GIS-5013-997
Contact Information
GIS 5013-997:
Fundamentals of GIS
Department of Geography and Environmental Sustainability
Course Details
OU Course Catalog Description
Designed to help students learn introductory to intermediate concepts of geographic information science (GIScience) and become proficient users of geographic information systems (GIS). The course covers a variety of topics but focuses on GIS data models, data structures, and spatial analysis. Teaching formats include lectures, in-class exercises and lab exercises.
Jeff’s Description
I designed this course to introduce you, via scholarly literature, popular literature, videos, podcasts, hands-on projects and modules, and, with luck, lively class discussion boards, to learn the skills and the importance of spatial thinking through the power of mapping. Job opportunities in the geospatial realm are projected to grow by 35 percent and add over $1.6 trillion to the US economy over the next decade. So, you’re making a wise decision to take this class, which will help you in developing the skills needed for a career that utilizes geospatial information, spatial analysis, and maps as communitication tools. You’ll also learn how to collaborate with peers, all the while having, I hope, a fun and copacetic educational experience.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, you should be able to:
- Recognize terminology associated with geospatial technologies, in particular GIS;
- Develop stronger spatial thinking skills and be able to apply your reasonings to “on the ground” realities and/or possibilities;
- Navigate and perform fundamental processes in at least three different desktop GIS programs;
- Acquire geospatial data from a variety of sources;
- Manipulate, populate, and create geospatial data;
- Design a map from start to finish that communicates information efficiently and effectively;
- Work collaboratively on GIS projects;
- And appreciate careers that utilize geospatial technologies for better understanding coupled human and natural systems.
Course Materials
REQUIRED MATERIALS AND TECHNOLOGY – Estimated Cost: Depends!
Your textbook material is an open accessed textbook that can be accessed using the permalink on Canvas.
ArcGIS Desktop
ArcMap is a Windows based program. If you are a Mac user, you will need some sort of virtual machine that allows you to install Windows, Microsoft Office, and ArcGIS; otherwise, you’ll need access to a PC. I personally suggest Parallels, despite its cost. Open source programs also exist.
Please keep in mind, that I cannot assist you with computer needs. This is your responsibility.
QGIS
QGIS is an open source, desktop GIS program. We will complete 2-3 labs in this suite. It works on Macs and PCs – though some of the functions are different.
Google Earth Pro
Google Earth Pro is now freely available to all users. We will complete 1 lab using the desktop version of Google Earth Pro. It also works on Macs and PCs – though some of the functions are different.
Access to a computer with internet, ArcGIS 10.5 (or greater), QGIS, and Google Earth
Flash Drive or electronic Dropbox for saving work
Course Format
I have designed this course so that you’ll get your hands dirty with GIS, mapping, and spatial thinking. This is not a typical lecture course. Instead, I will hold my lecturing to a minimum, so that you can engage in more hands-on modules/exercises during class. I believe that the only way for you to achieve competency in GIS is through active participation with the tehnologies that many industries, governments, and non-profits use. Ergo, happy GISing!
Live Sessions
Each will I will offer two Live Sessions. You may choose to attend whichever fits your schedule. During the Live Sessions, I will be available to answer any questions you may have over the course content, assignments, etc. You are not required to attend and attendance WILL NOT be counted towards your final grade. The Live Session day/times are:
Every Tuesday from
Class Etiquette
Decorum
Follow the Golden Rule! That is, treat your classmates and your professor as you would want to be treated. I will not tolerate offensive remarks and poor attitudes in our online environment. If unacceptable behavior does occur, I will follow disciplinary action according to University guidelines.
Grades
Breakdown
| Activity | Description | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Labs/Modules | 10 computer mapping labs, 20 points each | 200 |
| In the Field Assignment | 2 parts, 25 points each | 50 |
| Midterm | Written and Applied components | 150 |
| Final Project | One individual final project | 125 |
| Total | 525 |
Scale
A= 525-470** points
B= 469-418 points
C= 417-365
D= 364-313
F= 312-
**NOTE: 470 of 525= 89.5%, and rounded up, I count that as an A. That is the only rounding that I do. Your points will be available on Canvas, so you will know what your grade is. Do not email me asking me to raise your grade after the final or asking about extra credit opportunities. If you want an A, begin earning it from day one of the course, not as an afterthought!
Course Components
Final Project and Paper (125)
You will have one individual term project. In this project, you will choose a specific theme to map and analyze. The theme should pique your interest. You’ll showcase your maps and explain your cartographic steps in your paper. More in-depth instructions are to follow.
Midterm (150 Points Possible)
You will take one midterm exam. It will consist of questions—multiple choice and short answer—from your readings, lecture notes, and modules. A portion of the midterm will be an applied mapping module, requiring you to recall data gathering skills and mapping skills.
