From Reading Maps to Map Making: Interpreting history, culture, and politics, 7.5 credits

Main field of study

Course level

Advancement level

Entry requirements

General entry requirements for undergraduate studies
and
English corresponding to the level of English in Swedish upper secondary education (Engelska 6) 
Exemption from Swedish

Intended learning outcomes

• To apply basic terminology of map analysis and map construction. 
• To critically assess the relation between data and visualisation in map construction. 
• To identify alternative interpretations of a map. 
• To articulate social and political implications of maps and map construction. 

Course content

The course provides an introduction to maps and mapmaking. Students will explore the role of symbols, legitimation, and interpretation in the analysis of maps. A central theme is how both map making and map construction is embedded in and influenced by historical, cultural, and political contexts. 

Teaching and working methods

The course takes place at campus. It consists of lectures and seminars, as well as map workshops. The course has individual assignments. Apart from this, individual study is required. 

Examination

The course is examined by

Active participation in seminars, scale UG

Individual project assignments, scale UG

Individual project report, scale UV

For G as final grade, each moment needs the grade of G. For VG as a final grade, VG is required on the individual project report. 

More information can be found in the course study guide.

If special circumstances prevail, and if it is possible with consideration of the nature of the compulsory component, the examiner may decide to replace the compulsory component with another equivalent component.

If the LiU coordinator for students with disabilities has granted a student the right to an adapted examination for a written examination in an examination hall, the student has the right to it.

If the coordinator has recommended for the student an adapted examination or alternative form of examination, the examiner may grant this if the examiner assesses that it is possible, based on consideration of the course objectives.

An examiner may also decide that an adapted examination or alternative form of examination if the examiner assessed that special circumstances prevail, and the examiner assesses that it is possible while maintaining the objectives of the course.

Students failing an exam covering either the entire course or part of the course twice are entitled to have a new examiner appointed for the reexamination.

Students who have passed an examination may not retake it in order to improve their grades.

Grades

Other information

Planning and implementation of a course must take its starting point in the wording of the syllabus. The course evaluation included in each course must therefore take up the question how well the course agrees with the syllabus. 

The course is conducted in such a way that there are equal opportunities with regard to sex, transgender identity or expression, ethnicity, religion or other belief, disability, sexual orientation and age.

If special circumstances prevail, the vice-chancellor may in a special decision specify the preconditions for temporary deviations from this course syllabus, and delegate the right to take such decisions.

About teaching and examination language

The teaching language is presented in the Overview tab for each course. The examination language relates to the teaching language as follows: 

• If teaching language is “Swedish”, the course as a whole could be given in Swedish, or partly, or as a whole, in English. Examination language is Swedish, but parts of the examination can be in English.
• If teaching language is “English”, the course as a whole is taught in English. Examination language is English.
• If teaching language is “Swedish/English”, the course as a whole will be taught in English if students without prior knowledge of the Swedish language participate. Examination language is Swedish or English depending on teaching language.

Department