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ENV380 Syllabus –
SPRING 2017
American Environmental History
HYBRID
Class Meeting Time: Monday 4 – 6:15 p.m. (Start time will vary – see schedule)
Classroom: Beal/Baker 2
Instructor: Dr. Leslie Kemp Poole E-mail: [email protected] 407-691-1679
Contact: Environmental Studies office at 407-646-2392, contact Ann Francis.
Office Hours: Monday 2-4; Tuesday 2-4
Course Goals (What I promise to teach you!)
This course, supported by five books is a survey of American Environmental
History, examining changing human attitudes and actions from the colonial times to
present. Emphasis will be placed on national issues as well as the Florida experience. It
satisfies the H/S Designation for General Education. The course will enable students
to identify salient public issues in the United States, explain how historical developments
have shaped contemporary America, and analyze enduring divisions and conflicts by
describing their causes, current status, and possible consequences. You will compare and
contrast different point of view on at least one environmental controversy and consider
least one source of stability and one source of change. Students will be required to
analyze and evaluate the narrative of a historical environmental disaster, reflecting issues
that continue today.
Yes, this means oil spills, nuclear reactor problems, droughts, pollution, wetlands
loss, etc! But it also means looking at causes and solutions and the dramatic turnaround
in American attitudes about our natural places and resources. During this course, students
will consider and articulate the values of civic knowledge, environmental systems,
ecological integrity and private rights and social costs.
And we will have fun doing it!
Learning Outcomes (What I expect you will learn!)
Students will participate in educational activities that require them to discuss,
evaluate, analyze, and research environmental issues pertinent to the United States. In a
final group project culminating from their work, students will identify and research a
specific environmental disaster, construct a class lesson about it, and produce a multimedia presentation. In doing so, the students become the teachers!
Why a Blended Learning class?
This class, also called a “hybrid,” is one in which course work will be conducted
in class (more than 50%) and partially online. You must have regular, reliable computer
and internet access. This course structure will offer greater time and learning flexibility,
allowing you to explore and utilize technology in ways that will help you investigate our
course topics. Don’t be nervous – we will get through this together with the help of the
wonderful Rollins IT Dept. Information technology Help Desk: 407-628-6363
Communication policy: I will check my Rollins accounts regularly and respond within
48 hours to any communication when possible. Expect grades to be posted by the end of
the week for your assignments.
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IMPORTANT: e-mail is the official means of communication in the Holt
School. You have been assigned a Rollins e-mail address. It is your responsibility to
activate your account and check it regularly for messages. Contact IT for help.
Required Texts (you will love one of these...)
• First Along the River by Benjamin Kline ISBN-10: 1442203994
• Dust Bowl by Donald Worster
ISBN-10: 0195174887
• Silent Spring by Rachel Carson
ISBN-10: 0618249060
• The Swamp by Michael Grunwald
ISBN-10: 0743251075
• Other readings/selected films through Blackboard and the internet.
Class Schedule – subject to change as needed by professor.
IMPORTANT: This is a cross-listed class with Holt and A/S so we follow the Holt
exam and holiday schedule. The following dates are for Face To Face classroom
meetings – note that class start times may vary by week. If class is cancelled for any
reason, including hurricanes, continue with the assignments for the coming week and we
will get it all covered…) WE WILL HAVE CLASS ON FOX DAY
Jan.
23 4 p.m. Introduction. What is blended learning?
What is Environmental History? What is an ecological disaster?
Film in class: America Before Columbus. Patti McCall from Olin Library visit.
MODULE ONE – THE RISE OF CONSERVATION
*Jan. 30
5 p.m.
Assignments: First Along the River – Ch. 4-5. PowerPoint in class
Poole: “The Women of the Early Florida Audubon Society” on Blackboard.
John Muir: “Let Everyone Help to Save the Famous Hetch-Hetchy Valley and Stop the
Commercial Destruction Which Threatens our National Parks.” This brochure calling for
preservation of the valley. Muir Document link on Blackboard.
http://memory.loc.gov/cgibin/ampage?collId=amrvg&fileName=vg50//amrvgvg50.db&recNum=0&itemLink=
D?consrvbib:6:./temp/~ammem_KAs4::&linkText=0
Watch Blackboard FILM – “The Wilderness Idea.”
