Environmental Philosophy (INTD 425)
Course Requirements
Readings. Read the assignments closely prior to class (see the Schedule), and always bring the text. Class discussions and your success in this class depend upon this. If you are not willing to commit yourself to this, then it would be best for you to withdraw from the course.
Attendance and Participation. A course on philosophy is by its nature aimed at self-examination and discussion; consequently, taking the class requires being there. Thus the following policy: Five absences (excused or otherwise) are allowed. After that, each additional absence (of any kind) results in a 1% drop in course grade.
Groups. The students in the class will be divided into groups of seven or eight, viz., the John Muir Group, Aldo Leopold Group, Rachel Carson Group, Wendell Berry Group, and Vandana Shiva Group. These groups will function primarily for the purpose of in-class and online discussion.
Discussion Forum. There are six discussion forums, each of which will require one post and two comments from you. The posts should be from 500-600 words, and the comments from 100-150 words (see ANGEL for further instruction). These will be completed on ANGEL.
Quizzes. About every class will begin with a brief quiz on the reading or topic for the day. These brief exercises help keep me informed of your comprehension of the material, and should help you keep up with the reading during the semester. The quizzes are worth a significant portion of the course grade, because every student coming to class prepared to discuss the material is a significant part of the course. [Makeup: Missed quizzes can be made up in my office before the next class meeting; arrangements for this is your responsibility.]
Short Research Essay. You will need to write one six to seven page essay (1800-2100 words), involving at least two drafts, an annotated bibliography (minimum: 10 sources, 5 non-internet), and a summary sheet. Please discuss your topic with me before you begin work. The last week of the semester will be devoted to everyone presenting their research to the class. All materials will be submitted on ANGEL as “discussion forum posts” — that way you can see each other’s work, and comment on it. See ANGEL for specifics on how this will be evaluated. Plan your work schedule, and work ahead when you can. These due dates are quite firm. [Due dates: see the Schedule.]
Exams. There will be three non-cumulative in-class essay exams over the class discussions, readings, and material presented in class. [Makeup: Exams missed due to an excused absence are to be taken as soon as possible or else will be forfeited. It is your responsibility to see me about this.]
Grading. The set of three exams is worth 60% (20% per exam); quizzes (10%); discussion forums (15%); research essay and presentation (15%) — this last consists of the thesis/intro, bibliography, first draft, summary sheet, and presentation [@1%], and final draft [10%].
I use the following letter grade conversion scale: A (94-100), A- (90-93), B+ (87-89), B (83-86), B- (80-82), C+ (77-79), C (73-76), C- (70-72), D+ (67-69), D (63-66), D-(60-62), F (0-59).
Cell Phones. 
Please do not bring these to class. If you do bring a cell phone, it needs to be turned off and put away, preferably at the bottom of a very deep pocket or book bag. If you are unable to part company with your cell phone, or are unable to keep it turned off and stowed, then please do not come to class. Thank you.
Cheating and Plagiarism. Plagiarism consists of submitting the statements, ideas, opinions, or findings of another as if they were your own. It is not plagiarism to copy from or paraphrase a source as long as this is acknowledged and the source is cited. Cheating and deliberate plagiarism will result in automatically failing the class. For more information, see the college policy, as reprinted on the Writing page.
Students with Disabilities. Manchester College, in compliance with federal guidelines, is committed to providing students with disabilities an access to programs and activities that is equal to the access provided to students without disabilities.
If you believe that you need an accommodation due to a disability, please contact Bonnie O’Connell, the director of services for students with disabilities, to establish your eligibility and to coordinate reasonable accommodations. It is your responsibility to seek this accommodation. Students whose accommodation requests are approved will be given confidential letters to deliver to their professors that verifies the nature of the student’s disability and documents the need for auxiliary aids and services and/or academic adjustments/accommodations. Students are encouraged to meet with each professor early in the semester to discuss the academic implications of the disability as they relate to the specific course and to request appropriate accommodation. The Disabilities Office is located in the Success Center (second floor of the Union); please telephone 982-5076 to schedule an appointment.
Manchester College // Registrar // Department of Religion and Philosophy // Last updated: 16 Dec 2011