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Heartland Community College Mathematics and Sciences Division Course Syllabus for Students Spring 2013
Course Prefix and Number: EASC 121-01, 03, 06 Course Title: INTRODUCTION TO EARTH SCIENCE
CREDIT HOURS: 3
CONTACT HOURS LECTURE HOURS: 3 LABORATORY HOURS: 0 EASC 121 01 meets from 9:30-10:45 MW EASC 121 03 meets from 9:30-10:45 TR EASC 121 06 meets from 12:30-1:45 TR
GENERAL INFORMATION
COURSE NUMBER/TITLE/CREDITS:
EASC 121 Introduction to Earth Science, 3 Semester Credit Hours
INTRODUCTION:
This class is an introductory course designed to give an overview of the physical nature and processes that shape the environment both on and beyond the earth.
CATALOG DESCRIPTION:
This is an introductory physical science class that surveys the fields of geology, oceanography, atmospheric science and astronomy. An optional lab (EASC 122) will apply earth science principles to lecture material. Environmental concerns will be discussed in this class. This class is suitable for students with minimal course work in the sciences and mathematics.
TEXTBOOKS:
Earth Science, 13th Edition, Tarbuck and Lutgens, Prentice Hall.
PREREQUISITE FOR THIS COURSE:
None.
STUDENTS FOR WHOM THIS COURSE IS INTENDED:
Non-science majors who my have had little or no exposure to this topic in high school.
INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION:
Name: Bob Dennison Office: ICB 2408 Phone: (309) 268-8646 Email: robert.dennison@heartland.edu Office Hours :
Monday/Wednesday from 8:00 - 9:00 Tuesday/Thursday from 11:00 - 12:00 Wednesday from 12:30 – 1:30
COURSE PURPOSE
LEARNING OUTCOMES (COURSE OBJECTIVES):
RELATIONSHIP TO ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS AND TRANSFERABILITY:
EASC 121 fulfills 3 of the semester hours of credit in Life and Physical Science required for the A.A. or A.S. degree. This course should transfer as part of the General Education Core Curriculum described in the Illinois Articulation Initiative to other Illinois colleges and universities participating in the IAI. However, students should consult an academic advisor for transfer information regarding particular institutions. Refer to the IAI web page for information as well at www.itransfer.org
EDUCATIONAL BELIEFS:
BELIEFS ABOUT STUDENT LEARNING:
Students must take an active role in the learning process for it to take place and for you to feel a sense of accomplishment. Desire, effort, and persistence are the key ingredients to your success.
BELIEFS ABOUT TEACHER’S ROLE:
I will be responsible for creating an atmosphere conducive to the learning process. Please feel free to ask me questions either during your class period or my office hours or whenever we can make a connection.
DESCRIPTION OF INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES AND RATIONALE:
Discussions, tests, quizzes, and written reports. Students will have the opportunity to ask questions and contribute throughout.
DESCRIPTION OF LEARNING FORMAT:
Students will be able to achieve success by: 1. Attending class sessions regularly. 2. Participating in discussions and group work. 3. Asking questions about material you do not understand. 4. Doing careful, thoughtful and thorough work. 5. Reading the assigned material before class lecture and again afterwards. 6. Taking good notes and reviewing them regularly. 7. Reviewing the key terms and questions at the end of each chapter. 8. Reviewing the material listed on your test review sheets. 9. Forming a study group with other members of this class. 10. Attending class on time..
FEEDBACK AND GRADING
GRADING SYSTEM/METHOD OF EVALUATION:
Scale: A > 90%, B = 80-89%, C = 70-79%, D =60-69%, F<60%. Five exams over the lectures are planned. Your four highest test scores will be added together and the lowest grade will be dropped out of the first four exams & you must take the final exam. The exams will be worth 2/3 of your grade. The remaining 1/3 will come from quizzes, written assignments, class participation, and attendance. No makeup tests will be given. If you miss a test you will receive a grade of “0” and that score will be the one dropped in calculating your total points. There is no makeup allowed for quizzes and all assignments must be turned in on time. NO LATE WORK ALLOWED.
