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Fall 2009 | Spring 2010 | Fall 2010 | Spring 2011 | Fall 2011 | Spring 2012 | Fall 2012 | Spring 2013 University Master Schedule | University Bulletin SUMMER I 2013 (E session) Class Schedule SUMMER II 2013 (H session) Class Schedule Fall 2013 Class Schedule Course levels: Undergraduates may take 100- through 500-level courses. Graduate students will only receive credit for courses numbered at the 500-level and above. Some class material may be available on-line. GEOGRAPHY 103-001 INTRO TO GEOGRAPHY This course introduces students to the breadth and excitement of the field of geography and illustrates the earth science, culture-environment, locational, and area analysis traditions of geographic research and writing. It also explores the various subfields of geographic inquiry and shows how geographic expertise can be used in important decision-making and problem solving contexts. GEOGRAPHY 103-002 INTRO TO GEOGRAPHY This course introduces students to the breadth and excitement of the field of geography and illustrates the earth science, culture-environment, locational, and area analysis traditions of geographic research and writing. It also explores the various subfields of geographic inquiry and shows how geographic expertise can be used in important decision-making and problem solving contexts. This course also shows how geographic knowledge is relevant to current issues of globalization. GEOGRAPHY E103-E01 INTRO TO GEOGRAPHY This course introduces students to the breadth and excitement of the field of geography and illustrates the earth science, culture-environment, locational, and area analysis traditions of geographic research and writing. It also explores the various subfields of geographic inquiry and shows how geographic expertise can be used in important decision-making and problem solving contexts GEOGRAPHY 104-001 INTRO TO PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY Physical geography is an area of study that synthesizes and connects elements of our physical environment as they relate to human beings. It includes many aspects of various earth and life sciences, but expresses them in a way that emphasizes patterns of interaction between elements and with humankind. This means that physical geography, like other branches of geography, examines spatial relationships - not only where things are, but also why they are there. The objective of this course is to provide a systematic introduction to physical geography, including the major components of the earth system (atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere and lithosphere) as well as regulatory processes, distribution patterns of important aspects, and impacts of human activity. GEOGRAPHY 105-001 THE DIGITAL EARTH The Digital Earth is an introductory course about the earth and how it can be viewed and analyzed digitally. The course covers a wide range of topics: making measurements on the earth, global positioning systems (GPS), aerial photography, remote sensing as means of capturing earth images, geographic information systems (GIS) as a means of analysis, dynamic maps on mobile devices, creating 3D structures and visualizing various types of mapping data. Through lecture and computer/field exercises, students will learn the basics components necessary to create and explore many types of digital earth map representations. Each topic has an accompanying lab exercise which serves to tie concept to application. No previous technical experience is assumed and only basic Windows operating system familiarity required. GEOGRAPHY 121- 001 LANDS & PEOPLES OF THE WORLD This course introduces students to diversity, inequality, and interconnectedness in the contemporary world through the lens of regional geography. 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 regions, like ‘Latin America’ and ‘the Middle East’. 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. GEOGRAPHY 201-001, 002, 003, 004, 005, 006, 007 LANDFORM GEOGRAPHY This course is an introduction to the physical features on the Earth's land surface emphasizing soils, hydrology, and processes of landform creation by water, wind, ice, and gravity. Landforms and soils provide evidence of past environmental conditions, how they have changed, and the processes involved, including human actions and natural agents. The course emphasizes environmental changes in the recent geologic past up to the present. Three hours of lectures and one 110-minute laboratory per week. GEOGRAPHY 202-001, 002, 003 WEATHER AND CLIMATE This course provides students with a general understanding of the processes which influence weather and climate patterns on the earth. 