Course Syllabus
Great Basin College
INT 369 Natural Disasters (online)
Spring 2015, 3 credits
Office / Lundberg 123C / Phone / 775-753-2330
Office Hours / Monday - Friday 7:30am-11am
No required text
Although there isn’t a required textbook, we will be using material from:
Smith and Petley. Environmental Hazards: Assessing risk and reducing disaster. 5th edition. Routledge. 2009. ISBN 10:0-415-42865-3 (paperback)
This textbook is available through the GBC library database and chapters will be available in WebCampus.
In addition, assigned articles and videos are available in the weekly modules, and you will be required to find peer-reviewed journal articles for a research paper and a presentation.
Catalog Description:
An integrative seminar on topics in science. The topics will vary to address needs and interests of programs. Course fulfills the upper-division integrative science general education requirements. May be repeated once for credit if the topics are different. Prerequisites: 40 or more total credits including ENG 102 or ENG 333, MATH 120 (or any mathematics course numbered 126 or higher, including AMS 310 or STAT 152).
Course Description:
This course will examine Mother Nature’s temperamental side. The science behind natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, floods, and hurricanes will be discussed. In addition to learning about the geologic principles responsible for these events, we will analyze historical and current case studies to gain a broader understanding of how these grand disasters impact humans.
Objectives:
The objective of this course is to understand the geologic settings and atmospheric conditions responsible for the development of natural disasters, and how natural disasters impact human lives and our interconnected societies. The professor hopes students will build empathy for those people and communities impacted by tragic natural forces.
Method of Instruction:
This is a fast-paced,rigorousonline course. Students are responsible for checking WebCampus frequently to participate in discussions, obtain reading material, respond to emails, and complete assessments.
Each topic in the course is associated with a learning module on WebCampus. In addition to the reading material shown on the course schedule, a plethora of online materials – such as newspaper articles, videos, photos, and animations are included in each learning module. It is highly recommended that you review these materials to gain a broad understanding of the topic or case study.
Learner Outcomes and Measurement:
The following table presents the expected learner outcomes for INT 369. Learner outcomes will be measured each time the class is taught as shown in the table below. Results from the assessments will be analyzed. Instruction in future semesters will be altered based on the analysis.
Learner Outcomes / Measurement/Assessment1. Identify and explain the geologic settings responsible for various types of natural disasters. / Quizzes 1-4, 6-10
Presentation
Final Quiz
2. Identify the conditions responsible for the formation of severe atmospheric disturbances. / Quiz 5
Topic Presentation
Final Quiz
3. Describe how communities can prepare for, predict, and assess risk for natural disasters. / Discussion 1-4
Final Quiz
4. Describe how communities can respond to natural disasters. / Discussion 1-4
Final quiz
5. Describe how natural disasters impact humans on local, regional, and global scales. / Writing Assignments 1-4
Term Paper
Final Quiz
6. Read and comprehend peer-reviewed journal articles and assigned reading. / Writing Assignments 1-4
Discussions 1-4
7. Discuss readings with other students and express oneself verbally. / Discussions 1-4
8. Present research findings orally. / Presentation
9. Write a research paper using proper citations, formats, and conventions. / Research Paper
Evaluation:
Quizzes:
Students will complete quizzes associated with each topic. Generally, quizzes will focus on foundational material about the geologic or atmospheric processes behind each natural disaster discussed. They will be available on Tuesdays through Sundays.Quiz availability will not be extended under any circumstances.Take quizzes from a computer with aspeedy and reliableinternet connection. Immediately contact the GBC Helpdesk if technical problems arise.
Discussions:
Students will participate in four discussions during the semester focusing on current events and lecture material. These will be posted on the Discussion board. Each Discussion requires an original post from each student answering two specific questions. These must be in the form of a grammatically correct, well-reasoned paragraph, and should be posted early in the week. Responses MUST incorporate information from the required reading material. Additional sources may be judiciously consulted and cited. Then, students and the instructor will respond to posts to stimulate informed dialogue. Topics will focus on Learner Outcomes 4 and 5.
