GEORGIA COLLEGE & STATE UNIVERSITY

Department of Government and Sociology

Milledgeville, Georgia

IDST 2210, Section 10                                        Dr. Jeffrey P. Blick and Dr. Daniel H. Fernald                                   

Ethics, Society & the Environment                                                                      Spring 2003                                            

Syllabus

Three Thoughts on Liberal Education:

There are some useful things . . . in which the young must be educated, not only because they are useful . . . but also because they are often the means to learning yet further subjects. . . . They must learn drawing, not for the sake of avoiding mistakes in private purchases, and so that they may not be taken in when buying and selling utensils, but rather because it teaches one to be observant of physical beauty. . . . To be constantly asking ‘What is the use of it?’ is unbecoming to those of broad vision and unworthy of free men.

                                                            -Aristotle, Politics, 1338a

"Spoon feeding in the long run teaches us nothing but the shape of the spoon."

                                                                     --E.M. Forster

            “Empty cans rattle the loudest.”

                                    --Anonymous     

Course:           IDST 2210, Ethics, Society & the Environment

Classroom:     Arts & Sciences 3-64

Section:          CRN 20777, Section 10, M  2:00-3:50 p.m.

Offices:          Dr. Blick, A&S 2-14.  Dr. Fernald, Humber-White House, Room 113

Office Hours: Dr. Blick, MWF 8:00-9:00; 10:00-11:00; and by appt.

                       Dr. Fernald, M 11:00-1:00; W, 11:00-12:30; F, 11:00-12:30.

E-Mail:          Dr. Blick, jblick@gcsu.edu; jblick@bellsouth.net

                       Dr. Fernald, dfernald@gcsu.edu; fernaldd@bellsouth.net

Website:            http://www.faculty.de.gcsu.edu/~jblick/

Texts:              Charles L. Harper, Environment and Society (New Jersey:  Prentice Hall, 2001).

                        Joseph R. Des Jardins, Environmental Ethics (Belmont, CA:  Wadsworth, 2001).

E-Mail

Subject Line: IDST 2210/10

N.B.:  Students will be expected to stay up to date regarding current national and international environmental events by listening to National Public Radio (local 89.7 FM), CNN (e.g., Earth Matters), and/or other news sources. Quiz questions may come from current environmental or related news stories.

Note on Gender Usage:  The terms “he,” “his,” “man,” “mankind,” and other nominally masculine nouns, pronouns, adjectives, and adverbs, as used in this course, refer generically to both men and women.  This is in keeping with the policy of Georgia College & State University (GC&SU).  GC&SU’s Style Book reads, in relevant part, “He, him, himself and his are generic terms referring to both sexes.”  (Please see “Sexist Language,” at  http://www.gcsu.edu/univ_relations/stylebook.html)

STUDENTS MUST BRING TEXTBOOKS TO CLASS EVERY DAY. Some quiz questions may be open book in nature.

I.  Course Description:

            Through a variety of readings and other media, we will explore the relationship of human beings and their natural environment.  What obligations do we have as caretakers of the earth?  What rights, if any, do these obligations give us?  What are the limits on human use of the earth’s resources?  How are such limits to be enforced?  These and related questions will be the foci of the readings and discussions in this course.

II.  Course Objectives:

            1. To develop an appreciation for the obligations of human beings to their environment.

            2. To develop a sense of world mindedness.

3. To develop an awareness of the different ways people inhabit, modify, and adapt culturally to natural environments.

4. To develop the ability to understand and react to complex international and intercultural environmental issues.

5. To develop the ability to think logically and critically, and to apply knowledge from multiple disciplines to many different contexts.

6. To read about and discuss various environmental issues and to address those issues verbally and in writing.

III.  Assessment of Course Objectives:

            The effectiveness of this course in attaining its stated objectives will be assessed via daily lectures, discussions, papers, essays, in-class examinations and quizzes.  Students are, additionally, encouraged to share their own insights into this course’s effectiveness in meeting the stated objectives, and to provide suggestions for improvement.  The accompanying “Schedule of Assignments” provides more detailed information regarding specific assignments and the dates of the various testing events.  N.B.  The Schedule of Assignments is subject to change.  Students should check WebCT (see “WebCT,” below) prior to each class session for the most recent Schedule of Assignments.