Assignments:
• Film Worksheet through Blackboard
• Reaction Paper – submit through Blackboard. Topic: Would we ever dam a national
park again?
• Post discussion based on reading/film
MODULE TWO – AMERICA’S WORST ENVIRONMENTAL DISASTER
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*Feb. 6
5 p.m. Dust Bowl – Intro – Ch. 7.
Watch Blackboard Film: American Experience: “Surviving The Dust Bowl”
Assignments:
• Film worksheet on Blackboard
• Reaction paper – submit through Blackboard. Topic: What were the main factors
leading up to the Dust Bowl disaster?
*Feb. 13
5 p.m.
Dust Bowl – Ch. 8 – end. Review for Midterms.
Assignments:
• Reaction paper – submit through Blackboard. Topic: Your choice from reading.
• Discussion on Blackboard. Topic: Tie together how a culture of capitalism, embraced
since the colonial era, led to the Dust Bowl. Or you can argue that it didn’t…
MODULE THREE – THE DAWN OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL MOVEMENT
*Feb. 20
5 p.m.
Silent Spring. Read intro and Ch. 1-6.
Watch Blackboard FILM: “Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring” film
Assignments:
• Film worksheet
• Reaction Paper – submit through Blackboard. Topic: What factors made Silent
Spring a bestseller? How was Carson the right person at the right time to write
this book?
*Feb. 27 5 p.m. PRESENTATION OUTLINE DUE w/in class presentations.
Review for Midterm
Silent Spring. Ch. 8,9,12,15,16,17
First Along the River – Ch. 6-8.
Assignments:
• Reaction Paper - submit through Blackboard. Topic: Your choice from the
readings.
• Discussion through Blackboard. Topic: Is Silent Spring still relevant today? Why or
why not?
March 6 4 p.m. MIDTERM EXAM in Class
March 13 – NO CLASS SPRING BREAK!!!
*March 20 5 p.m. LOVE CANAL – A major American disaster.
Read article(s) on Blackboard. Review Midterm exams
Assignments:
 Reaction Paper – Submit through Blackboard. Topic: your choice from
readings.
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 Discussion. How is Love Canal still relevant today?
*March 22 – NOTE: This is a Wednesday! Mandatory attendance to see Lois Gibbs,
leader of the Love Canal homeowner revolt, speak at Bush Auditorium, 7 p.m.
March 27
CLASS CANCELLED IN LIEU OF Lois Gibb talk.
MODULE FOUR – THE MODERN ENVIRONMENTAL MOVEMENT
*April 3 5 p.m. The Swamp – Ch. 1-11. In-class film: Waters of Destiny.
Assignments:
• Reaction Paper – submit through Blackboard. Topic: Your choice from the
readings.
• Discussion through Blackboard. Topic: How have attitudes about the Everglades
(indeed about wetlands in general) changed during the past century? How did this
area – without mountains, canyons, or forests – come to be beloved by a nation?\
NOTE: April 4 is the last date to withdraw without academic penalties!
*April 10 5 p.m. The Swamp – Ch. 12-Epilogue.
Watch Blackboard Film: “Wild By Law.” The story of the Wilderness Act.
Assignments:
• Film worksheet
• Reaction paper – submit through Blackboard. Topic: How is the environment,
including the Everglades, subject to political winds? You might use First Along
the River readings as well.
*April
17
4 p.m.
Presentations (Mandatory attendance)
*April
24
4 p.m.
Presentations (Mandatory attendance)
May
1
5 p.m.
Review for Final/WRAP UP of TOPICS
Assignment: First Along the River – Ch. 9-11, conclusion.
May
8
4 p.m.
FINAL EXAM – in regular classroom
Grading
20% Midterm
30% Final Exam
30% Presentation
15% Reaction papers/mandatory attendance dates
5% Online discussion
100% Your final grade
No extra credit will be offered in this course. Period. I really mean this. Don’t ask.
