Modern Policing using ArcGIS Pro. Redlands, USA: Esri Press.
- Longley, P.A., Goodchild, M.F., Maguire, D.J., and Rhind, D.W. (2015). Geographic Information Science and Systems (4th Edition). New York, USA: John Wiley & Sons.
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
- ELE – College to provide hyperlink to appropriate pages
Credit value | 15 |
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Module ECTS | 7.5 |
NQF level (module) | 5 |
Available as distance learning? | No |
Origin date | 11/01/2022 |
Last revision date | 18/03/2022 |