IV.  Classroom Conduct:

            1.  General.  Appropriate classroom comportment and decorum are vital in establishing and maintaining a learning environment in which you, your fellow classmates, and the professors, are shown appropriate courtesy and respect. This course will combine lecture and discussion, with the aim of maximizing student involvement and input. 

            2.  Note Taking.  You are expected to take detailed and copious notes, both of the text and during lecture and class discussion.  The average retention of lectures and class discussions by students who do not take notes has been estimated at six percent, which is ten times less than the passing grade for this course.  Note taking is an essential part of the learning process.  Test and quiz questions will be very specific, and will require detailed knowledge of the course material. 

3.  Academic Freedom.  You are encouraged to speak your mind on all matters pertaining to the course.  You are in no way required to agree with the professors, the texts, or your classmates on any point.  In the best and highest traditions of free speech, philosophical dialectic, and academic freedom, you are indeed encouraged to argue your own position with such passion and conviction as seem fitting to you.  Your grade will not reflect in any way your agreement or disagreement with the professors.  In fact, students who disagree with the professors in an informed and courteous manner generally earn higher grades than students who uncritically accept the course material as presented.  The process of becoming a liberally educated person necessitates the kind of critical inquiry and passionate engagement that alone lead to firm, well-reasoned conviction.

4.  Discussion Etiquette.  The above policy is limited in the following ways:

a.  No one will engage in personal attacks, for any reason.  You owe your professors and your classmates a fair hearing and an intelligent, well-reasoned response.  We are interested in arguing the merits of the case at hand ONLY.  There is no excuse for personal attacks, ever. 

b.  No one will use profane or abusive language under any circumstances.  Anyone who violates this restriction may be asked to leave the classroom immediately.

c.  Provided that everyone abides by these minimal restrictions, all opinions, positions, and arguments will be entertained with courtesy and respect, even as we ardently contend with and against each other to find the truth.

            5.  Eating and Drinking.  There is no eating or drinking in the classroom.  Exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis for students who have a documented medical condition (e.g. diabetes) that would be exacerbated by this restriction.

            6.  Electronic Devices.  Students must turn OFF all electronic devices (cellular phones, pagers, personal data organizers, etc.) prior to the beginning of class.

            7.  Attentiveness and Participation. 

a.  Although this course is partially lecture-format, you should not approach the classroom as a you would a play, a movie, or a TV show.  Education is not a spectator sport. 

b.  While you are not required to take part in class discussions, you are expected to give your fellow students and your professors your undivided attention. 

c.  Sleeping In Class.  One extremely rude, and distressingly common, form of discourtesy is sleeping or nodding off during class. 

1.  Sleep is important.  Be sure to get some before you come to class.  Class is neither the time nor the place for it.  As college students, you are adults, and are expected to behave accordingly. 

2.  Students who sleep during any portion of a class may be asked to leave the classroom.

3.  Students who sleep during any portion of a class will be charged the equivalent of an absence for the entire class session, whether or not they are asked to leave the classroom. Students who acquire the equivalent of three unexcused absences (two for sections that meet once per week) via any combination of actual absences, sleeping in class, lateness, or leaving class early may be failed for the entire course, at the professors’ sole discretion.   (See “Failure for Non-Attendance,” below.)  The professors’ decision to fail one or more students under this provision shall in no way oblige him to fail all students in similar situations.  (See “Professors’ Discretion in Enforcement,” below.)

4.  For the purposes of this course, “sleeping” shall be understood to mean closing one’s eyes for five seconds or longer, where no other sign of wakefulness is evident.  (This seemingly odd “definition” of sleep was inserted, after several somnolent young scholars claimed that they were merely “resting their eyes.”)

d.  On the meaning of “participation,” it should be stressed that there are many ways to participate in this course.  Taking part in class discussions is the most obvious one, but there are others, such as taking notes, integrating material from class discussion in daily papers or quizzes, participating in study groups, e-mailing the professors (with questions, comments, or observations), and meeting with the professors outside of class to discuss the course material. 

