Undergraduate Course Descriptions

Undergraduate Course Descriptions

The information below includes the course number and name, semester hours in parentheses, whether it's offered in the fall or spring, the general education category (if applicable), and a brief course description. Last Updated: May 2022

Geography Courses

GHY 1010: Global Environmental Systems (formerly "Introduction to Physical Geography") (3) F;S - General Education: Integrative Learning Experience (Theme: “Sustainability and Global Resources”) - This course takes an Earth Systems approach to introduce students to Earth’s atmospheric processes, physical landscapes, and biological systems through a lens of human interaction and sustainability. Students will explore a suite of topics including weather patterns, storms, and climate change, weathering of the Earth’s surface, ecological disturbance and biodiversity, and human impacts to Earth’s environmental systems. (Global Learning Opportunity Course)

GHY 1011: Global Climate Change (4) F;S - General Education: Science Inquiry Perspective (Theme: “Global Environmental Change”) - This course provides a scientific examination of global climate change, including the physical patterns within the atmosphere, climate change due to both natural and anthropogenic forcing mechanisms, and projections of future change at various spatial scales. Students will employ the scientific method in a series of field-based experiments to answer problems and address issues that Geography and Planning complement the lecture material and focus on aspects of global climate change. Lecture three hours, laboratory two hours. (Global Learning Opportunity Course)

GHY 1012: Global Change of the Biosphere (4) F;S - General Education: Science Inquiry Perspective (Theme: “Global Environmental Change”) - An introduction to the patterns, dynamics, and causes of change in the biosphere. Students will examine the fundamental geographic determinants of biodiversity patterns and the natural and human factors that drive biotic change, including climate change, land cover change, and biological invasions. Students will use the scientific method in hands-on laboratory activities to investigate causal relationships between global change processes and biome shifts, species migration, extinction, and loss of biodiversity. Lecture three hours, laboratory two hours. (Global Learning Opportunity Course)

GHY 1020: Exploring People and Places Globally (formerly "Geographic Diversity and Globalization") (3) F;S - General Education: Social Science Designation; Liberal Studies Experience - The exploration of our contemporary world through the geographic lens of its people and places. Examination of global issues, including population, race, technology and culture change, rural versus urban development, the environment and climate, international trade, political identity, and international conflict. (Global Learning Opportunity Course)

GHY 1040: Human Geography and Social Justice (formerly "Introduction to Human Geography") (3) F;S - General Education: Social Science Designation; Liberal Studies Experience - This is an introductory course that examines the spatial patterns of human society. The course emphasizes social justice by fostering an understanding of the economic systems, the welfare state and societal structures that contribute to inequalities. Students will also gain insight into policies relating to global challenges such as climate change, poverty and economic development. The geographical perspective is valuable in helping us interpret and critically examine events and socio-cultural issues throughout the world.

GHY 2200: National Park Approaches to Animal Preservation (3) F - General Education: Literary Studies Designation; Social Science Designation; Integrative Learning Experience (Theme: “Human-Animal Bond”) - This course will focus on national parks, both domestic and international, and how these spaces are used by humans to protect, observe, and celebrate animals. We will explore the relatively recent emergence of “national parks” and focus on the increased emphasis on national parks serving as animal preserves during the past century. Although students will be exposed to ideas and theories from a variety of disciplines, our overarching perspective will be the integrative perspective of the geographer, exploring the environmental change processes that underlie past, present and potential future approaches to protecting animals in national parks.

GHY 2300: Mountain Environments and People (formerly GHY 3140: "Mountain Geography") (3) F;S - General Education: Social Science Designation; Liberal Studies Experience - This course explores the significance of mountains with an overview of the important physical processes (e.g., mountain forming processes, mountain meteorology, biodiversity, avalanches, and glacial processes) and the study of the human dimensions of mountain environments (e.g., mountain peoples and cultures, human adaptation to mountains, sustainable mountain development, and health). Throughout the semester, case studies will be drawn from mountain regions around the world – especially the Appalachians, Andes, and Himalayas.

