LSC 315 Land-Use Planning

Kevin Svitana
, https://www.otterbein.edu/faculty/kevin-svitana/'> ,
ksvitana@otterbein.edu

Otterbein College
a
Private four-year institution, primarily undergraduate
.

Summary

An introduction to GIS applications and software use.

Course URL:
Course Size:

less than 15

Course Context:

This is an upper division (juniors) course that serves as an introduction to Geographic Information Systems. The class is developed in a multidisciplinary format, intended to serve natural science, social science, and business and economic majors.

Course Goals:

Understand the theory behind GIS software. Be able to perform basic tasks using the software. Connect the software applications to several different areas of study.


How course activities and course structure help students achieve these goals:

Students achieve goals by completing menu-driven assignments to familiarize them with basic functions of GIS software. During the latter portion of the quarter, they are given assignments that are goal oriented, where they are required to utilize previous skills with minimal step-by-step direction.

Students are required to propose and complete a term project. They select a topic during the first third of the quarter, they have to identify data sets by the end of the second third of the quarter and they are required to provide an oral presentation of the report as well as a written document. The document and presentation must have a minimum of two maps to clearly present the results of their assessment.

Skills Goals

Primary focus is on:
-quantitative abilities,
-group exercises,
-Oral and written communication, and
-application of GIS to the students specific interest in discipline.


How course activities and course structure help students achieve these goals:

A varied format of assignments is used to help students build skills, then explore their ability to utilize whatever. A flexible lecture/laboratory structure allows me to the rate and depth of specific topics to match the students interest and need.

Attitudinal Goals

The primary focus is appreciating how GIS can be a valuable tool for spatial analysis of data.


How course activities and course structure help students achieve these goals:

Having a wide variety of exercises that relate to the different disciplines of the students enrolled as well as a flexible format help students appreciate the value of GIS to their skill set.

Assessment

Assessment is completed through short answer tests, prescribed activities as well as independent activities. The activities are done program through homework and laboratory assignments.

Syllabus:

LSC 315-Land Use Planning (Microsoft Word 101kB May27 10)