Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and other spatial technologies such as GPS and virtual globes are becoming increasingly used within disciplines such as history, archaeology, literary studies, religious studies and classics. This free workshop, sponsored by Spatial Literacy in Teaching (SPLINT) and the History Subject Centre, will provide a basic introduction to GIS as an approach to humanities research and as a technology. The key aims are:
- Establish how the use of spatial technologies is important to the humanities
- Identify current barriers to entry that prevent or limit their use
- Work towards an agenda for improving training and education in spatial technologies at all levels from undergraduates to senior academics.
The workshop is aimed at a broad audience including post-graduate or masters students, members of academic staff, and holders of major grants and those intending to apply for them. Professionals in other relevant sectors interested in finding out about GIS applications are also welcome. We also particularly welcome participation from people who teach GIS or who teach in humanities disciplines and would like to include spatial technologies in their curriculum.
Timetable: The workshop will take place on 16th December 2009 at the University of Leicester. It will be split into two separate but overlapping sessions. Participants are welcome to attend either or both of the sessions. Lunch and refreshments are included.
10:00-12:45 Morning: An introduction to GIS in the humanities. The morning will introduce the fundamentals of humanities GIS explaining what it is, why it is useful including case-study applications. The session assumes no prior knowledge.
14:00-16:30 Afternoon: Removing the barriers. The afternoon will use roundtable discussions to explore how spatial skills in the humanities can be improved. It will look at barriers to entry and how they can be overcome.
Applying: Places are limited and the deadline for registration is 3rd December 2009.
Costs: The workshop is free of charge though there will be a charge of £20 (to cover catering and materials) in the case of cancellations after 9.00 am 3rd December 2009.
Travel Support: Some funding is available to support delegates’ travel expenses. Please contact Janet Carter, SPLINT Administrator (jc115@le.ac.uk) for further details before the registration deadline.
Further information: contact Ian Gregory (I.Gregory@lancaster.ac.uk) or Janet Carter, SPLINT Administrator (jc115@le.ac.uk).
What can you offer us? We are keen to find out more about how you think the use of GIS and spatial technologies can be improved within the humanities. To help us with this please fill in our online questionnaire at:
www.hgis.org.uk/splint. We will share the results at the workshop.
www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/cross_fac/he..._workshop/