Late Work Policy: No late papers or discussion accepted. Late = after 4 p.m.
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Grading Scale:
A
93-100
A90-92
B+
87-89
B
83-86
B80-82, etc.
Attendance policy
Attendance is required at all class meetings. It is assumed that you will be on time for
class (attendance is taken at the beginning of each class period). Each unexcused absence
will impact your final reaction grade as follows:
1st absence = use wisely
2nd absence = 5 percentage points off
3rd absence = 10 percentage points off... etc.
Classroom Policy for all Environmental Studies courses
The faculty of the Environmental Studies program place great value on maintaining an
environment that is conducive to classroom discussion. Therefore, any of the following
distractions will be counted as one class absence.
1 Two late arrivals.
2 Text messaging.
3 Laptop use unrelated to class.
4 Repeated ringing of cell phone.
5 Walking in and out of the classroom (if you are feeling ill, please let me know).
Reaction Papers: Eight required this semester plus 3 mandatory attendance dates =
11 grades for this portion of your grade.
DUE 4 p.m. THE NIGHT OF CLASS through Blackboard. One-page. Minimum of
350 words documenting your response to the reading. This paper should contain your
reaction to assigned readings for that week. May cite text as part of paper. Will not be
graded for grammar but must be turned prior to class through Blackboard. You will be
given a grade of 0-2 points for each Zero means that you didn't follow the instructions or
failed to turn in the paper. A 2 means that you fulfilled all expectations and requirements,
offering meaningful insight. A grade of 1 means that your paper fell somewhere in
between. Expect to read your paper to the class on occasion, as the purpose of these
papers is to get you ready for class discussion. You may submit these in early if you
expect to miss class.
NOTE: You can write 1 and only 1 MAKE-UP paper to replace one missed reaction
paper grade (this includes mandatory attendance dates) by attending an event on campus
and writing about it. Use style explained above. Needs OK by professor.
Discussions:
After reading your assignments and digesting the material, you will be required in each
module to post thoughtful, meaningful comments to the Blackboard discussion
board. Must be a minimum of 50 words, demonstrating your knowledge and curiosity
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about the topic. You must post your opinion on the topic and then respond at least once
to a class member. Improper language in discussions will result in a 0 for that
assignment. Turn them all in on time and you get 100 for that portion of your grade.
Netiquette Policy:
Polite and respectful online discussions are expected in this course. It is fine to agree or
disagree, even with great passion. However, your posts must be civil commentary,
avoiding any demeaning or personal barbs – just as if you were facing the person in class.
Posts that violate this rule will not receive credit. No use of CAPITAL letters in your
posts. Make your point through rational, fact-filled debate.
Exams:
Short answer and essay exams will be given in class at 4 p.m on designated dates. Essay
books will be provided.
Presentations – Group project.
You and other classmates will form a team to research, prepare and present a 30-minute
multi-media presentation to your class, focusing on an U.S. environmental disaster and
the political and cultural fallout that resulted. Each student in the group will be expected
to make some part of an oral presentation. A written resource list must be provided to at
the time of the presentation and you must cite sources of images in your visual
presentation. You will be asked to evaluate other members of your team and that will be
considered in individual grades! More detailed information on what will be expected will
be provided during our fourth class. An outline with a short oral preview to be presented
to class in the weeks prior to the project.
College Emergency Contact Information:
In case of concerns about emergencies affecting Rollins information can be obtained at:
http://emergency.rollins.edu/. You can also sign up for phone, e-mail and text alerts at
this web site.
ATTENDANCE
Attendance is required at all class meetings. It is assumed that you will be on time for
class (attendance is taken at the beginning of each class period). Each unexcused absence
will impact your final course grade as follows:
1st absence = use it wisely
2nd absence = 5 percentage points off
3rd absence = 10 percentage points off... etc.
WARNING: You will not be able to pass this class if you have frequent absences.
CELL PHONES MUST BE TURNED OFF PRIOR TO CLASS.