            8.  Packing up Early.  Another increasingly common form of classroom discourtesy involves packing up early, while the professor(s) or another student is still talking.  If the professors run over the allotted class time, please feel free to bring the matter to their attention.  You are entitled to be let out of class no later than the official end of the session, as stated on the college website.  In any event, however, you are requested not to begin packing up until the professors have announced that the class is over.  Although students generally do not mean any offense when they do so, packing up while the professors or another student are still talking is exceptionally rude.  Please show the professors and your fellow students this small courtesy. 

            9.  Breaks.  In general, there will be no breaks during this class.  If the class is two hours or longer, it is reasonable for students to excuse themselves (briefly and quietly) once during lecture and discussion.  For shorter classes, students are asked to be considerate of their classmates and the professors by remaining in the classroom for the entire time.  Students who for whatever reason are unable to do so should sit as near as possible to the exit of the classroom, in order to minimize the disruption caused by their exit and re-entry.

            10.  Dress.  While there is no dress code at GC&SU, students are asked to remember that they are adults and scholars, not high school students.  There are no specific clothing limitations or restrictions, although students are asked to bear in mind the following: 

a.  As a general rule, adults do not wear hats indoors, particularly during official or semi-official functions.

b.  Clothing should be appropriate to a classroom environment (as opposed to, e.g., the beach or a club).  Use your best judgment.

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V.  Academic Dishonesty:

1.  General.  In this course, we will observe a zero tolerance policy with respect to academic dishonesty.  Students are required to be familiar with, and to follow, GC&SU’s Honor Code.  See http://www.gcsu.edu/honorcode for more information.

2.  Penalties.  Students found guilty of any variety of academic dishonesty, however minor, will receive grades of “zero” (F) for this course.  The overall quality of work completed by the student shall have no weight in matters of academic dishonesty. 

3.  Additional Sanctions.  In addition to failing the course, students found guilty of academic dishonesty will be subject to further sanctions from the university, including expulsion. 

4.  Plagiarism.  For the purposes of this course, submitting the same or substantially similar work more than once, or for more than one course, shall be considered plagiarism.  The professors shall have the sole right to determine what shall be deemed “the same” or “substantially similar.”  If you would like to use previously completed work in this class, please talk to the professors.  Copying or sharing work with other students is also prohibited.

a.  As a condition of remaining in this course, students are required to read and sign a statement concerning academic dishonesty in general, and plagiarism specifically.  Students who do not sign and turn in to the professors this statement by the end of the second full week of classes will have five points deducted from their final grades for each week that the statement is not turned in.

5.  Submitted Work.  With the exception of work completed in class, all assignments must:

            a.  Be in the same font throughout, with no changes in size or type.

            b.  Have the student’s name, the date, and the course name at the top of the first page, in the same font type and size as the rest of the paper.

            c.  Be saved on a single floppy disk, which must be presented to the professors immediately upon demand.  Failure to produce the floppy disk immediately upon demand shall constitute prima facie evidence of academic dishonesty.  Students must bring this disk with them to every class session, and must update it every time they complete and turn in an assignment.

            d.  Be in Microsoft Word format.  Assignments in other formats may be assigned grades of “zero.”  If you do not have MS Word on your personal computer, please be advised the college’s computer labs are amply supplied with this program.

6.  Students’ Requirement.  Students are required to consult the most recent Undergraduate Catalog for further information on others forms of Academic Dishonesty, including other forms of plagiarism.  Ignorance of standards of academic honesty and dishonesty shall in no way excuse academic dishonesty under any circumstances.  Students who have any questions in this area are encouraged to speak to the professors.

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VI. Absences and Make-up Policy:           

1.  General.  Absences will be excused only on receipt of a verifiable, written excuse from a competent authority.  The instructors reserve the right to determine whether or not an authority is “competent.”  There will be NO make-ups for unexcused absences.    Students who submit false, forged, or otherwise illegitimate excuses may be failed for the entire course, and will be subject to additional sanctions for academic dishonesty.  The professors have the right to accept or reject excuses, at their sole discretion.  N.B.  Unless a student is physically unable to attend class, requests to excuse absences will generally be denied.  Reasonable exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis for documented instances of bereavement (e.g., death of members of one’s immediate family) or care by a licensed, certified mental health professional, which prevents attendance.  Even in such cases, the professors reserve the right to accept or reject excuses, at their sole discretion.  While every effort will be made to accommodate students who must work in order to attend school, in general work conflicts do NOT excuse absences from class.  (Continuing education students and/or students with families should speak to the professors as soon as possible to see if appropriate arrangements can be made.)  Please be advised that reasons of student convenience (e.g., getting an early start on a long weekend or holiday, leaving early for winter or summer break, and so forth) are never sufficient to justify an absence.