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, thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes. The last third of the class is devoted to the study of climate, interannual variability, and long-term change. The laboratory sections will include experiments, workbook exercises, and analysis of real-time computer weather graphics. The final grade will be based on lecture exams, lab exams, take-home exercises, a weather journal, and regular lecture and lab quizzes. *4 credit hour course, includes a 2 hour laboratory each week. GEOGRAPHY 210-002 PEOPLES, PLACES and ENVIRONMENTS This course provides a thematic introduction to contemporary human geography, a broad geographic subfield directly concerned with human beings and their interaction with their natural and cultural environment. The course explores themes of urbanization, population growth, rural to urban and international migrations, international development, territorial sovereignties, statehood and terrorism, and the cultural geographies of place and landscapes, just to name a few, to illustrate how these different concerns are linked through geographic perspectives and methods of investigation. GEOGRAPHY 223-001 GEOGRAPHY OF LATIN AMERICA An introduction to the physical and human geography of Latin America. Lectures are structured around 5 major themes in Latin America: (i) physical geography, a review of the varying ecosystems, climate, vegetation, and land patterns of the region; (ii) historical geography, an examination of the indigenous people and the impact that European colonization had on the region, the resulting social and political organization of the region, and various cultural-behavioral aspects of the region's people, (iii) population geography, an examination of the racial and ethnic composition of the region's people today, its population growth and demographic transition, its patterns of mortality, fertility and migration, its settlement patterns, its religious practices, and the urbanization of the region; (iv) economic geography, an exploration of the pattern considerations of economic activities over time in the region and the potential influences of international economic cycles and organizations); and (v) political geography, the political evolution of the region, including the national governments and their international policies. Reading and writing assignments will encourage students to examine and explore differences and similarities between Anglo-America and Latin America. GEOGRAPHY 225-001 GEOGRAPY OF EUROPE This class will explore historical and contemporary geographies of Europe. The course focuses on spatial patterns of human settlement and activity in Europe from the Middle Ages to the present, shedding light on the social, political, economic, and environmental processes underlying these patterns. Topics will include: urbanization and industrialization; the formation of the European nation-state system; Cold War geographies; post-industrial urban redevelopment; housing and transportation; immigration and ethnic minorities; the European Union; and energy and environmental policies. GEOGRAPHY 330-001 THE GEOGRAPHY OF DISASTERS This course introduces you to the nature and impact of as well as the social responses to disasters. We focus on the origin and characteristics of disasters, their spatial distribution, lessons learned from the great disasters, and how society anticipates and responds to disasters. The major goals of the course are to: 1) introduce you to the range and types of environmental hazards / disasters and their geographic distribution; 2) examine the causes or triggering mechanisms (natural, human, technological) of disasters; and 3) assess the societal impacts to disasters on individuals, organizations, and governments from the local to global scales. By the end of the semester, you should be able to: GEOGRAPHY 341-001 CARTOGRAPHY 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 creating their own maps. In the latter half of the course, each student completes a final mapping project, based on a topic he or she selects. GEOGRAPHY 343-001 HUMAN IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT Human actions are transforming the Earth. To understand environmental change processes today requires examining the interactions between humans, our social systems, and the biogeochemical processes that generate particular patterns of environmental damage across the globe - alterations in the global climate, degradation of rich coastal systems, heavy losses of tropical biodiversity, desertification of marginal arid lands, and concentrations of municipal and industrial wastes associated with increasing urbanization. The class provides an overview of these impacts. It also introduces major strategies for reducing impacts and promoting sustainability. Evaluation in the course will be based upon a series of exams and short papers/assignments. GEOGRAPHY 345-001 INTERPRETATION OF AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHS 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. GEOGRAPHY 347-001 WATER AS A RESOURCE This course examines the political, social, and cultural dimensions of water resources management. In the first part of the class we will explore the multiple functions that water fulfills as a resource. It quenches thirst, sustains crops, generates power, cools industry, carries waste, and maintains ecosystems. For each of these topics we will look at the management issues, problems, and solutions that play out on individual, national, and global scales. The second part of the class will focus on the political dynamics of water distribution, access, and use. We will investigate questions of transboundary water management, climate change adaptation, water-related disasters, water governance, water scarcity, and the threat of water wars. GEOGRAPHY 348-001 BIOGEOGRAPHY Biogeography involves mapping and understanding the distributions of plants and animals today and reconstructing those in the past using a range of analytical techniques, including geographic information systems, genetic analysis, dendrochronology (the study of tree rings) and palynology (the study of