NRES 467/667
Spring 2008
Regional and Global
Issues in
Environmental and
Natural Resource Sciences
Course
Meeting Times:
Tuesdays and Thursdays 1:00-2:15 in KRC 105.
There will be two required field trips - dates to be determined.
Final exam time is 12:00-2:00 on May 8th.
Instructors:
Dr. Mae Gustin
Office: FA 126
Phone: 784-4203
Email:
mgustin@cabnr.unr.edu
Office Hours: By appointment.
Jelena Stamenkovic (Official T.A.) Dr. Chris Eckley
Office: FA 119 Office: FA
119
Phone: 784-1484 Phone:
784-1484
Email: stamenkovic@cabnr.unr.edu Email:
ceckley@cabnr.unr.edu
Course description:
The objectives of the course are to synthesize information and evaluate
major current environmental issues. Lectures and readings for each topic
will encompass some background information, and relevant case studies.
Student-led discussions will round off specific topics. The goals of these
discussions are to review the topic and summarize the major issues, as well
as critically consider various aspects of the topic and introduce new ideas
and perspectives.
Prerequisites: BIOL 314, CHEM
122.
Course materials:
Given the variety of topics, there will be no single text for the course.
Students are encouraged to seek sources besides those offered in class, such
as journals, books, newspapers, online resources, etc. Readings
for specific topics are listed at the end of the syllabus with this
list being added to as the semester progresses. Readings have been
selected to give a broader overview of the issues and different
perspectives.
Information
about the course, handouts, and other documents for the course will be
posted on the following web sites:
http://www.ag.unr.edu/gustin/nres467/default.htm
http://www.unr.nevada.edu/~jelena/NRES467.html
Grades will be
calculated based on the following exams and assignments:
|
Two exams
|
150 points |
|
6 Written
assignments |
150 points |
|
Participating
in 5 discussions (20 pts each) |
100 points |
|
Leading one
class discussion (50 pts) |
50 points |
|
Total
Points |
450 points |
Tests:
Tests will
cover material from lectures, readings and discussions. The test question
format will be short answer and essay. Each test is worth 16.7% of the final
grade. If you have an emergency or are sick and find you may need to miss an
exam you must contact the major instructor prior to the exam
and have official documentation of the excuse.
Summaries/critiques:
Written
assignments are to be handed in the class period they are due. Most
assignments will be summaries, critiques and discussions of topics discussed
in class. A good critique should include a brief summary of the major
issues presented in class and reading materials, and include some
independent sources with additional information, examples, problems with
dealing with the issue, different views, etc. Written assignments should be
2-3 pages long (typed 1.5 pt space and with reasonable margins). Assignments
will be evaluated on the basis of (1) level of understanding of the broad
topic, (2) synthesis of major issues, and (3) research regarding at least
one aspect of the issue not covered in class.
Late
assignments will not be accepted.
If you find you will miss a class when the assignment is due you may email
it to the major instructor. In order to get credit the assignment must be
received before the class period is over when the assignment is due. It is
the student’s responsibility to make sure the instructor receives the
assignment if sent by email. Written assignments are 33% of the final grade.
Discussions:
There will be
student led class discussions following select topics. A group of students
will be assigned as discussion leaders/moderators for each topic the first
week of class. The discussion should include 1) a quick summary of major
points of topic discussed, 2) information from assigned reading materials
and additional materials researched by the group, and 3) a presentation of
some new material, a new perspective on the topic, or a case study related
to the topic, or an alternative view may be presented. The presentation
should set the stage for discussion and pose interesting questions for a
lively exchange of ideas. Discussion leaders are encouraged to review
relevant sources and integrate them into discussion. The introductory
presentation should end with key questions to lead off the discussion.
Discussion leaders are charged with ensuring that the discussion stays on
topic, and should be prepared to revive the discussion if everyone falls
silent by bringing up new issues and questions. Leading the class discussion
accounts for 11% of the final grade so this assignment should not be taken
lightly.
Everyone in
class is expected to be respectful and involved in the discussion. Students
will be judged both on quantity and quality of their participation. Class
participation during discussions counts for 22% of the final grade. This
means that students should offer ideas and comment during the discussion.
This is often hard for those that are shy however this is a necessary life
skill so consider this practice for the real world.
Field Trips:
There are two required
field trips for this class. One includes a two hour field trip to either the
Tracy Power Plant or the Ormat Geothermal Power Plant. The second field trip
is to the Twin Creeks Gold mine. This will be an all day field trip. The
latter field trip will introduce the students to the business of mining, the
environmental regulations the mine must adhere to and ongoing research at
the mine.
Grading scale:
|
A |
91-100% |
405-450 pts |
|
B |
81-90% |
360-404 pts |
|
C |
70-80% |
315-359 pts |
|
D |
60-69% |
270-314 pts |
|
F |
below 60%
|
< 269 pts |
UNR Resources
:
The Disability Resource Center (DRC) provides accommodations for students
with verified disabilities. They provide accommodations for students
including alternative testing, readers, note takers, interpreters, etc. If a
student requires the services of the DRC, it is the student's responsibility
to contact the center (at TSS 107, 784-6044) and notify the instructor of
special circumstances.
