Natural Resource Management 140

Fall 2009

Stillwell 143

Tues-Thurs 8:00-9:15

Instructor:                         Dr. Ron Davis   

Office:                              Stillwell 318

Phone:                              x2726

Office Hours:                   MWF 8:00-9:30am Tues 2-3:00pm

NOTE:  I have an open door policy and am frequently in my office when not teaching.  Please feel free to stop by my office.

I. Purpose

Students will develop a basic understanding of natural resource conservation, and will investigate relationships between those resources and society and issues related to their management.

II. Course Objectives: 

In addition to increased knowledge of natural resource management concepts students will be able to apply critical thinking skills to the understanding of ecologic, economic, and ethical aspects of natural resource management and conservation.

This course is a Liberal Studies course.  The learning goals of the Liberal Studies Program are for students to:

• Demonstrate the ability to locate, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information;
• Demonstrate the ability to interpret and use numerical, written, oral and visual data;
• Demonstrate the ability to read with comprehension, and to write and speak clearly, coherently, and effectively as well as to adapt modes of communication appropriate to an audience;
• Demonstrate the ability to critically analyze arguments; demonstrate the ability to recognize behaviors and define choices that affect lifelong well-being;
• Demonstrate an understanding of
• Past human experiences and ability to relate them to the present:
• Different contemporary cultures and their interrelationships;
• Issues involving social institutions, interpersonal and group dynamics, human development and behavior, and cultural diversity; scientific concepts and methods as well as contemporary issues in science and technology;
• Cultural heritage through its expressions of wisdom, literature and art and their roles in the process of self and social understanding.

This course partially satisfies the C5 science requirement of the WCU liberal studies program and contains a laboratory component.  In the physical sciences, students will

• Be directed toward the definition and solution of problems involving the character of matter, energy, motion, or mechanical/dynamic systems;
• Use scientific study to appreciate the tentative character of scientific conclusions: repeated experimental testing is needed in order to confirm assertions, and revision (even rejection) of hypotheses is allowed.

III. Course Materials

• Text: Weddell, B. J. 2002.  Conserving Living Natural Resources.
• Other readings will be provided as needed.

IV. Expectations of Students/Course Policies (Amendments will be announced in class)

• Attend and be engaged in class.  Attendance is not mandatory but some activities will be completed in class and so excessive absences will impact your grade.
• Complete assignments on time.  Late work will be penalized 20% of the total points possible for each day late.  After 5 days the assignment will receive a grade of zero.  
• Exams, in class-exercises and quizzes are not available for make up.  If you MUST miss an exam make arrangements ahead of time.
• Be COURTEOUS to other students AND the instructor.  This includes but IS NOT LIMITED TO getting to class on time, avoid excessive talking, keeping cell phone OFF etc. Put simply, avoid things that interfere with my teaching or student learning.
• Academic Integrity:  You are encouraged to share ideas, discuss questions, and work together with your classmates in such a way as to further your individual and collective understanding and proficiency of the concepts and skills presented in this course.  However, I expect each of you to submit original, independent work and adhere to the policies set forth in the University Catalog and Student Handbook.  Academic dishonesty of any kind is not acceptable.  Be sure to cite all work and ideas that are not your own and reference all citations.  See the University Writing Center website for information regarding plagiarism.  Failure to comply with the University policy on academic integrity can result in a zero for the specific assignment, a failing grade for the course, University disciplinary action or any combination thereof.

What you should expect from me:

• I am readily available to answer questions and help with assignments.  I have office hours but feel free to stop by at any time or call/email to set up an appointment.  NOTE:  Talk to me as soon as you are having problems or questions.  If you wait until the day before something is due or the end of the semester to ask for help there will be little I can do for you.

• I will strive to get your graded work back to you in a timely fashion.  Handing assignments in ON TIME and in a presentable fashion will help with this tremendously.

• Expectations (i.e. such as what you need to “know” for a test or quiz) are clear.  Grading and course policies are implemented fairly.

Class Environment:  It is likely some issues we cover in this class will be controversial.  I encourage respectful disagreement and debate.  Keep an open mind and resist the urge to immediately dismiss a view with which you disagree.  This class is a forum where we can have open discussion and where everyone has the opportunity to participate and feels comfortable participating.  Everyone should be polite and tolerant of divergent viewpoints.  Please listen and do not talk when others are talking.  Be respectful of your fellow students and me. 

Writing Assistance: The Writing Center which is located on the first floor of Hunter Library assists students with papers and written assignments.  See their website for additional information at www.wcu.edu/WritingCenter

Individuals with Disabilities Statement: Western Carolina University is committed to providing equal educational opportunities for students with documented disabilities.  Students who require disability services or reasonable accommodations must identify themselves as having a disability and provide current diagnostic documentation to Disability Services.  All information is confidential.  Please contact Kimberly Marcus for more information.  Phone: (828) 227-7234; Email:kmarcus@email.wcu.edu.      

V. Grading Procedures:  The bulk of the grade for this class will come from the exams though we will have numerous small in-class exercises used for discussions.  Scores for the various assignments will averaged and multiplied by the percentages shown below to calculate your final grade.

NOTE: Unless otherwise stated assignments are to be turned in during class.  On occasion I will accept electronic submissions HOWEVER, these are NOT considered turned in until I have confirmed with you that I received the files. 

Grading Scale:  Grades will be assigned according to the scale shown below. 

• NOTE:  I do not disclose/discuss grade information by email or phone so if you need to discuss your grade please see me in person.

VI. Tentative Course Schedule (Updates will be posted online at http://paws.wcu.edu/rdavis)

Tentative Course Schedule

Fall 2009