POLICIES ON ASSIGNMENTS/TESTS/MAKEUPS:
No makeup for tests, assignments or quizzes. There are no make-ups for quizzes or other assignments given in class except for those students participating in an approved Heartland Community College sanctioned event who have fulfilled the requirement to receive a make-up. Assignments are due per the instructor’s direction. No exceptions to this rule will be granted.
POLICIES ON ATTENDANCE:
Regular class attendance [including being on time] is an important part of educational success and is expected of all students. You are responsible for the information presented in each class for the lecture exams.
General Information for Students
Testing Services (located in Student Commons Building 2001)
Testing Services provides a secure testing environment for students who are enrolled in online, hybrid, and other distance learning courses; have a documented disability; or need to take a make-up exam. Testing accommodations for students having documented disabilities must be arranged by the student through Disability Support Services. Testing Services will only administer exams at the request of the instructor. For more information, please call (309) 268-8050. Counseling Services Counseling Services provides confidential and professional counseling for both emergency and personal issues. Services also include referrals to local community resources and support for students on academic probation. For more information, please call (309) 268-8318.
Services in Academic Support Center (Raab Road campus)
Library The Library provides fast and free access to credible information from a full range of resources including books, online journals, videos, newspapers, online music, class reserves, and interlibrary loan. Individualize research by appointment or come in anytime. See the Library tab in myHeartland, email library@heartland.edu or call (309) 268-8292 for details.
Tutoring Services Tutoring Services provides tutoring in various forms at no cost to Heartland students in Normal, Pontiac, and Lincoln. Tutors are available at convenient times throughout the week. Study groups are also available by request. For more information about services available at each location, please call (309) 268-8231 (Normal), (815) 842-6777 (Pontiac), or (217) 735-1731 (Lincoln).
Disability Support Services Disability Support Services (DSS) ensures that students with disabilities have equal access to the college’s programs, services and activities through the provision of reasonable accommodations as mandated in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. DSS offers a wide range of services to support students with disabilities, including: assistive technology, document conversion services, personnel, classroom and testing accommodations. Students with a documented disability who wish to discuss academic accommodations should call (309) 268-8259 for details.
Open Computing Lab The Open Computing Lab provides free computing for HCC students at convenient times throughout the week. The computer lab is staffed by trained Lab Assistants and offers the use of approximately 70 computers, a scanner, a laser printer, and an electric typewriter.
Writing Lab The Writing Lab provides guidance for writers on assignment comprehension, critical thinking and the stages of the writing process. The Writing Lab is staffed by English faculty and Tutors with years of experience working with students on writing. In every session, supportive staff work with writers to explore and develop their own ideas as appropriate to the needs of their readers and to learn the rhetorical strategies necessary for effective communication. For more information, please call (309) 268-8231.
Services in Community Commons Building, first floor (Raab Road campus)
Academic Advising Academic advisors provide information to students about degree/program requirements, transferability of courses, GPA, and enrollment. Academic Advising may also provide workshops on time management, IRIS navigation, or specific career fields. For more information, please call (309) 268-8033. Academic Advising services are also available at the Lincoln and Pontiac sites.
Career Services Career Services assist students to determine career goals, develop employability and job search skills and connect with potential employers in preparation for employment and career transitions. Through the Online Career Center at www.collegecentral.com/heartland students can learn about area employment opportunities, prepare and post resumes and find a host of free career-related resources. The job shadow and internship programs offer access to relevant work-based learning opportunities that enhance academic experiences and support students in their career pursuits. For more information, please call (309) 268-8034 or email Career.Services@heartland.edu.
Financial Aid Office The Financial Aid Office provides information on programs and types of financial aid available to students. For more information, please call (309) 268-8020.
