1. ENVS& 100 Survey of Environmental Science Instructor: Tom Broxson Library 138 Office Hours: 11:00-12:00 M,T,W,Th, F and by appointment Office Phone: (253)
Course description: A non-lab introductory science course designed to develop the ability to critically analyze environmental problems. The class can serve as a basic preparation for citizenry, science, travel, business, government service, journalism, or volunteer work, as well as for elementary or secondary school teaching. Numerous slides, maps, and videos will illustrate each topic.
Course objectives:
Explore how human activities have interacted with natural systems through time and how these activities respond to global changes in technology, consumption, and population.
Appreciate the enormity of global and local environmental changes occurring on Earth and the implications of these changes in our individual lives.
Challenge students to rethink their behaviors and attitudes about their "interaction" with the natural world.
Learn to use the systems approach to learning and doing research in science and technology -- encourage capable students to pursue careers in science and technology.
Textbook:
Essential Environment: The Science Behind the Stories, 3/E Jay H. Withgott Scott R. Brennan ISBN-10:  ISBN-13:  
Publisher:  Prentice Hall
Student's responsibilities and strategies for success:
- ATTEND CLASS REGULARLY and BE ON TIME. You are responsible for all classroom discussion and assigned readings from the textbook and other sources the instructor may introduce. If you miss a class, please arrange to obtain notes from another student.
- Read the assignments and take notes. I will introduce ideas and images and give examples not found in the text. This information is fair game for exams and will be helpful to weekly assignments.
- Combine and rewrite your notes from lectures and the readings.
- Arrange for adequate time to prepare for exams.
- Ask questions in and out of class, and if you have trouble with the material, ask for help!
- Respect your fellow students and instructor. The classroom is an environment where we can share diverse opinions, viewpoints, and experiences.
Grading:
Class attendance and participation 15% 150 pts. You will be asked many questions in class and in group discussions over assigned readings and lectures. Take your best shot at answering the questions posed verbally. These points are to encourage you to be in class actively participating!
Critical thinking questions 20% total (200 pts total or 20pts each- 10 total assignments)
Online Discussion 20% total (200 pts total or 20pts each- 10 total assignments)
Midterm 1 15% or 150 pts
Midterm 2 15% or 150 pts
Final Exam 15% or 150 pts
Extra Credit Environmental Event 50 pts

2. Brief topical outline
Week  Reading Assignment   Exams
Chapter 1  An Introduction to Environmental Science
2 Chapter 2. Environmental Economics and Environmental Policy
Chapter 6. Human Population     
 Exam # 1 Covering Lectures readings & films from weeks 1 tru 3
Chapter 7. Soil, Agriculture, and the Future of Food,
Chapter 8. Biodiversity and Conservation Biology
Chapter 9. Cities, Forests, and Parks: Land Use and Resource Management,
Chapter 12. Fresh Water, Oceans, and Coasts: Systems, Resources, and Conservation
Exam #2 covering lectures readings & films from weeks 4 thru 7
8 Chapter 14. Global Climate Change
9 Chapter 15. Nonrenewable Energy Sources, Their Impacts, and Energy Conservation
Chapter 16. Renewable Energy Alternatives
FINAL Exam covering lectures readings & films from weeks 8 thru 10
Exams:
Will be structured to test knowledge of, concepts, explanations, and solutions. The tests will include multiple choice, short answer, and essay questions. The student is responsible for all the material in the readings, and lectures, including maps, slides, and other graphics.
I am here to help you learn! Please feel free to come by my office (or ) at any time to discuss any questions or problems that you may have with the course material from lecture or the textbook, with the computer, , WWW, or any other matter that you'd like to discuss. I'll be glad to try to help you find solutions!