Due: 17 April

Mapping provides a different way for us to examine and explain the world around us using imagery and dialogue. Working from the Katharine Harmon book and the Mark Monmonier article, you will produce a personal map on the web.

Assignment philosophy:
This project stems from two works we've encountered. The first text influencing our project is Katherine Harmon's book, You Are Here. Harmon's text provides us with innumerable examples of ways traditional maps and other images can be motivated to map concepts. Consider this text inspiration--it should help you consider ways to explore ideas visually.

Our second informing text is Mark Monmonier's chapter from How to Lie With Maps. Monmonier writes about the ways that maps often deceive readers, sometimes intentionally and often unintentionally. You should consider how you can build a map that works through your concepts

Assignment details:
For this project, you should produce a "map" that does the following:

1. • Engages with your personal experience in some way OR
   • Engages with a cultural issue
2. Makes heavy use of image (but could also include text)

You must also produce a personal statement of between 500 and 750 words that

• Explains and Elaborates on the goals of the map
• Gives a sense of how your map draws on Harmon and Monmonier

You must present this project on a website, and have it uploaded by class time on 17 April.

Format:
There are several ways to produce this project.

• You might use an annotated image -- an image surrounded by text using Tables or other HTML tricks.
• You might use rollovers or other active elements to make your image more interactive.
• You might use an online service like Flickr to build an annotated map.
• You might use a graphics program like photoshop or GIMP to annotate an image.
• You might produce a map by hand and scan or photograph it to get it on the web.
• You might think of another way I hadn't thought of.

Stuff to think about
This project encourages you to think about how one might make the process of cognitive mapping literal. As we discussed in class, Frederic Jameson suggests that cognitive mapping is the process by which we orient ourselves to the cultural and political landscape. In our networked, info-centric culture, it's increasingly difficult to undertake this process successfully: this project seeks to explore those challenges.

As you create, consider the different maps in the Harmon book. Where do the personal and the critical/theoretical intersect? How can your map and your personal statement convey your experience or help orient your viewer to the cultural landscape?