PROJECT 1: Mapping Whitney (150 points)
This project will engage you in understanding how real-life locations influence writing production and reading. Working independently, you will map Isabella Whitney’s “Her Last Will and Testament” according to historical and contemporary London.
Invention:
Start by re-reading the poem and highlighting some of the specific references Whitney makes about locations, businesses, and people in London. Think about why they matter, and what kinds of knowledge are required of readings to truly engage with the poem. Once you have a list of potential options for your map, you’ll want to visit some sites like The Map of Early Modern London and British Histories Online, as well as perform independent research on the points you’ve listed. You will use this information to plot and write-up “points of interest” using Google Maps.
You will also prepare a 3-4 page paper in which you reflect on the mapping assignment. Some questions to consider in your reflection are:
- Did completing this mapping assignment change how I understand Whitney? If so, how? If not, why not?
- What did I learn by completing this assignment that I could not have learned simply through reading the poems?
- What did I learn about the digital humanities in this experience?
- What was my experience of using Google Earth? What were the challenges and how did overcome them? What are the benefits and drawbacks to using a mapping software program like this?
- What would I change about this assignment to make it more relevant, informative, enjoyable, challenging, or interesting?
Design:
If you’ve never used Google Maps, be sure to watch the video walk-through.
Your map must include 3-4 “points of interest.”* Each point of interest should be marked by relevant quotations from the text, including page numbers for reference. A point of interest could include (but is not limited to):
- an exact location given in the poem
- pictures of an exact or approximate location
- pictures of historical figures mentioned in the text at that exact or approximate location
- links to relevant audio files, video, or other websites relevant to an exact or approximate location or a particular portion of text
Each one of your points must include:
- Brief summary of the location (what is it? where is it? what did people do there? is it still extant?)
- Explanation of the significance of the location for Whitney (direct quote + analysis)
- (optional/bonus) Links to the relevant entry on MOEML
Maps and presentations will be evaluated on how well they meet the objectives outlined above, as well as clarity, creativity, organization, attention to detail, and design. We will go over how to use Google Maps in class, but you’re encouraged to attend office hours (virtual or in-person) to clarify specific troubleshooting issues.
*Maps must be made public and posted on our course site (see video walk-throughs and this page on embedding maps)
Grading and Deadlines:
Points of Interest (Week 9): 80 points
Map presentation and Peer Feedback (Week 9): 20 points
Reflection (Week 10): 50 points
Some Models to Inspire You:
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