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ERSC 105 (Section A), Earth Science Class Information (Fall 2008) |
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Prerequisites: |
None |
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Class Time: |
Lecture: M W F, 8:00, Hickman Science Center Rm. 113 (Hefferlin Amphitheater) |
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Instructor: |
Dr. |
I am generally available for questions if my
door is open, or you may make an appointment. Also see the link to “My
Schedule” in eClass. |
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< Jump to…
Course Policies :: Grading
:: Resources :: Assignment
Details > |
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Course Description: |
A
non-mathematical and qualitative introduction, for non-science majors, to the
areas of physical geography, geology, and meteorology. Special consideration
is given the environment – conservation or pollution of natural resources.
(2008/09 SAU Catalog, 266) |
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Textbook: |
The
Good Earth, 1e, McConnell, et al,
McGraw-Hill (2008) |
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Objectives: |
As part of the General Education
curriculum, this class has objectives that go beyond learning a specific set
of information. Students will probe the relationships between ideas and the
world around us through the “lens” of the scientific process. Broadly, the student goals are:
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Outline of Topics: |
The goals above
will be address in the context of the following topics.
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GENERAL COURSE POLICIES: |
< Jump to…
Course Description :: Grading :: Resources
:: Assignment Details > |
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Academic Honesty: |
You are
encouraged to discuss and work on assignments with classmates. However, all individually submitted work should
be your own – your format and written in your own words, which reflect your
understanding of the material. Students
found cheating on an assignment, quiz or test will receive a score of zero
for that assignment, quiz or test. (See Academic Honesty, 2007/08 SAU
Catalog, 43) |
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Classroom Dress: |
If you haven’t
yet done so, please read Southern’s Dress Code
(Student Handbook, 58-59). It is part of the culture of this campus and plays
a role in maintaining a quality learning environment. You are expected to
dress appropriately in this class. |
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E-mail: |
Each student is expected to
have a Southern email account, and check it regularly. To protect student
privacy, I will only mail announcements and grades to a Southern account. |
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Disabilities: |
In keeping with University policy, any
student with a disability who needs academic accommodations must call
Disability Support Services at 236-2574 or stop by Lynn Wood Hall, room 308,
to arrange a confidential appointment with the Disability Services
Coordinator (DSC) before or during the first week of classes. (Students
who request accommodations after the third week of the semester should not
depend on receiving accommodations for that semester. Legally, no
retroactive accommodations can be provided. For more details, visit the
Disability Support Services Web site at http://dss.southern.edu/
.) |
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Classroom Response System (clickers): |
A classroom response system (CRS) is used
in this class for quizzes and polls. This allows both the instructor and
students to get instant feedback about student understanding of the material.
Each student should have a clicker and take good care of it just as they
would any personal property. If it doesn’t function properly, the student is
responsible for getting the problem resolved as soon as possible. If you
experience a problem, please let me know immediately, so I can assist you in
this process. At the end of the semester, if you don’t
wish to keep your clicker, you may sell it during book buyback at the Campus
Shop (if that is where you bought it). |
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Use of Turnitin.com: |
In order to help students understand and
avoid plagiarism, Southern has subscribed to a service which checks submitted
papers and generates an “originality report” which is available to both the
instructor and the student. Some of the assignments are to be submitted using
this service available at www.turnitin.com.
Further instructions will be sent via email regarding how to log on and
submit papers. All assignments submitted via turnitin.com
must have your NAME or STUDENT ID and the ASSIGNMENT TITLE in the MAIN TEXT
OF THE FILE you submit to receive proper credit. |
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< Jump to…
Course Description :: Course Policies :: Resources
:: Assignment Details > |
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Grades: |
Exams (5 section exams) – 60% of
final grade Please note the date and time for our final exam on the Assignment Schedule, and make your work and vacation
plans accordingly. Academic Administration will grant approval for variance
from the published exam schedule only
in cases of verified, serious, illness or a death in the immediate family.