This course requires several written assignments, and students will be
expected to have mastered at least the fundamentals of English composition.
Students in need of additional support may wish to contact UNR’s Writing
Center (784-6030, at EJCH 206).
Academic Dishonesty:
All students are expected to maintain a high standard of intellectual
honesty. Anyone involved in academic misconduct (i.e. plagiarism, cheating)
will receive no credit for that assignment. Any repeat offense will result
in a failing grade for the class. Policies of the University of Nevada, Reno
regarding academic dishonesty can be found at www.unr.edu/stsv/acdispol.html
Course Calendar:
This is a tentative schedule and subject to change
|
Date |
Day |
Topic |
Readings/Assignments |
Instructor |
|
22-Jan |
T |
Introduction to
course |
Story of stuff |
MG /JS/ CE |
|
24-Jan |
R |
Population:
growth factors and models |
Rethinking
Population
|
MG |
|
29-Jan |
T |
Population:
carrying capacity, environmental impact |
Arrow et al.
1995,
What is
sustainability, anyway? |
MG |
|
31-Jan |
R |
Urbanization
and consumption |
Rich in things,
poor in time,
Video-EARTH IN
A BALANCE/China |
MG |
|
5-Feb |
T |
Population: discussion (Kelly, Carly, Tom, Brad) |
1-summaries due |
MG |
|
7-Feb |
R |
Energy:
principles |
|
MG |
|
11 Feb |
M |
FIELD TRIP ORMAT GEOTHERMAL |
LEAVE AT 130 |
|
|
12-Feb |
T |
Energy: fossil
fuels/oil |
on reserve:
Gever et al. 1991 (Chapters 1 & 2) |
MG |
|
14-Feb |
R |
Energy:
renewables/nuclear |
Video EARTH IN
A BALANCE/ China, Uncertainty underground |
MG |
|
19-Feb |
T |
Climate change:
natural variability |
Climate shock,
Chaotic climate |
JS |
|
21Feb |
R |
FIELD TRIP SIERRA PACIFIC TRACY PLANT |
LEAVE AT 100 |
|
|
26-Feb |
T |
FT
presentations and discussion
Brian, Glenn, Jenna, Ashley, |
2- summaries due |
MG |
|
28-Feb |
R |
Climate change:
greenhouse gases |
The tipping
point and Sick seas, explore the PBS pages: what's up with the
weather |
JS |
|
4-Mar |
T |
Climate change:
environmental impact |
background,
mechanisms, reporting, compliance of the Kyoto Protocol, VS p.42-45 |
JS |
|
6-Mar |
R |
Climate change discussion
Juan, Mark, Rob,
Josh |
3-Summaries due |
|
|
11-Mar |
T |
Test 1 |
|
CE |
|
13-Mar |
R |
Mining
|
|
CE |
|
18-Mar |
T |
Mining |
Video-MINE YOUR
OWN BUSINESS |
CE |
|
19-Mar |
W |
FIELD TRIP TO TWIN CREEK MINE |
|
|
|
20-Mar |
R |
Mining discussion
Kevin, Tamara, Jordan,
Cole |
4-Summaries due |
CE |
|
25-Mar |
T |
Spring Break |
|
|
|
27-Mar |
R |
Spring Break |
|
|
|
1-Apr |
T |
Water
management in the west |
Video- Cadillac
Desert |
MG |
|
3-Apr |
R |
Water management |
|
Guest |
|
8-Apr |
T |
Water global
issues China |
|
CE |
|
10-Apr |
R |
Truckee River-guest speaker
|
|
|
|
15-Apr |
T |
Water discussion
John, Jennifer,
Tiffany, Heidi |
5-
Summary due |
CE |
|
17-Apr |
R |
Biodiversity |
Debate: Laband
2001 and Youth 2003, Conservation at the US-Mexico border, VS
p.94-101 |
JS |
|
22-Apr |
T |
Invasive
species |
Dybas 2004 |
JS |
|
24-Apr |
R |
Environmental
policy |
World Resources
2002-2004 (Chapter 7),
VS p.106-107 |
MG/JS |
|
29-Apr |
T |
Environmental
policy |
The Weinberg
proposal, Reshaping Global Governance |
MG/JS |
|
1-May |
R |
Environmental
groups, conflicts, crime and the environment |
SW: Chapters 8
& 9, International environmental crime,
Resource wars,
Ecoterrorism |
MG/CE |
|
6-May |
T |
Environmental
policy: discussion
Annie, Eric,
Natasha, Jimmy |
6-summaries due |
¤ |
|
8-May |
R |
FINAL EXAM: Noon - 2 pm |
|
|