2.  Deadline for Submission of Excuses.  Excuses MUST be submitted within one week of a student’s return to class.  After one week of a student’s return to class, no absence will be excused for any reason.  Excuses must be submitted in paper (as opposed to e-mail) form directly to the professors during a regularly scheduled class session, and must be accompanied by a narrative explanation written by the student.  Students who are absent for more than one calendar week (M-F) must make arrangements to inform the professors of the reasons for their absence, either personally or by proxy.  Students absent for more than one calendar week who have not contacted the professors may be awarded grades of “F” for the entire course, at the professors’ sole discretion.  Exceptions will be made only in the most extreme circumstances, e.g. when the student’s illness renders him completely incapacitated and unable to communicate.

3.  Make-Ups for Missed Work.  The professors reserve the right to specify the work required to make up any work missed.  The method of evaluation in such cases in entirely at the professors’ discretion, and may or may not be similar to the method of evaluation for the rest of the class.  Students who wish to make up an examination, or any other testing event, will have to provide persuasive and verifiable evidence of their inability to attend the class session in question and/or to meet the relevant deadline.  Anecdotal evidence or unsupported narrative will not be accepted.  A grade of zero will be assigned for any work missed for which no persuasive, relevant, and verifiable excuse is presented.  The professors have the right to accept or reject excuses, at their sole discretion. 

4.  Absences for Medical Reasons.  Medical excuses will be honored under certain conditions.  If a student has been seriously ill and has medical documentation indicating that he was physically unable to attend class, student absences will generally be excused, and the student will be allowed to make-up work missed, including examinations.  (See “Make-Ups for Missed Work,” above.)  However, students must, in general, be ill to the point of being physically unable to attend class in order for such an excuse to be honored.  Regularly scheduled check-ups or other non-emergency situations are NOT considered legitimate medical excuses.  Accordingly, any such absence will count the same as any other unexcused absence, and grades of “zero” will be entered for any quizzes, examinations, or other work missed as a result of the absence.  Please schedule your regular visits to health care professionals during non-class hours.

5.  Failure for Non-Attendance.  Students who acquire the equivalent of three unexcused absences (two or more for sections that meet once per week) via any combination of actual absences, sleeping in class, lateness, or leaving class early may be failed for the entire course, at the professors’ sole discretion. 

6.  Professors’ Discretion in Enforcement.  The professors have the prerogative to exercise their right to fail students for non-attendance selectively, based on their evaluation of the overall quality of the student’s work and performance throughout the semester.  This right may be exercised at the professors’ sole discretion, and is not subject to appeal or review.  The professors’ decision to fail one or more students for non-attendance shall not oblige or otherwise require them to fail all students who have missed three or more class sessions (two or more for sections that meet once per week).  The professors may exercise this right at any point during the semester, up to and including the issuance of final grades.  The professors’ failure to exercise this right immediately after a student’s third (or second, for sections that meet once per week) unexcused absence shall in no way preclude, limit, or otherwise restrict him from doing so later in the semester.

7.  Alternate Scheduling of Examinations.  Requests by students to take examinations (including the final examination) on any date other than the scheduled date will be approved only under the most extreme circumstances.  Reasons of convenience (e.g., wanting to leave early for vacation, facilitating personal travel plans, etc.) will not be considered.  The dates of all examinations are either listed on the “Schedule of Assignments” for this course, or are available from the professors upon student request.  Students are strongly encouraged to check the final examination schedule for all of their classes as early as possible in the semester, in order to avoid conflicts later on.  Requests for alternate scheduling of final examinations by any student having more than two final examinations scheduled on any given date will be approved, provided that the instructors of the other classes are unable to accommodate the student.  Such requests must be made to the instructors of this course in writing.  A paper copy of the request (e-mail is not acceptable) must be turned in to the professors no later than two calendar weeks prior to the date of the final examination.  The request must include the titles and CRN’s of the other courses having final examination on the same day as the final examination for this course, as well as their names of the instructors and their e-mail addresses.  Any request not adhering to these requirements will be denied.  Examinations administered at a time other than the regularly scheduled one will sometimes not be the same as those administered at the regularly scheduled time.  Students who request alternate scheduling of examinations explicitly waive the right to dispute either the content, format, manner, or grading of the examination(s) in question.

