Course Resources
Everything you need to succeed in Economic Geography.
This page provides access to software, technical guides, writing resources, data sources, and student support services. Bookmark this page for quick access throughout the semester.
GIS Software & Technical Support
ArcGIS Pro
Professional GIS software used throughout the course
- Download & Installation
- Getting Started Guide
- ESRI Training Modules
- Student licenses provided
ArcGIS Online & StoryMaps
Web-based mapping and storytelling platform
ESRI Business Analyst
Professional market analysis and site selection tools
- Business Analyst Overview
- Training Modules
- Used in Lab 4
- Professional skills development
TCU IT Support
Technical assistance for software and systems
- Help Desk: 817-257-5855
- Email: helpdesk@tcu.edu
- Remote lab computer access
- Software installation support
- Campus lab locations
Economic & Geographic Data Sources
U.S. Government Data
- Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment data
- U.S. Census Bureau - Demographic & economic data
- Bureau of Economic Analysis - Economic statistics
- Data.gov - Open government data
- American FactFinder - Census data tool
International & Global Data
- World Bank Open Data - Global development data
- IMF Data - International economic data
- WTO Statistics - Trade data
- OECD Statistics - Developed countries data
- UN Data - United Nations statistics
Writing & Research Support
TCU Writing Center
- Location: Rickel Building, Room 109
- Services: Free tutoring for all writing projects Brainstorming and organization help
- Draft review and feedback
- Citation and documentation assistance
- Schedule an appointment
TCU Library Resources
- Mary Couts Burnett Library
- Research databases and journals
- Geographic information resources
- Librarian consultations
- Interlibrary loan services
- Study spaces and resources
Citation Guides
- Chicago Manual of Style
- APA Style Guide
- Zotero - Citation management software Both Chicago and APA accepted for this course
Geographic Research Methods
Resources for conducting geographic research, fieldwork, and spatial analysis.
Fieldwork Resources
- Safety guidelines for field observations
- Note-taking and documentation techniques
- Photography best practices
- GPS and location recording
- Ethical considerations in research
Detailed guides available on TCU Online
Qualitative Methods
- Interview techniques
- Observation and ethnography
- Document analysis
- Coding and thematic analysis
- Writing up qualitative findings
Resources provided for research project
Recommended Books (Optional)
- Crang, M., & Cook, I. (2007). Doing Ethnographies. SAGE Publications.
- Clifford, N., et al. (2016). Key Methods in Geography, 3rd ed. SAGE Publications.
- Gomez, B., & Jones III, J.P. (2010). Research Methods in Geography. Wiley-Blackwell.
Available at TCU Library - not required but helpful for research project
TCU Student Support Services
Student Access & Accommodation
Support for students with documented disabilities
- Location: Jarvis Hall, Room 110
- Phone: 817-257-6567
- Email: accommodations@tcu.edu
- Visit Website
Counseling & Mental Health
Confidential counseling and support services
- Location: Campus Recreation Center, 3rd Floor
- Phone: 817-257-7233 Individual counseling
- Group therapy options
- Crisis support available 24/7
- Visit Website
Career Services
Job search, internships, and career planning
- Location: BLUU 2004
- Resume and cover letter help
- Interview preparation
- Internship opportunities
- Career counseling
- Visit Website
Academic Support
Tutoring and learning resources
- Center for Academic Support
- Free tutoring services
- Study skills workshops
- Time management resources Academic coaching
Professional Organizations & Websites
Geographic Organizations
Economic Geography Resources
- Economic Geography Journal
- Journal of Economic Geography
- CityLab - Urban issues
- Strong Towns - Urban development
Download Course Materials
Syllabus & Policies
Assignment Instructions
Lecture Slides
-
Available on individual chapter pages
Browse All Chapters
- PowerPoint format for note-taking
- Updated throughout semester
Study Tips & Success Strategies
How to Succeed in This Course
- Stay Organized: Keep track of deadlines using a calendar or planner
- Watch Lectures Actively: Take notes, pause to think, review difficult concepts
- Engage in Class: Participate in discussions, ask questions, connect with peers
- Start Assignments Early: Don't wait until the last minute, especially for GIS work
- Use Office Hours: Come talk with Dr. Crotty about questions or ideas
- Connect to Real Life: Look for economic geography concepts in your daily experiences
- Form Study Groups: Discuss concepts with classmates (but submit individual work)
- Take Care of Yourself: Manage stress, get enough sleep, ask for help when needed
Questions or Need Help?
Contact Dr. Crotty
- Email: sean.crotty@tcu.edu
- Office: SCHAR 2004C
- Office Hours: Wednesdays 12:30-1:30 PM (virtual)
- Response Time: Within 24 hours on weekdays
Don't hesitate to reach out with questions about course material, assignments, or your progress in the class.
Communication Tips
- Use clear, specific subject lines in emails
- Include your name and course number
- Use professional language
- Ask specific questions when possible
- Allow 24 hours for response (weekdays)
- Weekend emails answered Monday