Textbooks: Earth Science, Tarbuck & Lutgens; Lecture guide for GEOL-1030: Harris

Class website: http://www.mtsu.edu/~cdharris/GEOL100 (all caps & lower case must be exact!; note the ~ character!)

Notice: Earth Science has a lecture component and a lab component. These two are completely separate entities. You'll have different instructors -- and receive separate grades -- for each. You MUST be concurrently enrolled in lecture (GEOL1030-##) & a lab (GEOL1031-##) or you will eventually be administratively dropped from the course (i.e. your enrollment will be canceled and you will not receive a grade or a refund.) If you are not currently signed up for both, you need to contact TRAM/PipelineMT ASAP!

Course Description: This course will survey the entire scope of Earth Science (i.e. geology, oceanography, and meteorology). GEOL1030 is designed to give you a greater appreciation of the natural world around you and the physical processes that are responsible for its form and function. A background in science is not required; however, without one, you should be prepared to devote several hours a week to the reading assignments. A good rule of thumb is to spend two or three hours reading and studying for each hour spent in lecture (so you should devote a total of about 8 - 10 hours a week to this class).

The course consists of four parts: (1) earth materials and interior processes; (2) earth history; (3) surficial processes and products; (4) the atmosphere and weather. When you have completed the course, you should be able to observe and interpret many of the common, everyday occurrences associated with geologic events, landforms, geologic hazards, weather, etc.

Exams: Exam material includes lecture notes, the supplementary material from Lecture guide for GEOL-1030: Harris, the textbook, Earth Science - Tarbuck and Lutgens, and hand-outs. Exam material emphasizes topics presented in class.  Exams may consist of multiple-choice, matching, and/or true-false questions. Be sure to bring a no. 2 pencil to each exam. You DO NOT need to bring a SCANTRON computer answer form. Those will be provided to you by your instructor. To obtain your test score after the exam, you must come to the first lecture following the exam.

Special exam arrangements: If special arrangements (time, location, etc.) are necessary when you take the exam, I require that you notify me via e-mail of the specifics involved two class periods prior to the test date for each exam, as well as confirming the arrangements the class before the exam.

Significant dates & deadlines  -  for your convenience, I've provided withdrawal and drop dates if you are so inclined.

Grading and attendance policies:

1. ABSOLUTELY No extra credit will be given. DON'T BOTHER ASKING! You should devote your free time to earning the regular credit that is available.

2. ATTENDANCE IS MANDATORY. If grades in the course are adjusted (e.g. extra points are added to student point totals), the adjustment may be based on class attendance or participation.

3. There are no "excused" absences for the lecture exams -- no exceptions. There are also no make-up exams (see #'s 6 & 7 for further explanation).

4. It makes no difference to me WHY you missed a single class, so don't bother leaving explanatory messages for me, just try to catch up on the work you missed.

5. If you are sick for several consecutive classes PLEASE DON'T COME IN to see me during your illness. You may prolong it, or spread it around. Call me at my office and leave a message to let me know how you are doing. Stay at home, get well, then come talk to me when you feel better.

6. The lowest of your first three exam grades will be dropped, so if you miss an exam, that will be the grade that is dropped. You CANNOT skip the final exam and use it as your dropped grade.

7. If you miss the final exam, contact me immediately and be prepared to explain/document the reason for your absence. If your absence seems legitimate, I will then arrange for you to take the final exam.

8. Academic dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Anyone found guilty of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade for the course. I also reserve the right to pursue further action against all perpetrators; this may include expulsion from the university. For further details, consult the web document entitled "Standards of conduct and academic integrity for the GEOL1030 classroom of Dr. Clay Harris."

Requirements, Tips & Suggestions:

1. You are expected to read ALL of the assigned material BEFORE CLASS.

+ This is a science class. For many of you this is your first real exposure to science and you may find it difficult. Reading before you come to class will help alleviate some of your troubles. Only by reading the material first can you hope to get anything out of lectures.

+ You only get out of any class what you put into it. In this case, that means a lot of time spent learning the terminology before the ideas can begin to sink in. Many students find this material challenging, but if you make an effort to learn it, most will find it both rewarding and interesting.

+ Don't fall behind in your reading. There is a lot of material and we cover it FAST.

2. It is your responsibility to check the GEOL-1030 web site daily to determine if any important announcements have been made. These will be posted on the "class news" page: http://www.mtsu.edu/~cdharris/GEOL100/fyi.htm

3. Attend class regularly. In my experience, poor attendance almost always results in poor performance. ATTEND CLASS and PAY ATTENTION!

4. Class participation is encouraged. You are welcome to ask pertinent questions in class. However, please don't ask me to explain concepts or repeat myself simply because you didn't read the assigned material before coming to class.

5. Casual conversation with classmates during lecture will not be tolerated.

6. My general policy toward electronics in the classroom is: pacemakers, tape recorders, and hearing aids are permitted (and encouraged!); other electronic devices may be used only with the instructors explicit permission. In particular, use of cell phones or audible beepers is not permitted in lecture. Mute or turn them OFF before class begins!

7. You are invited to visit me during my office hours to discuss class topics or your grades. However, please schedule an appointment to ensure that I will be available to help you.

8. If you have problems with lecture material, scheduling, etc., see me ASAP, not after the test.

- However, if you are simply having trouble with the class material: (1) DON'T ask me to be your personal tutor and (2) DON'T ask me for study suggestions. This is college and you should be capable of doing college-level work. Instead, follow the study suggestions provided in the back of your lecture guide (in the appendix, pages 1-4) or online at the class website: http://www.mtsu.edu/~cdharris/GEOL100/study-help.htm

- On the other hand, this doesn't mean that I don't want to help you.  If you have specific questions or want to discuss class material, I am more than happy to meet with you and lend a hand whenever possible.

- It is important that you communicate to me any problems you are having that may affect your class performance, your ability to take an exam, or your class attendance.

9. If you ARE having trouble in this course try any one or all of the following approaches:

+ Read, take notes on, and/or outline the chapters BEFORE coming to class.

+ Focus your efforts not just on knowing what, but also why.

+ If you don't understand part of lecture or your reading, while in class ask me to explain it or make an appointment to come by my office and talk with me.

+ Try studying with another person from the class. This should help reinforce what you know, and reveal what you don't know. However, be sure to work with someone who has a fairly good grasp of the material.

+ Unfortunately, MTSU does not have a dedicated study skills facility, nor does it offer any way for students to get help. Therefore, you are pretty much on your own when it comes to improving your study skills. However, I have provided links to my suggestions and other help.

+ If you think that you may have a learning disability, contact the Counseling and Testing Center (898-2670; KUC-329) and talk to a counselor.