Montreat College - Fall 2006

Instructor: Mark T. Lassiter, Ph.D. Montreat College

Office: Morgan Science Building, Room 300, 209

Office Hours:.Monday: 8-9, Tuesday: 9:30-11:00 Wednesday:11-12; Thursday: 9:30-11:00, 2-3 Friday:8-9,11-12

Phone: 828.669.8012, ext. .3303 (Office)

FAX: 828.669.9554

E-mail: mlassiter@montreat.edu

Web Site with Course Link: http://cesc.montreat.edu/Mark

Course Description:

ES 330.Science Seminar. (1/2): Science training in academic and professional skills. [This] course will complement the student's development at progressive levels of their program training. [Students will prepare and present topics to the class and campus. Students will develop skills in public speaking and be trained in the utilization of modern presentation materials.] Prerequisite: Environmental Studies 230. [Class time: Ave 1 hr/week: Credit 0.5 hr]

Class Structure:

The class will establish components of a student's background matched with the skills and training identified as important for the specific academic year that the student enrolls. Independent projects and skill development will be pursued weekly and outside the class. A check-list of accomplishments will be maintained and serve as a record for the course grade. The student is responsible for compiling and presenting the homework in a journal that will be evaluated at the Class Meetings. Campus speakers, readings, and outside activities may be scheduled with the class and attendance will be required.

Class Meetings: Morgan Science Building: Room 300, 209

Class meetings will be held formally for eight weeks at set meetings dates (given below). Students needing to develop some components of their work or finish other tasks may make arrangements by the second formal class meeting to attend class for assistance until the components of the course are completed.

Course Goals and Outcomes:

1. To pursue educational, career, life, and faith development components of a student training that are linked to the academic year of enrollment in the seminar, involving communication skills, computer skills, faith integration exercises and portfolio / resume development. Educational Objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7*

Student Outcome: The student will be able to integrate the above listed components of their junior training in their communication, computer tasks and the development of a portfolio and integrated resume which may to be posted on the web at the conclusion of the course.

2. To investigate how scientific and environmental conclusions are communicated.

Educational Objectives: 3,5,7*

Student Outcome: The student will be able to communicate their research findings as conclusions in their presentations that address a chosen topic in the scientific and environmental literature.

3. To engage in scientific literature search and investigate how to establish selection credibility from an overwhelming access to information. Educational Objectives: 3,5,7*

Student Outcome: The student will be able to perform a literature search selecting sources that are scientifically credible.

4. To explore how our faith development influences our presentation of materials and what role our faith plays in how we communicate. Educational Objectives: 1,3,5,7*

Student Outcome: The student will be able to evaluate and include the role of their faith in their projects.

5. To provide a communication tool for interchange with professionals in scientific / environmental fields through the development of a class resource tool. Educational Objectives: 1,2,4,6,7*

Student Outcome: The student will be able to develop a web site, linked hypertext document or other tool to communicate the student's background.

6 . To prepare and present a professional presentation with computer tools. Educational Objectives: 4, 5,7*

Student Outcome: The student will give an acceptable presentation that includes professional tools and computer integration.

*Educational Objectives from the Academics section of Montreat College's web site: http://www.montreat.edu

Class Policies:

Attendance:

Attendance at the sessions of the course is required. See class schedule below.

Missing a class requires that the student take the independent initiative to find the required peer assistance to gather the necessary information to complete the homework. Evaluations will determine if any grade reductions should be addressed with individual students.

Participation:

Each individual is responsible for participation in the discussions and any associated projects. Student participation comes through discussion, reflective attendance and sharing, compilation of projects, and attendance at planned sessions of the class.

Respect for each other:

If a student shows a lack of respect for fellow classmates or faculty, the student will be approached. If the behavior continues, the student may be removed from the course or receive a drastic reduction in their final grade for the course.

