Courses

Dr. Robert Kopack
Section 001: M W 02:20 PM – 03:35 PM | Callcott 201
Section 002: M W 03:55 PM – 05:10 PM | Callcott 201

This course introduces students to the breadth and impact of geography through exposure to core concepts, sub-disciplinary approaches, basic cartography, and field research. The course content requires students to think about how their lives are connected to global systems and to reconsider the production and meaning of the landscapes they encounter every day.

Section 001: M W 08:05 AM - 09:20 AM | Callcot 330 | Youngjae Kim
Section J10: Online – Asynchronous | Dr. Jean Ellis

Have you ever been curious as to why the sky is blue? How hurricanes work? Or how tree ring records can provide insight into past climates? Physical geography synthesizes many aspects of various Earth and life sciences but expresses them in a way that emphasizes patterns of interaction between the environment and humankind. You will learn about the intricate workings of the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere; how these spheres operate as individual systems and how these systems interact collectively to make the planet we live on today.

Staff
Section 001: T R 11:40 AM - 12:55 PM | Callcot 003
Section 002: T R 08:30 AM - 09:45 AM | Callcot 003
Section 004: M W 02:20 PM - 03:35 PM | Callcot 003
Section 005: M W 08:05 AM - 09:20 AM | Callcot 003
Section J10: Online – Asynchronous
Section J11: Online – Asynchronous
Section J12: Online – Asynchronous
Section Y02*: Online – Asynchronous

This course will explore how geographic data is collected, visualized, and analyzed in various digital formats (e.g. maps, aerial images, infographics, etc.). Our exploration will include learning about the basics of cartography (map interpretation and mapmaking), problem solving through spatial thinking, and geospatial technologies. Though the subject matter is technically oriented, this course will focus on the basic concepts and applications.

*Class meets 12/30/2024 – 01/19/2025

Section 002: T R 01:15 PM - 02:30 PM | Callcot 003 | Eleni Econopouly
Section J10: T R 08:30 AM - 09:45 AM | Online – Synchronous & asynchronous | Dr. Meredith DeBoom

This course introduces students to diversity, inequality, and interconnectedness in the contemporary world. In terms of diversity, this course highlights the ways that the physical environment, social and economic systems, political relationships, and historical circumstances have produced distinctive regional geographies. In terms of interconnectedness, this course explores the ways in which global processes—world trade, colonialism and neo-colonialism, geopolitical conflict, and climate change—have integrated different world regions into a complex global system. In terms of inequality, this course gives special attention to the way that regional and global processes intersect to produce and reinforce social and geographical disparities and differences.

Landforms are physical features on the Earth’s surface such as valleys, mountains, hill slopes, beaches, and stream channels. The study of landforms (geomorphology) is one of the oldest of the natural sciences from which many classic scientific premises and methods were born. This course focuses on the principles of geomorphology and examines relationships between processes and landforms at a variety of scales in space and time. In particular, we will cover geomorphological theories, weathering and slope processes, erosion and deposition, and other factors responsible for shaping physical features on the Earth's land surface, emphasizing soils, hydrology, and processes of landform creation by water, wind, ice, and gravity.

Dr. Gregory J. Carbone
Lecture: T R 02:50 PM - 04:05 PM | Callcot 003
Lab 001: W 12:00 PM - 01:50 PM | Callcot 330
Lab 002: W 02:20 PM - 04:10 PM | Callcot 330

This course provides students with a general understanding of the processes which influence weather and climate patterns. It first examines the sources of energy driving atmospheric processes, the importance of atmospheric moisture, and the forces creating the winds. The second part of the course focuses on storm systems, including mid- latitude cyclones and severe weather. The last third of the class is devoted to the study of climate, climate variability and change, and the impact of such change on human activity.

Dr. Gregory J. Carbone
Lecture: T R 01:15 PM - 02:30 PM | Callcot 104
Lab: M 12:00 PM - 01:50 PM | Callcot 330

This course provides students with a general understanding of the processes which influence weather and climate patterns. It first examines the sources of energy driving atmospheric processes, the importance of atmospheric moisture, and the forces creating the winds. The second part of the course focuses on storm systems, including mid- latitude cyclones and severe weather. The last third of the class is devoted to the study of climate, climate variability and change, and the impact of such change on human activity.

Dr. Jerry Mitchell
T R 11:40 AM - 12:55 PM | Callcot 101

An intensive regional analysis of South Carolina. Selected phenomena such as urbanization, industrialization, land use, the physical environment, and their interrelationships.

Dr. Tara M. Remington
Section J10: M W 02:20 PM – 03:35 PM | Online – Synchronous
Section J11: M W 03:55 PM – 05:10 PM | Online – Synchronous

Introduction to principles and methods of geographic information systems including discussion of computers, spatial data, analysis, and display. Includes discussion of applications and hands-on experience.

