ENVS 1105
Maymester 2008
Dr. Harlan J. Hendricks
Associate Professor of Biology
ENVS 1105
Maymester 2008
Dr. Harlan J. Hendricks
Associate Professor of Biology
Office Hours: Room 157, Lenoir Science Hall; MTWR, 12:30-1:00; or by appointment
Phone: 706-568-2069
E-mail: hendricks_harlan@colstate.edu
An examination of the scientific components of environmental studies, including the interactions of biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Primary focus will be on issues related to scientific principles and concepts, human population, global environmental problems (biodiversity and warming), air and water pollution, natural resources and resource management, and the historical, social, and political issues related to the environment.
 | Environmental Science: A Global Concern, 9th ed.; by Cunningham, Cunningham & Saigo; 2007; McGraw Hill, Boston. ISBN 0073218812 |
Learning Outcomes
As a result of this course the student will understand...
| how nature works in terms of basic scientific principles. |
| the relationships between humans and the environment. |
| major environmental problems including their causes and consequences. |
| possible solutions to environmental problems and their pros and cons. |
| Complete preparatory reading assignments listed in the lecture and provided in class |
| Participate in all class sessions |
| Complete 3 lecture exams, write a critique on a reported environmental issue, and participate in classroom discussions. |
The attendance policy for this course follows that outlined in the current Columbus State University Catalog; however, I highly recommend that you attend every scheduled meeting. According to this policy, you may be absent no more than 9 hours; otherwise, an excessive absence form will be submitted to the Registrar and a grade of "WF" given. It is the student's responsibility to obtain the course content, assignments, and changes to the lecture calendar that are presented at each session.
Methods of Assessment / Grading System
Your final grade will based on the number of points accumulated after completing 3 non-comprehensive lecture examinations, a critique on a reported current environmental issue, and contributions to an online discussion board. The point value of each is given below.
Exams. You will have three non-comprehensive examinations which includes the final exam. Each examination is designed to incorporate several methods of questioning which include short answer, multiple choice, true-false, fill-in-the-blank, and matching. Spelling, especially that of scientific terminology, is graded.
Make-up exams. Make-up exams will be given only acceptable documentation that explains the absence (e.g., doctor's excuse) is provided to the instructor prior to the exam or within 24 hours following. This documentation must be on official letterhead, dated, and signed. All makeup exams will be administered on Monday, June 2, at a time determined by the instructor. Makeup exams are not the same version as those taken at the regularly scheduled time; moreover, they typically contain fewer questions of greater value.Critique. It is important to think for oneself about current issues, including those related to the environment. Nearly every day one can find news in the media related to environmental problems that range from local concerns to global issues. For this reason, I am requiring that each of you write a comprehensive critique on an environmental issue reported in the printed media (e.g., newspaper, magazine, scientific journal). The article should be full-length (i.e., not a news brief), and no electronic sources can be used. Those critiques using online sources will not be graded. The topic can be local, regional, or global in scope. The possibilities are endless, ranging from specific environmental problems to environmental regulations.
Your critique should provide a summary of the article, assess the validity of the information provided in the source, and include your opinion on the issue. The summary of information should be comprehensive, but brief. Avoid using direct quotations and be careful not to plagiarize. Ask yourself the following questions when critiquing the article. Are the statements made by the writer(s) or by an expert? Are they objective interpretations of empirical evidence, or are they subjective opinions? Are facts provided? Is most of the information propaganda? Is there any reason to believe the writer is biased? Very useful information related to critiquing articles can be found at Questions to Ask when Examining a Position and at Propaganda Alert.
The critique should be 1-2 pages long, double-spaced, using 12 pt. font. Your first paragraph should include information on your reference including: author names (indicate if not), title of article, source name (e.g., National Geographic), print date, and inclusive pages. The deadline for submission is the beginning of class on June 2. Content, spelling, and grammar will be graded. The submitted assignment is to be your own work, and plagiarism is prohibited. The penalty for submitting someone else's work or plagiarizing will result in a "0" grade on the assignment, and a possible grade reduction in the class. Also note that reports without full reference information and reports from online sources will not be graded (ask me about exceptions).What Do You Think? Another exercise in independent thinking can be found throughout the textbook in “What Do You Think?” essays. Each essay addresses a current case study and is followed with several thought-provoking questions. I will select some of these essays and begin discussion threads in CougarView. It is your responsibility to make at least one significant contribution to at least 3 different essay threads. Minimally a contribution should address a question or comment already in the thread, but you are encouraged to expand on your own thoughts and introduce new questions related to the topic. A simple “I agree” or “I disagree” will not do. Remember “to think purposively, analytically, and clearly,” and to be respectful of others. The deadline for the contributions is Friday, May 30.
Grade Distribution |
|
Points |
|
| Lecture Exam I | 120 |
| Lecture Exam II | 120 |
| Lecture Exam III | 120 |
| "What Do You Think?" Contributions |
15 |
| Current Environmental Issues Report | 30 |
Total |
405 |
Final Grade Scale |
||
| A = 90-100% | C = 70-79% | F £ 59% |
| B = 80-89% | D = 60-69% | |
Note: do not ask me if I have the tests graded. As much as you and I wish to know of your examination scores as soon as possible, do not expect to receive this information the next day. Your instructor has other responsibilities and grading takes time. This information is not being withheld from you, and it will be given to you when completed.
Note: do not call or e-mail me for grades. Foremost there are confidential and security issues concerning phone and e-mail use. Also, finals week is a busy time for everyone, including your instructor. Calling about final test and final course grades only causes interruptions that delay the grading of exams. Your final grade will be submitted to the Registrar's office before the submission deadline. At the time of submission, your final grade is accessible online through ISIS. If you wish to discuss your final test grade or final course grade in person, we can do so following finals week. I do not post grades, nor do I provide them over the phone or e-mail.
Tests are retained by the instructor for up to one semester if at any time they need to be viewed.
Policy and Procedure for Course Withdrawal
You may drop this course by submitting a Request for Withdrawal from Courses form in ISIS. The dropped course becomes a part of your academic record if you withdraw after the last day to change course schedules. A grade of “W” will be assigned for withdrawal forms submitted to the Office of the Registrar by the midpoint of the semester unless a grade of “WF” has been assigned already for excessive absence. A grade of “WF” will be assigned if the withdrawal form is submitted after the midpoint of the semester.
If you have a documented disability as described by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (P.L. 933-112 Section 504) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and would like to request academic and/or physical accommodations please contact the Office of Disability Services in the Center for Academic Support and Student Retention, Tucker Hall (706) 568-2330, as soon as possible. Course requirements will not be waived but reasonable accommodations may be provided as appropriate.
This page was created by Harlan J. Hendricks. Last modified on 05/13/08