GEL 1006
OCEANOGRAPHY

TEXTS | ORGANIZATION | REQUIREMENTS | POLICIES | GRADE | STRATEGIES

TEXTS

• Garrison, T., Oceanography, 6th ed.

ORGANIZATION

• Lectures will cover topics from the text, you should bring you textbooks to class so you can refer to the topics, figures, and diagrams.
• Homework exercises are assigned to reinforce lecture topics. I will be available during office hours, lab hours, and in lecture and seminar to guide you through the assignments and answer your questions. You are encouraged to work with others from the class; however, you should always submit your own work in your own words.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS
TEXTS | ORGANIZATION | REQUIREMENTS | POLICIES | GRADE | STRATEGIES

• CLASS PARTICIPATION: In order to check your understanding I will ask you questions about the material being covered. "I don’t know" is commonly a favorite response to questions, but it is not acceptable in this course. I expect an honest attempt at an answer, even if it is incorrect
• TEXT: You are expected to read the text. We will not be able to cover all of the material in the text during lecture and seminar. If you read the text prior to attending class, you will be able to ask me for clarification about things you don’t understand
• HOMEWORK: Homework assignments should be submitted as indicated on the course schedule. All homework must be typed. ( It is much easier for me to determine whether or not your answer is correct if I can read it.) All students have access to computers at the college, you should use them to type your homework. Homework that is not typed will have 5 points subtracted from the grade.
• QUIZZES: Unannounced quizzes will be given in lecture throughout the semester to ensure that you are keeping pace with the course schedule.
• EXAMS: Exams will cover the material in the text, lectures, and seminars. The exams will be a combination of multiple choice and short answer. The attached study guide should be used to prepare for the exams.
• ASSESSMENTS: I will occasionally ask you to assess my exams and instruction and your preparation and progress. These assessments will not affect your grade.
• READ THIS OUTLINE AND REFER TO IT DAILY. This site includes homework assignments, reading assignments, exam dates, and a study guide. You are responsible for the material covered in this outline. Not knowing that there is an exam will not excuse you from having to take it.

• ATTENDANCE: You are expected to attend all class sessions. You should always notify me prior to missing class.
• WITHDRAWAL: I may withdraw you from the course at your request or at my discretion. I will withdraw you for any of the following reasons:
  • four absences from class
  • failure to complete a missed exam within one week
  • failure to submit two homework assignments

  -  note: If you want to ensure withdrawal, you should request it. Failure to request a withdrawal or complete the course may result in a grade of "F"
  -  Waiver form this policy requires a written excuse to me and will be at my discretion based on the circumstances!
  -  The last day to withdraw is April 8.
   

• LATE POLICY:
  • Exams must be made up within one week and may be essay or oral exams. You must notify me prior to missing the exam.
  • Quizzes cannot me made up, four quizzes will be counted toward the final grade.
  • Homework must be turned in prior to the date indicated on the schedule. Five points will be subtracted for each day late. Homework turned in after the graded homework has been returned to the rest of the class will be for 1/3 of the points earned.
  • Late exams and homework will not be accepted after one week without a written excuse.
  • No work will be accepted after Friday, May 2.
• ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: You are encouraged to discuss class and homework with other students; however, all assignments must be your original work in your own words. If you cheat on an exam, you will be given a failing grade for the exam and will be required to have a conference with me and the Division Chair.
• CONTACT ME: If you have conflicts, concerns, scheduling problems, study difficulties, test anxiety, a learning disability, or anything else that may interfere with your success in this class or if you have questions about the college, geology, your career path, or just about anything else, please stop by my office or send me an e-mail. I will do my best to help you or direct you to someone who can.
• The student handbook and the college catalog should be reviewed to become familiar with all IVCC policies.
• IMPORTANT NOTE:  If you are a student with a cognitive, physical or psychiatric disability you may be eligible for academic support services such as extended test time, texts on tape, note taking services, etc.... If you are interested in receiving academic support services, please contact the Special Populations Office at 224-0284, office B-204.

GRADE
TEXTS | ORGANIZATION | REQUIREMENTS | POLICIES | GRADE | STRATEGIES

• GRAMMER & SPELLING are worth 10% of all assignments and exams. Answers should be in complete, grammatically correct sentences. All words should be correctly spelled. If you need help you should ask me, an English instructor, or the Reading, Writing, and Study Skills Lab (in LRC-B) for assistance.
• EXTRA CREDIT:
  • Field trips: On several occasions throughout the semester, you will have opportunities to participate in geoscience related field trips. Field trips will be announced in class and participation is strongly recommended, but optional. Field trips are worth 15 points per half-day. Additional extra credit may be earned by writing about the field trip or presenting field trip observations in seminar. Please bring field trip opportunities to the attention of the instructor.
    • Spring 2008 field trips
  • Term Paper: You may apply the concepts learned in the class by writing a term paper discussing a oceanographic topic in greater detail than presented in the class. You must have the topic approved by me. Points will be assigned based on the depth of knowledge expressed in the paper. You are expected to cite all references. The term paper must be typed and proper English and spelling must be used. If you are assigned a paper in another course and you choose a topic related to oceanography, you may be able to submit the paper to me as well.  Guidance for writing term papers: http://www.mtsu.edu/~cdharris/term-paper-guide/

STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS
TEXTS | ORGANIZATION | REQUIREMENTS | POLICIES | GRADE | STRATEGIES

• Skip class.
• Sit in the back row and chat.
• Leave your book at home.
• Don’t write anything down.
• Don’t open the book.
• Lose the study guide.
• Don’t ask questions about the material.
• Don’t turn in work.
• Schedule appointments during class time.
• Pretend like you already know the material.
• Take a vacation for a week while classes are in session.
• Come to class late.
• Avoid me.
• Don’t talk to any of your classmates and do not study with them.
• Do not ask any questions, ever.
• Do not use proper English and spelling on any assignments.
• Do not e-mail me.
• If you’re in the middle of a game of Euchre, finish the game, class can wait.
• Do make me your friend in Facebook.
• Rush through the homework, put as little effort into each assignment as possible, do not answer all of the questions.
• Avoid the Tutoring Center in LRC-D (244-0479)
• Do as little as possible.
• If you must stop by my office, check my schedule first, and stop by when I am in another class.
• Have no goals.

• Attend all class sessions (and pay attention).
• Take notes.
• Read the assigned chapters prior to attending class.
• Read and work on the lab assignments prior to lab.
• Follow the study guide and be sure you know the answers to the questions.
• Ask questions about the material.
• Talk to other students and to me.
• Look for aspects of the class that are especially interesting to you.
• Stop by my office.
• Get to know some of your classmates and work on labs and the study guide with them.
• Ask questions.
• Ask more questions.
• Use proper English and spelling on all assignments (worth 10% of all homework).
• Don’t rush through the homework.
• Seek assistance at the Tutoring Center in B-325 (244-0479)