Dr. Robert Kopack
T R 04:25 PM - 05:40 PM | Callcot 102

How does where you live influence who you are? How do our understandings of the world – our beliefs, values, dreams, and memories – influence the environments of everyday life? What can we learn about cultural identity and belonging by examining the landscapes and places we think are important to who we are? How does society reinforce or challenge issues such as social, economic, or political inequality through planning and organizing physical and social space? This course will introduce students to spatial ways of thinking about culture, including the interrelation-ships between power, meanings and values, ways of life, and the material things we create and use in ordinary life. By the end of this course students will be able to: define and use the concepts of space, place, and landscape to examine current social and cultural issues; demonstrate a geographic understanding of how identity and inequality are produced in society; and use spatial concepts and geographic methodologies to research a local cultural or social topic.

Dr. Conor Harrison
T R 02:50 PM - 04:05 PM | Callcot 102

Overview of the relationships between urbanization and environmental processes and an exploration of pathways to greater sustainability.

Dr. Kirstin Dow
T R 10:05 AM - 11:20 AM | Callcot 101

This course examines the relationship between society and the environment, that is, relations between culture, power, and environmental change. The course not only addresses themes of environmental degradation, but also considers the history and culture of environmental protection. In this regard, we will explore ideas of nature, such as frontier wilderness and biodiversity, and analyze the ways ideas of nature have influenced national identity, urban planning, and the branding and consumption of goods. In our approach to issues of environmental degradation we will examine the wider relations of power and economic production that drive environmental change, while critically examining popular framings of environmental problems and solutions. In situating issues of environmental degradation and protection in their wider political, cultural, and historical context, this course helps students develop and apply critical thinking skills towards the environment and their place within it.

Dr. Cary Mock
T R 02:50 PM – 04:05 PM | Callcott 101

This course explores interrelationships between climate systems and human activities and asks how climate changes can impact social, economic, and political life. Selected case studies will cover past climatic changes, contemporary global warming, climate determinism, and climatic hazards such as hurricanes, fire, and severe drought.

Dr. R. Dean Hardy
T R 11:40 AM - 12:55 PM | Callcot 102

Water quenches thirst, sustains crops, generates power, cools industry, carries waste, and maintains ecosystems. Each of these functions has its own issues relating to distribution and access that play out locally, nationally, and globally. This course uses cases studies from around the world to explore the political dynamics of water distribution and access, paying particular attention to questions of justice, equity, and sustainability.

Dr. John Kupfer
M W 02:20 PM - 03:35 PM | Callcot 102

This course introduces students to the major resource, managerial and recreational components of America’s National Park system. To provide a context for understanding current management issues, we will begin with an examination of the National Park Service’s history, development, mission, and decision-making framework. These will be followed by broad-brush treatments and case studies of current issues facing park system units, including wildfire management, invasive species, species reintroductions, pollution, recreation pressure, and other significant environmental changes.

Contract approved by instructor, advisor, and department chair is required for undergraduate students.

Research on a significant geography problem in the local environment. Emphasis will be on the development of relatively individualized experiences in scientific investigation.

Senior research thesis on a problem of fundamental geographic significance, supervised by faculty member; must include a written final project report.

Dr. Varun Goel
M W 02:20 PM - 03:35 PM | Callcott 302

Dr. Patrick Barrineau
T R 06:00 PM - 07:15 PM | Callcot 102

Coastal regions in the United States are regularly stressed due to increasing rates of development as well as climate change. This course investigates the physical, social, and economic principles under- pinning contemporary coastal management practices, and how these are used to mitigate anthropogenic as well as ‘natural’ stresses. Students will learn about the competing interests of coastal zone stakeholders, interest groups, and industry. Perspectives covered include those of regulators, landowners, tourists, business leaders, political representatives, and resource managers. Concepts of conservation, preservation, and sustainability related to coastal regions will be discussed in detail. In order to provide a diverse set of perspectives, guest lecturers from regulatory agencies, private companies, and research centers will provide in-class presentations on their backgrounds and specializations. Students will learn coastal physical and ecological processes as a basis for understanding eﬀective coastal zone management practices. Coastal zone management practices and policies will be considered at multiple spatial scales: international, federal, regional, state, and local, with a focus on the United States Coastal Zone Management Act and the South Carolina Coastal Zone Management Plan. The physical, social, and policy-based impacts of sea level rise and coastal hazards will also be discussed.

Dr. Sicheng Wang
T R 02:50 PM - 04:05 PM | Callcot 302

Analysis of transportation systems and the application of geographic tools to transportation planning.

Dr. Jessica Barnes
T R 02:50 PM - 04:05 PM | Callcot 104

This course will examine the political, social, and cultural landscapes of food and farming around the world. In the first part of the semester, we will trace global food systems from production to consumption. We will start at the point of agricultural production, exploring current controversies over international land grabs and genetically modified seeds. We will look at the global trade in food commodities and the inequalities embedded within the global food system. Finally, we will examine food consumption and the links between consumption, class, race, and identity. We will then turn to questions of food access and assistance, considering inequalities in food availability and various programs designed to help people meet their food needs.

