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.

Dr. Jean Ellis
Online – Asynchronous

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.

Section 001: T R  08:30 AM – 09:45 AM  |  Callcott 003  
Section 002: M W  08:05 AM – 09:20 AM  |  Callcott 003  
Section 003: M W  02:20 PM – 03:35 PM  |  Callcott 003  
Section 004: T R  11:40 AM – 12:55 PM  |  Callcott 003  
Section 005: T R  10:05 AM – 11:20 AM  |  Callcott 003  
Section H01*: M W  03:55 PM – 05:10 PM  |  Callcott 228  |  Jory Fleming
Section J10: Online – Asynchronous  |  Dr. Tara M. Remington
Section J11: Online – Asynchronous  |  Dr. Tara M. Remington

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.

*Honors section

Eleni Econopouly
Online – Asynchronous

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.

Dr. Jean Ellis
Lecture: T R  10:05 AM – 11:20 AM  |  Callcott 201 
Lab 001: T  11:40 AM – 01:30 PM  |  Callcott 330 
Lab 002: T  02:50 PM – 04:40 PM  |  Callcott 330 
Lab 003: R  11:40 AM – 01:30 PM  |  Callcott 330 
Lab 004: R  02:50 PM – 04:40 PM  |  Callcott 330

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  01:15 PM – 02:30 PM  |  Callcott 003  
Lab 001: W  12:00 PM –  01:50 PM  |  Callcott 330 
Lab 002: W  02:20 PM – 04:10 PM  |  Callcott 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. 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. Conor Harrison
M W  03:55 PM - 05:10 PM  |  Callcott 102

Spatial interrelation and linking of economic activities and how location affects the nature of economic systems.

Jill Thornton
M W  08:05 AM – 09:20 AM  |  Callcott 101

An overview of conflict, displacement, and humanitarianism in the context of the modern interstate-system. Topics include refoulment, border externalization, transit, resettlement, and asylum politics.

Dr. Sicheng Wang
T R  02:50 PM – 04:05 PM  |  Callcott 005

This course is an introduction to the principles and practice of map design. It provides the student with an understanding of the most appropriate ways of symbolizing geographic data on maps. Students develop cartographic skills through the completion of map projects using the latest Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software. Students learn how to design effective and attractive maps through lectures, demonstrations, discussions, and hands-on mapping activities. In the latter half of the course, each student completes a final mapping project, based on a topic he or she selects.

Dr. Cuishen (Susan) Wang
T R  01:15 PM – 02:30 PM  |  Callcott 302

This course introduces the basics of aerial photography including radiant energy, properties of the photographic image, photo geometry, photogrammetric measurement, photo acquisition, and interpretation of aerial photographs. Emphasis is placed on practical training in an effort to make the student a competent user of air photos for a variety of geographic and multidisciplinary applications. No previous technical experience is needed. Basic knowledge of ArcGIS will help in lab exercises but is not required.

Dr. Cary Mock
T R  01:15 PM – 02:30 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. Cary Mock
T R  02:50 PM – 04:05 PM  |  Callcott 101

The purpose of the course is to present the basic concepts and processes as they relate to tropical climatology and hurricanes. It covers weather basics at large geographic scales encompassing climate processes that relate to the entire tropics, and then progressing to smaller regional spatial scales such as those dealing with monsoon climates, followed by tropical climate forcings such as the El Nino-Southern Oscillation. Tropical cyclones and hurricane topics include the structure and characteristics, followed by hurricane forecasting techniques and then various aspects of hurricane climatology. Tropical weather forecast discussions, following a format routinely used by the National Hurricane Center and utilizing real-time weather information, will reinforce important concepts learned in lecture.

Dr. John Kupfer
T R  10:05 AM – 11:20 AM  |  Callcott 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.

Dr. April Hiscox
T R  01:15 PM – 02:30 PM  |  Callcott 202

Fundamentals, processes, and issues that relate to air pollution. Emphasis is on the role of the atmosphere. Additional topics include pollution sources, environmental and health effects of air pollution, air quality measurements, urban smog, and ozone depletion, regulations, and societal impacts.

