College of Arts and Sciences

Environmental Science ENV 120

Perspectives in Environmental Sciences

Fall 2002 1 credit, Wednesdays 1:50-2:40

Instructor: Dr. David Ostergren, Assistant Professor

Office: Hanley Hall (Bdlg. 7) #107, Office hours: Wed. 3:15- 4:15

SBS (Bdlg 65) # 346 Office hours: T Th 11:00-12:00

E-mail: david.ostergren@nau.edu, Phone: 3-0701

Course goals:

· Introduce critical thinking through research and analysis of current environmental issues and their coverage by the popular media.

· Introduce basics of technical writing and speaking.

· Introduce CESE’s curriculum and faculty, and NAU’s library and computer facilities.

· Explore careers within the field of Environmental Sciences.

· Cultivate a congenial cohort of students to continue through the CESE curriculum.

Course organization:

The theme of this course is the Colorado Plateau and Arizona in terms of Ecosystem Services. Student interests will determine content. We have a series of speakers who represent various fields of environmental work. In addition to guest lecturers, each student will prepare and present a formal written paper and an informal verbal report.

Evaluation:

To receive a good grade in this class, physical and mental attendance is mandatory. You will receive participation points for being at class AND extra points for asking questions, answering questions etc. I expect that you speak up several times in the semester.

Required Book: Daily, Gretchen 1997. Nature’s Services: societal dependence on natural ecosystems. Washington DC, Island Press.

Attendance 50

Topic briefing with bibliography 20

Paper Draft 30

Paper (5 pages) 50

Other assignments and participation 20

Book and chapter Summaries (10 and 20) 30

Total 200

Your first assignment.

Read Chapters 1 & 2 “What are ecosystem services?” and think about the implications. TYPE out a 2 page (total) answer to these questions. What ecosystem service is most interesting to you? Why? How will you add to our knowledge of this service and how will we use this service more effectively in society? Place the last 4 digits of your ID number on the paper but no name. 1.5 spacing 11 or 12 point font, one inch margins.

On September 11^th you should be ready to discuss one environmental topic with the class. Find an article or book or web site that discusses a current environmental issue that is related to your service. The issue should be something that we experience here in Arizona and the Colorado Plateau. You should be ready to tell us about the topic, and also the source of your information.

Critical Analyses of Environmental Issues (the paper):

Environmental issues comprise a large proportion of the daily news. Global warming, declining fisheries, nuclear waste disposal, contamination of water supplies, and extinction of species, are just a few examples of the many issues we hear about in the popular media and are within the realm of Environmental Sciences. Throughout the course you will research this topic using library and Internet resources. Your paper should be 5 pages and be organized as such—Introduction, Background, Current assessment of the problem with solutions, Your opinion and solution, references (10 at least).

Check out the Environmental Resource People on the CESE web page: http://www.nau.edu/%7Eenvsci/

OTHER NOTES AND POLICIES

Respect: There will be much discussion in this class, both as a whole and in small groups. We will strive to maintain an open forum, where a diversity of perspectives will be welcomed and explored. Personal attacks will not be tolerated.

Cheating: If you are caught cheating in this class, you will be failed. Cheating includes plagiarism; in your essays, you must cite each reference and give proper credit for ideas and findings, as well as direct quotes. Remember, Arizona still has the death penalty.

WRITTEN MATERIAL FORMAT

All papers will be typed, 1.5 or double spaced, 1 inch margins. USE A STAPLER. NO COVERS, NO PAPER CLIPS. I reserve the right to refuse a paper that does not meet these specifications. Put only the four digit ID # on assignments.

LATE ASSIGNMENTS

Unless you have a note from your coroner or the Federal Witness Protection Program, assignments are due by 3:30 on the due date in my office in Hanley Hall. For any late work there will be a 10 % reduction for the first 24 hours---20% for 48----30% beyond 48.

HONESTY

Keep me informed. If you have a scheduling problem, personal problem, or conflict with a classmate---talk to me (either in general terms or specifics). You may not get everything you want, but we will do the best we can to accommodate your needs.

