Stage 6
Andrew’s project on maps really caught my interest. History isn’t usually my thing, so learning about the Silk Road was a first for me. I had no idea it was used for trading food and spices. Though I’m a bit confused by Andrew’s point, I’ve definitely learned something new about what was traded along the Silk Road.
He talked a lot about the different types of food and spices that were traded and then provided a map that showed the route they took. He started off talking about turmeric and then showed where it started and the different cities it was brought to. He then moved to Cumin and also showed the map and route it took. As well as the different cities where it was traded. In the next one he talked about coriander and included the same information as the other ones. Cloves and cardamom were the next spices and he also included a map for them. I thought he did a really good job making it aesthetically pleasing. The use of bright colors with a clean concept made it more enjoyable to read through. Andrew also did a lot of great things explaining the different foods and spices.
One thing I thought he could have done better with these maps is to include the different routes in different colors. I think we could have really seen the difference in the different routes from changing colors. They obviously were all on the Silk Road so it was going to be very similar. By changing the color, we could have told the difference a little better. Another thing I thought Andrew could have done better is to describe why the routes might have been different for the various items. I know when I spoke to him about he said there was not as much information as he would have wanted so I completely understand because I had that same problem. Possibly taking a look at library resources could have helped improve the information, but I still thought it was good.
Emma Reed, Stage 6 Criticism
The story map provides good detail about the different species discovered, their economic and scientific significance, and provides insight on the observations on climate and soil fertility. This, in addition to the use of quotes, enriches the readers understanding of the expedition’s impact. However, the story map feels repetitive at times and that can take away from the overall clarity of the map. Despite this, the organization is relatively clear and navigatable. I wish information about where the data came from was included, so feature work could include a data and methods section. This can also provide more credibility to the work. Finally, while I understand what the story map is saying about the different elements they encountered, I’m not sure exactly what it is trying to argue. It feels like more clarity on a thesis statement would be helpful.
The maps themselves were well done. I found it interesting to follow along on their path and the different elements they encountered. The color choices were well done, particularly the soil type and agriculture production. It would have been interesting to see a map that overlays different maps to see how these specific elements interact with eachother. For example, a sliding map between the soil types and the climate types might be interesting for someone, like me, who really knows nothing about geology.
This spot in the story map could have been a cool place for a sliding map in order to compare specific features to the soil types.
Stage 5 -Hank Salsbury
Stage 5- Marie Amelse
Katrina Story Map – Declan Dunham
Stage 6 – Andrew Merfeld to Riley Filipowicz
I liked how Riley gave a little bit of background to the historical and cultural significance of the Italian community in New York City. I also liked how he talked about how the formations of the different Burroughs that can be found in New York City, I thought the intro was very well done, and thoughtful.
1990’s
I liked the background in this section as well. I thought the description of the traditions in the areas of places like Little Italy, really brought it all together. It was interesting reading about the nostalgia that the Italians felt about their homeland when being in this area. As for the map, I thought it was very helpful to see where most of the Italian population was in New York City. It gives a very good visual of the actual area he is talking about during this time. As you can see, the Italians took up most of the South Eastern part of the city.
2000’s
I, again, enjoyed the historical background provided about the population of the Italians during this time. I liked how he added in the spread of the Italian population, and how they contributed to the cities diversity with food, art, and community spirit. I thought the description of “These areas buzzed with the scent of fresh bread and lively conversations in both English and Italian. Festivals and family gatherings remained essential, offering chances to preserve heritage.” gave me a very good visual of things that would be going on. Likewise, the part about Sopranos was also interesting.
2010’s
I liked seeing how the population grew from the first map provided. I think it really brings together all of the aspects of the community really embracing the Italian population that you mentioned in the 1900’s and 2000’s. You can see that the population really grew, and the Italians began to spread more throughout the city. You can see that throughout this whole time period, the Italian population began to grow throughout the city creating the Italian New York culture that we see today in present-day New York.
I think the whole project was put together pretty well. Riley emphasized that it was hard to get information on this time period, so I think with limited information he was able to put together a pretty good map of the Italian Population in New York City.
Declan Dunham Final Project -Stage 5
Final Project Stage 5 – Evan Murphy
I am unable to embed the story map for some reason. Here is the link to it.
Stage No. 5 – Final Map Project
Campus Updates : 1950 — 1980, How much do you know about the history of your college?
I hope you have a good summer,
Leah R.K.
