QAC 231 – Introduction to (Geo)Spatial Data Analysis and Visualization

Geographic information systems (GIS) provide researchers, policy makers, and citizens with a powerful analytical framework for spatial pattern recognition, decision making, and data exploration. This course is designed to introduce social science and humanities students to spatial thinking through the collection, management, analysis, and visualization of geospatial data using both graphical and command line-based spatial analysis platforms. Classes will consist of short lectures, hands-on training, group projects, critiques, and class discussions. Weekly readings and assignments will build skills and reinforce concepts introduced in class. The course will culminate in a group project developed through student-driven inquiry and including geocomputation. Readings across multiple disciplines will allow students to comprehend the breadth of applied geospatial thinking in today’s research arena. The course is part of Wesleyan’s Digital and Computational Knowledge Initiative and is aimed at students with limited or no prior GIS experience.