Transcripts (Located in Student Commons Building 1000) Official and unofficial transcripts may be obtained in the Student Records Office. Transcripts may also be obtained at Heartland’s Lincoln and Pontiac sites. Official transcripts must be requested in writing. The form is available online (http://www.heartland.edu/transcripts/index.jsp) or in the Student Records Office. Unofficial transcripts are available to print online through IRIS.
Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
Academic Integrity Academic integrity is a fundamental principle of collegial life at Heartland Community College and is essential to the credibility of the College’s educational programs. Moreover, because grading may be competitive, students who misrepresent their academic work violate the right of their fellow students. The College, therefore, views any act of academic dishonest as a serious offense requiring disciplinary measures, including course failure, suspension, and even expulsion from the College. In addition, an act of academic dishonesty may have unforeseen effects far beyond any officially imposed penalties. Violations of academic integrity include, but are not limited to cheating, aiding or suborning cheating or other acts of academic dishonesty, plagiarism, misrepresentation of data, falsification of academic records or documents and unauthorized access to computerized academic or administrative records or systems. Definitions of these violations may be found in the college catalog.
Plagiarism Plagiarism is the presenting of others’ ideas as if they were your own. When you write a paper, create a project, do a presentation or create anything original, it is assumed that all the work, except for that which is attributed to another author or creator, is your own. Plagiarism is considered a serious academic offense and may take the following forms: · Copying word-for-word from another source and not giving that source credit. · Paraphrasing the work of another and not giving that source credit. · Adopting a particularly apt phrase as your own. · Using an image or a copy of an image without crediting its source. · Paraphrasing someone else’s line of thinking in the development of a topic as if it were your own. · Using another person’s project or another person’s work as if it were your own.
[Adapted from the Modem Language Association’s MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers. 7th ed. New York: MLA, 2009:51-61]
Note that word-for-word copying is not the only form of plagiarism. The penalties for plagiarism may be severe, ranging from failure on the particular piece of work, failure in the course or expulsion from school in extreme cases.
Many plagiarism problems can be remedied by citing the sources of the original work. When in doubt, cite the source according to the style your instructor directs. Usually this is APA or MLA Style. Don’t be daunted by citing sources which are not books. You can cite everything, including pamphlets, maps, cereal boxes, telephone conversations, movies, television shows, Internet and world-wide web sites. Philosophy of Grades
The Heartland Community College grading philosophy grows out of our vision of educational excellence. This common philosophy provides a framework for each academic division and instructor as they establish their own individual course grading system, evaluation methods, and course policies using the shared general rubrics for letter grades given below.
Letter grades serve as a vehicle to promote meaningful evaluation of student achievement, to inform students of academic progress, and, as necessary, to improve student performance, habits, and practices. Using a letter grade as a prerequisite for subsequent courses means we believe that the grade was assigned through a conscious judgment about a student’s readiness to proceed to more advanced study.
At Heartland, students’ academic achievement is measured by their mastery of course objectives and content. We challenge students to meet these recognized standards of achievement and we assign grades based on their success in doing so. Simply stated, we believe that the responsibility for academic achievement rests with the student and that holding students responsible for their learning promotes their academic growth.
Letter Grade Rubrics “A” This grade represents consistently outstanding performance that demonstrates superior understanding and skillful use of important course concepts. Performance at this level signifies that the student is extremely well prepared to continue with more advanced study of the subject. “B” This grade represents performance significantly beyond the level necessary to achieve the course objectives. Work is of high quality but not consistently at an outstanding level. Performance at this level signifies that the student is well prepared to continue with more advanced study of the subject. “C” This grade represents an acceptable achievement of the course objectives. Performance at this level signifies that the student is reasonably well prepared to continue with more advanced study of the subject. “D” This grade represents less than adequate performance. It signifies questionable readiness to proceed with more advanced study of the subject. “F” This grade reflects unacceptable performance. The student is not yet ready to proceed with more advanced study of the subject, and must repeat the course successfully to receive credit.
