Physical
Science 1643 |
Summer, 1998
|
Science and Contemporary Social Problems
Course Objectives
-
Become familiar with the major environmental problems facing civilization
in the next century.
-
Learn to think critically about environmental problems and their solutions.
-
Develop an appreciation for the limits of science and technology in addressing
environmental problems.
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Develop an understanding of how individual philosophy and cultural norms
impact the perception of environmental problems and their solution.
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Improve your professional writing and speaking skills.
Registration
Section 4425 - Noon-1:50 P.M., Monday through Thursday in NRG Room 2245
Prerequisite
Reading proficiency as proven by a passing score on ACC Assessment or TASP
tests, or by exemption through transcripted hours from another college
or appropriate ACT, SAT, or TASS scores.
Professor
Robert (Bob) H. Blodgett, Ph.D., Associate Professor
Office Hours
8:00-10:30 AM Monday and Tuesday, or by appointment, in NRG Room 2212
Communication
Office Telephone: 223-4892
Electronic Mail: rblodget@austin.cc.tx.us
Required Text
Brown, Lester R., et al., 1998, State of the World 1998: New York, W. W.
Norton & Company,249 p., ISBN 0-393-31727-7.
Attendance
Students are expected to attend lectures and participate in class discussion.
Work turned in late will be penalized two percentage points each day; however,
it is better to turn an assignment in late than to receive no points for
the work. Late work will not be accepted after a graded assignment has
been returned. I will assume that assignments placed in my mailbox (Room
1107 / 1108) were turned in on the day I pick them up unless they have
an earlier date stamped by the campus Provost's office.
Internet Exercise
During the first week of classes you will be given a set of questions for
an Internet exercise. The exercise will focus on a contemporary social
problem whose solution requires the application of science and technology.
You can work on this assignment at home or on computers in the Learning
Resource Services (LRS) Computer Center (Room 1203). Computers in the LRS
Computer Center can be reserved in advance for your use. You may work with
a classmate on this exercise, but the answers you write to the questions
must be your own.
Team Project
During the first week of instruction the class will be divided into
five teams. Each team will be responsible for making group presentations
and leading the class discussion for two class periods. Your evaluation
for this team project will be a combination of your individual effort,
your ability to work with your group, and the overall success of your team
in motivating your classmates to learn and discuss the topic. Each team
will be self-directed and will choose their own team leader, design their
own format (e.g., panel discussion, individual talks, debate) for making
illustrated presentations (e.g., flip charts, overheads, chalkboard, PowerPoint
computer software), and facilitate class discussion on their assigned days.
Each individual will prepare an abstract that summarizes the important
points of their presentation.
Examinations
Tests will contain questions drawn from lectures, team presentations, handouts,
and reading assignments. Questions will emphasize an understanding of concepts
and terminology. A closed-book final examination will be given on Thursday,
August 13, 1998. No examinations will be given early for any reason.
If an exam is missed, the final exam score will be given for the missed
exam.
Course Grade
10% |
Internet Exercise |
25% |
Mid-term exam |
35%
30% |
Team Project
Final exam |
Grading Scale
A grading scale no more rigorous than the following will be used:
90-100% |
- A |
80-89% |
- B |
70-79% |
- C |
60-69% |
- D |
Below 60% |
- F |
Classroom Etiquette
You are expected to be seated and ready for class on time. If you arrive
late or need to leave early, please sit near the door. Please notify the
professor if you have to arrive late or leave early on a regular basis.
As common courtesy, do not interrupt the professor or classmates when they
are speaking, and do not carrying on conversations during lectures.
Special Needs
ACC is an equal opportunity institution. If you have a disability or special
need that may require accommodations in the classroom, please contact me
outside the class to discuss your needs. Students who have a disability,
or suspect that they might have a disability, should also meet with counselor
Amber Kelley (223-4725) in the Office for Students with Disabilities. All
information regarding your special needs is confidential.
Withdrawals
If you decide to drop this class, it is your responsibility to protect
your academic record by withdrawing from it through the college. The last
day to withdraw from this class is Friday, July 31, 1998.
Syllabus - Revised
Date
|
Topic
|
Text Chapters
|
July 7
|
Introduction and Global Systems
|
Forward & 1
|
July 8
|
The Atmosphere
|
-
|
July 9
|
Human Interaction with the Atmosphere
|
-
|
July 13
|
The Oceans
|
-
|
July 14
|
Marine Biosphere
|
-
|
July 15
|
The Land
|
-
|
July 16
|
Terrestrial Biosphere / Internet Exercise Due
|
-
|
July 20
|
Sustaining the World's Forests
|
21
|
July 21
|
Biodiversity and Extinction
|
-
|
July 22
|
Waste and Waste Disposal
|
-
|
July 23
|
MIDTERM EXAM
|
-
|
July 28 (Team)
|
Losing Strands in the Web of Life
|
3
|
July 29 (Team)
|
Losing Strands in the Web of Life
|
3
|
July 30 (Team)
|
Promoting Sustainable Fisheries
|
4
|
July 31 (Team)
|
Promoting Sustainable Fisheries
|
4
|
August 3 (Team)
|
Struggling to Raise Cropland Productivity
|
5
|
August 4 (Team)
|
Struggling to Raise Cropland Productivity
|
5
|
August 5 (Team)
|
Recycling Organic Wastes
|
6
|
August 6 (Team)
|
Recycling Organic Wastes
|
6
|
August 10 (Team)
|
Responding Threat of Global Climate Change
|
7
|
August 11 (Team)
|
Responding Threat of Global Climate Change
|
7
|
August 12
|
The Land Ethic and Review
|
10
|
August 13
|
FINAL EXAM
|
-
|