Academic Honor:

You will be working on a project individually, but you can pursue assistance. Your work must be yours and the assistance can refine or sharpen your skills, but you are to be the one developing your work. You must be extremely careful to document and credit components of your project. If copying or plagiarism is found, the work on that assignment is given a zero, but the next event results in a failure for the class. An exception would be the application of this concern to the final document, which would result in failure in the class even if this is the first event for an individual.

Resources:

First check the numerous resources of our library and internet resources available for us.

Internet searches will be utilized for some components of the course.

Writing Assistance:

All students are encouraged to take advantage of the resources available in the Writing Center, located adjacent to the Bell Library computer lab. See http://www.montreat.edu/writing

Grades:

The components of each meeting make up portions of the student's grade. The below sheet details what is to be brought to each class.

Attendance is part of the grade and if for some reason the student must miss the class, it is the student's responsibility to make arrangements to make-up the meeting PRIOR TO THE ABSENCE!

There is no exam, the last projects are due on the last Presentation / Summative meeting date.

GRADING PROCEDURES

Professional management of the tasks of this class and the ability to get materials turned in on time, is a component of the professional training integrated into this course, thus, only students that turn in assignments on time will be considered for the "A" grade as presented below:

Grading Scale:

· Excellent work and all homework turned in on time: A=100-92, A- = 91-90,

· Other Grade compilation: B+=above 89-88, B=87-82, B-=81-80, C+=79-78, C=77-72,C-=71-70, D+=69-68,D=67-62, D-=61-60, F= below 60.

The instructor reserves the right to adjust final grades based on attendance, attitude, behavior and/or special projects.

Academic Integrity Policy

A. Definition of Academic Dishonesty

Academic dishonesty, such as cheating on tests and plagiarizing essays, violates the fundamental trust underlying all academic work: that the work be the product of the student who submitted it. Montreat College defines academic dishonesty as the representation of another's words, ideas, or images as one's own. It applies equally to intentional and unintentional quotations, paraphrases, visual images, auditory images, and all electronic means of storage and communication. When academic dishonesty occurs, these procedures will be followed:

B. Discipline of Academic Dishonesty

When a professor suspects a student of academic dishonesty, the professor will meet with the student(s) to discuss the incident and to determine to the faculty member's satisfaction whether or not academic dishonesty has occurred. If, in the instructor's judgment, such a violation of academic integrity has occurred, the faculty member will present the charges in writing to the student. The only possible disciplinarian actions are, (1) a "zero" for the assignment, or (2) an "F" for the course. A student may choose to admit his or her guilt of Academic Dishonesty and waive a hearing. This involves signing the Academic Dishonesty Notice outlining the disciplinary action. The Academic Dishonesty Notice will then be put on file in the Registrar's office. The record(s) regarding academic dishonesty will be retained until the student successfully graduates. A student who does not agree to the professor's charges must appear before a panel of three faculty members appointed by the Assistant Academic Dean or designee on charges of academic dishonesty. During the intervening period, a student is expected to continue to attend class.

The panel will convene a hearing with the student and the professor at which the faculty member will explain the student's alleged violation. A student may choose to counter with evidence of her or his innocence or may admit guilt.

C. Punishment of Academic Dishonesty

If the panel indicates, by simple majority vote, that the student has been dishonest, the panel shall uphold the penalty assessed by the professor. The Assistant Academic Dean or designee will notify the student, professor, advisor, and Registrar in writing of the panel's decision. If the student received a failing grade for the course the student may remove the impact of the "F" on the grade point average by successfully retaking the course. Two incidents of academic dishonesty will result in a student's being subject to dismissal from the college. The student will not be eligible to reapply to Montreat College for at least two (2) years after dismissal. If the panel finds the student not guilty of academic dishonesty, it will notify both the student and the faculty member.

If a student receives a zero for the assignment and wishes to drop the course within the time frame for dropping without penalty, he or she may do so, but the Academic Dishonesty Notice will be kept on file if the student has admitted or been found guilty of academic dishonesty. If the student has been given a zero for the assignment due to academic dishonesty and wishes to drop the course, but the time has passed for dropping without penalty, the student will have "WF" recorded on the transcript. A student receiving an "F" for the course as a result of academic dishonesty is not permitted to withdraw from the course; rather, the "F" is recorded on the transcript. In all instances, the record(s) regarding academic dishonesty will be retained until the student graduates.

