51ÊÓƵ

Interest in community mapping as a way to identify, analyze, and address problems is growing as new computer tools become available. This course provides students with hands-on training in using geographic information systems (GIS) for research, problem solving, and social action. Students will read the interdisciplinary literature that shows how scholars from such fields as regional economic and social development, public policy, community psychology, management, environmental sciences, health care, and criminal justice are using GIS to explore questions and work with different constituencies. Students will learn about how people in different jobs (in government, industry, nonprofits) are employing community mapping in innovative ways for grant writing, needs assessment, strategic planning, evaluation, and as a way to identify and address inequities. At the completion of the course, students will be adept at using GIS programs applying the technology to problems of their choice.