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
Module code	SSI3021
Academic year	2024/5
Credits	15
Module staff	Dr Cecilia Meneghini (Convenor)

Duration: Term	1	2	3
Duration: Weeks		11

Number students taking module (anticipated)	30

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
22	128

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Category	Hours of study time	Description
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
Group presentation	10 minutes	1-7	Written

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Coursework	Written exams	Practical exams
100	0	0

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment	% of credit	Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)	ILOs assessed	Feedback method
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
	0
	0
	0

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
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 (3^rd 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

Key words search

Quantitative methods, GIS, spatial analysis, mapping, crime mapping

Credit value	15
Module ECTS	7.5
NQF level (module)	5
Available as distance learning?	No
Origin date	11/01/2022
Last revision date	18/03/2022