In the Field (50 Points Possible)
This assignment will be made up of two parts: the first part will require you to search for jobs that you might be interested in applying for that prefer some sort of geospatial technology skillset. You’ll write a short briefing note about the job. The second part will be to research what GIS methods employees/researchers use in this type of job. You’ll make a short presentation on your findings.
Labs/Modules (200 Points Possible)
You’ll complete 10 mapping labs. Each will help you develop skills in spatial reasoning and computer mapping.
Course Policies
Communication
In online courses, communication is key to your success. The quickest way for me to respond to you is via your emailing me at my jwidener@ou.edu address. I only log in to the course Canvas site about once/day. I highly encourage you to CC our course TA on all emails to ensure that you get the most speedy reply. I make every effort to get back to you in no more than 24-36 hours.
Late Policy
Assignments that you turn in late will be docked five (5) points per day until you receive a zero. If you have a medical condition/emergency or an excused absence, I will need to receive correspondence or documentation before the class meeting or before the assignment is due. Otherwise, I will dock points regardless of the situation.
Expectation of Workload
Regents’ policy recommends that for each hour in class a student should spend two to three hours studying.
University Academic Policies and Student Support
Course Catalog
Search the OU Course Catalogue.
Student Handbook
Please familiarize yourself with the OU Student Handbook.
Online Library
Access digital materials and other resources at OU Libraries.
Academic Misconduct
In addition to the course conduct policies outlined by your professor in the Course Syllabus in the online classroom, please review the Graduate Student Handbook.
It is the responsibility of each student to be familiar with the definitions, policies, and procedures concerning academic misconduct. The Student Code is available from the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, and is contained in the Student's Guide to Academic Integrity.
This site also defines misconduct, provides examples of prohibited conduct, and explains the sanctions available for those found guilty of misconduct.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the most common form of academic misconduct at OU. There is basically no college-level assignment that can be satisfactorily completed by copying. OU's basic assumption about writing is that all written assignments show the student's own understanding in the student's own words. That means all writing assignments, in class or out, are assumed to be composed entirely of words generated (not simply found) by the student, except where words written by someone else are specifically marked as such with proper citation. Including other people's words in your paper is helpful when you do it honestly and correctly. When you don't, it's plagiarism.
For more information about plagiarism, watch this video and then take this short course offered by University Libraries.
Reasonable Accommodation for Disabilities
The University of Oklahoma is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for all students with disabilities. Students with disabilities who require accommodations in this course should contact their professor as early in the semester as possible.
Students with disabilities must be registered with the Disability Resource Center prior to receiving accommodations in this course.
If you have a disability and you would like to make a request for reasonable accommodation, please see the Graduate Student Handbook or get in touch with the Accessibility and Disability Resource Center.
Adjustments for Pregnancy/Childbirth Related Issues
Should you need modifications or adjustments to your course requirements because of documented pregnancy-related or childbirth-related issues, please contact me as soon as possible to discuss your options. Generally, modifications will be made where medically necessary and similar in scope to accommodations based on temporary disability. Learn more about the rights of pregnant and parenting students by consulting the FAQ sheets provided by the Institutional Equity Office.
Title IX Resources
For any concerns regarding gender-based discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, stalking, or intimate partner violence, the University offers a variety of resources, including advocates on-call 24/7, counseling services, mutual no contact orders, scheduling adjustments, and disciplinary sanctions against the perpetrator. Please contact the Sexual Misconduct Office at 405-325-2215 (8-5, M-F) or OU Advocates at 405-615-0013 (24/7) to learn more or to report an incident.
Religious Holidays
It is the policy of the University to excuse absences of students that result from religious observances and to provide for the rescheduling of examinations and additional required classwork that may fall on religious holidays without penalty. It is the responsibility of the student to make alternate arrangements with the instructor at least one week prior to the actual date of the religious holiday.
Copyright Policy
It is illegal to download, upload, reproduce, or distribute any copyrighted material, in any form and in any fashion, without permission from the copyright holder or his/her authorized agent. The University of Oklahoma expects all members of its community to comply fully with federal copyright laws. If such laws appear to have been violated by any user, the university reserves the right (1) to terminate that user’s access to some or all of the university’s computer systems and information resources and (2) to take additional disciplinary actions as deemed necessary or appropriate. Repeat offenders will be sanctioned and their privileges terminated.
Registration and Withdrawal
If you choose to withdraw from this course, you must complete the appropriate University form and turn the form in before the deadline. If you stop attending the course and doing the coursework without doing the required paperwork, your grade will be calculated with missed homework and examination grades entered as zero. This could result in receiving a grade of F in the course. Deadlines are shown in the Academic Calendar, which is available from the Office of the Registrar.
Student Grievances
In addition to any policies outlined related to submitting an informal or formal grievance by your professor in the Course Syllabus in the online classroom, please review the Graduate Student Handbook for more information about the process of submitting a formal grievance.
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Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|