The first part introduces the theoretical and methodological underpinnings of the discipline. Representations of space and approaches to quantitative research in human geography are presented and critically discussed. The second part illustrates applications of spatial analysis and their potential. Students are trained in the analysis of socio-economic transformation of space, especially with respect to the urban context.
The literature ranges from a critical introduction to the discipline, to spatial analysis handbooks, completed by journal articles and essays. Within this literature, the following titles are noteworthy.
Fotheringham, A. Stewart, and Peter Rogerson. The SAGE Handbook of Spatial Analysis. Los Angeles: SAGE Publications, 2009.
Goodchild, M. F., & Janelle, D. G. (2010). Toward critical spatial thinking in the social sciences and humanities. GeoJournal, 75(1), 3-13.
S. Bertazzon, 2016. L’evoluzione recente della geografia quantitativa; quali prospettive per la geografia? Rivista Geografica Italiana. 123(2): 109–123.
Getis, A. (2008). A history of the concept of spatial autocorrelation: A geographer’s perspective. Geographical Analysis, 40(3), 297-309.
Murray, A. T. (2010). Quantitative geography. Journal of Regional Science, 50(1), 143–163.
O'Sullivan, D. (2006). Geographical information science: critical GIS. Progress in Human Geography, 30(6), 783-791
Learning Objectives
Knowledge: the course provides students with the basic notions regarding the theoretical and methodological underpinnings of quantitative geography and spatial analysis.
Competences: the course prepares students to perform and critically evaluate applied spatial analytical models.
Skills: the course introduces students to the application of spatial analytical models.
Prerequisites
A basic knowledge of geography, of geographic information systems, and of statistical methods for the social sciences is expected. A basic knowledge of the theoretical and methodological approaches in geography is also expected.
Teaching Methods
The first part of the course is constituted of front lectures, aided by audio-visual material, and introduces the main theoretical and methodological aspects of the discipline. In its second part, the course develops some spatial analytical methods.
Further information
Class attendance is mandatory. Personalized programs are permitted only under exceptional circumstances.
Type of Assessment
Student evaluation is based on a written exam on the material covered in the first and second parts of the course.
Course program
The first part of the course is constituted by an introduction to spatial analysis, particularly with respect to quantitative geography and geographical information systems, in their historic, theoretical, and conceptual context. This portion of the course emphasizes strengths and weaknesses of spatial analysis in the study of human geography and territorial phenomena. Special attention is placed to a critical examination of spatial data and the representation of space, as well as their role in spatial analysis.
During the second part of the course, students learn hands-on the use of geographical data and spatial analytical models. Specific analysis performed by students re proposed, along with case studies from the recent literature. The goal is to prepare students not only to perform rational analyses, but, more importantly, to evaluate their strengths and limitations in the specific context of each application.