ENV110 Introduction to Environmental Studies Jeff Jeremiason, x6235
Spring 2006
Classroom: Interpretive Center Office Hrs. 8 – 10 TR
Web site: www.gustavus.edu/~jjeremia/ENV110/ At ES Center
ENV110 introduces students to the field of environmental
studies by examining environmental
issues in an interdisciplinary fashion. Students will gain basic scientific and
quantitative knowledge of environmental issues, scrutinize environmental
politics, explore economic implications, and be challenged to examine their
ethical and philosophical views of the environment in relation to their
personal choices. Interactions
between science and technology, political institutions, individual choice and
the value structures that influence policy decisions are explored. The course also emphasizes environmental
problem solving and the establishment of a personal environmental ethic through
class discussion, writing assignments and a group project. Appreciation
of the natural world is an important component of the class. Several field trips, outdoor experiences, and
nature journaling opportunities will be offered during the semester.
Botkin, D.B. and Keller E.A. Environmental Science: Earth as a Living Planet, Wiley, 5th ed.
Online Resources for Students: Click here
Many additional readings will be available at the course web
site and assigned throughout the semester.
Lectures and class discussions will be based on the assumption that
readings have been done prior to class.
Grading
|
Assignments/Quizzes |
~100 pts |
A |
>94% |
|
Exams |
2@100 each |
A- |
90-94 |
|
Project I |
100 |
B+ |
87-90 |
|
Final Project |
100 |
B |
83-87 |
|
Class Participation |
60 |
B- |
80-83 |
|
Place Journal |
40 |
C+ |
77-80 |
|
Final Exam |
100 |
C |
73-77 |
|
|
|
C- |
70-73 |
|
|
|
D |
60-69 |
|
|
|
F |
<60 |
Assignments/Quizzes
Assignments/quizzes count for the equivalent of one exam in your final grade. An assignment will typically be due every Thursday unless there is an exam or a field trip. The nature of the assignments will vary – some are quantitative requiring the use of EXCEL, others are short writing assignments. Assignments will be available on the course web site. Students are encouraged to work on assignments together, but submit individually. Reading quiz scores are included in this portion of your grade. Late assignments will only be accepted with prior approval and are subject to deductions at the instructor’s discretion.
Group Projects
There will be two required group projects in this class. Groups can range from one to three students in size. Project I will examine electrical use in dormitory buildings and other campus buildings. Your group will be required to assess electrical usage (there are monitors for most buildings that can be accessed via the web), collect actual data, write a paper, and present your findings and recommendations in a short classroom PowerPoint presentation. The course web page contains detailed guidance on requirements for this project. The paper for this project will be a minimum of 1500 words (~5 pages; plus figures, tables, and references) and is due on March 16. Preliminary data must be submitted by March 2 and an outline with references submitted by March 9. Late papers will not be accepted. Deadlines missed for topic submission and outlines will result in grade deductions at the instructor’s discretion.
The final project can be on any environmental topic that you choose – see web site for potential topics and guidelines. The project consists of an in-class PowerPoint presentation, a paper, and an optional web site.
Three local field trips will be offered during the semester
when possible. For field trips the class
will usually be split into two sections and a portion of the field trip may
extend beyond class time. Field trips
might include the following: wastewater treatment plant,
I expect every student to be at class and to take an active role in discussions and classroom activities. Occasionally, we will have discussions on environmental issues currently being discussed in the media. Please send the instructor articles or topics you would like to discuss – this can help your class participation grade. Unexcused absences are not acceptable. Unexcused absences result in cumulative deductions. The first absence results in a 15 point reduction, the 2nd an additional 30 points, the third an additional 60 pts, and a fourth absence results in automatic failure of the course.
Academic Honesty and Plagiarism
Students are expected to abide by Gustavus’ academic honesty policy. If a student is found in violation of the academic honesty policy, the first offense results in a grade of zero on the exam or assignment in question, a second offense results in failing the class. The Academic Dean’s office will be contacted if necessary. Some serious offenses could result in immediate failure of the class.
Tentative Class Schedule – Subject to Changes and Additions
Week |
Topic |
Readings/Assignment |
|
1 Feb 6 |
Introduction: How did we get here, where are we going? Introduction: Environmental Challenges |
BK Ch 1-2 McNeill, Wilson Readings |
|
2 Feb 13 |
Human Population Growth Environmental Systems |
BK Ch 4 BK Ch 3 |
|
3 Feb 20 |
Biogeochemical Cycles |
BK Ch 5 |
|
4 Feb 27 |
Global Warming Energy |
BK Ch 22 BK Ch 16 |
|
5 Mar 6 |
Fossil Fuels |
BK Ch 17 Exam I |
|
6 Mar13 |
Alternative
Energy
Global Warming/Energy Policy
|
BK Ch 18 |
|
7 Mar20 |
Water Pollution/ Eutrophication
Field trip to WWTP |
BK Ch 21 |
|
8 Apr 3 |
Bioaccumulation (Field Trips to Lake) |
BK Ch 15 |
|
9 Apr 10 |
Food Supply/Agriculture
Trip to Dairy |
BK Ch 11 BK Ch 12 |
|
10 Apr 17 |
Air Pollution |
Exam II BK Ch 23 |
|
11 Apr 24 |
Ozone Depletion |
BK Ch 25 |
|
12 May 1 |
Waste Management
|
BK Ch 29 |
|
13 May 8 |
Sustainability/Envisioning the Future
Group Presentations |
BK Ch 30 |
|
14 May15 |
Group Presentations
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