pollen to reconstruct past climates). Biogeographers also conduct research on how physical and biological factors control distributions of plants and animals and study how geographic distributions affect the evolution and extinction of species. In recent years, biogeographers have been involved in applying their knowledge to the protection of rare and endangered species and the conservation and management of threatened ecosystems. This course is broken down into 3 modules. The first module focuses on ecological concepts; the second module deals with the importance of evolutionary processes and biogeographic changes in geologic time, and the final module examines the development of modern distributions of plant and animal species and contemporary issues in biogeography such as conservation and land management. GEOGRAPHY 363-001 INTRO TO GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS Geographic Information Systems represent a major advancement in computer handling of geographical data. These systems are used extensively throughout all levels of government, private industry, and academia to provide support for spatial decision making and problem solving. Principles and methods of Geographic Information Systems are presented with an emphasis on modeling the Earth and abstracting geographical data, collection of geographical data using modern techniques such as GPS, and analysing patterns and spatial relationships. Practical experience with GIS is provided during the lab exercises using a state-of-the-art GISystem. Students are expected to be familiar with the Microsoft windows interface. GEOGRAPHY 363-002 INTRO TO GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS Geographic Information Systems represent a major advancement in computer handling of geographical data. These systems are used extensively throughout all levels of government, private industry, and academia to provide support for spatial decision making and problem solving. Principles and methods of Geographic Information Systems are presented with emphasis on spatial data, manipulation and analysis, and applications. Practical experience with GIS is provided through hands-on computer and manual exercises. Students are expected to be familiar with the Microsoft windows interface. GEOG 365-001 HURRICANES AND TROPICAL CLIMATOLOGY 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. GEOGRAPHY 399 INDEPENDENT STUDY GEOGRAPHY 495-001 SEMINAR IN GEOGRAPHY This is a capstone course for undergraduate geography majors, is a requirement for geography majors for graduation, and is taught only during fall semesters. The semester starts with discussions of major themes and areas of interest within the discipline of Geography. Next, students will learn professional development skills, including resume preparation and interview techniques. Tips for obtaining post-undergraduate state- and Federal-level jobs, and for gaining admission to graduate school will be discussed. Pending availability, geography alumni will visit the class to share their experiences in the workforce. A significant portion of the course grade comprises a group-based research activity, and the associated papers and presentations, designed to integrate geographic knowledge and apply it to real-world problems. GEOGRAPHY 498 UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH GEOGRAPHY 499 UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH GEOGRAPHY 512-001 MIGRATION AND GLOBALIZATION Migration has been one of the most significant forces shaping the political, economic and social landscapes of the contemporary world system. Today, no region or country is isolated from the changes wrought by population movement. The increasing scale and diversity of migration can be linked to changing patterns of development associated with ‘globalization’. But migration is not simply an outcome of globalization; instead migration actively creates ‘the global’ by forging expansive networks of people, commodities, cultures, and political action. In this course, we will explore historical and contemporary processes driving migration flows, the impacts of migration on places of origin and destinations, and the multiple linkages that exist between migrants and their places of origin. We will also give special attention to border politics, citizenship and integration policies, gender and migration, and new urban spaces of ‘superdiversity’ GEOGRAPHY 530-001 ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS This course investigates the causes and impacts of environmental hazards on society. Specifically, the course focuses on the relationship between society and nature, especially how people and societies respond to hazardous geologic, atmospheric, hydrologic, and technological events. In addition to briefly reviewing the physical/technological dynamics of hazards, we will focus most of our attention on hazards mitigation and recovery from disasters. The major goals of the course are to 1) examine the causes and consequences of hazards on society over time and space; 2) to assess various responses to disasters (relief, recovery, reconstruction, mitigation) by individuals and society; 3) understand the evolution of and current status of hazards policy; and 4) identify gaps in knowledge and policy in the hazards area. The pre-requisites for the course are GEOG 330 The Geography of Disasters or its equivalent. Grades are based on exams and written assignments.