GHY 2310: Cartographic Design and Analysis (3) F;S - Maps are powerful tools for the communication and visualization of geographic data. This course provides an introduction to cartography, including the art, science, and technology of mapmaking and map use. The primary emphasis of the course is on the cartographic representation design of static maps for print and digital use. Students will use Adobe Illustrator to create a portfolio of original thematic maps and develop proficiency with data selection, classification, and symbolization. Course labs focus on the techniques for the conception, production, and dissemination of maps in the world today.

GHY 2500: Independent Study (1-4) F;S

GHY 2700: Food Justice: Geographic Perspectives (formerly GHY 3700) (3) F;S - General Education: Social Science Designation; Integrative Learning Experience (Theme: “Revolutions: Social and Political”) - We are undergoing a Food Justice revolution as food systems respond to climate change. This course examines the critical role of Food Justice in the political, social, and cultural revolutions in bringing change to human society. What foods we produce, and what foods we consume, are dictated by the specific conditions of place and our shared values. This course will take a broad view of food production and consumption with an eye towards issues of global sustainability, gender, and justice. While remaining mindful of the global context of food, we will be taking advantage of our location in the southern Appalachians, many of the examples we use in this class will be rooted in the specifics of Watauga County, North Carolina.

GHY 2812: Geospatial Technology in a Changing World (3) F;S - An introduction to geospatial data and technology used by geographers, planners and others. This includes the collection, management and output of geospatial data. Topics include computing fundamentals, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Global Positioning System (GPS), remote sensing, and database management systems. (Same as PLN 2812.)

GHY 3000: Communicating Geographic Information (3) F;S - General Education: Junior Writing in the Discipline (WID) - This course introduces students to writing styles in geography and provides practice with written and oral communication skills in a variety of academic and professional contexts. Students will critically evaluate geographic writing and oral presentations, use writing as a means of enhancing clarity of thought and depth of knowledge in geography, and communicate effectively in academic and professional settings.

GHY 3005: Global Health and Diseases (formerly GHY 4005: "Geography of Health and Disease") (3) S - General Education: Social Science Designation; Integrative Learning Experience (Theme: “How We Know What We Know About The Past: Method, Evidence, Knowledge”) - This course examines the geographical dimensions of health and disease, emphasizing global diseases and domestic public health issues. Topics in this course range from the effects of the physical environment on diseases, to rural community health care, to global pandemics. The focus of this course will be on the geographical patterns of health and disease from the viewpoint of populations and public health, rather than individuals. 

GHY 3011: Europe Past and Present (3) S - General Education: Junior Writing in the Discipline (WID) - This course will explore the geography of the European region, including population, technology and culture change, rural versus urban development, the environment and climate, international trade, political identity, and international conflict.

GHY 3013: North Carolina (3) F;S - General Education: Social Science Designation; Liberal Studies Experience - This class considers the patterns of land and people in North Carolina. We will discuss topics that impact our lives daily here in North Carolina. These topics include, but aren’t limited to: environmental change, politics, race, economics, and our changing cultural landscape. In addition to studying the state's historical evolution, emphasis will be placed on contemporary problems facing the state. North Carolina's regional, national, and international contexts are discussed.

GHY 3014: Geography of Latin America (3) F - General Education: Social Science Designation; Integrative Learning Experience (Theme: “Las Americas”) - This course stresses the diversity of physical environments, cultural traditions, and economic activities within Latin America and places special emphasis on the unique approaches that geographers bring to the study of this region. This course develops understanding of spatial patterns in Latin America through current readings, class discussions, lectures, slides, and videos.

