| Goals of the course
ACQUIRE BASIC CONCEPTUAL UNDERSTANDING OF...
- the Earth's climate - how it works, how it has changed
in the past
- the potential for climate change (a.k.a. "global warming")
- the potential for ozone depletion (a.k.a. "the ozone
hole")
- the role of science in environmental decision-making
DEVELOP SKILLS...
- critical thinking on environmental/scientific issues
- concise, logical writing
- oral presentations
- working effectively in groups
- library and internet research
AFTER COMPLETING THIS COURSE, YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO...
- critically evaluate media reports on global climate
issues by putting them into perspective and knowing where to look for further
information.
- write an effective letter to the editor or letter
to a congressperson on these issues
- use the basic vocabulary and concepts of Climate
Science correctly (and recognize when those in the media aren't doing
so)
- track the Earth's vital signs by knowing what to
look for and where to look
- make knowledgeable contributions to the public debate
on what to do
PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS OF THIS COURSE COULD INCLUDE...
- citizenship - responsible participation in societal
decisions
- evaluating business opportunities and risks involving
climate
- K-12 science teaching
- evaluating environmental advocacy groups
- personal lifestyle choices affecting the environment
- tracking global weather and climate as a personal hobby
Teaching philosophy
My goal is not just to convey a body of information (though that
is a large part of what will happen) but to help each student acquire new
skills and perspectives. Learning involves expansion and change. No one
teaching style is perfect for everyone, so my class will feature a combination
of methods with a focus on active, participatory learning.
The subject of the Earth's climate involves many academic
disciplines and the students in a class like this have widely varying backgrounds.
These facts mean that some students will need to work on the basics of a
given topic while others will be able to run with it. I want to facilitate
both -- both are exciting and worthwhile.
Two themes will run through the course:
- the Earth's climate as a "coupled system"
- the provisional nature of scientific knowledge
Finally, in teaching this course, I have two ulterior motives
(besides earning a living):
- to foster the knowledge base and the critical thinking
skills required for our society to make responsible environmental decisions
in the years ahead;
- to share a sense of awe and fascination with the Earth's
climate and with the unprecedented global experiment on which humanity
has (unintentionally) embarked.
Prerequisites
None. Open to all undergraduates. A working knowledge
of high-school algebra and physical sciences will be useful; however,
the basic tools used by scientists will be reviewed and practiced as they
arise during the course.
Academic Credit
This is an NW course (provides 5 credits toward the Natural World
requirement) and you have the option to make it a W course (5 credits
toward the Writing requirement).
Textbook
and other resources
The text for the course is The Earth System by Lee R. Kump
et al., Prentice Hall, 1999, 351 pages. Some homework assignments
will require using the Web. The research project(s) will require
use of books and magazine articles. There will be additional handouts
on selected topics.
Course requirements and grading
Attendance is essential - 25% of the grade will be based on
in-class activities (two per week on random days). Students not
in attendance class will receive zero credit. Homework will be assigned
weekly. Late homework will be accepted for half credit. There
will be one midterm and one final exam. (Makeup exams will only
be given in extreme cases and with advance notification to the instructor.)
Research project option 1: two short reports either written (5 pages) or
oral (10 minutes). Research project option 2: one long report (10-15 pages)
with one revision. Extra credit activities will include attending
suggested lectures on climate-related topics and writing up brief reports.
Grades will be determined as follows:
· In-class activities
25%
· Homework
20%
· Research project(s)
25%
· Mid-term
10%
· Final
20%
· Extra Credit
up to 10%
Midterm: Friday, Feb 7
Final: Monday, March 17, 8:20-10:20am,
Room 310C ATG
Research Project(s)
General requirements for the course:
- Option 1: Two short reports, written (5 pages of
text) or oral (10 minutes). First report: Abstract due Jan 31, Report
due Feb 14. Second report: Abstract due Feb 28, Report due Mar 19.
- Option 2: One long report (10-15 pages of text with
one revision). Topics must be arranged with the instructor by Feb
11. First draft due Feb 28. Final revision due Mar 19.
- Those taking the course for Writing credit must choose
Option 2.
- Reports will be based on assigned readings/topics except
by special arrangement with the instructor.
- Oral reports will be given at arranged times, outside of
regular class. All students will be welcome and encouraged to attend.
- Oral reports will be given on or before the due dates for
the written reports.
- Under either option, report(s) count for 25% of the course
grade.
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