Critical cartography against the neoliberal city

Critical cartography against the neoliberal city
Seminar, Florine Schüschke

FB06.103

Mappings are not neutral – they always direct our attention to a selected and depicted phenomenon, inevitably reflecting the perspective of those who create them. Often, data collection and algorithms focus on economic centers, excluding ethnic minorities, women, and the poor. However, counter-mappings of the hegemonic city can also be created. Collectives like 958 acres.org, orangotango+, or the spatial research design lab use the power of maps to make marginalized perspectives visible and develop opportunities for emancipatory approaches. Whether it's mapping vacant lots in New York to activate them as potential commons or mapping radiation intensity and air pollution to create a political argument, critical cartographies influence the political discourse and empower civil society decisions.
In the seminar, we will read background literature on (critical) cartography. The focus will be on maps as tools for political change, the relationship between maps and power, graphical methods in mapping, and mappings as well as counter-mappings. In a practical component, we will collaboratively create a geodata-based model on vacant properties in Kassel , making use of GIS and especially the tool ArcGIS Survey. We will statistically analyze and cartographically represent these vacancies. We can draw from existing data by whysoempty and from pur Fachgebiet as a foundation. At the end of the semester, we will discuss the results in a public event.

Submission requirements: Weekly reading of assigned texts, one presentation of a text, collaborative cartography and presentation of vacant properties in Kassel.

Language of instruction: German

First date: 25.10.2023

Wednesdays (weekly) 12:00 to 13:30, K10, R. 0151, Henschelstraße 2.

Modules: A-2.1-30, A-1.1-30, S-1.0-04, S-2.0-04, S-1.0-01, S-2.0-01, C-1.2-01

The seminar is intended for bachelor's and master's students from A, S, and L.

Moodle link:

https://moodle.uni-kassel.de/course/view.php?id=11024

The seminar is supported by the Coordination Office for Service Learning and Civic Engagement of the University of Kassel.