GHY 3016: Place and the American South (formerly "Geography of the American South") (3) F;S - General Education: Social Science Designation; Integrative Learning Experience (Theme: “American Life: Past and Present”) - This class will evaluate various images and interpretations as we try to understand the influence of the American South on American cultural identity. Students will explore the origins, development, and diffusion of the concepts of race, and the social, cultural, and geographical manifestations of race in different American South regions and during different historical periods. Topics include colonial settlement, spatial patterns of slavery and race, regional folk culture, geopolitics, place, globalization and social change. (Global Learning Opportunity Course)

GHY 3017: Mediterranean Empires and Globalization (formerly "Spain and North Africa") (3) F - General Education: Social Science Designation; Integrative Learning Experience (Theme: “From Empire to Globalization”) - This course explores Spain, Portugal, and North Africa history of empire, colonial expansion, culture, politics, and society, as well as their transitions to post-colonial global societies. This course also focuses on critical periods, events, and socio-political forces that substantially influenced these countries and demonstrate their role as one of Europe’s key links to North Africa and Latin America. Particular attention is given to human relations as they are influenced by social, economic and political institutions, spatial and geographical factors, and the events and social and cultural forces at play in the contemporary world.

GHY 3100: Weather and Climate (3) S - Students will learn how to observe and forecast weather events and their impacts. This course also demonstrates the interactions between human activities, weather, and climate.

GHY 3110: Ecoregions and Dynamic Landforms (3) F - The course examines changes in natural and human environments that are illustrative of the broad principles of physical geography. Students will apply laboratory and field methods to analyze changing environments around the world. The course is a comprehensive study of our physical earth, emphasizing the patterns and interrelations of natural vegetation and landforms in North America and globally. Students will study the interactions between physical systems and human activities, and human effects on environmental quality and sustainability.

GHY 3130: Geography of Biodiversity (3) S - The study of past and present geographic patterns of biodiversity. The course focuses on the living environment, emphasizing the physical and ecological conditions and processes that influence the distributions of organisms, communities, and ecosystems. Topics include past climates and continental configurations, dispersal and invasion, patterns of speciation and extinction, biodiversity, and application of biogeographic concepts of environmental conservation.

GHY 3210: Economic Geography (3) S - The geographic analysis of world economic systems, regions and patterns, as affected by interrelationships between both human and physical variables. Emphasis will be equally divided between theoretical and real-world patterns. Specific subjects of study include agriculture, manufacturing, services, transportation, urban/rural relationships, international markets and trade, and cultural differences in economic patterns. Recommended for business majors and required for geography majors.

GHY 3230: Political Geography and Society (formerly GHY 4230: "Political Geography") (3) F - General Education: Social Science Designation; Integrative Learning Experience (Theme: “Social Relations Across Contexts”) - This course explores spatial and societal aspects of territoriality, boundaries, voting patterns, nationalism, migration, government programs and governance, formation of political units, political development and integration, environmental policy and natural resources, and society. The course focuses on the relationships among politics, geography, and societal membership (i.e., how individuals and societies make sense of the world via associations of political and moral values).

GHY 3310: Environmental Remote Sensing (3) F - An introduction to remote sensing technologies used for environmental and geographic analysis. Topics include aerial photo interpretation, satellite sensors, analysis of satellite imagery, thermal and radar sensors, and applications of remote sensing technology for vegetation, hydrology, landform, settlement, and economic development studies. Lecture two hours, laboratory two hours.

GHY 3320: Environmental Issues in Appalachia (3) F - General Education: Junior Writing in the Discipline (WID) - This course offers a systematic study of the physical and cultural setting of Appalachia. Topics include weather and climate, landforms, soils, vegetation, population, settlement and resource use. Emphasis is placed on the various interactions between people and their environment (e.g. air and water pollution, accelerated erosion, landslides). Field trips will be taken. 

GHY 3500: Independent Study (1-4) F;S

GHY 3510: Advanced Honors Seminar in Geography (3) S - Seminar on selected geographic topics. Enrollment by invitation of the Department or by application. Barring repetitive content, qualified students may repeat course once. For enrollees, this course may substitute for the appropriate Geography elective.

GHY 3520: Instructional Assistance (1) F;S - A supervised experience in the instructional process on the university level through direct participation in a classroom situation. May be repeated for a total credit of three semester hours. Graded on an S/U basis.

