• Wicander, R. and Monroe, J.S., Historical Geology, 5^th ed. - textbook web site
• Poort, J.M., and Carlson, R.J., Historical Geology: Interpretations and Applications, 6th ed.
• recommended: Willman, H.B., et.al., ISGS Bulletin 95: Handbook of Illinois Stratigraphy

ORGANIZATION

• Lectures will cover topics from the text, you should bring you textbooks to class so you can refer to the topics, figures, and diagrams.
• Seminars are designed to offer you an opportunity to discuss lecture topics and lab exercises with me in a more relaxed setting.
• Laboratory exercises are assigned to reinforce lecture topics. The laboratory is an open lab and while you may work on assignments at your own pace, you should plan to spend approximately two hours per week in the lab. I will be available in the lab at scheduled times to guide you through the assignments and answer your questions, Mrs. Johnson is also familiar with the labs and will be able to help you. You are encouraged to work with others from the class; however, you should always submit your own work in your own words.
• Field Trips are hands-on exercises designed to allow you to see what we are talking about in class. Field trip locations have been selected to help with the interpretation of geologic history required for your reports.

• CLASS PARTICIPATION: In order to check your understanding I will ask you questions about the material being covered. "I don’t know" is commonly a favorite response to questions, but it is not acceptable in this course. I expect an honest attempt at an answer, even if it is incorrect
• TEXT: You are expected to read the text. We will not be able to cover all of the material in the text during lecture and seminar. If you read the text prior to attending class, you will be able to ask me for clarification about things you don’t understand
• LABS: Lab assignments should be submitted as indicated on the course schedule.
• FIELD TRIPS: You are required to participate in at least two half-day field trips or the three day field trip. The field trip schedule is included on the class schedule below. You should make plans to attend all of the field trips if possible.
• REPORTS: You will present one report describing the geologic history of a specified portion of the geologic time scale. The specific minimum requirements and grading method are described on a separate page.
• EXAMS: Exams will cover the material in the text, lectures, and labs. The exams will be a combination of multiple choice and short answer. A study guide will be provided and should be used to prepare for the exams.
• ASSESSMENTS: I will occasionally ask you to assess my exams and instruction and your preparation and progress. These assessments will not affect your grade.

• ATTENDANCE: You are expected to attend all class sessions. You should notify me prior to missing class.
• WITHDRAWAL: I may withdraw you from the course at your request or at my discretion. I will withdraw you for any of the following reasons:

  • four absences from class
  • failure to complete a missed exam within one week
  • failure to submit two homework assignments

  note: If you want to ensure withdrawal, you should request it. Failure to request a withdrawal or complete the course may result in a grade of "F."
  Waiver from this policy requires a written request to me and will be at my discretion based on the circumstances.
  The last day to withdraw is April 15.

• LATE POLICY:
  • Exams must be made up within one week and may be essay or oral exams. You must notify me prior to missing the exam.
  • Labs must be turned in by 4:00pm on the scheduled due date. Three points will be subtracted for each day late. Labs turned in after the graded lab has been returned to the class will be worth a maximum of 1/3 of the total possible points.
  • Late exams and labs will not be accepted after one week without a written excuse.
  • No work will be accepted after Monday, May 11.
• ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: You are encouraged to discuss class and lab work with other students; however, all assignments must be your original work in your own words. If you cheat on an exam, you will be given a failing grade for the exam and will be required to have a conference with me and the Division Chair.
• CONTACT ME: If you have conflicts, concerns, scheduling problems, study difficulties, test anxiety, a learning disability, or anything else that may interfere with your success in this class or if you have questions about the college, geology, your career path, or just about anything else, please stop by my office or send me an e-mail. I will do my best to help or direct you to someone who can.

Grammar & Spelling are worth 10% of all assignments and exams. Answers should be in complete, grammatically correct sentences. All words should be correctly spelled. If you need help you should ask me, an English instructor, or the Reading, Writing, and Study Skills Lab (in LRC-B) for assistance.

EXTRA CREDIT: Extra credit can be earned by exceeding the requirements of the reports. You can do this by covering some aspect of the report in greater detail than required, by presenting the report in more than one way. You can also earn extra credit by attending additional field trips.

• 3-hour field trips to local areas will be announced during the semester.