Dr. Cary Mock
T R 04:25 PM - 06:05 PM | Callcot 101

Principles and controls of weather and climate as they occur at the regional/synoptic scale. Background on the critical tools and concepts used for daily weather forecasting by the National Weather Service and prominent government agencies, and used by broadcast meteorologists.
Prerequisites: C or better in GEOG 202.

Dr. Cuizhen (Susan) Wang
T R 01:15 PM - 02:30 PM | Callcot 302

This course introduces the fundamental concepts about remote sensing of environment with airborne and satellite systems. Topics include: 1) basics of electromagnetic radiation interacting with earth surfaces; 2) technical backgrounds of image acquisition and common satellite systems; 3) Earth observations with multi-spectral, thermal, LiDAR, and Radar remote sensing; and 4) example applications of remote sensing in vegetation, water, soil and urban developments. Knowledge of photo interpretation (GEOG345) is preferred but not required.
Lab exercises are provided to enhance students’ understanding of remote sensing based upon analog and visual image processing. A commercial image processing software, Erads/Imagine, is introduced in labs.

Dr. Sicheng Wang
T R 11:40 AM - 12:55 PM | Callcot 302

This course covers the technical and conceptual bases of Geographic Information Systems. This includes how GIS is used to perform spatial analysis, analysis of networks, incorporation of remote sensing data, and three-dimensional surfaces. An integral part of this course is the extensive experience students gain using an operational geographic information system. This experience allows the exploration of theoretical topics presented as well as examination and formulation of real-world applications areas as diverse as real estate, crime analysis, environmental protection.

Dr. David Kneas
W 09:40 AM - 12:10 PM | Callcott 104

This course examines cultural understandings of and responses to globalization, examining topics such as its history and theories, migration, economic integration and inequality, identity, social movements, and the environment.
Cross-listed course: ANTH 581

Dr. Jean Ellis
T R 11:40 AM - 12:55 PM | Callcot 202

Course overview: How many times have you been to the beach? Have you wondered why beaches are different? Have you wondered why the same beach looks different every time you go? If you are curious to find these answers, consider taking GEOG/MSCI 590. In this course, you will learn about the changing beach and dune systems or beach-dune interactions. This class draws on classic and contemporary research with a focus on field-based processes from a geomorphic perspective. Topics explored in this course include wave characteristics, tides, nearshore and wind-blown sediment transport, dune characteristics and evolution, and beach-dune models. Throughout the semester, there is an emphasis on acquiring an appreciation of the influence of wind. Students will obtain information from lectures, critiquing scholarly journal articles, generating presentations, and analyzing data. Cross-listed with MSCI 590.

Dr. Cuizhen (Susan) Wang

The internship in geography helps students acquire valuable "on the job" experience and develop marketable job skills as well as learn about employment opportunities and requirements. Students serve as interns with cooperating government agencies, or commercial and nonprofit businesses. A special effort is made to assign each intern to a position compatible with his/her interests, abilities, and career aspirations. The course must be taken for a grade to receive degree credit. Grades are determined in consultation with supervisory personnel in hosting agency. Grades are based on the performance of internship duties and the preparation of an internship summary report.

Instructor approval and a signed Internship Contract required.

Directed research topics individually assigned and supervised by graduate faculty. May be repeated for credit.

Dr. Susan L. Cutter
W 12:00 PM - 02:30 PM | Callcot 228

An analysis of the total geographic complex of selected major world regions.

Dr. Meredith DeBoom
M 09:40 AM - 12:10 PM | Callcot 228

Review of recent geographic literature on nature-society interactions with an emphasis on identifying research themes and methodologies employed by contemporary geographers.
Prerequisites: GEOG 530 or GEOG 568.

T R 11:40 AM - 12:55 PM | Callcot 202

Investigation of physical systems and processes at the earth’s surface. Topics vary; landforms, hydrology, pedology, biogeography, quaternary science, human impacts on physical systems.

Approved by instructor and with department permission.
Thesis preparation research topics individually assigned and supervised by graduate faculty.

Advanced directed research by a Ph.D. student on geographical topics to be individually supervised by graduate faculty. This course may be taken for 1–3 credit hours of independent study by a student working closely with a faculty member on a specific research project to be defined and agreed upon between the student and a supervising faculty member.

A research seminar where students critically evaluate relevant literature, develop a research proposal, and complete a related research project in environmental geography.

Approved by instructor and with department permission.
Dissertation preparation research topic is individually assigned and supervised by graduate faculty.

Department of Geography

Spring 2025 Courses

Challenge the conventional. Create the exceptional. No Limits.