CURRICULAR AND TRANSFER STATUS DEGREE/CERTIFICATE:
This course counts toward completion of the A. A. Degree or the A. S. Degree.
TRANSFERABILITY:
Check with an advisor to get specific transfer information related to the school you wish to attend.
STUDENT ASSIGNMENTS AND PURPOSE RELATIONSHIP OF COURSE GOALS TO ASSIGNMENTS:
Each assignment provides background needed to achieve course goals.
RATIONALE FOR COURSE CONTENT:
Course content covers science fundamentals and basic techniques necessary for more advanced science courses. Topics in the class will increase earth-environment awareness.
WHAT STUDENTS NEED TO BRING TO EACH LAB MEETING:
1. Pencil and pen 2. Calculator 3. Notebook 4. Textbook 5. If you bring a cell phone make certain that it is turned OFF and sitting in plain sight on your desk.
CALENDAR & ASSIGNMENTS
ASSIGNMENTS TEST ONE MATERIAL
Week 1 - Introduction Week 2 - Chapter 21 – Origin of Modern Astronomy Week 3 -Chapter 22 – Touring Our Solar System Week 4 - Chapter 13 – The Ocean Floor Week 5 - Chapter 15 – The Dynamic Ocean Test One approximately Week 5
TEST TWO MATERIAL
Week 6 - Chapter 2 – Minerals: Building Blocks of Rocks Week 6 - Chapter 3 – Rocks Week 7 - Chapter 8 - Earthquakes Week 8 - Chapter 7 – Plate Tectonics Week 9 - Chapter 9 – Igneous Activity Test Two Approximately Week 9
TEST THREE MATERIAL Week 10 - Chapter 4 - Weathering, Soil & Mass Wasting Week 11 - Chapter 5 – Running Water and Groundwater Week 12 - Chapter 6 – Glaciers, Deserts, and Wind Test Three Approximately Week 12
TEST FOUR MATERIAL
Week 13 - Chapter 16 – Composition, Structure, and Temperature Week 14 - Chapter 17 – Moisture, Clouds, and Precipitation Test Four approximately Week 14
TEST FIVE MATERIAL (FINAL EXAM) Week 15 - Chapter 18 - Air Pressure and Wind Week 16 - Chapter 19 – Weather Patterns and Severe Storms Test Five [Final Exam]
DATES FOR EXAMS/QUIZZES
You will be informed at least one week in advance of your scheduled test. Check your myHeartland email for updates. Quizzes can occur with or without prior notice.
FINAL EXAM SCHEDULE
EASC 121 01 will have a final from 8:00 -9:50 on Wednesday, May 15 EASC 121 03 will have a final from 8:00 -9:50 on Thursday, May 16 EASC 121 06 will have a final from 12:00 -1:50 on Monday, May 13
CLASS CANCELLATION ON INTERNET
Notice
of Canceled Class Sessions
NO CLASSES ON:
CLASS DECORUM Cell phones must be turned off during class period. Any cell phone that goes off during an exam will result in the score of ZERO for that student for disrupting the others in the class. If a cell phone goes off during the lecture the student will be asked to leave the class room. Text messaging during class time is not allowed. Anyone caught text messaging during class time will be asked to leave the classroom immediately. Excessive talking in class other than that related to class material will result in you be asked to leave the classroom. You will be given one verbal warning and if you do not comply with that you must leave the room.
WITHDRAWAL DATES Students are responsible for officially dropping/withdrawing in writing to Student Services/Registration from a course for which they have enrolled. Drop/Withdrawal requests made by telephone will not be accepted. Final day to withdraw is April 10 SYLLABUS DISCLAIMER:
The instructor reserves the right to make adjustments to this syllabus as needed. Students will be notified in the event any such changes are made.
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