Fall 2019 Course Syllabus Course: GEOL-1303- Section: 1C Physical Geology (lecture)

Instructor Information
Instructor	Ronald Taylor
E-mail	taylorrs@lamarpa.edu
Phone	(409) 984-6337
Office	Location: Madison Monroe - Room: 147 Hours: None
Department	Inmate Instruction Chair: Dr. Michelle Davis E-mail: davisml1@lamarpa.edu Phone: (409) 984-6341 If you have a grievance, complaint, or concern about this course that has not been resolved through discussion with the Instructor, please consult the Department Chair.
Course Information
Description	Introduction to the study of the materials and processes that have modified and shaped the surface and interior of Earth over time. These processes are described by theories based on experimental data and geologic data gathered from field observations.
Prerequisites	None
Learning Outcomes	1. Sharpened ability to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize processes involved in geologic cycles & effect on material distribution. 2. Demonstrates an ability to describe, using multimedia to show the complex connections in a geologic cycle. 3. Shows skill in data management and problem-solving by completing lab assignments. 4. Demonstrates the ability to work together in small group settings on geologic issues such as climate change. 5. Demonstrates classroom sensitivity toward fellow students.
Core Objectives	Critical Thinking Skills: Creative thinking, innovation, inquiry, and analysis, evaluation and synthesis of information. Communication Skills: Students will demonstrate interpretation and expression of ideas through effective written, oral, and visual communication. Empirical and Quantitative Skills: Manipulation and analysis of numerical data or observable facts resulting in informed conclusions. Teamwork: Aabilty to consider different points of view and to work effectively with others to support a common goal.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Textbooks	The Changing Earth, 7th edition, Cengage Learning, 2015
Lecture Topics Outline	Understanding Earth: Origins, Earth as a Planet, Geology's Impact on People, Planet Evolution, Rock Cycle. Seafloor: Topography, Plate Structures, Comparisons to Continents Plate Tectonics: Basics of Plate Tectonics, Tectonic Cycle, Boundaries and Significance. Minerals: Building Blocks and Significance. Plutons and Volcanoes: Origin and Anatomy, Hotspots. Weathering Processes and Products. LECTURE EXAM I Sedimentary Principles & Sedimentary Rocks: Relative Geologic Time Metamorphism and Metamorphic Rock: Mountain Building Earth Cycles: Super-continent, Carbon, Rock, Mineral, Water. Absolute Geologic Time: U238 & C14 age-dating Earthquakes & Faults: waves, destruction, type. LECTURE EXAM II Mountain Building: Types, Structures, Folding Mass Wasting: Major agents of Erosion Landscape Evolution: Running Water Groundwater: Production, Misuse, Karst Topography LECTURE EXAM III Glaciers: Valley & Continental Drylands: Winds, Floods, and Deserts Shorelines:Oceans, Processes, Facies FINAL EXAM
Major Assignments Schedule	See Lecture Topics Outline Above Nov. 26--Deadline for submitting Quiz/Lab Assignment Folders.
Final Exam Date	December 10, 2019 - 6:00 PM   Through  December 10, 2019 - 8:30 PM
Grading Scale	90 - 100=A    80 - 89=B    70 - 79=C     60 - 69=D    Below 59 = F
Determination of Final Grade	Tests-45%, Quizzes-15%, Lab Assignments-15%, Final Exam -25%
Course Policies
Instructor Policies	All quizzes, lab assignments, lecture exam, and final exam are hand graded. Lab assignments are blended into the lecture content. It is the responsibility of the student to keep his quiz and lab work until submitted in a folder for grading on Nov. 26. The four exams all feature memorization of geological fundamentals and questions requiring use of Smartphone access to Wikipedia.This course is FCI There will be no makeup of a missed lecture exam; the converted score of equivalent parts of the final exam suffices.
Attendance Policy	Students with more than three absences from the course will be penalized 1% point for each additional day missed. Students more than 15 minutes late to class or with a 15 minute early departure will be docked 1/4% for each day of tardiness or early departure. The class convenes at 12:30 and ends at 2:45.
Academic Honesty	Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSC-PA policies (Section IX, subsection A, in the Faculty Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty.
Facility Policies	No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom. Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission. Use of electronic devices is prohibited.
Important Information
ADA Considerations	The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the the Office for Disability Services Coordinator, Room 231, in the Madison Monroe Building. The phone number is (409) 984-6241.
MyLamarPA	Be sure to check your campus E-mail and Course Homepage using MyLamarPA campus web portal (My.LamarPA.edu). When you've logged in, click the email icon in the upper right-hand corner to check email, or click on the "My Courses" tab to get to your Course Homepage. Click the link to your course and review the information presented. It is important that you check your email and Course Homepage regularly. You can also access your grades, transcripts, and determine who your academic advisor is by using MyLamarPA.
Other	This class is taught at FCIM in Beaumont and much of the syllabus policies and information are not appropriate for distribution to the inmates.
HB 2504	This syllabus is part of LSC-PA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.