HEARTLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE
EASC 121
INTRO TO EARTH SCIENCE
COURSE SYLLABUS
FALL 2001
GENERAL INFORMATION
COURSE NUMBER/TITLE/CREDITS:
EASC 121
Introduction to Earth Science, 3 Semester Credit Hours
INTRODUCTION:
This class is an introductory course designed to give an overview of the physical nature
and processes that shape the environment both on and beyond the earth.
CATALOG DESCRIPTION:
An introductory physical science class that surveys the fields of geology,
oceanography, atmospheric science and astronomy. Environmental concerns will be
discussed in this class. Suitable for students with minimal course work in the sciences
and mathematics..
TEXTBOOKS:
Earth Science, Ninth Edition, Tarbuck and Lutgens, Prentice Hall.
PREREQUISITE FOR THIS COURSE:
None.
STUDENTS FOR WHOM THIS COURSE IS INTENDED:
Non-science majors who my have had little or no exposure to this topic in high school.
INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION:
Name: Bob Dennison
Office: ICB 2408
Phone: (309) 268-8646
Email: robert.dennison@hcc.cc.il.us
Office Hours
Monday & Wednesday – 11 – 12
Tuesday & Thursday – 10 – 11 & 1:30 – 2:30
Friday – 9 - 10 & 11 – 12
COURSE PURPOSE
GENERAL COURSE GOALS:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Understanding of the basic areas of astronomy, oceanography, atmospheric
science, and geology.
Increasing analytical and reasoning skills.
Understanding basic physical science terms and concepts.
Aiding students in their ability to assess and make informed environmental
decisions.
RELATIONSHIP OF COURSE TO STUDENT ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT
EASC 121 provides a basic scientific foundation necessary for further college-level
courses.
RELATIONSHIP OF COURSE TO GENERAL EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
This class will fulfill lab science credit in the A. A. and A. S. degree requirements.
EDUCATIONAL BELIEFS:
BELIEFS ABOUT STUDENT LEARNING:
Students must take an active role in the learning process for it to take place and for you
to feel a sense of accomplishment. Desire, effort, and persistence are the key
ingredients to your success.
BELIEFS ABOUT TEACHER’S ROLE:
I will be responsible for creating an atmosphere conducive to the learning process.
Please feel free to ask me questions either during your class period or my office hours
or whenever we can make a connection.
DESCRIPTION OF INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES AND RATIONALE:
Discussions, tests, quizzes, and written reports. Students will have the opportunity to
ask questions and contribute throughout.
DESCRIPTION OF LEARNING FORMAT:
Students will be able to achieve success by:
1. Attending class sessions regularly.
2. Participating in discussions and group work.
3. Asking questions about material you do not understand.
4. Doing careful, thoughtful and thorough work.
5. Reading the assigned material before class lecture and again afterwards.
6. Taking good notes and reviewing them regularly.
7. Reviewing the key terms and questions at the end of each chapter.
8. Reviewing the material listed on your test review sheets.
9. Forming a study group with other members of this class.
10. Not giving up, you can do this if you sincerely try.
FEEDBACK AND GRADING
GRADING SYSTEM/METHOD OF EVALUATION:
Scale: A > 90%, B = 80-89%, C = 70-79%, D =60-69%, F<60%. Four exams over the
lectures are planned. The exams will be worth 80% of your grade. The remaining 20%
will come from quizzes, written assignments, class participation, and attendance. You
must notify the instructor before the hour and the day your exam is to be given of any
absence. No makeup tests will be given unless this procedure is followed. If you miss
a test you will receive a grade of “0”. There is no makeup allowed for quizzes and all
assignments must be turned in on time. No late work allowed.
POLICIES ON ASSIGNMENTS/TESTS/MAKEUPS:
No makeup for assignments or quizzes. Assignments are due per the instructor’s
direction. Makeup tests will be given at the instructor’s discretion and will be penalized
5 points no matter what the excuse. You must notify the instructor before the hour and
day the exam is given in order for you to be considered for a makeup. No exceptions to
this rule will be granted.
POLICIES ON ATTENDANCE:
Regular class attendance is an important part of educational success and is expected of
all students. You are responsible for the information presented in each class for the
lecture exams.
SUPPORT SERVICES
LIBRARY POLICIES:
Students may use the library here at Heartland and will be informed by the instructor of
the services available to them.
LEARNING ASSISTANCE POLICIES:
If additional assistance is necessary outside of class, please contact me as soon as
possible. Tutoring can be arranged through Student Services.
CURRICULAR AND TRANSFER STATUS
DEGREE/CERTIFICATE:
This course counts toward completion of the A. A. Degree or the A. S. Degree.
TRANSFERABILITY:
Check with an advisor to get specific transfer information related to the school you
wish to attend.
STUDENT ASSIGNMENTS AND PURPOSE
RELATIONSHIP OF COURSE GOALS TO ASSIGNMENTS:
Each assignment provides background needed to achieve course goals.
RATIONALE FOR COURSE CONTENT:
Course content covers science fundamentals and basic techniques necessary for more
advanced science courses. Topics in the class will increase earth-environment
awareness.
WHAT STUDENTS NEED TO BRING TO EACH LAB MEETING:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Pencil and pen
Calculator
Notebook
Textbook
CALENDAR & LAB ASSIGNMENTS
ASSIGNMENTS
TEST ONE MATERIAL
Introduction
Chapter 19 – Earth’s Place in the Universe
Chapter 20 – Touring Our Solar System
Chapter 12 – The Ocean Environment
Chapter 13 – The Restless Ocean
Test One
TEST TWO MATERIAL
Chapter 1 – Minerals: Building Blocks of Rocks
Chapter 2 – Rocks: Materials of the Lithosphere
Chapter 6 – Earthquakes and Earth’s Interior
Chapter 7 – Plate Tectonics
Chapter 8 – Igneous Activity
Test Two
TEST THREE MATERIAL
Chapter 3 – Weathering, Soil, and Mass Wasting
Chapter 4 – Running Water and Groundwater
Chapter 5 – Glaciers, Deserts, and Wind
Test Three
TEST FOUR MATERIAL [FINAL EXAM]
Chapter 14 – Composition, Structure, and Temperature
Chapter 15 – Moisture, Clouds, and Precipitation
Chapter 16 - Air Pressure and Wind
Chapter 17 – Weather Patterns and Severe Storms
Test Four [Final Exam]
DATES FOR EXAMS/QUIZZES
You will be informed at least one week in advance of your scheduled test.
Quizzes can occur with or without prior notice.
FINAL EXAM SCHEDULE
EASC 121 – 5, which meets on Monday/Wednesday/Friday from 1:00 – 2:00,
will have their final on Monday, May 13th from 12:00 – 1:50 pm
EASC 121 – 6, which meets on Monday/Wednesday from 2:00 – 3:15, will have
their final on Wednesday, May 15th from 2:00 – 3:50 pm