8.  Deadlines.  Deadlines are not suggestions; they are the LAST day for a student to turn in his work.  Missing a deadline is the same as missing an examination, and will be treated as such.  Deadlines will not be extended for any reason other than documented and verifiable health problems, which render the student physically incapable of completing his work.  Students should plan to turn in their work EARLY, in order to avoid potential last-minute problems.  Excuses relating to computer problems, lack of printer availability, etc. will not be considered.  Even if the professors approve an extension for an individual student, they may require that the student make-up the work via a different assignment, at their sole discretion.  (See “Make-Ups for Missed Work,” above.)  In the absence of an appropriate, documented, and verifiable medical excuse, the professors may refuse to accept late work, and assign it a grade of “zero.”  These and any lesser penalties are entirely at the professors’ discretion, and are not subject to appeal or review.  In no case will work be accepted after the last regularly scheduled class session for this course, unless authorized by the professors.  Such work will automatically receive a grade of “zero.”  N.B.  The day of the final examination is NOT a regularly scheduled class session.

9.  No Extra Credit.  Students will not be able to make up missed work via extra credit assignments.  Work missed without an excuse will receive a grade of “zero.”  Tests and quizzes may or may not contain extra credit questions, which all students will have an equal chance to answer.  Such extra credit will be applied to the test or quiz in question only.

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VII.  E-Mail Policy:

            1.  General.  A great deal of information in this course will be disseminated via e-mail.  Accordingly, all students are required to maintain a Bobcat e-mail account, and to check it at least once daily (holidays and days of religious observance excepted).

2.  Bobcat Accounts Required.  All students are required to provide the professors with a Bobcat e-mail address, and to check their Bobcat e-mail at least once daily.  GC&SU faculty or staff members taking this course may provide their GC&SU faculty or staff e-mail addresses.   

            3. Student Responsibility.  Students are solely responsible for the consequences of not receiving information disseminated by the professors via e-mail.  Information sent out via e-mail is testable.  Students are responsible for all information disseminated via e-mail.  In the absence of CONCLUSIVE evidence of server failure by the Bobcat server, it will be assumed that students have received all e-mail sent to their Bobcat e-mail addresses by the server.     

4.  Addressing E-Mail Correspondence.  The Subject Line of all e-mail messages should begin with a course identifier, in order to assist the professors in managing and storing e-mail correspondence.  E-mail messages that lack the appropriate subject line identifier may not be returned.  (See “E-Mail Subject Line” on page one of this syllabus.)  ALL E-MAIL MUST BE SENT TO BOTH PROFESSORS.

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VIII.  WebCT:

1.  General.  “WebCT” stands for “Web Course Tools.”  WebCT is an online resource and database for students at GC&SU in select courses.  It provides access to useful links, online tools, and student grades. 

2.  Student Requirement.  Students are required to be able to access WebCT, and to complete graded and ungraded exercises using WebCT. 

3.  Posting Files to WebCT.  All students must post files to ALL assignments on WebCT no later than one week after the first class session of the semester.  Deductions of up to ten points will apply to any assignment for which no file has been posted more than one week after the first class session.  Instructions will be provided via e-mail.  In addition, Dr. Fernald will personally assist any student with the posting of files.  Such students should come to Dr. Fernald’s office during regular office hours, or make an appointment.  No excuses for failing to meet this deadline will be considered, except as noted in “Absences and Make-Up Policy,” above.

4.  Bonus Points for Using WebCT.  All students will have the opportunity to earn up to two bonus points to be applied to their participation grades, by completing exercises on WebCT.  There is a deadline for completion of these exercises.  Since this is a bonus assignment, rather than a course requirement, students who miss the deadline for completion of this form will irrevocably forfeit this opportunity, even if they have a legitimate excuse.  The deadline will be provided by the professors.

5.  Waiver of Right to Appeal Grades.  Students who fail to post a file to WebCT for a given assignment waive the right to dispute their grade for that assignment.