D. Exoneration of Academic Dishonesty

If exonerating evidence becomes available in the five business days following notification, a student may appeal to the Vice President and Dean of Academics. Appeals will be heard only if they meet one of the following conditions: (a) Discovery of new evidence; (b) Violation of procedure. A student must remain in the class and work toward its successful completion during the appeal process. The student will be notified in writing of the final decision. Adopted 5/15/03

Environmental Studies and Biology Seminar Program - Fall 2006

Meetings and Homework Schedule:

Homework is only accepted at the beginning of class. A 10% reduction in the possible points occurs each class that assigned homework is missing, even if an absence occurred for the class proceeding the homework. Some homework may be repeated until reaching a level of excellence without a percentage reduction, but only if the homework was turned in on time.

Meeting #1 ­ August 23rd

Sign-In and Declaration - Faculty

Faculty Introduction / Announcements - Faculty

Seminar Rationale / Advising Program ­ Faculty

Homework:

1. Use the Library electronic resources to locate a peer reviewed scientific paper related to your interest or class.

2. Research Student Portfolios on-line and Outline your Portfolio Components

3. Determine if you desire to request training for any course component ­ Turn in the check sheet with these items checked.

4. Work on any other class components.

Meeting #2 ­ September 13th ­

Students turn in Training Requests.

Students - Bring a copy of your selected scientific paper to class - Students will share selected paper and topics.

Students turn in Outlines of Portfolios ­ Discuss what was found and discuss the development of Portfolios ­ Faculty / Students

Tool for: Student Lead Sharing of Observed Gifts and Prayer - Faculty

Homework:

1. Design a tool to reflect and challenge you in your Faith Journey

2. Research scientific speakers or conferences in the area to attend.

3. Work on any other projects and other class components.

4. Students are to arrange for another to share with them what observed gifts are seen in them.

Meeting #3 ­ September 20th

Faculty will present the training schedule

Student ­ each student will turn in a summary of their gift sharing exercise.

Discuss Faith Journey Tools and components of this Project ­ Students turn in rough tools.

Compile what local Conferences were located ­ Students turn in what they were able to locate.

Homework:

1. Prepare the Computer (Powerpoint or other) Presentation of your Scientific Paper ­ 7 minute presentation.

2. Work on Portfolio and other class projects

[Note: Remember that as training is requested by the class, dates will be set for further class meetings.]

Meeting #4 ­ October 11th - Paper Presentation #1

Students will give their paper presentations and some feedback will be offered by the class.

Faculty will set up the computer projector and students are responsible for bringing media and / or computer.

Homework: Continue the completion of the class tasks.

Meeting #5 ­ October 18th ­ Paper Presentation #1 continued

Students will give their paper presentations and some feedback will be offered by the class.

Faculty will set up the computer projector and students are responsible for bringing media and / or computer.

Homework: Continue the completion of the class tasks.

Meeting #6 ­ October 25th ­ Paper Presentation #2

Students will give their final paper presentations. Limit is 7 minutes each.

Faculty will set up the computer projector and students are responsible for bringing media and / or computer.

Homework:

1. Finish your first draft of your Portfolio

2. Work to complete any other class project.

Meeting #7 ­ November 1st

First Portfolio Rough Project Submission

Students turn in electronic copies of their submission.

Homework: Complete the portfolio and all other class Projects.

Meeting #8 ­ November 15th - Deadline for Portfolio Submission

Portfolios are submitted and some may be shared with the class.

Students turn in electronic copies of their final submission and at student's request, some may be shared.

Homework: Work to complete all class projects.

Deadline for all Course Matrerials ­ November 29th ­ No class, only submission of materials.

All course projects and tasks are to be turned in by Novmber 29th.

