The course explores how spatial thinking and spatial analysis techniques can be used to investigate and interpret cultural, historical, and social questions. Students will be introduced to key concepts in spatial theory and will learn practical methods for analyzing geographic data through tools like QGIS. Throughout the course, students will learn to work with historical maps and spatial data compiled from analogue and digital sources, and apply these skills to case studies in fields like heritage studies, history, archaeology, media studies, social sciences, political science, etc. In addition, students will engage with critical evaluations of mapping and visualization techniques to develop a deeper understanding of how spatial dimensions and connections shape our understanding and experience of social life and our environs.

The course emphasizes a combination of theoretical and hands-on learning through weekly lectures, where students will gain an understanding of fundamental concepts and theories of spatial analysis, and seminars where students will gain practical experience using GIS and other software to conduct spatial analysis. Assignments and projects will encourage students to apply these tools to real-world research questions, allowing them to create and interpret maps, visualize data, and draw meaningful conclusions from spatial patterns. By the end of the course, students will have developed the skills necessary to integrate spatial analysis into their own research, culminating in a final portfolio where they will present their findings through a combination of maps, visualizations, analysis, and a written report.