Maps and Mapping in Asia and the Pacific

Maps and the process of mapping have long formed an integral aspect of how people interact with the world around them. Understanding how a map was produced, who, why, and what for, can provide a remarkable insight into how a group of people view themselves, their connections to other people, and what they consider important. Being able to interpret, use, and even create your own map are key skills for us to understand these factors, successfully use a map for our own goals, and to communicate such information to others. This course will consider maps and mapping both as a subject to investigate and as a concise means of presenting research results. Focusing on the region of Asia and the Pacific, we will critically explore the history of maps, how different cultures utilise and present maps differently, and what these maps can tell us about how different people viewed the region at different times. This exploration will provide students with experience accessing the wealth of resources available for using and researching modern and historical maps of Asia and the Pacific. We will also explore the techniques and tools needed to make your own maps.