Science Seminar 330 Fall 2006

[Note: Course grading involves the combination of points from Part I and II]

I. Course Component Check List - Sign off for Science Seminar 330 Competencies

Student Name_____________________________________ Date___________

Your procedure for completing this checklist:

Consider each of the below class components. If you have done these in a class or you will be doing these things in a class, you can have the professor of the class sign you off at a determined level of performance _ Beginning , Moderate, or Advanced.

You will have to do the following:

List the class in the entry for the class component and have the faculty initial in the blank under each determined level of your performance.

Additionally, those items that you have not had in a class, you may choose to request training for these items and a training schedule will be determined for the class so that you can complete this skill. You have been given a separate handout of this checklist in order for you to request those class components by indicating this in the form below. This is in your syllabus to serve as your original with signatures. It would be a good idea to make a copy of this for your records.

Grade for this part of the course:

Each of the class components are given a point value for the determined level of performance (see below).

You can choose which of the below items to complete and you see that you can complete this with performance at different levels. You can choose to focus on certain parts and maybe through the exercise, you will decide that you have others components that you would like to pursue and these can be requested as part of the course.

General Class Components: [Upon turning this in, if no faculty signatures are given for a component, indicate whether this is due to a lack of this skill or whether you just chose not to pursue this class component.]

Class Component	Level of Performance:				Request for Training:
	Remember to have faculty put class and their signature!!
	Beginning (1 pt.)	Moderate (2 pts.)	Advanced (3 pts.)		[Check below:]
Excel spreadsheet
Access or Database
Powerpoint
Built a Web site
Web research skills
Presentation
Discussion of a scientific paper
Library search Skills
Course plan until graduation
Graduate schools reviewed	one university:	2 universities:	3 universities:
Internships	One internship:	two:	three:
Leadership
Skills development
Give a brief description:
Research skills
Professional presentations
Professional distinctives
Give a brief description:
Major declaration			completed:
Autobiography
Cover letter
Resume
Portfolio

Note: See that some of the above are also included in the below listed projects, thus you will get double credit for any overlap of class components.

II. Required Class Components for ES 330: Evaluated by Professor.

Note: These may be overlap components of other classes, and double credit for points above will be given as these are completed in class, but if all of the below are not completed, no points will be included from the above list.

1. 15 pts. Computer presentation of a selected, peer reviewed scientific paper related to the studentÅfs interest or involved in a class.

[Grading Steps:

a. Select a Peer Reviewed Paper through Library Electron Resources - 3points

b. Give 10 minute presentation to class and receive compiled feedback _ 5 points.

c. Give the 7 minute presentation with improvements _ 7 points.]

2. 5 pts. Required attendance and report from participating in at least one event with a Science Speaker.

[Grading: The report is graded for its content that summarizes a selected presentation and is also graded for the professional preparation of the paper.]

3. 5 pts. Required attendance at any Science speaker event sponsored by this class.

[Grading: Total credit given for attendance and active engagement while in attendance.]

4. 5 pts. A student designed tool for personal growth in your faith or journey in your faith _Paper designed must be approved by instructor.

[Grade: Based upon thoughtful design and final product.]

5. 15 pts. Portfolio [web or hyperlinked document]-A student designed tool for professional development that includes such things as resume content, class projects, highlighted work, gift evaluation, etc..

[Grading: The outline of tool must be approved by instructor and the presentation of the portfolio may be in the form of a web site or word processor hyperlink document. These will be compiled for the faculty of the department.

6. 5 pts. EarthKeeping and Community service Component (can be a group project)

[Grading: Based upon thoughtful design and final product or service.]

7. 5 pts. Compile the materials to apply to one Job.

[Grading will be based upon the professional preparation of materials.]

Grading for ES 330:

Points are given in the class components for the course. The points are added up and the typical grading scale is used to determine your grade:

· Excellent work and all homework turned in on time: A=100-92, A- = 91-90,

· Other Grade compilation : B+=above 89-88, B=87-82, B-=81-80, C+=79-78, C=77-72,C-=71-70, D+=69-68,D=67-62, D-=61-60, F= below 60.