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

Dr. Robert Kopack
T  04:25 PM – 07:10 PM  |  Callcott 112

Research methods and projects; restricted to students with at least 15 hours of credit in geography. Restricted to students with at least 15 hours of credit in geography.

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
T R  02:50 PM – 04:05 PM  |  Callcott 302

How do the flu activities in South Carolina vary over space? Are the activities randomly scattered throughout the state, or are there discernible geographic patterns? What are the effects of socioeconomic status on the evacuation decision making during Hurricane Matthew? What counties attracted the most visitors along the totality path during the Great American Eclipse and why? Answering these questions needs to make use of quantitative methods (or statistical analysis) with geographic data. This course is for advanced undergraduates or graduate students in Geography and related disciplines who want to gain necessary spatial statistical analysis knowledge and skills for geographic research. Each student will be given opportunities to apply these techniques to geo- graphical datasets, with practice involving use of computer- based exercises, homework assignments, and written examinations. The course assumes knowledge of basic algebra. The course is not about how to solve equations, but rather focuses on applications.

Dr. Jessica Barnes
T R  10:05 AM – 11:20 AM  |  Callcott 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. John Kupfer
M W  02:20 PM – 03:35 PM  |  Callcott 202

Analysis of emergent patterns in landscape structure and its linkage to ecological processes; application of relevant principles, methodologies, and geospatial technologies to solving real-world challenges focused on species and ecosystem conservation.

Dr. Cuizhen (Susan) Wang
T R  10:05 AM – 11:20 AM  |  Callcott 302

Introduction to fundamental concepts used to map topographic and planimetric Earth surface features using digital LiDAR (LiDARgrammetric) and digital soft-copy photogrammetry (Photogrammetric).

Dr. Jerry Mitchell
T R  11:40 AM – 12:55 PM  |  Callcott 101    

Geography defines itself not by its subject matter, but rather by its perspective or worldview. Geography is content-driven, graphically rich, technologically sophisticated, and applicable to other subject areas. This course helps teachers and prospective teachers acquire geographic knowledge and skills needed to understand the spatial characteristics and interactions of important physical, demographic, cultural, political, and economic systems. Students enrolled in this course will acquire theoretical and practical knowledge of geographic philosophy and methods, and will be able to use geographic knowledge and methods in pedagogic contexts.

The student will learn to:
  •  Use historical, cultural, and geopolitical contexts to analyze social and environmental issues at all scales
  •  Apply the principles of the natural sciences to contemporary issues
  •  Use technology to understand spatial relationships
  •  Incorporate geographic concepts within the K-12 classroom
  •  Complete a lesson plan that engages K-12 students in spatial thinking

Dr. Greg Carbone
T R  08:30 AM – 09:45 AM  |  Callcott 112

Few environmental topics currently get as much attention as climate change. This course will examine climate variations from the recent past and those projected to occur in 21st century. We will explore potential causes of climate variability and change using both the observed record and projections from climate models. We will examine change at global, continental, and regional scales, and from interannual variability to longer-term changes. Specific topics will include: the climate system, radiative forcing, feedbacks and climate sensitivity, the recently observed temperature record, climate extremes, El Niño/Southern Oscillation, North Atlantic and Pacific decadal changes, seasonal to interannual forecasts, and decadal prediction. The course will involve a combination of lectures, student presentations, and interactive computer exercises involving computer model output and observed data sets. The final grade will be based on one mid-term exam, take-home assignments, and presentations.

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. Jessica Barnes
R  02:50 PM – 05:20 PM  |  Callcott 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.

Dr. John Kupfer
M W  02:20 PM – 03:35 PM  |  Callcott 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.

T  04:25 PM – 07:10 PM  |  Callcott 228

A survey of (1) the philosophical and intellectual foundations of geography as a discipline, and (2)
contemporary ideas and debates in major subfields of geographic research.

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.