Date	Topics	Assignments	Reading	Presenters
8/28	Introductions, background on CESE		Nature’s Services	David Ostergren
9/4	Library tour	WE MEET IN THE LIBRARY		Bonnie Johnson – Cline Library
9/11	Short student presentations.	Come prepared to briefly present an environmental news issue to the class. Turn in a brief summary of what ecosystem service you would like to study. (1 page,10 pts)	CH 1& 2	Every student. David Ostergren
9/18	Short student presentations.	Come prepared to briefly present an environmental news issue to the class. Turn in topic briefing. Overarching Services.	CH 5 & 6	Every student. David Ostergren
9/25	TBA	Overarching Services.	CH 8 & 9	FACULTY Chapter Discussion
10/2	TBA	Fresh Water Services Turn-in critical analysis paper draft with at least 10 peer-reviewed references (30 Points).	CH 11	FACULTY Chapter Discussion
10/9	TBA	Forests.	CH 12	FACULTY Chapter Discussion
10/16	TBA	Ecosystem Services in subsistence economies and Conservation of biodiversity.	CH 16	FACULTY Chapter Discussion
10/23	Student Presentations	Discussion of your work. Turn-in the final version of critical analysis paper (50 pts).		EVERYONE
10/30	Student Presentations	Discussion of your work.		EVERYONE
11/6	Student Presentations	Discussion of your work.		EVERYONE
11/13	Student Presentations	Discussion of your work.		EVERYONE
11/20	TBA	Turn in 2 page Book Summary. This should be a reflection on how you think Environmental Sciences fits into society.	Chapter 20	FACULTY
11/27	RESEARCH DAY	No class meeting.		Everyone
12/4	Class evaluations	Be prepared to discuss your contributions and the contributions of your classmates to making the course a valuable learning experience. Oral presentations and discussion		Everyone

SOCIAL JUSTICE STATEMENT

Northern Arizona University is committed to social justice. I concur with that commitment and expect to maintain a positive learning environment based upon open communication, mutual respect, and non-discrimination. Our University does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, disability, veteran status, religion, sexual orientation, color or national origin. Any suggestions as to how to further such a positive and open environment in this class will be appreciated and given serious consideration.

Disabilities

If you are a person with a disability and anticipate needing any kind of accommodation in order to participate in this class, please advise me and make appropriate arrangements with Counseling and Testing Center (523-2261). The Counseling and Testing Center will verify your eligibility for special services so appropriate arrangements can be made. Concerns related to noncompliance with appropriate provisions should be directed to the Disability Support Services coordinator in the Counseling and Testing Center. At any time, I encourage you to come to me for help in understanding the readings, lecture-discussions, writing assignments, or for other course-related assistance.

Academic Integrity

The university takes an extremely serious view of violations of academic integrity. As members of the academic community, NAU's administration, faculty, staff, and students are dedicated to promoting an atmosphere of honesty and are committed to maintaining the academic integrity essential to the educational process. Inherent in this commitment is the belief that academic dishonesty in all forms violates the basic principles of integrity and impedes learning. Students are therefore responsible for conducting themselves in an academically honest manner. Individual students and faculty members are responsible for identifying instances of academic dishonesty. Faculty members then recommend penalties to the department chair or college dean in keeping with the severity of the violation. The complete policy on academic integrity is in Appendix F of NAU's Student Handbook.

Safe Environment Policy

NAU's Safe Working and Learning Environment Policy seeks to prohibit discrimination and promote the safety of all individuals within the university. The goal of this policy is to prevent the occurrence of discrimination on the basis of sex, race, color, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status and to prevent sexual harassment, sexual assault, or retaliation by anyone at this university. You may obtain a copy of this policy from the college dean's office. If you have concerns about this policy, it is important that you contact the department chair, dean's office, the Office of Student Life (523-5181), the academic ombudsperson (523-9368), or NAU's Office of Affirmative Action.

Classroom Management

Membership in the academic community places a special obligation on all members to preserve an atmosphere conducive to a safe and positive learning environment. Part of that obligation implies the responsibility of each member of the NAU community to maintain an environment in which the behavior of any individual is not disruptive. Each student is responsible to behave in a manner that does not disrupt or interrupt the instructional environment. The instructor has the responsibility to determine what behavior is, or is not appropriate in the classroom. At a minimum, the student will be warned when behavior is deemed disruptive by the instructor. Significant or continued disruptive behavior by a student (as determined by the instructor) may warrant suspension or academic expulsion from the classroom, the college or the University.