Class Description
Delve into examining cartography as presented in Matthew Edney’s groundbreaking work, Cartography: The Ideal and Its History. Using the Newberry’s digital collection “Maps, Travel, and Exploration,” participants will explore the philosophical and cultural constructs that have shaped the field of cartography beyond mere technical skill. We will challenge traditional notions of maps as neutral, objective representations of space and instead present a critical narrative that maps are deeply imbued with cultural, political, and ideological meanings.
Each class session will engage participants in interactive discussions and analysis of digital maps, providing insights into how cartographic documents have been constructed, consumed, and interpreted in different historical contexts. Investigating maps from various periods through the Newberry’s extensive archives, this class invites a rethinking of what maps are and what they aim to represent, making it an ideal exploration for those interested in the intellectual and cultural dimensions of mapping.
Daniele Macuglia is a historian of science, trained at the University of Chicago and currently an Assistant Professor at the Academic for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies of Peking University in the Department of History of Science, Technology, and Medicine.
All virtual classes are recorded and made available on a password-protected basis to participants registered in the class. These recordings are available for up to two weeks after the class ends.
Materials List
Required
- Matthew H. Edney, Cartography: The Ideal and Its History. University of Chicago Press, 2019. ISBN: 9780226605685 (Please Note: We are unable to stock this book in our store, but you can buy it directly from the publisher or find used copies for sale at online stores like AbeBooks.)
First Reading
- Read Chapter 1 before the first class.
Cost and Registration
6 Sessions, $245 ($220 for Newberry members, seniors, and students). Learn about becoming a member.
We now offer our classes at three different price options: Regular ($245), Community Supported ($230), and Sponsor ($260). Following the models of other institutions, we want to ensure that our classes are accessible to a wider audience while continuing to support our instructors. You may choose the price that best fits your situation when registering through Learning Stream.
To register multiple people for this class, please go through the course calendar in Learning Stream, our registration platform. When you select the course and register, you’ll be prompted to add another registrant.
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