Geol
2001/3001/4001: Geology Seminar -- Fall 2003
Syllabus
Instructors:
Dr. Cathy Baker & Dr. Steve Kline
Scheduled Meeting Times: Thursdays - 4:00 - 4:55 p.m. in McEver #2
Office Hours:
Dr. Baker: Office:
McEver #5
Email: cathy.baker@mail.atu.edu
Office Telephone: 968-0661
Home Telephone:
880-2201
(feel free to
call Dr. Baker at home if you have questions, but please do not call after
10:30 p.m.)
Office Hours: Monday, Wednesday
& Friday 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Tuesday & Thursday 9:00
a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Dr. Kline: Office: McEver #6B
or Energy Center #155
Email: stephen.kline@mail.atu.edu
Office Telephone: 968-0676 (McEver),
968-0202 (Energy Center)
Home Telephone: 501-835-6346
(you may call here also, but not after 9:30 pm)
Office Hours: Monday,
Wednesday, Friday, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Tuesday & Thursday, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
CATALOG
DESCRIPTION: “Participants
will prepare oral and written reports and participate in discussions of the
reports. Topics for the seminar
will be determined by the instructors but will be subjects which are beyond
the scope of other geology courses.”
JUSTIFICATION/RATIONAL
FOR COURSE: Geology Seminar provides geology majors with the opportunity
to explore topics which are beyond the scope of other geology courses.
COURSE
OBJECTIVES:
1.
Examine geologic topics that are not treated in-depth in other geology
courses
2.
Develop library research and Internet research skills
3.
Learn about geologic databases and geologic literature sources
4.
Develop report-writing skills
5.
Develop and practice oral reporting skills, including the correct use
of presentation media and equipment
6.
Develop the ability to discuss technical reports and participate in a
technical meeting
7.
Develop the ability to work with others in a “team” setting
GEOLOGY
SEMINAR & GENERAL EDUCATION OBJECTIVES: Geology Seminar is designed to
support components of Arkansas Tech’ general education requirements.
Seminar reading assignments, oral presentations, discussions, and
written papers are designed to further reading, writing, listening and
speaking skills and foster reasoning and quantitative abilities.
Geology Seminar advances understanding of science and awareness of
science and technology and their influence on society through study of
selected geological problems.
GRADING CRITERIA:
a. The
final grade in seminar will be based on 300 points divided as follows:
- Participation & Discussion - 100 points
Students are expected
to attend all class meetings and be prepared to discuss topics under
consideration. This means
that an effort must be made to study the subject to be discussed through
reading materials suggested before the class meeting.
During the seminar meeting each student is expected to enter into the
discussion period that follows the presentation.
- Topics: Oral Presentation
– 100 points
Each student will make
two oral presentations to the seminar group. The content of the presentations
will be based on the research the student has made into a particular topic,
which will be selected from a list provided by Dr. Baker and Dr. Kline.
The first oral presentation will be 5-10 minutes in length followed by
an approximately 10-minute discussion. The
second will be longer, 15-20 minutes with a 10-minute discussion. Oral
presentations will be graded on the following:
- organization and focus
(staying on the subject, not rambling)
- source
material (use of geological journals rather than Internet sources and popular
literature)
- accuracy
and currentness of the information presented (are the facts correct and is the
information timely/current)
- use of
presentation media and equipment (choosing appropriate visual aids and
equipment and using them effectively)
- length of
presentation (presentation must be between15 and 20 minutes)
- speaking clearly and
correctly using Stand American English
- Topics: Written Paper -
100 points
Each student will be required to turn in
a written paper covering his/or topic. Each student will meet with Dr.
Baker or Dr. Kline during the week following the presentation to
review aspects of the presentation and make constructive changes for
the written compositions. Papers
will be due two weeks after the second oral presentation.
Students will receive written evaluations on their papers in
order to make improvements in their writing skills.
In terms of writing, papers must have good:
- content:
The content must be based on and summarize aspects of the oral
presentation, class discussions, and follow-up discussions.
- focus:
The text has a clear central idea that unifies the parts.
-
organization: Organization is
clear and sensible with helpful transitions.
- style:
The sentence structure is clear and coherent with appropriate word
choices for the topic and audience.
- mechanics:
Spelling, punctuation, and grammar conform to Standard American
English.
In terms of structure, the paper must:
- be a
minimum of 8 pages in length, typed, and double spaced
- contain at
least two diagrams in addition to the 8 pages of text, and the diagrams should
be properly referenced in the text
- include a
separate bibliography page (in addition to the 8 pages of the body of the
report) that includes a minimum of four different references/sources; all from
professional geological bulletins, journals, and/or texts
***Students
who are enrolled for Geology 2001 are enrolled for sophomore level credit.