Course Information

Course Description

Program & Major Connections

This course currently meets all or part of the following requirements for a degree:

• GEOG 30763: Economic Geography is an upper-division course that counts toward the Geography BA Major, Geography BS Major, and the Geography Minor.
Also counts toward several degree plans in the Economics Department and Interdisciplinary Studies.
• Contact your academic advisor to make sure the class counts for your specific degree plan.

Required Materials

• Textbook: Coe, Kelly and Yeung, 2019. Economic Geography: A Contemporary Introduction, 3rd edition
  • ISBN-13: 978-1119389552
  • ISBN-10: 1119389550
• Access to a computer with Microsoft Office
• Students will be provided with a trial copy of ArcGIS to use on their personal computers
• Remote access to on-campus lab computers with ArcGIS Pro available through TCU IT department
• Additional readings provided through TCU Online
• Webcam or smartphone camera for video reflections
• Reliable internet connection for accessing course materials and submitting assignments

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

On completion of the semester, students will be able to demonstrate that they:

• Understand the main characteristics of the capitalist economy and its relations to unevenness through a geographic lens
• Understand how economic processes must be analyzed within the context of global and local environmental, socio-cultural, and political processes
• Understand the main factors which influence the way in which local economies function and develop and how local conditions interact with regional, national and global influences
• Are able to apply the factors to understanding the local impact of changes in particular industries and the development of particular local economies
• Are familiar with the particular policies employed by various economic actors (e.g. government, corporations, labor) to influence economic activity and outcomes at multiple scales (e.g. global, national, metropolitan, neighborhood)

Skills Development

On completion of the semester, students will be able to demonstrate that they:

• Are capable of thinking and writing critically about economic processes
• Are able to analyze economic activity from a geographic perspective
• Are able to discuss the nature and causes of uneven economic development at multiple scales
• Have basic understanding of, and experience using, particular research methods used in geography
• Have developed a very basic familiarity with the ArcGIS software platform and how to use those programs to analyze the spatial dimensions of economic activity
• Have a basic understanding of qualitative research methods used in geography, and will have experience conducting participant observation
• Can design and complete an independent research project

Course Requirements & Grading

Course Policies

Attendance & Participation

Regular attendance and active participation are essential for success in this course. This is an in-person class that relies on discussion, collaborative activities, and peer learning. Missing class means missing opportunities to engage with course material and your peers.

• Attendance is taken at the beginning of each class
• Excessive absences will negatively impact your participation grade
• If you must miss class, notify the instructor in advance and review missed material

Email Communication

Email is the best way to reach the instructor. Please format emails professionally:

• Be clear: Use a clear, specific subject line and include your name and course title
• Be professional: Use appropriate salutation and avoid slang or profanity
• Be reasonable: Expect responses within 24 hours on weekdays; weekend emails will be returned on Monday

Artificial Intelligence (AI) - Ethical Considerations

This course has been intentionally designed with "AI-resistant" assignments that require personal reflection, local observation, original fieldwork, and authentic engagement with your geographic context. These assignments cannot be meaningfully completed by AI.

• Video reflections must show your face and voice
• StoryMaps require original photography and local fieldwork
• GIS labs require hands-on software use and spatial analysis
• Group projects include peer review and collaborative elements

Misuse of AI to complete assignments will be considered academic misconduct and reported according to TCU policies.

Academic Integrity

All work submitted must be your own. Plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated and will result in disciplinary action according to TCU policies.

Important Dates

Rescheduling of Finals Policy

According to the Faculty/Staff Handbook "Rescheduling of Finals": Rescheduling a final arrangement must be made one week prior to the last day of classes. Rescheduling of final examinations is permitted:

• For meeting the 3-exams in 24-hour rule, OR
• For graduating seniors whose faculty members must submit final grades by Wednesday 5pm of finals week

Unless the student is graduating, the exam must be taken during final examination week.

Student Resources & Support

Teaching Philosophy & Methodology

Complete Syllabus (PDF)

View the complete syllabus below or download the PDF.