The course aims to examine the main thematic units of the history of cartography, with the intent to highlight reasons, kinds, meanings and functions of representation of the world over time. In addition to an overview of the most important relics of the italian and international cartographic heritage are provided insights on key issues of classical, medieval and modern time, to improve knowledge of the sector and develop reading and interpretation of cartographic products.

Territorial depictions of primitive civilizations: examples from various regions of the world. Forms and functions of the cartographic design at the ancient Middle Eastern civilizations. The classical Mediterranean world and the representation of the “ecumene”. Agrimensoria cartography and Roman itinerary. The medieval world maps between myth, history, ideology and geography. Tools for real and virtual voyages: “portolani”, portolan charts, island’s books. The Ptolemaic maps during the Renaissance as a premise of the great modern atlases. The atlases of A. Ortelio, G. Mercator, I. Blaeu. Thematic atlases of European and Italian production. Astronomical observations to draw the world. Relations between cartographic representations and exploratory voyages.

The student must show that he possesses the basic knowledge related to cartographic science, its methods, its problems and its relationships with other disciplinary sectors and in particular with geography. Moreover, it will have to demonstrate the understanding of the concepts and theories provided by the course but also the ability to use this knowledge to reason according to the specific logic of the discipline according to subsequent studies. In particular, it must be able to reflect and formulate personal judgments on specific cartographic issues for the purposes of their communication and educational or professional application.

The teaching material prepared by the lecturer in addition to recommended textbooks (such as for instance slides, lecture notes, exercises, bibliography) and communications from the lecturer specific to the course can be found inside the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it

Teaching

Lectures and reading of cartographic specimens.

Guidance on teaching materials prepared by the teacher (images, graphics, products) will be provided during the lectures.

Attendance

Attendance at most lessons is recommended  

Course books

- C. Palagiano, A. Asole, G. Arena, Cartografia e territorio nei secoli, Roma, Carocci Ed. (first part).

- M. A. Bertini (ed.), Fra Terra e Cielo: i percorsi della geografia. Opere geocartografiche della Biblioteca Universitaria di Urbino (secc. XVI-XVIII), Urbino, Ist. Geografia Università, 2003.

Assessment

Oral examination intended to establish the basic knowledge of cartography and its main themes in relation to other disciplines (especially with the geography), to test the understanding of  the fundamental concepts and their correct exposure.

- They will give rise to evaluations of excellence: the student's possession of good critical and in-depth skills; the ability to connect the main topics dealt with in the course; the use of an appropriate language with respect to the specific nature of the discipline.

- They will give rise to discrete evaluations: the student's possession of a mnemonic knowledge of the contents; a relative critical capacity and connection between the themes dealt with: the use of an appropriate language.

-  They will give rise to sufficient evaluations: the achievement of minimal knowledge on the subjects dealt with by the student, even if there are some training gaps; the use of inappropriate language.

- They will give rise to negative evaluations: difficulty of orientation of the student with respect to the topics dealt with in the exam texts; training gaps; the use of inappropriate language.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.

Teaching

Individual study.

Students not attending will be able to make contact with the teacher (including email) for any clarifications. 

Course books

- C. Palagiano, A. Asole, G. Arena, Cartografia e territorio nei secoli, Roma, Carocci Ed. (entire text).

- M. A. Bertini (ed.), Fra Terra e Cielo: i percorsi della geografia. Opere geocartografiche della Biblioteca Universitaria di Urbino (secc. XVI-XVIII), Urbino, Ist. Geografia Università, 2003.

Assessment

Oral examination intended to establish the basic knowledge of cartography and its main themes in relation to other disciplines (especially with the geography), to test the understanding of  the fundamental concepts and their correct exposure.

- They will give rise to evaluations of excellence: the student's possession of good critical and in-depth skills; the ability to connect the main topics dealt with in the course; the use of an appropriate language with respect to the specific nature of the discipline.

- They will give rise to discrete evaluations: the student's possession of a mnemonic knowledge of the contents; a relative critical capacity and connection between the themes dealt with: the use of an appropriate language.

-  They will give rise to sufficient evaluations: the achievement of minimal knowledge on the subjects dealt with by the student, even if there are some training gaps; the use of inappropriate language.

- They will give rise to negative evaluations: difficulty of orientation of the student with respect to the topics dealt with in the exam texts; training gaps; the use of inappropriate language.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.

Classes will be held in the first semester on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, from 2 to 4 pm, in a classroom of the Volponi Center: D2 (Mondays), D6 (Tuesdays, Wednesdays).