FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 18, 2003
CONTACT: John Hammond, San Antonio College Director of Public Relations
210.733.2147
NEH Grant Brings Mapping Technology to SAC Humanities Studies
San Antonio College has received a $24,985 Focus Grant from the National Endowment of the Humanities (NEH) to help faculty from a variety of disciplines integrate web-based mapping technology into the humanities curriculum.
In addition to two initial modules field-tested by the project team, SAC humanities faculty will be invited to apply for $500 incentive grants to develop curricula that utilize this technology.
"We are very pleased to receive this grant. It represents a significant blending of technology and the humanities, thereby enriching both," said President Robert E. Zeigler.
The project team will use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology to create and field-test two modules, Exploring Globalization Visually and Exploring the Mayan World, in Spring 2004 humanities courses.
"The first course will help students explore globalization with the use of historical and contemporary maps, guided activities and questions," said Carol Keller, Assistant Professor of History and Project Director. She added, "The Maya module will build a foundation for cultural comparisons by helping students use data and maps to visualize many components of the Mayan world."
The other project team members are Dean P. Lambert, Assistant Professor of Geography and Coordinator of Geographic Information Systems, and Anthony S. Lyle, Adjunct Lecturer in Sociology.
The project's distinguished visiting scholars Richard E. W. Adams, UTSA Ashbel Smith Professor of Anthropology, and Donald N. Clark, Trinity University History Professor and Director of International Programs, will hold a workshop in November on themes and interpretive possibilities for using geographic data in the humanities.
The project will make use of Arc Internet Map Server software developed by Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc., who will provide assistance. SAC is a site-licensed, designated ESRI educational institution. (Disclaimer: Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of the national Endowment for the Humanities.)
For more information, call Carol Keller at 733-2566.