GEOGRAPHY 531-001 QUANTITATIVE METHODS INGEOGRAPHIC RESEARCH This course will deal with the nature of geographical data sets, and statistical measures and models commonly used by geographers to describe spatial variations and patterns, distributions, and relationships among geographical data. Each student will be given opportunities to apply these techniques to geographical datasets, with practice involving use of computer-based exercises and written examinations. The course assumes knowledge of basic algebra. The course does not focus on the derivation of equations, but rather focuses on applications. GEOGRAPHY 551-001 PRINCIPLES OF REMOTE SENSING Objectives: The goal of this course is to introduce students to the fundamental concepts of remote sensing of the environment using airborne and satellite remote sensing systems. Remote sensing image analysis is primarily based on analog, visual image processing. Method of Presentation: First, the interaction of electromagnetic radiation with earth surface materials is explored. Then, various types of remote sensor systems are introduced so that the user can match the most appropriate sensor system with the application. The second half of the course emphasizes applications of remote sensing to earth resource investigations, including: remote sensing of vegetation, water, urban/suburban infrastructure, and soils and rocks. GEOGRAPHY 561-001 GEOGRAPHY FOR TEACHERS 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:
GEOGRAPHY 563-001 ADVANCED GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS 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. GEOG 573-001 CLIMATIC CHANGE AND VARIABILITY Today, climate variability and change receive media attention, foster scientific debate, and even become issues of political campaigns. This course will examine climate variations from the recent past and those projected to occur in the next century. We will explore potential causes of climate variability and change from the theoretical perspective of climate modeling and from empirical evidence preserved in direct observations. We will examine a range of spatial (global, continental, and regional scales) and temporal scales (interannual variability as well as longer-term changes). Specific topics will include: the climate system, radiative forcing, climate sensitivity, the recently observed temperature record, El Nino/Southern Oscillation, and the North Atlantic and Pacific decadal oscillations. The course will involve a combination of lectures, student presentations, and interactive computer exercises. The final grade will be based on lecture exams, take-home exercises, and presentations. GEOGRAPHY 595-001 INTERNSHIP IN GEOGRAPHY For Graduate Credit 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 is graded on a pass/not pass basis. Grades are determined by the Internship Director in consultation with supervisory personnel in cooperating agencies. Grades are based on the performance of internship duties and the preparation of an internship summary report. GEOGRAPHY 595-002 INTERNSHIP IN GEOGRAPHY For Undergraduate Credit 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 is graded on a pass/not pass basis. Grades are determined by the Internship Director in consultation with supervisory personnel in cooperating agencies. Grades are based on the performance of internship duties and the preparation of an internship summary report. GEOGRAPHY 705 DIRECTED INDIVIDUAL STUDIES IN GEOGRAPHY GEOGRAPHY 706 SELECTED TOPICS IN CART/RS GEOGRAPHY 721-001 SEMINAR IN SYSTEMATIC GEOGRAPHY In this course, students will critically interrogate the concept of development, examine the historical elaboration of development theories, and ground these theories inhistorical and contemporary development practices. The goal of this effort is to focus critique on the realities of contemporary development practice such that we can identify new or alternative development pathways that better address the challenges facing the global poor. GEOGRAPHY 747 SEMINAR IN PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY Lab, Field, and Analytical Methods in Watershed Hydrology. This research seminar will provide students with field, laboratory, and analytical experience in hydrology, water quality, sedimentology, river restoration, and fluvial geomorphology in the Rocky Branch Watershed. It will have four components: (1) readings and round-table discussions of concepts and methods; (2) field work to measure, assess, and sample water, sediment, channel morphology, etc.; (3) laboratory processing of samples, and (4) digital spatial analysis. Discussions will precede field and lab sessions to introduce procedures and equipment. Field work will include topographic surveying, stream assessments and classification, and measuring water quality, sediment flux, discharge, etc. Wet labs will measure suspended sediment concentrations, sediment textures, bulk density, etc. Computer methods will focus on hydrologic and spatial analysis of a growing data set. Students should have experience in physical geography, geology, surveying, hydrology, or spatial analysis, with some expertise in one of these areas to enable leading occasional discussions and exercises. Enthusiasm for learning how to sample, measure, analyze, and map water and earth materials is important. Grades will be determined by a series of exercises, projects, and written assignments. For questions, please contact the instructor, Dr. Allan James, by phone or email (ajames@mailbox.sc.edu) GEOGRAPHY 799 THESIS PREPARATION GEOGRAPHY 830-001 ADVANCED SEMINAR IN ENVIRONMENTAL GEOGRAPHY Climate Adaptation: The process of adaptation plays a foundational role in nature- society relations. This seminar will focus on adaptation to climate change across scales and development contexts. We will examine theoretical issues at each stage of the adaptation process from issues of individual and collective perceptions of risk, vulnerability, and adaptive capacity to the cross scale issues of adaptation governance. Other major topics in current debates including risk-based approaches, transformative adaptation, limits to adaptation, the relationship between adaptation and development, and adaptive learning processes will be addressed within this process framing. Evaluation will be based on class participation and a major research paper. GEOGRAPHY 805 DIRECTED INDIVIDUAL STUDIES IN GEOGRAPHY 899 DISSERTATION PREPARATION |
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