Writing Assignments:
Students will submit four short writing assignments. Writing assignment topics based on Learner Outcome 5 will be posted at least two weeks prior to the due date. Responses MUST incorporate information from the required reading material.
Presentations:
To help develop presentation and ‘public’ speaking skills, students will be responsible for the following assignments:
Video or audio introduction - Students will introduce themselves in a 2-3 minute video or audio clip.
Geologic Setting or Atmospheric Conditions Presentation -- Students will each prepare and record a 5 to 7 minute presentation that introduces topics regarding a specific natural disaster. The focus of the presentation will discuss either 1. The geologic setting responsible for the natural disaster selected, or 2. The conditions responsible for the formation of severe atmospheric disturbances for the natural disaster selected (Learner Objectives 1 or 2). Each student must submit a PowerPoint with audio. The professor highly recommends submitting your presentation at least 4 days in advance of the due date to receive feedback before the presentation is released to the entire class. Instructions for the presentation will be available during the first week of the semester.
Research Paper:
Students will select a specific natural disaster, such as ‘The Eruption of Krakatoa,’ and report on how each of the course’s Learner Outcomes relates to the chosen topic.Students will need to choose a topic that is different than the case studies presented in class. Students will be responsible for submitting several small, preparation assignments leading up to the Final Project.
Short Comprehensive Final Quiz:
A multiple choice final will focus on the learner outcomes outlined above.
Grading:
Grading will be based on the Chapter quizzes, four writing assignments and the final exam. All scores will be added together at the end of the semester, and the percentage of the total possible points will determine the grade.Extra credit opportunities are not available.
Grades will be based on the following divisions:
A / 95-100%A- / 90-94%
B+ / 87-89%
B / 84-86%
B- / 80-83%
C+ / 77-79%
C / 74-76%
C- / 70-73%
D+ / 67-69%
D / 64-66%
D- / 60-63%
F / <59%
A student may receive a “W” grade only if withdrawal occurs by March 23, 2015.To withdraw, the student must inform the instructor verbally or in writing why the withdrawal is taking place, and must formally withdraw through student services. Anyone who does not formally withdraw and does not complete the course will receive an ‘F’ grade. ‘I’ grades for ‘incomplete’ will be given only under the most extenuating circumstances, and only with the prior approval of the instructor.
Attendance Policy:
It is important to log into the class frequently to stay up to date with reading, assignments and quizzes.It is the student’s responsibility to complete assignments and assessments on time.
Hints for Success:
· In order to pass this course you MUST actively participate in your education and study!
· Keep up to date on reading.
· ASKquestions if you are confused. All emails will be answered within 24 to 48 hours.
· Take quizzes from a reliable computer with reliable internet service (i.e., do not attempt at the last moment, if problems surface)
Additional Course Information:
· Technical problems with WebCampus need to be addressed to the GBC Helpdesk (753-2167).
· Extra credit opportunities are NOT available.
· All communication in this course must be polite and respectful.
Student Conduct Policy:
Students are expected to follow the Student Conduct Policy for students in the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) outlined in the GBC Catalog. Students will specifically be held accountable for behaving in a civil and respectful manner toward other students and the professor in all communications.
The college catalog states, “Messages, attitudes, or any other form of communication deemed to be outside the bounds of common decency/civility as judged by common standards of classroom behavior (determined, as they would be in a regular classroom, by the instructor) will not be tolerated”.
Academic Honesty:
Academic dishonesty, in any form, such as, cheating and plagiarism, will not be tolerated by the instructor AND Great Basin College. Academic dishonesty can result in failing the class, academic suspension, or expulsion. All tests, quizzes, laboratories, and other assignments must be the student’s OWN work. Plagiarism is presenting someone else’s word, ideas or data as one’s own. When a student submits work that includes the words, ideas, or data of others, the source of that information must be acknowledged through complete, accurate, and specific references; and if verbatim statements are included, through quotation marks as well. In academically honest writing or speaking, the students will acknowledge the source whenever:
· Another person’s actual words are quoted
· Another person’s idea, opinion or theory is used, even if it is completely paraphrased in the student’s own words
· Facts, statistics, or other illustrative materials are borrowed, unless the information is common knowledge
Students with Disabilities:
The college catalog states, “Great Basin College is committed to providing equal educational opportunities to qualified students with disabilities in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations, including the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. A qualified student must furnish current verification of disability. The ADA Officer, located in Berg Hall, will assist qualified students with disabilities in securing the appropriate and reasonable accommodations, auxiliary aids, and services. For more information or further assistance, please call 775.753.2271”.