GHY 3530-3549: Selected Topics (1-4) - On Demand

GHY 3600: Snow and Ice (formerly "Climate Change, Snow and Ice") (3) F - Students will acquire the scientific background and develop the skills necessary to understand elements of snow science, sea/lake ice, and glacier processes. Topics will include: Arctic sea ice decline, alpine glacier change, sea level rise, ice cores, high-mountain environments, climate-glacier interactions, snow particle formation, climatology of snow, ski industry, and projections of future climate change impacts on the cryosphere.

GHY 3800: Introduction to Quantitative Methods (3) F;S - This course will introduce students to a suite of statistical methods used to address research and applied problems in the fields of geography and planning. The course will include discussions of geographic data, sampling techniques, probability theory, parametric/non-parametric techniques in hypothesis testing, and introductory spatial statistics. Classes will address conceptual and theoretical aspects of each technique in conjunction with manual and software-based analyses of geographic data. (Same as PLN 3800.)

GHY 3812: Geographic Information Systems (3) F;S.- The course covers principles of geographic information science and applied practice with geographic information systems (GIS). Emphasis will be on the primary functions of GIS use, map design, and spatial analysis relevant to social and environmental issues through laboratory exercises and projects. The course is comprised of both lecture and laboratory components for three hours a week.

GHY 3820: GIS for the Environmental and Social Sciences (3) F - The application of geographic information science (GIS) to the environmental and social sciences. Topics include geospatial data, coordinate systems, cartographic design, remote sensing, and spatial analysis. Lab exercises complement classroom lecture and discussion. An independent project will allow students to apply GIS concepts and skills to a research topic in their discipline.

GHY 4510: Senior Honors Thesis (1-4) On Demand - Independent study and research for an end product, the honors thesis; directed by a member of the geography faculty, supported by one additional faculty member who may be external to the department. Enrollment by qualified applicants only. For enrollees, this course may substitute for a Geography & Planning free elective or other course as agreed upon by the Geography & Planning Honors Advisor.

GHY 4530-49: Selected Topics (3) - On Demand

GHY 4620: Atmospheric Circulation (3) F. Alternate Years - This course focuses on atmospheric circulation at multiple spatial scales. Basic meteorological elements and concepts such as precipitation formation, jet streams, cyclogenesis, and extreme weather are discussed. The course also investigates the major teleconnection patterns of El Niño-Southern Oscillation, Arctic Oscillation, and Madden-Julian Oscillation and their associated regional and global impacts.

GHY 4810: Satellites, Drones, and Spatial Analysis (formerly "Digital Image Processing") (3) S - Remote Sensing data, including image or other formats of data have been acquired for Earth’s surface by different airborne and spaceborne systems, in order to extract useful information in a variety of disciplines for practical applications. This course introduces the processing of multispectral, hyperspectral imagery and LiDAR 3D point clouds for environmental applications. This course also introduces the procedures of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) -based data collection and the processing. The topics include an introduction to theory, processing and information retrieval, an overview of platforms and instrumentation, and field data collection and sensor validation.

GHY 4812: GIS Analysis and Modeling (formerly "Advanced GIS") (3) F;S - Geographic Information Systems (GIS) provide powerful capabilities for modeling real-world phenomena in support of decision-making and in scientific research. This advanced GIS course will focus on concepts and strategies for raster modeling within a GIS. Objectives of the course include understanding fundamental and advanced GIS analysis methods, and the application of spatial concepts and procedures through computer-based exercises and projects.

GHY 4816: GIScience and Water Resources (3) F;S - This course provides an overview of the contribution that GIScience (including GIS, remote sensing and other geospatial technologies) can make in addressing the spatial representation and analysis of water resources problems. This course takes a geocomputational approach to linking GIS and remote sensing software and data with water resources models to represent space-time processes. The geocomputational linkage with watershed and flood modeling will be explored.

