Cartography
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
With an increasing diffusion of cartographic language in not only scientific but also journalistic and communicative spheres in a broader sense, and with the multiplication of the tools available for the production of maps and charts, the course deals with cartographic practice in its different aspects: that of a communicative medium that also lends itself almost inevitably to instrumentalization and partial use by power; that of a technical device that must adopt scientific methods of processing and representation to enable measurement of and movement in space with reliability.
Expected learning outcomes
The course aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the various aspects and issues related to cartography, and to provide the basic tools to become familiar with cartographic products. Students will be able to handle notions to critically assess a cartographic product, as well as to understand the technical operations that underly its construction. In this way, the acquired notions and knowledge will be useful in various fields of both professional practice and research
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Module 1
History and critique of cartography
This module aims at presenting cartographic practice and production in its relations with the historical and social contexts in which it developed, highlighting its relations with power while making use of a critical approach as well. Particular attention will be given to the Italian context, of which the main cartographic institutions and certain publishing vicissitudes will be presented.
Module 2
Cartographic representations
This module aims at addressing the more technical side of cartography, presenting the process of constructing a modern map with related problems and solutions of representation, including in the field of disciplines related to cartography. Non-cartographic modes of territorial representation will be also touched upon.
Module 3
Thematic exploration and practical exercises
This module will include on the one hand a more detailed presentation of one of the approaches to cartographic practice, that of cartographic semiology. On the other hand, exercises on cartographic materials will be organized, which may include landscape interpretation and analysis of territorial evolution.
History and critique of cartography
This module aims at presenting cartographic practice and production in its relations with the historical and social contexts in which it developed, highlighting its relations with power while making use of a critical approach as well. Particular attention will be given to the Italian context, of which the main cartographic institutions and certain publishing vicissitudes will be presented.
Module 2
Cartographic representations
This module aims at addressing the more technical side of cartography, presenting the process of constructing a modern map with related problems and solutions of representation, including in the field of disciplines related to cartography. Non-cartographic modes of territorial representation will be also touched upon.
Module 3
Thematic exploration and practical exercises
This module will include on the one hand a more detailed presentation of one of the approaches to cartographic practice, that of cartographic semiology. On the other hand, exercises on cartographic materials will be organized, which may include landscape interpretation and analysis of territorial evolution.
Prerequisites for admission
Knowledge of basic concepts of Human Geography is recommended.
Teaching methods
Modules 1 and 2 will be conducted with lectures and examination of iconographic and cartographic material.
Module 3 will use lectures and practical exercises on cartographic material.
Other experts and scholars may be invited as guest speakers on specific topics.
Module 3 will use lectures and practical exercises on cartographic material.
Other experts and scholars may be invited as guest speakers on specific topics.
Teaching Resources
Attending students
· E. Lavagna, G. Lucarno, Geocartografia. Guida alla lettura delle carte geotopografiche (2° edizione), Bologna, Zanichelli, 2014.
· E. Boria, Cartografia e potere. Segni e rappresentazioni negli atlanti italiani del Novecento, Torino, UTET università, 2007.
For the 6 CFU exam, knowledge of the volume by E. Lavagna & G. Lucarno, and only chapters 6 to 9 of the text by E. Boria will be required.
Non-attending students
In addition to the above bibliographical indications, non-attending students should add the study of both of the following texts:
· A. Favretto, Dalla terra alla carta. Elementi di cartografia digitale, Bologna, Pàtron, 2021.
· A. Spada, Che cos'è una carta geografica, Roma, Carocci, 2007.
And one text of your choice from the following:
· D. Wood, The Power of Maps, New York-London, The Guilford Press, 1992. [disponibile anche nel catalogo dell'editore Routledge]
· F. Burini, Cartografia partecipativa. Mapping per la governance ambientale e urbana, Milano, FrancoAngeli, 2016.
Those who intend to take the 6 CFU exam as a nonattendee should add only the two texts by A. Favretto and A. Spada to the respective program for attending students.
· E. Lavagna, G. Lucarno, Geocartografia. Guida alla lettura delle carte geotopografiche (2° edizione), Bologna, Zanichelli, 2014.
· E. Boria, Cartografia e potere. Segni e rappresentazioni negli atlanti italiani del Novecento, Torino, UTET università, 2007.
For the 6 CFU exam, knowledge of the volume by E. Lavagna & G. Lucarno, and only chapters 6 to 9 of the text by E. Boria will be required.
Non-attending students
In addition to the above bibliographical indications, non-attending students should add the study of both of the following texts:
· A. Favretto, Dalla terra alla carta. Elementi di cartografia digitale, Bologna, Pàtron, 2021.
· A. Spada, Che cos'è una carta geografica, Roma, Carocci, 2007.
And one text of your choice from the following:
· D. Wood, The Power of Maps, New York-London, The Guilford Press, 1992. [disponibile anche nel catalogo dell'editore Routledge]
· F. Burini, Cartografia partecipativa. Mapping per la governance ambientale e urbana, Milano, FrancoAngeli, 2016.
Those who intend to take the 6 CFU exam as a nonattendee should add only the two texts by A. Favretto and A. Spada to the respective program for attending students.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists of an oral interview on the topics described in the syllabus, aimed at ascertaining knowledge of the main themes of Cartography. In particular, students will have to demonstrate that they have achieved sufficient knowledge and understanding to decipher how the cartographic language works and that they can master the main stages and technical steps of cartographic production, making appropriate use of the basic disciplinary language.
The syllabus is valid for one academic year from the end of classes.
The syllabus is valid for one academic year from the end of classes.
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
Monday, 15-17 h. It is recommended to inform of your presence through the following page.
Dipartimento BAC (sez. Geografia), via Festa del Perdono 7, Cortile Legnaia – Primo piano