General Education Objectives and INT 369
General Education Objectives / Learner Outcomes (as identified above) / Measurement1. Communication Skills – Strong
This seminar requires substantial written communication, as well as a moderate amount of online discussion via Skype video conferencing. / 1. Identify and explain the geologic settings responsible for various types of natural disasters.
2. Identify the conditions responsible for the formation of severe atmospheric disturbances. / Quizzes 1-4
Introductory Video
Topic Presentation
2. Critical Thinking – Strong
Independent thought is encouraged throughout the semester. Students will analyze quantitative and qualitative data about natural disasters. / 3. Describe how communities can prepare for and predict natural disasters.
5. Describe how natural disasters impact humans on local, regional, and global scales. / Discussion Posts 1-4
Final Quiz
3. Personal and Cultural Awareness – Strong
Students will learn how societies are impacted by natural disasters. / 3. Describe how communities can prepare for and predict natural disasters.
4. Describe how communities can respond to natural disasters.
5. Describe how natural disasters impact humans on local, regional, and global scales. / Discussion Posts 1-4
Writing Assignments 1-4
Final Project
Final Quiz
4. Personal Wellness – Strong
Students will learn how to prepare for and respond to natural disasters. / 3. Describe how communities can prepare for and predict natural disasters.
4. Describe how communities can respond to natural disasters. / Discussion Posts 1-4
Final Quiz
5. Technological Understanding – Moderate
Students will use Canvas to retrieve information about course content. They will use online databases for research projects. / 5. Describe how natural disasters impact humans on local, regional, and global scales. / Writing Assignments 1-4
Final Project
Final Quiz
Works Cited
Abbott, P. (2012).Natural Disasters(8th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw Hill.
Benediktsson, K., Lund, K. A., & Huijbens, E. (2001). Inspired by Eruptions? Eyjafjallajokull and Icelandic Tourism.Mobilities, 6(1), 77-84.
Budd, L., Griggs, S., Howarth, D., & Ison, S. (2011). A Fiasco of Volcanic Proportions? Eyjafjallajokull and the Closure of European Airspace.Mobilities, 6(1), 31-40.
Cohen, E. (2009). Death in paradise: tourist fatalities in the tsunami disaster in Thailand.Current Issues in Tourism, 183-199.
Farmer, P. (2011).Haiti after the earthquake.New York, NY: Public Affairs.
Fleming, R., Varnes, D., & Schuster, R. (2007, November). Landslide Hazards and Their Reduction.Journal of the American Planning Association, 45(4), 428-439.
Hess, D. (2011).McKnight's Physical Geography: A Landscape Appreciation(10th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Hyndman, D., & Hyndman, D. (2011).Natural Hazards and Disasters(3rd ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole.
Karan, P. P., & Subbiah, S. P. (2011).The Indian Ocean Tsunami: The Global Response to a Natural Disaster.Lexington, KY: The University Press of Kentucky.
Plummer, C. C., Carlson, D. H., & Hammersley, L. (2013).Physical Geology.New York: McGraw Hill.
Smith, K., & Petley, D. N. (2009).Environmental Hazards: Assessing risk and reducing disaster(5th ed.). New York: Routledge.
The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development. (2010).Natural Hazards, UnNatural Disasters. The Economics of Effective Prevention.Washington, D.C: The World Bank.
Winchester, S. (2005).The Crack in the Edge of the World.New York: Harper.
Winchester, S. (2004).Krakatoa. New York: Harper.