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Grading Standards

IX.  Attendance:            

1.  General.  Attendance is mandatory and will be taken at the beginning of each class session.  Students have the opportunity to earn up to 2 bonus points to be applied to their Participation grade.  (See “WebCT,” above.) 

2.  Deductions from Participation Grade.  Each unexcused absence shall result in 1 percentage point being deducted from a student’s participation grade (or two points in the case of sections that meet only once per week).  Each instance where a student either arrives late or leaves class early without prior arrangement shall result in 1/2 point being deducted from the student’s participation grade (or one point in the case of sections that meet only once per week).  These deductions will apply whether or not a student has earned any bonus points.  These deductions may also result in a net negative effect on a student’s participation grade.  Students are considered late if they arrive after their names have been called.  Students who arrive late must notify the instructors of their presence at the end of the class session; otherwise, late students will be marked absent.  Points shall be deducted according to this formula at the end of the term.

X.  Daily Papers:           

1.  General.  At the beginning of each class session, students will turn in a short paper on the most recent reading, prior to the discussion of that reading in class.  Grades on daily papers will be applied as adjustments to a student’s project grade.  It is possible for this adjustment to have a negative effect on a student’s project grade.

2.  Daily Papers.  Daily Papers should be at least one page long, and may be as long as two pages, double-spaced.  Papers should not be more than two pages long.  Papers must be typewritten, in 10 or 12 point Times New Roman font with standard (1” to 1.25” left and right, 0.75” top and bottom) margins.  The main body of the essay should begin by the sixth line of the first page, and should contain at least 250 words, not including heading, title, etc.  Handwritten papers will not be accepted, and will receive grades of “unsatisfactory.”  Papers will be graded as exceptional, satisfactory, or unsatisfactory.  Late papers will receive grades of “unsatisfactory.”  Grades of “exceptional” shall be worth one point each.  Grades of “satisfactory” shall be worth zero points.  Grades of “unsatisfactory” shall be worth negative one or two points each (depending on the quality of the paper).  Papers not turned in will receive grades of negative two.  Each student’s Project grade (see below) shall be adjusted up or down by the sum of his Daily Paper grades.  Daily papers must be turned in at the beginning of each class session in hard copy (i.e. paper) form.  The professors may additionally require electronic submission of Daily Papers.

XI.  Participation (10 Points): 

1.  General.  “Participation” includes, but is not necessarily limited to, classroom participation, the ability to answer questions, willingness to engage course work in a serious manner, professional demeanor and attitude, and general level of preparedness for class.  Students must also turn in a self-assessment essay prior to the end of the semester, in which they discuss their strengths and weaknesses in the course.   The professors will provide the deadline.  Students who do not turn in a self-assessment may receive grades of “zero” for participation.  Any lesser penalties are at the professors’ sole discretion.

XII.  Project (10 Points):

1.  General.  Each student will take part in a project.  This requirement will be described in greater detail later in the semester.

XIII.  Midterm Examination (20 Points):    

1.  General.  The first examination will be worth 20 percent of a student’s final grade.  

XIV.  Quizzes (40 Points):    

1.  General.  Quizzes will be administered during most, if not all, class sessions.  Quizzes will include questions based on the most recent reading, prior to the discussion of that reading in class.  Some quizzes may be be open note and/or open book.  Any notes to which students refer may be either typewritten or handwritten, but they must be the original work of the student.  Referring to photocopies of notes, or to notes identical to those of one or more other students shall constitute evidence of academic dishonesty, with all of the attendant penalties and sanctions discussed earlier.  (Students who plan to work cooperatively in study groups and share notes may use such notes during quizzes, but in such a case the students involved must so notify the professors in writing.)

XV.  Final Examination (20 Points):

1.  General.  The final examination will be worth 20 percent of a student’s final grade.

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Important Notes:           

1.  All examinations are cumulative, unless otherwise indicated. 

2.  No grades will be dropped in calculating the Final Grade.

3.  All work must be typewritten, with the exception of work completed during class (e.g. quizzes and examinations).

            4.  Students are responsible for all material presented in this class, including texts, study questions, lectures, class discussions, e-mail, and all other aspects of the course.  Students are also responsible for material missed due to legitimate medical or other excuses.   