GHY 4818: Web Mapping (formerly GHY 3814) (3) S - Maps are ubiquitous in today’s world. They are increasingly developed and delivered over the web for use on a variety of devices, ranging from desktop to tablet to mobile. This course focuses on the design of interactive web maps that provide user exploration of geographic data over the open web. Lecture content is drawn from research in interactive cartography and geovisualization as well as user-centered design as it relates to web maps. Students will produce an original portfolio of web mapping applications using the Leaflet mapping library and JavaScript programming language, as opposed to proprietary software that is offered in other GIS courses. Programming experience is recommended but not required.

GHY 4820: Geographical Hydrology (3) S - The study of the occurrence and movement of water on the earth, with a focus on applications of surface hydrology. Water movement through the hydrologic cycle, flood analysis, and water use/water policy are emphasized.

GHY 4830: Professional Development in Geography and Planning (3) F;S - General Education: Capstone Experience - This course provides a capstone experience for graduating geography majors, with a balance between academic and practical experiences. Topics covered include: resume design and cover letter writing, portfolio development, preparation for job interviews, internship experiences, graduate school opportunities, and what it means to be a geographer. (Same as PLN 4830.)

GHY 4900: Internship in Geography & Planning (3-12) F;S - The internship emphasizes field work in the areas of locational analysis, environmental assessment and impact, and/or land use planning and is conducted jointly with an appropriate public or private agency. The type of internship, location of field experience, and sponsoring agency must be satisfactory to the student and to the department. Graded on an S/U basis. A research paper is required. (Same as PLN 4900.)

Planning Courses

PLN 2410: Town, City and Regional Planning (3) F;S - General Education: Social Science Designation; Liberal Studies Experience - Towns and cities grow and change, ideally in an equitable and sustainable manner. Planners rely on a variety of tools that help to guide the growth of rural and urban areas, touching upon social, economic and environmental systems and problems. This course introduces students to the world of planning - its history, what works, what doesn’t, and how people get involved in this process. (Global Learning Opportunity Course)

PLN 2500: Independent Study (1-4) F;S

PLN 2812: Geospatial Technology in a Changing World (3) F;S - An introduction to geospatial data and technology used by geographers, planners and others. This includes the collection, management and output of geospatial data. Topics include computing fundamentals, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Global Positioning System (GPS), remote sensing, and database management systems. Lecture two hours, laboratory two hours. (Same as GHY 2812.)

PLN 3040: What is Community? (3) S - General Education: Social Science Designation; Integrative Learning Experience (Theme: “Social Relations Across Contexts”) - This course highlights how people share a common interest, background, or purpose that gives them a sense of cohesion. Major topics explored include poverty across socio-economic groups, environmental justice and equity, physical systems (utilities, transport, other infrastructure), economic revitalization, and participatory community planning.

PLN 3432: Planning Techniques (4) S - General Education: Junior Writing in the Discipline (WID) - The course helps students develop skills and knowledge of planning methods and learn techniques that planners use to accomplish tasks in the planning office. The class combines formal lectures, discussion, and in-class exercises.

PLN 3500: Independent Study (1-4) F;S

PLN 3510: Advanced Honors Seminar in Planning (3) S - Seminar on selected community and regional planning topics. Enrollment by invitation of the Department or by application. For enrollees, this course may substitute for the appropriate Planning elective.

PLN 3520: Instructional Assistance (1) F;S - A supervised experience in the instructional process on the university level through direct participation in a classroom situation. May be repeated for a total credit of three semester hours. Graded on an S/U basis.

PLN 3530-3549: Selected Topics (1-4) - On Demand.

PLN 3730: Land, Property, and Law (3) F - General Education: Social Science Designation; Integrative Learning Experience (Theme: “How We Know What We Know About The Past: Method, Evidence, Knowledge”) - We will explore traditional and not-so-traditional land use regulation tools and examine how they are used to organize, control, and foster growth and creativity in the built environment of the United States. Students will discuss and research topics such as property rights, due process and equal protection, the First Amendment, and affordable housing. This course will introduce the constitutional framework that shapes land use regulation. 

