C/I 11D: 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

To Contact Dr. Diggs:

Austin College Phone: (903) 813-2246, Home Phone (903) 868-1642
Office: 317 Moody Science
Mailing Address: Department of Biology, Austin College, Sherman, TX 75090
AC Suite 61564
e-mail: gdiggs@austinc.edu
Home page: http://artemis.austinc.edu/acad/bio/gdiggs/diggs.html
Office Hours: 1:30-2:30 M, Tu; Other times by appointment.

THE ENVIRONMENT: ISSUES AND CHOICES
Communication/Inquiry (C/I) 11 Fall 2000

Information Sheet

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

Student Leaders:

Lauren Cook, ext. 2938, Clyce 207, A.C. Suite 61143, e-mail: lcook@austinc.edu

Leon Patel, ext. 2743, Baker 124, A.C. Suite 60630, e-mail: lpatel@austinc.edu

Anthony Swift, ext. 2774, Baker 305, A.C. Suite 60558, e-mail: aswift@austin.edu

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

Class Meetings: 10:00-10:50 a.m. MWF

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, 11^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. Such readings will be on reserve in the Abell Library.

Assignments and Due Dates (details on class web page):
1. First Assignment – 8 September
2. Book Assignment – 6 October
3. Research Paper; Title and Summary Paragraph – 16 October
Research Paper; First Draft – 3 November
Research Paper; Final Draft – 22 November
4. Documented Position Paper – 1 November
5. Group Outlines – 29 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, the student leaders or Cathy Stewart (Secretary, Ext. 2342) 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.

This work was prepared in accordance with the Austin College academic integrity

policy. __________________Signature______________ Name typed or printed

For specific information about this course see the following:

For further information about this course, please contact:

Dr. George Diggs, Professor Department of Biology Austin College 900 N. Grand Ave. Sherman, TX 75090 903-813-2246 Fax: 903-813-3199 gdiggs@austincollege.edu

All text and images on this page copyright 1999, George M. Diggs, Jr.

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