Reflection paper – Maps Explain the World
It should be very clear to you at this point
in the course that mapsare valuable tools for visually
displaying information. They are the primary way that geographers tell
a story about some geographic phenomenon, whether it is cultural
patterns, population changes, environmental processes, settlement patterns, the
variety of subjects that can be displayed on a map are practically limitless.
It is now your turn to show off your map interpretation skills! In this
reflection, you will explore the wealth of information available to you online
from credible news organizations and other sources of visual information,
and locate a map that you think is particularly
interesting and relevant to human geography. Get custom essay samples and course-specific study resources via course hero homework for you service – Include the following content
in your reflection.
(1 point)A title for your
reflection, followed by a properly formatted citation that
includes the name of the map, a link to the map, and its source.
(4 points) Describe the map and itâs subject matter/data
in your own words. Be sure to identify all of the relevant details,
including any or all of the following:
·
the mapâs title and type,
·
the setting (that is, the location),
·
the data involved, that is, is it
descriptive (qualitative), quantitative, human/cultural, physical,
·
how the data is presented, and
·
how the map topic is geographical in nature,
given your understanding of the geographic perspective that we discuss in
Lesson 1 and in Chapter 1 of your textbook.
(4 points)Critique the
mapâs design. In your critique, tell if it is easy to read, visually
appealing and interesting and why or why not. Give one way the data
could be presented differently or improved. In addressing this, be sure to
make clear and specific connections with and references to the course
material. In this part, it should be obvious to your instructor that you
have read the material and gained knowledge–in this case, knowledge of
maps and a geographic perspective.
(4 points) Conclude your response by discussing how this
map is useful for representing and explaining the geographic phenomena
(and data, or geographic information) that is its topic. Consider what we
see on the map that might be more difficult to represent in writing or in
some other visual form (for example, a chart). In this last part,
you should draw a conclusion to your writing while sharing your thoughts
and reflections.
Two pointsout of the totalfifteenpoints for every journal
entry are allocated for quality of writing and grammar.
General Requirements
Essay should be 400 to 600 words,
typed, double-spaced.
Essays should clearly answer the assigned questions.
Guidelines For Constructing a Well-Written Reflection
Although reflections are somewhat less formal other types of writing assignments,
they are still an academic exercise. All written work in this course
should form a coherent narrative, use complete sentences, be
grammatically correct, and scholarly in tone. Here are few guidelines
to help you construct well-organized, well-written reflection.
Look at the assigned topics early so that you have
it in the back of your mind while working on the course material.
·
After reading a lesson or text selection,
spend some time jotting down your reactions, ideas, and responses to the
readings. Consider specific elements, examples, or experiences you would like
to include in your reflection.
You do not need a formal thesis statement, but
making your central idea clear early on is important. Your first sentence
should say what you are going to say in the rest of your entry–think of
it as a main idea sentence or the main point of your writing.
Be sure you introduce any other new ideas with a
topic sentence. Follow that sentence with information or evidence (taken
from the texbook, outside sources, or your personal experiences) that
justifies your opinion, reflection, criticism, or agreement.
Re-read your reflection before submitting it to
check for grammatical/spelling errors, concise writing, and a coherent
argument.
