Data and Human Space

Course Information

  • Fall 2026 (21982) Section 1
  • Number of credits: 4 (14 weeks)
  • Instructor: David Wrisley (djw12@)
  • Pre-requisites or co-requisites: none
  • Cross-listing: This course counts a Data and Discovery Core course as well as one of the elective courses for the Digital Arts and Humanities minor.

DHS is taught in person in Abu Dhabi, but is open to registration by study away students. Capacity will be limited to 18.

BRIEF COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Societies have traditionally used maps to represent, even construct, the spaces in which we live and the territories over which we assert control. But what becomes of the map in the (post-) digital age? Has our relationship to human space changed in our data-rich world? What places of the world are mapped more fully? Are we unknowingly mapmakers by virtue of walking around with smart devices on our person? How do maps reinforce biases of the past? Can they be used for social justice? How can they help us tell stories about our past and our life trajectories? This course explores the specific role that technology can play in our understanding of both historical and contemporary map making. Through regional and global examples of urban culture mapping, the course allows students to interact with, and interpret, data within familiar environments. In addition to seminar discussion of readings and audiovisual materials, the course has a hands on lab and project-based learning component using OpenStreetMap, QGIS, and R Markdown notebooks. The course assumes no prior computer skills, but a willingness to explore new technologies is essential for success.

In the F26 semester, we will be doing work on four projects with a geospatial dimension using open geospatial data, AI-created narrative, historical sources, one of which is related to the Gulf region, and historical maps and imagery of the Gulf region.

Element Day Timing Location
Class Tu 11:20AM-12:35PM see Albert
Class Th 11:20AM-12:35PM see Albert
Office hours Tu / Th or by appt between 1:30 and 3pm, but please contact me before coming to make sure I am in the office A6 L01 1151

To see an archive of previous versions of this course, see here