Course Description:

In this course, we will explore the Earth system and its relationship with humankind. After a review of the basics in ecology, geology, atmospheric and hydrologic processes, we will specifically consider key environmental problems of the 21st century, including human population, air pollution, loss of biodiversity, waste management, climate change, deforestation, grazing, urbanization, and mining. Students will research and complete a project that will become a chapter in the web-based document, 2002 State of the Environment at Colorado College.

Policies:

Honor Code: The Colorado College Honor Code applies to all aspects of this course. This includes, but is not limited to, doing all your own work on tests, appropriately acknowledging all sources used in written work, and doing the actual writing of your final research paper. Discussions with other students are strongly encouraged re: lecture material and the field project, but each person must do the appropriate amount of his or her own work to contribute to group projects. Refer to the constitution of the Honor Code if you have questions, or talk with us. Remember that it is the responsibility of the student to clarify ambiguous situations; in other words, if you are not sure, ask me.

Plaigerism: Plaigerism means "to steal and pass off (the ideas and words of another) as one's own" or to "present as new and original an idea or product derived from an existing source" (Merriam Webster's Dictionary, 1993). Plaigerism is a very serious offense which may result is expulsion from Colorado College. To learn how to integrate published infomation into your own work successfully (and legally), please consult the "Quoting and Paraphrasing" page from the University of Wisconsin's Writing Center

Web Page: Access to this course web page is mandatory. Check the page often for changes to schedule, assignment details, course and grading policies.

Field Trips: All field trips are mandatory. All policies, rules and regulations that pertain to the classroom will also pertain to the field trips. If this is unclear, consult the Pathfinder for details of expected classroom conduct. The Environmental Science Program (along with Biology) have adopted a strict NO DRUG AND NO ALCOHOL policy on all field trips. NO EXCEPTIONS.