Visual Learning Conference

Saturday, September 29, 2012
10:30 AM-12:00 PM, WCC 138

Julia Bauder, Data Services Librarian and Assistant Professor, Grinnell College
Kathryn Kamp '72, Earl D. Strong Professor of Social Studies; Professor of Anthropology, Grinnell College

Spatial methods have traditionally been associated with the sciences. Yet, because most social phenomena--language, culture, politics, social movements--are grounded to some degree in place, understanding spatial context is critical to both the social studies and the humanities as well.

This workshop explored a variety of ways to use graphical computing tools to introduce students to the idea of spatial patterning in a variety of disciplines, such as history, anthropology/sociology, religious studies, political science, and literary studies. Short demonstrations showed a range of techniques for engaging students with spatial data, from simple exercises that involved plotting data on a map and drawing intuitive conclusions from the visualizations, to more quantitative activities involving some understanding of statistical principles. In addition, participants were asked to complete a short hands-on exercise similar to those suggested for students.

Julia Bauder. Degrees: Simon's Rock College of Bard, B.A.; Wayne State University; M.L.I.S.

While Kathryn Kamp (Carleton Class of 1972) has worked in Syria and Belize, her major research focus is the study of the Puebloan populations who once resided near modern Flagstaff, Arizona where she has been excavating and doing survey for over twenty years. She is interested in past identities, particularly childhood, experimental archaeology and ethnoarchaeology, and the cultural dynamics of middle range societies. She is presently planning an ethnoarchaeological study in Turkey.

Moderator: 

Kai Herklotz
Visiting Assistant Professor of German, Carleton College