Physical Geology (GEOL 101) Syllabus

Text: Portrait of a Planet, by Stephen Marshak, Fifth Edition (other editions are fine, adjust reading to fit...)

Labs will be graded on Effort & Attitude. If you are there, engage the material cheefully, and put in sufficent effort, you will get eight points. If you miss a lab, whine, or do not put in sufficient effort, you will get zero ponts. It is assumed that everyone will get all eight points for each of the twelve labs, giving a total of 96 points towards your grade. Each of the first two Graded Learning Opportunities will count for one point, and the Final Graded Learning Opportunity will count for two points. Only these last four points should vary from student to student, and they will be based on performance as described in the link "Grading Policies" shown above. In other words, to pass the course you must satisfactorily complete all twelve labs plus get a passing average on the Graded Learning Opportunities.

Other than labs, your physical attendance is not required. If you attend class, it is expected that you are there to learn what is being discussed. Therefore, if you need to write a paper, surf the web, text message your friends, or engage in other activities which are not part of our classroom discussion, please do not come to class.

Graded Learning Opportunities will try to probe your understanding and comprehension of all the material - that covered in lectures and that covered in labs. (See Learning Outcomes.)

This syllabus represents my plan for the semester as of the first day of the semester. It is subject to change at my discretion. If you desire to see it modified to include additional material, or omit material which you believe has been adequately covered in some other course, please bring this to my attention as soon as possible.