FS102*01: Academic Discourse II
Lecture MW 1:30-2:45 pm Alden Hall 207
Spring 2017
Birsic
Instructor: Prof. Erin Birsic
Contact: [email protected]; (814) 332-2872
Office Hours: MW 9-11 am; T 1-3 pm; (or by appointment)
Location: Alden Hall 201
Human History’s Rocky Beginnings
Course Subject Description: A twist on human history – looking into how geology persuaded the development of
civilizations. We examine various ways geologic processes and resources facilitated and shaped the growth and destruction of
Earth’s major civilizations from the advent of man through modern times. Processes and resources examined include natural
disasters, mineral and ore deposits, energy sources, and climate change on a global-scale. Discussions of how resources and
geologic processes force humans to adapt and create to further the advancement of society provide students the opportunity
to exercise persuasive oral and written communications in an academic context.
Learning Objectives:
 To participate in a sustained conversation with other academic writers and speakers.
 To generate a thesis that addresses a clearly defined problem.
 To support a thesis with appropriate reading and evidence.
 To communicate in progressively complex and nuanced ways.
Attendance and Professionalism:
Attendance and participation are mandatory for lecture. If you cannot make the scheduled class times for any legitimate
reason in a given week, you must clear your absence at least 24 hours in advance. Please see me, email me, or call my office
phone in order to make the proper arrangements. These arrangements are your responsibility to initiate and I will not reach
out to you if you fail to do so before your planned absence.
Note: I do keep attendance for every lecture.
Assessment of participation and professionalism evaluates:
 Completion of responsible work during in-class exercises and lecture.
 Completion of assignments on time.
 Regular contribution to questions and discussions during class.
You will get the most out of this class and out of your education as a whole if you are engaged and inquisitive! I will be keeping
track of all three items listed above so I can better help you get the most out of your education.
Academic Integrity:
An honor code pledge needs to be signed on every assignment! As an Allegheny College student, you have an obligation to
conduct your academic work with honesty and integrity according to College standards. The College maintains a strong policy
regarding academic integrity. You are encouraged to work with your peers and ask questions; however, it is expected that all
work you submit will be your own, and that you have actually done the work that you are submitting. Cheating will not be
tolerated in this course. It is unfair to your fellow students and it is disrespectful to your instructor. Plagiarism (presenting
someone else's work as your own) and cheating will earn you a failing grade and endanger your chances of passing the course.
**Attention: You must now write the following pledge along with your signature: “This work is mine unless otherwise cited.
Signed: XXX”
1
Students with Disabilities:
Students with disabilities who believe they may need accommodations in this class are encouraged to contact Disability
Services at (814) 332-2898. Disability Services is part of the Learning Commons and is located in Pelletier Library. Please
contact that office as soon as possible to ensure that such accommodations are implemented expeditiously.
Course Grade:
Final grades will be calculated based upon lab projects, exams, and overall participation:






Summaries and small assignments: 5%
Google Earth Presentations: 10%
Research Project 1 Paper: 25%
A
AB+
B
> 93%
90-92%
87-89%
83-86%
BC+
C
C-
80-82%
77-79%
73-76%
70-72%
Research Project 2 Paper (Final): 35%
Research Project 2 Student Presentations: 20%
Attendance/Professionalism: 5%
D+
D
F
67-69%
61-66%
< 61%
If you are taking the class CR/NC, you must complete ALL graded work assigned.
Part I: Geology and Ancient Civilizations
Date
Course Topics and Content
Orientation: introductions and course expectations
W 1/18
In-Class Exercise: A Timeline of Human History and the Influences of Geology
Homework: Professionalism and Emails due Sunday 1/22 by 5 pm; FS102 Survey
Introduction to Geology – Basics
GEWJ 1: Observations
M 1/23
Homework: “Sex, Drugs, Disasters, and the Extinction of Dinosaurs” or “Save the
Whales, Screw the Shrimp” due W 1/25
Introduction to Geology – Basics, cont’d
GEWJ 2: Observations
In-Class Exercise: Earth Topography in a Sandbox
W 1/25
Discussion: “Sex, Drugs, Disasters, and the Extinction of Dinosaurs” or “Save the
Whales, Screw the Shrimp” – What’s the point?
Assignments Due
Due: Professionalism &
Emails for Sunday 1/22 by 5
pm
Due: FS102 Survey
Due: “Sex, Drugs, Disasters,
and the Extinction of
Dinosaurs” or “Save the
Whales, Screw the Shrimp”
in-class responses/notes
Homework: Read Toba Articles & GEWJ 1 & 2 Summaries w/notes due M 1/30
Stone Age - Fires of Creation or Destruction: What’s Real and What’s Fiction?
GEWJ 3: Observations
M 1/30
Discussion: Mt. Toba Eruption and Genetic Bottleneck
Due: GEWJ 1 & 2
Summaries w/notes
Introduce Research Project 1: Ancient Civilizations and Geology
Homework: None!
Stone Age - Fires of Creation or Destruction?
GEWJ 4: Observations
W 2/1
In-Class Exercise: How to Write a Thesis Statement
Homework: Read Mirsky, 1982; Mirsky, 1997; Mirsky & Bland, 1996; Indus Valley;
Huang He Valley (China) & GEWJ 3 & 4 Summaries w/notes due M 1/30
2
Bronze Age – Comparison of 5 Major Civilizations
GEWJ 5: Observations
M 2/6
Discussion: Mirsky Papers – Map Exercise (Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, Indus
Valley, China)
Due: GEWJ 3 & 4
Summaries w/notes
Homework: Choose topic for Research Project 1 and write proposal
Bronze Age – Comparison of 5 Major Civilizations
GEWJ 6: Observations
W 2/8
Discussion: Mirsky Papers – Map Exercise (Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, Indus
Valley, China) cont’d
In-Class Exercise: How to Support a Thesis
Homework: European v. South American Civilizations articles & GEWJ 5 & 6
Summaries w/notes due M 2/13
Iron Age – Growth and Development of Different Civilizations
GEWJ 7: Observations
M 2/13
Discussion: European v. South American Civilizations
In-Class Exercise: Deconstructing an Outline
Homework: Outline for Research Project 1 Paper due W 2/15
Library Workshop – Research Instruction
W 2/15
M 2/20
W 2/22
Homework: GEWJ 7 summary w/notes due M 2/20
Iron Age – Growth and Development of Different Civilizations
GEWJ 8: Observations
Discussion: European v. South American Civilizations, cont’d
Homework: First draft of Research Project 1 Paper
Peer Review Day – Research Project 1
GEWJ 9: Observations
Due: Topic for Research
Project 1 – clear with me
Due: Mirsky Papers
discussion notes and maps
(end of class)
Due: List of 5 sources for
Research Project 1
Due: GEWJ 5 & 6
Summaries w/notes
Due: Outline for Research
Project 1 Paper
Due: GEWJ 7 Summary
w/notes
Due: First draft of Research
Project 1 Paper
Homework: GEWJ 8 & 9 Summaries w/notes due M 2/27
Timeline of Modern Society and Geology
M 2/27
Research Project 1 Free Time
Due: GEWJ 8 & 9
Summaries w/notes
Homework: Research Project 1 Paper due W 3/1
W 3/1
Introduction to Modern Geology
Due: Research Project 1
Paper
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