GEL 1008
PHYSICAL GEOLOGY

TEXTS | ORGANIZATION | REQUIREMENTS | POLICIES | GRADE | STRATEGIES

TEXTS

• Reynolds, S.J., et. al., Exploring Geology
• Jones, N.W., Laboratory Manual for Physical Geology, 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.
• Seminars are designed to offer you an opportunity to discuss lecture topics and lab exercises with me in a more relaxed setting.
• Laboratory exercises are assigned to reinforce lecture topics. The laboratory is an open lab and while you may work on assignments at your own pace, you should plan to spend approximately two hours per week in the lab. I will be available in the lab at scheduled times 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.  (A closed lab section is available, please see me for details.)

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.
• LABS: Lab assignments should be submitted as indicated on the course schedule. You should expect to spend 2 hours in the lab each week. Most students find it helpful to complete their labs during my lab hours.
• QUIZZES: Unannounced quizzes will be given in seminar and 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 labs. The exams will be a combination of multiple choice and short answer. A study guide is provided on a separate page and should be used to prepare for the exams.
• LAB PRACTICAL: An oral lab practical (covering minerals and rocks) will be given during the second half of the semester. A sign-up sheet will be posted on my office door. You will be expected to identify the characteristics of rocks and minerals but will not be required to know specific names.
• ASSESSMENTS: I will occasionally ask you to assess my exams and instruction and your preparation and progress. These assessments will not affect your grade.

POLICIES

TEXTS | ORGANIZATION | REQUIREMENTS | POLICIES | GRADE | STRATEGIES

• ATTENDANCE: You are expected to attend all class sessions. You should notify me prior to missing class (in person, by voice mail, or by e-mail).
• WITHDRAWAL: I may withdraw you from the course at your request or at my discretion. I may withdraw you at my discretion 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 from this policy requires a written request to me and will be at my discretion based on the circumstances.
  - The last day to withdraw is November 7.

• 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.
  • Labs must be turned in by 4:00pm on the scheduled due date. Three points will be subtracted for each day late. Labs turned in after the graded lab has been returned to the class will be worth a maximum of 1/3 of the total possible points.
  • Late exams and labs will not be accepted after one week without a written excuse.
  • Nothing may be turned in after Wednesday, December 10.
• ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: You are encouraged to discuss class and lab work 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.
• The student handbook and the college catalog should be reviewed to become familiar with all IVCC policies.

GRADE

TEXTS | ORGANIZATION | REQUIREMENTS | POLICIES | GRADE | STRATEGIES

• Grammar & 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:

• Term Paper/Project: You may apply the concepts learned in the class by writing a term paper or presenting a project discussing a geologic 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/project. 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/project in another course and you choose a topic related to geology, you may be able to submit the paper to me as well. (just ask).  Writing term papers: http://www.mtsu.edu/~cdharris/term-paper-guide/
• Field Trips: Several geological field trips will be announced over the course of the semester. Extra credit will be given for participating and writing a short paper describing what you did and discovered.  Follow this link to field trips.

STRATEGIES FOR FAILURE

TEXTS | ORGANIZATION | REQUIREMENTS | POLICIES | GRADE | STRATEGIES

• Skip class often. (Sleep in, nothing important will be covered.)
• Sit in the back row and chat.
• Leave your book at home.
• Don’t write anything down.
• Work on the labs alone, avoid discussing them with others
• 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.
• Do not work on the labs when I am in the lab.
• Copy someone else’s work.
• Pretend like you already know the material.
• Take a vacation for a week while classes are in session.
• Come to class late.
• Avoid me.
• If you’re in the middle of a game of Euchre, finish the game, class can wait.
• Don’t talk to any of your classmates and do not study with them.
• Do not ask any questions, ever.
• Turn in your work late, if at all.
• Do not use proper English and spelling on any assignments.
• Do not e-mail me.
• Do not make me your friend in Facebook.
• Rush through the labs, put as little effort into each lab as possible, do not answer all of the questions.
• Avoid the Tutoring Center in LRC-D (244-0479)
• Do not study for your lab practical. The day it is scheduled, skip your 10:00 class, to the lab to look at the rocks and give up when no one can help you immediately.
• 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.

STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS

TEXTS | ORGANIZATION | REQUIREMENTS | POLICIES | GRADE | STRATEGIES

• Attend all class sessions (and pay attention).
• Take notes.
• Read the assigned chapters prior to attending class.
• Work on the lab assignments prior to seminar.
• 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.
• Stop by my office.
• Get to know some of your classmates and work on labs and the study guide with them.
• Visit me in the lab.
• Ask more questions.
• Type all assignments (required).
• Use proper English and spelling on all assignments (worth 10% of all homework).
• Put a lot of time and thought into your reports (worth about 1/3 of your final grade).
• Don't rush through the labs, you are expected to spend at least 2 hours per week working in the lab.
• Seek assistance at the Reading, Writing, and Study Skills Lab  in LRC-B or the Tutoring Center in B-325 (244-0479).