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SAVE THE HUMANS!

FALL 2011

INSTRUCTORS: DR. ELISE AMEL & DR. STEPHEN J. LAUMAKIS

OFFICES: JRC LL58 & 207 JRC

PHONE: 962-5046 & 962-5363

OFFICE HOURS: 10:30-12 M & 1-2:30 R & BY APPOINTMENT(EA) AND 9:30-10:30 MWF & BY APPOINTMENT (SL)

SEMINAR DESCRIPTION/GOALS: This seminar will focus on

This Seminar is designed to introduce students to issues and controversies in environmental policy and science. Issues to be discussed include: sustainability, energy, food and population, toxic chemicals, genetic engineering of food, organic farming, global climate issues, and governmental regulation with respect to the environment.

Students will be evaluated based on general class discussion and participation, reaction papers, in-class discussion leading, and a final paper.

SEMINAR OBJECTIVES:

1. Gaining factual knowledge and fundamental principles, generalizations, or theories. * This objective will be demonstrated by reaction papers, class participation and discussion leading.

2. To acquire skills in working with others as a member of a team. * This objective will be demonstrated by successful class discussion leading.

3. Developing skill in expressing oneself orally and in writing * This objective will be demonstrated by reaction papers, class participation, discussion leading, and a Final Paper.

4. Learning to analyze and critically evaluate ideas, arguments, and points of view. * This objective will be demonstrated by reaction papers, class participation, discussion leading, and a Final Paper.

SEMINAR STRUCTURE:

The seminar will be divided into roughly two parts.

The course will begin with basic tutorials addressing the scope of environmental problems (NWEI & TED talks). Initial classroom presentations by professors will lay the groundwork for students to discover and develop their own presentations about an environmental issue of their choice. Debates, based on the Easton Text, will strengthen their analytic skills and their knowledge of ecology and human behavior. Students will gain additional experience using this knowledge and skill by assessing the accuracy, ethics and effectiveness of various media depictions of environmental crises. A final paper will require students to integrate their reading of Leopold’s classic, A Sand County Almanac, with material gathered throughout the semester.

Students will be assigned weekly readings, and be asked to participate in an on-line discussion of the readings as well as prepare a one-page reaction paper for class each week. Class time will be devoted to discussion and to student presentations based on the readings.

TEXTS:

Easton, Thomas A. (2011) Taking Sides: Clashing Views on the Environment (14th Edition)

Leopold, Aldo, (1966). A Sand County Almanac. New York: Ballantine Books. (Selections at the BlackBoard site for the seminar.)

ASSIGNMENTS:

Reading of assigned materials is a MUST in order to introduce you to the subject matter, facilitate class discussion and participation, pose distressing questions, and just plain make you think. The seminar will begin with a lecture format (two weeks--at most) as we present an overview of the Theological and Philosophical issues involved in the question of conversion. It will then proceed in seminar style with SIGNIFICANT emphasis on student participation. Students will be responsible for three areas of activity:

1) Participation, 2) Reaction Papers, 3) Discussion Leading, and 4) A Final Paper.

1) PARTICIPATION includes class discussion of the assigned readings and Web postings at the Threaded Discussion Area arranged for the seminar.

2) REACTION PAPERS are 1-TYPED PAGE in length and are based on pre-assigned readings. These ten (10) papers involve a critical analysis/reflection on the texts. The papers will be evaluated on a “+/0/-“ scale. “-“ is missing or deficient (D-F). “0” is an adequate summary with little or no analysis (B-C). “+” is a thoughtful analysis (A).

3) DISCUSSION LEADING consists of forming a group of 2-3 students (by WEEK #2), selecting a topic (by WEEK #2), and leading class discussion during the week you present the issues involved in your topic. Students will be responsible for leading discussion two times.

4) FINAL PAPER will integrate your reading of Leopold’s classic, A Sand County Almanac, with material gathered throughout the semester

ATTENDANCE POLICY:

Attendance is expected. Excessive absence may result in grade reduction. Turn off your cell phones!

GRADE DISTRIBUTION:

Participation/Web = 25%

Reaction Papers = 25%

Discussion Leading (First time) = 15%

Discussion Leading (Second time) = 15%

Final Paper = 20%