|
|
|
|
MONTGOMERY COLLEGE Department of Applied Technology Applied Geography, Cartography, & G.I.S. And Geographic Education
þ Course Syllabus--Spring 2005 GE 210, Preserving the Natural Heritage: The Conservation of Geography
Professor: Tanya Allison Office hours: TR: 10:45-11:45 a.m.; T: 5:30-6:30 p.m. Work phone: 240-567-7614 E-Mail: tanya.allison@montgomerycollege.edu Office: TEC 218A Main Office: TEC205
Text: Cutter and Renwick, Exploitation, Conservation, Preservation: A Geographic Perspective on Natural Resource Use, 4th ed., Wiley Pub.: NJ.
INTRODUCTION: "Conservation is a state of harmony between man and the land. The real substance of conservation lies not in the physical projects of government, but in the mental processes of citizens. [We are all responsible for maintaining] the health of the land [so that it has] the capacity for self-renewal. Conservation is our effort to understand and preserve that capacity."--Aldo Leopold
Leopold believed strongly that effective conservation depends primarily on a basic human respect for natural resources. This respect is sometimes referred to as land ethic. It is this concept of conservation that one must accept in order to gain a complete understanding and appreciation for our global environment.
NOTE: Communication is essential. I encourage you to visit me in my office or contact me via phone or e-mail anytime you have questions regarding classroom assignments, material, or any other issue that you deem important. I have an open-door policy which allows you to visit me in my office anytime. If I am not available, I will schedule an appointment to meet as soon as possible. However, I encourage you to take advantage of office hours (above) which are times set aside especially to assist you. I want this semester and your conservation course to be a positive experience and meet your expectations, therefore I strive to make it productive, educational, and enjoyable!
OBJECTIVES: By the end of the semester, students should have a better understanding of key concepts essential to understanding and solving a variety of resource issues. This task will be accomplished through a field trip, research project, videos, lecture, and class discussion. Finally, students will become familiar with places relevant to the subject matter. COURSE GRADE will be determined as follows: *500 points total
® Exams = 300 pts. @ 100 pts. each ® Field trip = 40 pts. ® Project = 100 pts. ® Quizzes = 45 points @ 15 pts. each ® Participation = 15 pts.
*Final grade will be determined on the following scale: 90-100% = A 80-89% = B 70-79% = C 60-69% = D 59% and below = F
EX: If you have a total of 442 points at the end of the semester, you will have an 88% which is a 'B' for the course. IF a curve is administered, it will be no more than one or two percentage points. However, this will be determined on the class final average.
® You will have three exams. None are comprehensive. A verbal outline of each exam will be given prior to that exam. DO NOT forget exam dates. There are no make-ups. If you miss Exam 1 or 2, the other counts twice. However, making a high grade on Exam 1 does not exempt you from Exam 2. If either exam is missed, 5 pts. are automatically deducted from your participation points regardless of reason. After Exams I and II have been graded, they will be returned to the students for review and discussion. Then exams are returned to the professor and grades are recorded. Exams include lectures, texts, videos, quizzes, and special handouts. There may be an undetermined amount of possible bonus points.
® There will be one field trip during the semester. If you are unable to attend, you may still receive the points by doing a research project of my choice. Date, direction, and a brief description will be given to the students in advance.
® There will be one special project assigned/required for this course which includes time spent outside the classroom. In addition there may be minimal fees, e.g. gas money, metro-rail, photocopying, photography, or lunch money, that you will find necessary to complete the assignments. Ample time will be given to complete the project. One class period (which will be announced in class) will be forfeited to compensate for additional time needed.
® There will be three quizzes during the semester over place names relevant to the subject matter. A list of place names and a practice map will be given at least one class period prior to the quiz. For quiz dates, refer to schedule.
® Participation includes discussion as mentioned under Objectives. Due to the length of this class (8 weeks), students are expected to be motivated. Attendance is mandatory. Three points are automatically deducted after the first absence. If you arrive late, it is your responsibility to remind me immediately after class that you are present. Otherwise, the absence remains on your record. Tardiness is sometimes unavoidable but should never become habitual. I appreciate an advance notice, if possible, (in person or via phone) if you will be absent.
NOTE: All exams and projects will be returned to students at the end of the semester. To receive your final exam, please bring a SASE by the end of the semester.
You are welcome to bring snacks (not five course meals) and drinks to class but please keep your table clean and throw away all trash before leaving. Gum should be chewed quietly. Beepers of any kind (e.g. watches, pagers, phones) should be turned off during class.
Course content and assignments are subject to change upon the decision of the professor. |
|
Send mail to
karl.reis@montgomerycollege.edu
with questions or comments about this web site.
|