* Academic Honor Code
Rollins College has adopted an academic honor code. You must conduct yourself
under its guidelines. Membership in the student body of Rollins College carries with it
an obligation, and requires a commitment, to act with honor in all things. Because
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academic integrity is fundamental to the pursuit of knowledge and truth and is the heart
of the academic life of Rollins College, it is the responsibility of all members of the
College community to practice it and to report apparent violations.
The following pledge is a binding commitment by the students of Rollins College:
The development of the virtues of Honor and Integrity are integral to a Rollins
College education and to membership in the Rollins College community.
Therefore, I, a student of Rollins College, pledge to show my commitment to
these virtues by abstaining from any lying, cheating, or plagiarism in my
academic endeavors and by behaving responsibly, respectfully and honorably in
my social life and in my relationships with others.
This pledge is reinforced every time a student submits work for academic credit as his/her
own. *Students shall add to all formal essays and tests the following handwritten
abbreviated pledge followed by their signature:
“On my honor, I have not given, nor received, nor witnessed any unauthorized
assistance on this work.” The nine honor code violations are: plagiarism, cheating,
unauthorized collaboration, submission of work prepared for another course, fabrication,
facilitating academic dishonesty, violation of testing conditions, lying, and failure to
report an honor code violation. You are responsible for understanding the entire honor
code and the definitions of these violations.
* You can access the code at: http://www.rollins.edu/holt/ahc
NOTE: It is OK to borrow notes, study together, discuss paper topics. But your work
must be your own.
Credit Hour Statement:
This course is a four credit-hour course. The value of four credit hours
results from work expected of enrolled students both inside and outside of
the classroom. Rollins’ faculty require that students average at least 2 ½
hours of outside work for every hour of scheduled class time. In this course,
the additional outside of class expectations include reading, writing papers,
online discussions, and one field trip.
Students with Disabilities
Rollins College is committed to equal access and inclusion for all students,
faculty and staff. The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with
Disabilities Act of 1990 create a foundation of legal obligations to provide
an accessible educational environment that does not discriminate against
persons with disabilities. It is the spirit of these laws which guides the
college toward expanding access in all courses and programs, utilizing
innovative instructional design, and identifying and removing barriers
whenever possible.
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If you are a person with a disability and anticipate needing any type of
academic accommodations in order to fully participate in your classes,
please contact the Disability Services Office, located in the Mills Memorial
Building, Room 217, as soon as possible. You are encouraged to schedule a
Welcome Meeting by filling out the “First Time Users” form on the
website: http://www.rollins.edu/disability-services/ and/or reach out by
phone or email: 407-975-6463 or [email protected].
All test-taking accommodations requested for this course must first be
approved through the Disability Services Office (DSO) and scheduled online
through Accommodateat least 72 hours before the exam. Official
accommodation letters must be received by and discussed with the faculty
in advance. There will no exceptions given unless previously approved by
the DSO with documentation of the emergency situation. We highly
recommend making all testing accommodations at the beginning of the
semester. DSO staff are available to assist with this process.
Course and Instructor Evaluation
At the end of each semester, students are asked to evaluate the course and instructor.
These evaluations are extremely valuable in the teaching and learning process on our
campus. Student evaluations help assess student perceptions of classroom learning and
often lead to improved teaching. Your feedback is important and Rollins students are
encouraged to be honest, fair, and reflective in the evaluation process.
The online evaluative survey is anonymous. Students are never identified as the
respondent. Instead, each student’s comments are assigned a random number. You will
be asked to rate your course and instructor on a numerical scale and through narrative
comments.
The online Course and Instructor Evaluation (CIE) process opens at 8:00 a.m. on the first
scheduled date. It remains open for a period of 14 days (2 weeks) until 12:00 a.m.
(midnight) on the final scheduled date. The evaluation period ends prior to the start of
final examinations and faculty cannot access completed evaluations until 10 days after
the end of final exams.
Students will receive one email at the start of the CIE period, one after the 15th day, and
a final reminder the day before the CIE period ends. Students who complete evaluations
for all classes will be able to view grades ten-days before students who do not complete
an evaluation form.