Goode's World Atlas

Map Presentation

(10% of course grade)

The purpose of this assignment is to familiarize students with the breadth of information that can be compiled and presented graphically via a map. I hope that we will see a wide variety of maps throughout the semester, and that we will all become more aware of the ways in which maps are used to inform (or maybe mis-inform), instruct, and persuade the public.

Source (3%)

Locate any map that appears in a reputable print-based news source. You may find suitable maps in newspapers, magazines, academic journals, or professional newsletters ONLY. I recognize that many of these media now maintain an online presence, so it’s fine if you locate your map using the Internet. HOWEVER, if you do simply search the Web, make sure you find an example from a reputable source. Email me if you are not sure – 3 points of your grade depend on a good source for your map. Individuals’ blogs (MyDumbFriend.blogspot.com) will not be considered reputable for the purposes of this assignment. Neither weather maps (of any sort, from any source) nor topographic maps are acceptable for this assignment. You may not present maps that I have already shown in class; in addition, once a particular map has been presented, you may not use that map again if your slot is later in the semester (i.e., no duplicating). I may decide to embargo other types of maps as the semester progresses. Remember: "Google" is NOT a source!

Deadline (2%)

You will need to do one of the following: either (A) email me the URL of your map by midnight of the day before your presentation, or (B) turn in a hard copy of the map on your assigned date. You will receive 2 points for being on time.

Description (6%)

Once the map is projected on the screen, you need to tell the class the following information:

  • • What is the title of your map? (1 pt)
    • Who developed your map? (1 pt)
    • When was this map originally created/published? (1 pt)
    • Does it portray qualitative or quantitative data (or both)? (1 pt)
    • What type of map is it (e.g., cartogram, choropleth, flow-line, more than one type)? (1 pt)
    • What do we learn from this map? (1 pt)

  • I will bring the sign-up sheets to class every week. Students will sign up for presentation slots beginning today; 4 slots are available every week. Volunteer sign-ups are on a first-to-the-desk, first-to-choose basis. If there are no volunteers to present on the following week, I will randomly select 4 names from the class list. If you miss your scheduled presentation, you will not get to make it up. I repeat: NO MAKE-UPS WILL BE GIVEN. At the end of class each week, I will read the names of next week’s presenters to remind you if it’s your turn.

    • Grading

    3 points – acceptability of map source (see above – email me if you are not sure)
    2 points – hard copy/URL provided on time (hard copy in class, URL by midnight)
    6 points – answering the questions (listed above) appropriately
    (Note that there are 11 possible points; your maximum grade, however, will still be only 10%.)

    2% BONUS (in your total semester grade!!) if you impress me with a great map that I decide to incorporate into next semester’s lecture.