IDCE30334

Description

This course addresses current or timely topics, that are in a pilot phase or that are known to be one time offerings. Special Topics are unique for each instructor and vary from semester to semester. May be repeatable for credit. Spring 2024 Topics: SECTION 01 IDCE 30334 SP TOP: NARRATIVE CARTOGRAPHY This course, "Narrative Cartography: From Design Techniques to Cultural Interpretations," dives deep into the world of cartographic design and the intricacies of geographic data visualization. This course explores the theories, techniques, and nuances of the cartographic process. Engage with vital design principles including typography, color theory, classification, and symbology. As you master some open-access and open-source tools of the trade, you will also cultivate a critical perspective on how maps historically wield power, sometimes overshadowing or even erasing cultural narratives and languages. Throughout this journey, you won't just be passive learners but active participants, applying the learned techniques and critiques to projects of your own. Whether you're aiming for professional expertise or personal enrichment, this course empowers you to see and depict the world with newfound clarity and responsibility. SECTION 02 IDCE 30334 SP TOP: CLIMATE NARRATIVES Climate change is one of the most critical challenges of our time that demands not just scientific comprehension but also effective communication and action. This course explores the power of 'narrative', as a meaningful method of communicating ideas, histories, and experiences of climate change in different contexts. While often not prioritized as a policy and research tool, narrative is crucial in conveying the complexities of climate change, as well as in engaging diverse audiences, driving meaningful change, and shaping public perception. The course will offer students an entry point into the multifaceted world of climate narratives, drawing from historical and contemporary case studies. Students will also learn how narrative and discourse are influenced by the digital culture of our time, which shapes not just our understanding of climate issues, but the decisions we make as individuals, communities, and societies. Through a combination of lectures, discussions, and exercises, students will develop the skills and knowledge needed to become effective climate communicators.