Information

C/I 101D: The Environment: Issues and Choices

George M. Diggs, Jr.
Department of Biology and Center for Environmental Studies
Austin College, Sherman, Texas
& Research Associate, Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT), Fort Worth

Faculty; Dr. George Diggs, AC Phone: Ext. 2246, Home Phone (903) 868-1642
317 Moody Science, AC Suite 61564; e-mail: gdiggs@austincollege.edu
http://artemis.austincollege.edu/acad/bio/gdiggs/diggs.html
Office Hours: 1:30-2:30 M, Tu; Other times by appointment.

Student Leaders:
Nathan Drake, A.C. Suite 60517, e-mail: ndrake@austincollege.edu
Carrie Tibbals, A.C. Suite 61114, e-mail: ctibbals@austincollege.edu
Kathryn Turner, A.C. Suite 61716, e-mail: mturner@austincollege.edu
Joan Youngblood, A.C. Suite 61288, e-mail: jyoungblood@austincollege.edu

Class Web Page: http://artemis.austinc.edu/acad/bio/gdiggs/CI2005/diggsCI2005.html

Course Content: This course will include a survey of the earth's major ecosystems, an introduction to relevant biological principles, and an analysis from a scientific perspective of the causes and effects of major changes in the quality of the environment. Specific topics will include global warming, ozone depletion, habitat destruction, the population problem, nuclear energy, endangered species and extinction. Emphasis will be given to the impact of humans on the environment and to a discussion of possible solutions for the more critical environmental problems facing the world today.

Course Goals and Expected Student Outcomes: The goals of the course are: 1) for students to gain an understanding of the major topics in the field of environmental studies; 2) for students to be able to effectively communicate in writing and orally about topics in environmental studies; and 3) to provide students with an introduction to a variety of college-level skills including critical thinking. Expected student outcomes include reaching an appropriate level of knowledge about environmental studies, developing expertise in researching and writing about environmental topics, and being able to present an articulate and easily understood oral presentation based on a group project.

Texts: Living in the Environment, 14^th ed. --- G. Tyler Miller, Jr.; Ishmael, ---Daniel Quinn

Readings: Readings are listed on the course syllabus. You may be given additional reading assignments in class (on electronic reserve in the Abell Library).

Assignments and Due Dates (details on class web page):
1. First Assignment – 2 September
2. Book Assignment – 30 September
3. Group Work: Topics – 12 October; Outlines –18 November; Oral Presentation – November 30 to December 6
4. Research Paper: Title and Summary Paragraph – 30 September; Research Paper; First Draft – 28 October; Research Paper; Final Draft – 14 November

Exams: Exam dates are given on the course schedule. There are three exams, with the format varying from exam to exam in order to acquaint students with different test taking strategies. These formats will be discussed in class.

Grading: All assignments must be completed and be in an acceptable form for successful completion of this course. Class attendance and participation will be considered in determining the final grade. Any materials submitted late will be penalized. Grading Scale: A 92-100, A- 90-91, B+ 88-89 B 82-87, C+ 78-79 C 72-77, C- 70-71, D 60-69, F 0-59

Class Attendance: Attendance and participation at all classes is required. If for some reason you must miss a class, contact either Dr. Diggs or one of the student leaders before class time to discuss the reason for the absence.

Academic Integrity: No student may unfairly advance his or her academic performance or impede the performance of other students. Any activity that unfairly gives an advantage to a student or group of students is a violation of academic ethics and will be punished to the fullest extent of College policy.

Examples of violations include: using unauthorized notes on an exam; failure to give credit to a colleague who assisted with a project; failure to give credit to an author whose work is cited; fabrication of data; removing items from the library in violation of library policy (e.g. removing journal issues from the library building); intentionally mis-shelving materials in the library such that other individuals would not be able to locate them; and removing old tests from a bulletin board thereby preventing other students from reviewing those materials. This list is not exhaustive.

Each item that you submit for a grade in this course must include the following statement along with your signature.