PLN 3800: Introduction to Quantitative Methods (3) F;S - This course will introduce students to a suite of statistical methods used to address research and applied problems in the fields of geography and planning. The course will include discussions of geographic data, sampling techniques, probability theory, parametric/ non-parametric techniques in hypothesis testing, and introductory spatial statistics. Classes will address conceptual and theoretical aspects of each technique in conjunction with manual and software-based analyses of geographic data. (Same as GHY 3800).

PLN 4030: Planning for Climate Resilience (3) F - City planners have many tools to address the impacts of local growth, environmental protection, economics and social equity. What is currently lacking are plans that account for climate change and build the capacity for resilience and adaptation in the face of the negative outcomes. In this course, we will gain a better understanding of climate change and the ways in which the cultural and political discourse influences our capability to address the climate change challenge at the local, regional, national and international level.

PLN 4240: Sustainable Transportation Planning (3) F - Not all transportation is cars. In order to create a sustainable transportation system planners understand how a transportation network that supports transit, biking, walking and cars in an interconnected and equitable manner can connect the built environment. Major topics include transportation policy and planning, environmental implications of transportation decisions, equity, technology, non-motorized and group travel modes, active living and active travel, public health and strong communities, and emerging models.

PLN 4425: Task-Oriented Group Facilitation Methods (3) S - Develop leadership and group facilitation skills through hands-on instruction that demonstrates how to conduct focused conversations, lead workshops, and accomplish action planning. Application opportunities using these skills include community development, organizational planning, education, government, and other occasions when people want to actively participate in the creation of their own futures.

PLN 4450: Inside the Sustainable City (3) S - This course explores the systems, planning practices, and individuals and organizations across sectors that make towns and cities work. The course considers examples-successes, failures and the more common mixed outcomes-of planning for sustainable communities, characterized by healthy environments, social justice and equity, and strong diverse economies. Major themes include poverty and wealth, production and consumption, conservation and ecosystem services, technology harnessed for sustainability, and individual and collective action. Systems studied include water, energy, waste, transportation, agriculture, construction and design, finance, education, governance, and more.

PLN 4460: Environmental Policy and Planning (3) S - This course familiarizes students with the philosophical, legal, and institutional foundations of environmental policy and planning in the United States. Students will have the opportunity to study policies and planning tools for federal, state, and local agencies.

PLN 4510: Senior Honors Thesis (1-4) F;S - Independent study and research for the honors thesis; directed by a member of the planning faculty, supported by one additional faculty member who may be external to the department. Enrollment by qualified applicants only. For enrollees, this course may substitute for a Geography & Planning free elective or other course as agreed upon by the Geography & Planning Honors Advisor.

PLN 4530-49: Selected Topics (3) - On Demand

PLN 4700: Planners in Action (3) S - Students in this advanced community-engaged research workshop will apply planning knowledge and skills to a client-identified problem or need. Students will identify required resources, write a scope of work with a time-line, collect and analyze data, and produce a report with findings and recommendations, along with a presentation for the client, and other products as needed. Students will interact with the client at several points during the semester and generate deliverables targeted for professional planning and general public audiences. Open to planning majors; others by permission of the instructor.

PLN 4830: Professional Development in Geography and Planning (3) F;S - General Education: Capstone Experience - This course provides a capstone experience for graduating planning majors, with a balance between academic and practical experiences. Topics covered include: resume design and cover letter writing, portfolio development, preparation for job interviews, internship experiences, graduate school opportunities, and what it means to be a planner. 

PLN 4900: Internship in Geography & Planning (3-12) F;S - The internship emphasizes field work in the areas of locational analysis, environmental assessment and impact, and/or land use planning and is conducted jointly with an appropriate public or private agency. The type of internship, location of field experience, and sponsoring agency must be satisfactory to the student and to the department. Graded on an S/U basis. A research paper is required. (Same as GHY 4900.)