            5.  This syllabus may not be changed verbally.  In the absence of documented changes made to this syllabus by the professors of this course, no claim that this syllabus or the standards for this course have been altered will be given any credence.  Students may not make changes to this syllabus, either orally or in writing, for any reason.  Any written changes made to this syllabus by the professors of this course will be made in accordance with GC&SU guidelines.  The professors may change assignments, examination dates, etc. at their sole discretion, limited only by GC&SU rules and regulations.  Students will be notified, either during class or via e-mail (or both), of any changes.  Students are solely responsible for the consequences of not receiving such notification, provided that such notice is given either during class or via e-mail (or both).

            6.  Students may dispute any grade awarded to them in this course, subject to such limitations as are described below.  Students are encouraged to discuss their work with the professors and to bring to their attention any alleged inaccuracies or errors in grading.  The following limitations apply. 

a.  No grade may be discussed or disputed on or prior to the day in which the student receives the paper copy of the assignment (or electronic copy, if and only if the assignment required only an electronic submission).  Students must wait at least 24 hours from such time, prior to discussing or disputing their grades.

b.  Waiver of Right to Appeal Grades.  Students who fail to post a file to WebCT for a given assignment waive the right to dispute their grade for that assignment.

c.  No grade may be disputed more than two calendar weeks after it was awarded.  Students may discuss their grades with the professors at any time, even after the conclusion of the semester, but such discussion will in no case result in the changing of a student’s grade.

d.  No grade may be disputed after the last regularly scheduled class session for this course.  N.B.  The day of the final examination is NOT a regularly scheduled class session.

e.  The grade of the final examination may be disputed if and only if at the time a student turns in his final examination, the student both:

1.  Tells the professors that he would like to reserve the right to dispute the final examination.

2.  Hands the professors a signed note indicating the same.

In such a case, the professors will prioritize grading of the final examinations of those students who have met the conditions immediately above.  Students who have met conditions 1 and 2, immediately above, will remain with the professors while they grade the examinations of ALL students who have met conditions 1 and 2, immediately above.  Students leaving during this time irrevocably forfeit the right to dispute their final examination grades, and the professors will de-prioritize grading of their examinations.  Immediately upon completion of the grading of the final examinations of ALL students who have met conditions 1 and 2, immediately above, the professors will conduct private conferences with each student.  If the student is dissatisfied with his grade, he may dispute the grade immediately with the professors.  If, after a reasonable period of time (typically no more than 5-10 minutes), the professors have not been persuaded by the student’s argument, the conference shall be deemed over and the student’s grade will not change.  The professors’ decision is final.

            7.  Implied Agreement.  All students must read this syllabus carefully.  By remaining in this class beyond the second full week of the semester, students agree to the course standards as explained in this syllabus. 

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Grading Scale:              A = 90 – 100   B = 80 – 89     C = 70 – 79

                                                D = 60 – 69     F = 59 and Below

SPECIAL NOTICE TO STUDENTS IN MILLEDGEVILLE:  In the event of a fire alarm signal students should exit the building in a quick and orderly manner through the nearest hallway exit.  First and Second floor classes should exit through ground level exits; Third floor classes through nearest stairwell to a ground level exit.  Do not use elevator.  Third floor stairwells are areas where disabled people may communicate with rescue workers.  Be familiar with the floor plan and exits of this building.

REQUESTS FOR MODIFICATIONS:  Any student requiring instructional modifications due to a documented disability should make an appointment to meet with the instructors as soon as possible.  An official letter from GC&SU documenting the disability will be expected in order to receive accommodations.

Drop Deadline:  The last day to withdraw from this course without academic penalty is February 28, 2003.  For more information, please see: http://rome.gcsu.edu:8090/4DCGI/Catalog/Under/GetCalendarDetail/33202

Midterm grades will be posted to WebCT prior to this date.

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GEORGIA COLLEGE & STATE UNIVERSITY

Department of Government and Sociology

Milledgeville, Georgia

IDST 2210, Section 10                                  Dr. Jeffrey P. Blick and Dr. Daniel H. Fernald                                   

Ethics, Society & the Environment                                                                  Spring 2003                                            

Schedule of Assignments and Readings

December 18, 2002

N.B.:  Assignments are Due by the Beginning of the Class Session on the Date Listed!

You must do the exercises for each section assigned.

This Schedule is subject to change. 

Students must confirm each week’s assignment on WebCT.