Description

This course explores in an integrative manner the dynamic biogeophysical processes in the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere. The focus is on acquiring an "interdisciplinary" understanding of the basic principles and concepts of the evolving new field called Earth System Science (ESS) and the Human Dimensions of Global Environmental Change (HDGC).

Laboratory exercises will emphasize use of interactive multimedia and other active learning approaches to study.  Many resources used are on the World-Wide-Web (see Resources for ESS Study). The course may include some traditional lab and field studies as well, e.g. field trips to The Great Salt Lake, Wasatch Mountains, Colorado Plateau, and Basin and Range Province including famous man-made earth-modifications like the Bingham Copper Mine.

Resource materials: Online and in-class materials come from several sources; many case studies, simulations and models were developed by the ESSEonline  project and the HDGC Project.

See also the  VGD (Virtual Geography Department) and its related EES (Earth's Environment and Society) group.

Course Objectives

1. Create awareness and understanding of how earth systems function and interact to create the conditions for life in the geosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere.
2. Explore how human activities have interacted with natural systems through time and how these activities respond to global changes in technology, consumption, and population.
3. Appreciate the enormity of global and regional environmental changes occurring on Earth and the implications of these changes in our individual lives.
4. Challenge students to rethink their behaviors and attitudes about their "interaction" with the natural world.
5. Learn to use the systems approach to learning and doing research in science and technology -- encourage capable students to pursue careers in science and technology.
6. Practice team and individual writing skills and oral communications, e.g. practicing traditional writing skills as well as new methods such as e-mail and Web publishing and communications.
7. "Learn how to learn" using modern information-technology tools such as the Internet.

Grading:

Criteria:

Grades will be based upon performance in three areas:

1. (50% of grade) TWO tests (per quarter) (25% each) covering basic ESS (Earth Systems Science) concepts from the textbook and Web resources.
2. (20% of grade) Writing Projects -TWO Policy-Briefs - on an ESS theme (to be explained in class) or an OPTIONAL - annotated website review or project (see the instructor).
3. (30%) Participation and performance:  lab activities and take-home exercises.

Rubric:

For an  A  grade:

Above 94% on all tests as well as exceptional work on Policy-Brief and/or web project (A- will be given to those falling between 90-94%) and excellent participation and attendance. To get an "A" you must demostrate high creativity, initiative, resourcefulness in all areas of the course and have an excellent participation and attendance record as well.

For a B grade:

For a B+ you must get above 87% in all tests and good work on mini-papers / Web project--see evaluation form used for Mini-papers and good participation and attendance; for a B you must achieve between 84 - 86% and a B- will be given to those scoring between 80 - 83%.

For a C grade:

Below 80% on tests and below average writing on mini-papers / Web project (see evaluation form used for Mini-papers) and below average participation and attendance: C+ = 75 -79%, C"= 70 -74%, C- = 65 - 69%.

For a D or F grade:

To get a D+ = 60 - 64% and D = 55 - 59%; D- = 50 - 54%. Below 50% is a failing grade = F

Notes on Writing:

Throughout the entire course a strong emphasis will be put on encouraging students to practice and perfect various forms of written, oral and graphic communication--emphasis on HTML Web publishing. See the following list of Web Publishing Resources for ESSE (Earth System Science Education).

1. Students will write two Policy-Briefs. Guidelines will be given in the course and students will get to choose the topics with approval of the instructor. Students will be encouraged to publish there work on the Web.
2. Annother OPTION is to create a small Web Project where you will post your Policy-Brief or an annotated web-site review. More explanation will be given in class on this OPTION for course presentation and publishing.
3. Students will also be expected to learn to use basic electronic communications effectively email.
4. Students will also be shown HOW TO ACCESS ONLINE INTERNET TUTORIALS early in the course. One of the goals is to teach good e-mail writing skills and "netiquette" - but more important HOW TO USE THE INTERNET to do research and communicate across the globe with other students as well as experts in their areas of interest.
5. There will be some traditional tests--they will include objective questions as well as short and longer written essays. Again learning to communicate effectively and correctly in writing will be emphasized.

 Time and Location

Bob Ford Home

SPOL 665 Info-Tech. Decision Science

BIOL 549 Biodiver. Conser.

SPOL 624 Nature/Society Thought/Policy

SPOL 554 Env. Res. Dev. Policy

ESSC 401-2  Earth System Science

ESSC 575  Field Practicum

ESSC 541-2 Modeling & Remote Sensing

Last Revised: June 16, 2004