Academic Administration may, in case of exceptional and unavoidable
circumstances, approve a variance, in consultation with the professor of this
course. A $65 processing fee may be assessed. Quizzes – 5% of final grade Observation Assignments — 15% of
final grade Critical Thinking Exercises – 10% of
final grade |
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Grade Cutoffs: |
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Late Work: |
In general assigned work is due by the
beginning of class on the indicated day and is not accepted after that time. This includes assignments due during a
scheduled field trip or school-related outing. Please plan accordingly and make
arrangements with me, if needed, prior
to your absence (See 2007/08 SAU Catalog, 45). If you feel that an
exception is warranted, fill out a “Late Assignment Submission Form” and
submit it with your late assignment. Late work will not be considered for
credit without the accompanying LASF. |
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RESOURCES: |
< Jump to…
Course Description :: Course Policies :: Grading
:: Assignment Details > |
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Study Tips: |
How you approach studying for this class
can make a big difference in what you get out of it. Here are some tips that seem to have helped
students over the years I have taught the course. 1.
Read the applicable sections of the
textbook BEFORE class. Carefully read the “Key Points” at the beginning of each section and keep
them in mind as you read. Study
figures and illustrations carefully – there is usually lots of information
in them and they will help you visualize the written material. If you are
familiar with the material before it is covered in class, you will likely
remember the discussion in class better. 2.
Honestly self-assess what you understand, and what you don’t. Answer the “Comprehension Surveys” in each section. Review “The Big Picture” section at the end
of each chapter, recalling as much detail about each topic as you can and
noting relationships between ideas.
Explain topics orally to someone or write a summary. Remember that connecting the information
you learn into a coherent framework is just as important as the information
itself. 3.
Give yourself ample time outside of class to study and think about the
material. A simple guideline is an hour a day (or 5 - 6 hours per week).
Based on your reading abilities and comprehension skills, you can adjust that
up or down. Schedule this time on your
weekly calendar. 4.
Make sure your brain is functioning
well. Adequate sleep, exercise and water are the
best recipe for a clear mind. 5.
Make use of resources. The Office of Learning Support Services
offers seminars and offers other resources to sharpen your learning skills. Study with someone who will hold you
accountable. Your class groups might
be a good place to start. Make use of optional study resources mentioned in class or in the textbook for areas you
feel you don’t understand as well. |
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Tutoring: |
Departmental tutors are available Sunday
through Thursday evenings (~7:30 - 9pm) in the Physics Library (HSC104). The
Office of Learning Support Services also provides free tutoring services by
certified tutors. |
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< Jump to…
Course Description :: Course Policies :: Grading
:: Resources > |
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Outside Observations: |
It is very important in a science course that
information from “experts” is accompanied by direct observation. Careful
observation is needed in order to draw valid conclusions. These assignments give
you the opportunity to make and report on careful observations. You are encouraged to work with other
students in the observation, but the reports should be your own work. |
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Sun Pole Shadow |
[10 pts: Complete first by Sept. 8, 2008,
second between Dec. 1 and Dec. 8] |
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Moon sketches |
[20 pts: One due in each of four
consecutive weeks, starting with the second week] |
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Geology observations |
[15
pts] |
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Water/erosion observation |
[15
pts] |
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Weather observation |
[15 pts] 1.
Record the
10-day forecast for your area. (See www.wunderground.com
or www.weather.com) 2.
Determine a
scoring scheme that anyone could use to determine the accuracy of the
forecast. Post a description of your
scheme on the Discussion Board. 3.
Make
observations over the next ten days that will let you evaluate the
accuracy. Use the Weather Survey form
if you wish, or device your own record keeping system. 4.
At the end of
ten days, submit your data via the homework drop box. 5.
Post a summary
of your findings on the Discussion Board. |
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Critical Thinking Project: |
This assignment will consist of a series of
essays. More details will be given in
class and noted on the Discussion Board in eClass. |
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Last updated by Chris Hansen on August 28, 2008