AbstractA Humanities Approach to GIS, Community and a Better Citizenry Track: Teaching with GIS in Higher Education Author(s): Kristin Runge, James Brey Merriam Webster defines humanities as the branch of learning that investigates human constructs and concerns as opposed to natural processes or social relations. This paper will explore how one humanities class uses ArcGIS as a catalyst for creating responsible citizens committed to rational, information-based decision making. This paper will focus on the role of information in allowing problem-solving groups to move beyond parochial bickering, values-laden judgments and ethno/geocentric viewpoints towards more equitable and just decisions aligned with the greater good. The authors will address how participation in this particular class leads to a broader understanding of responsible citizenship in democratic societies. Key topics include ArcGIS as a tool in decision making, small group geospatial problem solving, and the use of spatial information to minimize conflict resulting from disparate value systems among participants during the decision process. Kristin Runge University of Wisconsin - Fox Valley Communication/Theatre Arts 1478 Midway Road Menasha , WI 54952 US Phone: 920-729-5595 E-mail: kristin.runge@uwc.edu James Brey University of Wisconsin - Fox Valley Geography 1478 Midway Road Menasha 54952 US Phone: 920-832-2659 E-mail: james.brey@uwc.edu |