12:20 Wednesday 2:15 pm, Fall 2008
Instructor Classroom
Dr. Xiaobai (Angela) Yao E-mail: [e-mail] 200D GG Bldg
Office: 212C GG Bldg Phone: [phone]
Office Hours: W 10:00 am12:00pm, or by appointment
Course Content
This seminar explores advanced topics in Geographical Information Science (GIScience) and keeps students updated on current advancement in GIScience. Students will critically examine current state of knowledge over a range of fundamental and frontier research issues in GIScience. The course aims to nurture independent learning and research ability and to motivate students' interests in GIScience through readings, critics, discussions, practices, and research writing.
Prerequisite
Students are expected to have prior GIS knowledge and experiences as covered in Geog4370/6370. Though not required, Geog4/6470 (Geospatial Analysis) is highly recommended before taking this seminar for more productive learning experiences. Interested students are encouraged to talk with the instructor if not sure about the readiness to take this class.
Texts
Articles from GIScience literature (journals and books). The reading lists will be provided on a weekly basis. Suggested Reading A research Agenda for Geographic Information Science. 2004. McMaster, R.B and Usery, E. L. (eds). CRC Press. (An overview of the current research themes in the field). available in UGA Science Library, is currently reserved for this seminar.
Requirement
Class participation: Most meetings of the seminar are in the format of round-table discussion around the assigned topic of that week. Before class o Read the reading materials for the week o Write a critique (about 2 pages) on the readings of the week by the end of Tuesday. No need to do this if you are the discussion leader for the week. Comment/critique each article separately, and then if you wish, provide some general comments, thoughts, or extra information, on the topic of the week. Submit the critique in BOTH of the following ways: 1. Submit a hardcopy in Dr.Yao's mailbox in the main office by the end of Tuesday 2. Post an electronic copy to the course WebCT discussion board to share with the class. In class o Everyone is expected to contribute to the discussions. Leading discussion: Each student is expected to lead discussions at least once throughout the semester. The actual assignment of topics will be decided in the first meeting based upon student's own interest and the size of the class. The discussion leader is expected to do the following tasks: One week before the discussion o Optional: If you like to make suggestions to Dr.Yao about selection of reading materials, please do so at least one week before the class meeting for the topic. It is also highly recommended that you expand the instructor-provided reading with list most recent (1-2 years) articles on the particular topic. One day before the class meeting (by noon of Tuesday) o Post to the class WebCT discussion board discussion questions for each reading material. In class o 15-minute oral presentation o Lead the discussion of that topic
Final research paper Developing a research paper is an important part of the seminar. Each student can choose any GIScience research topic of his/her own interest. You are encouraged to discuss with the instructor at your earliest convenience regarding your research paper topic.
Deadlines of a research outline, a preliminary write-up, and the final write-up due dates are observed strictly. Paper quality and style : refer to publishable journal paper Length: 20-30 pages, double-spaced, 12 pt Times New Roman font. Format: 12 pt Times New Roman font on 8.5" by 11" page, and stapled in the upper left corner. Your name, course number should appear on the cover page.
Grading Policy Class participation (discussion and pre-class critique) 30% Leading discussion 30% Final research paper 40% (outline 10%, prelim 10%, final presentation and paper 20%) Completion of all work warrants a passing grade. Absence from class (except that is due to medical/family emergency with proper documentation) will be counted against your class participation. Beyond that, an objective approach with weighting outlined above will be used to establish a ranking of students on an A-F scale. Due Dates All assignments (critics, leader's discussion questions and bibliography) must be completed on time. Late submittal of these WebCT posts will not be accepted. Late submittal of the final pa...