GEOLOGY 110
GEOLOGY OF THE AMERICAN SOUTHWEST
Spring 2012
Objective: Geology 110 is a course involving a study of the Earth, its materials and physical
processes, and the systems that make it a dynamic planet. An emphasis is placed on how
geologic systems shape the Earth’s landscape, focusing particular attention on the spectacular
landforms in the national parks in the Colorado Plateau region. Geology 110 is primarily for
non-geology majors who want to acquire a better knowledge of geologic processes through a
hands-on study of some of the most famous and scenic landmarks of the American west.
A major feature of this course is the 10-day field trip to southern Utah, northern Arizona and
western New Mexico. Sites expected to be visited will include Zion, Bryce Canyon, Grand
Staircase-Escalante, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Grand Canyon National Parks, Coral Pink
Sand Dunes, Dead Horse Point and Goosenecks State Parks of Utah, Dixie National Forest,
Ship Rock, Antelope Canyon, and Monument Valley National Tribal Park.
Students will be given ample opportunity to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of the area, yet
will pause at key points for geologic discussions, thus truly placing the classroom amidst aweinspiring scenery. Students interested in a physical challenge, and who are visual types of
learners will thrive in this course.
Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor. NOTE: Enrollment will be limited for this course.
Interested students are encouraged to consult with Mr. Cochran prior to Fall Break about the
application process.
Text: Pages of Stone by Halka Chronic.
Course Fees: $1600 per student. Fees will cover the cost of travel from South
Bend to Las Vegas, rental of vans, gas, motels, and entry into all parks.
Physical requirements: Some of the stops will be close to the road, however, many hikes, some
quite strenuous, are necessary to reach points of geologic interest. It is expected that students
will be in above average physical condition. Students must be able to carry out sustained
physical activity at high elevations every day. Students with personal medical concerns must
notify the instructor prior to enrolling in this class. Students will visit geologic sites where the
potential for severe physical harm is very real - specifically large cliffs. However, students will
not be required to approach any closer to the edge of cliffs than they are comfortable with.
Students with significant fear of heights have taken and enjoyed this course.
Expectations: In addition to a midterm and final exam, students are required to maintain a road
log of the trip, participate in all hikes and class discussions and prepare a written report of up to 5
pages that focuses on one of the trip’s stops. This report is due three weeks after returning to
Holy Cross. Note: As representatives of Holy Cross College, student behavior must be beyond
reproach at all times. Students must abide by the Code of Student Conduct as outlined in the
Holy Cross Student Handbook, along with all state and federal laws. In addition all national and
state park rules will be observed by all class participants. Specifically, collecting rock or plant
samples in parks is not permitted.
Class Schedule: 90 minute classes will be held twice per week. 100% attendance is required.
Registration for the Spring 2011 Geology 110 course is a 4-Step process:
1. Discuss with Mr. Cochran – by phone (574-239-8409) or in person. An informational session
may be scheduled during the fall semester.
2. Students must submit a written application, including an essay no later than November 21,
2011
3. Students accepted into the course will be notified by December 1, 2011.
4. Accepted students must then register with their advisor, and submit a $600 deposit to Mr.
Cochran no later than December 12, 2010. This financial commitment is necessary at this time
in order for the college to make necessary advance travel accommodations.
Cancellation Policy: This course may be cancelled by the college in case of insufficient
enrollment.
Food and Lodging: Lodging each night will be in motels (Double occupancy). Meals are NOT
covered by course fees. Grocery stops will be made every few days for purchasing food for
lunches and snacks to be eaten “on the trail”. Time for breakfast and dinner will be available in
town at the start and end of each day. Students must bring money for their own food and
miscellaneous materials. At least $300 or a credit/debit card is recommended. We will also stop
at park gift shops where you may desire to have extra cash.
Personal items: Due to space constraints, students are permitted one piece of luggage for
clothing, and will need one sturdy back pack. Comfortable footwear, suitable for much walking
is necessary. Hiking boots are recommended. Other suggested items include camera, one gallon
of water bottles (can be purchased in Utah), sun screen, hat, sun glasses, toilet items, a flashlight
and notebooks. Do not bring a rock hammer (no rock collecting allowed at National Parks and
Monuments).
Recommended clothing: a sweatshirt, rain jacket/poncho, long and short pants (Daytime
temperatures will most likely be in the 50’s and 60’s, with cool evenings and early mornings),
seven days of socks/underwear, and t-shirts. (We will make a laundromat stop at the half way
point.)
More Information: Contact Mr. Cochran at (574) 239-8409, or dcochran@hcc-nd.edu.
Also please visit http://faculty.hcc-nd.edu/dcochran/GEOL110web/.
Spring 2012 Field Trip Itinerary:
Day
3/9
3/10
3/11
3/12
3/13
3/14
3/15
3/16
3/17
3/18
Visit
Stay
Fly to Las Vegas, depart for Utah
Zion NP
Coral Pink Sand Dunes, Bryce Canyon NP
Escalante, Capitol Reef NP
Dead Horse Point, Arches NP(Windows, Delicate Arch)
Arches NP (Devil’s Garden)
Goosenecks, Monument Valley, Ship Rock
Antelope Canyon, Grand Canyon NP
Grand Canyon NP
Las Vegas
Springdale, UT
Mt. Carmel, UT
Escalante, UT
Moab, UT
Moab, UT
Moab, UT
Kayenta, AZ
Tusayan, AZ
Tusayan, AZ
Fly to SB
Holy Cross College
Geology of the American Southwest
Spring 2012 Course Application
The one prerequisite for acceptance for Geology 110 is to have the permission of the instructor. Because
this course involves 10 days of travel, it is imperative that all participants can be relied on to conduct
themselves appropriately at all times. Please type or print in ink.
Name: ____________________________________________ Date:_______________________
Address:
Phone:
E-Mail:
Sex: ____ Birth Date: ____________
Application requirements:
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


Referral Name
All interested students are highly encouraged to first meet with Mr. Cochran (574-2398409).
Each application must be accompanied by a short essay (one page maximum) explaining
your interest in this course.
Do you have any medical or physical limitations which could restrict you from
performing sustained physical activity at high elevations each day? YES / NO
If yes, please elaborate on a separate page.
Please list one instructor, administrator or advisor whom Mr. Cochran may contact. This
person should be able to attest to your good moral character, demeanor, reliability, and
attitude toward education.
Title
Phone
Email
Please return this completed application to the Office of the Dean of Students by 5 PM, November 21,
2011.
Deposit. Upon acceptance into this course, a $600 non-refundable deposit is due no later than
December 12, 2011. Application deposit will be applied toward the overall $1600 course fee. The
balance will be due no later than the first day of class. In the event that the course is canceled due
to a lack of participants, a full refund of this deposit will be made to the applicant.
August 12, 2011