[ Syllabi | Schedule | Assignments ]
Catalog description: The region's geologic and tectonic history and plate tectonic processes responsible for its evolution. 4 credits. Taught spring quarter
Course Syllabus
Instructor:
Dr Bob Reynolds
Office: Ochoco 237
Office
hours: M & W 9-10 AM, T & R 4-5 PM
Phone:
383-7557
e-mail: breynolds@cocc.edu
Location
and time: Ponderosa 103, T & R 2:30–4 PM
Required
text: Geology of the Pacific Northwest
by Orr and Orr
Overview:
In this course we will examine in detail many of the geologic landforms in our
“backyard” and learn to interpret and understand the significance of the
rock record in the Pacific Northwest. We
will divide our time among lecture and group activities.
I assume that you have had at least one basic course in geology. If you
have not, you should see me before continuing on in his course. I also assume
that you have basic computer skills, college level reading and writing skills
and general knowledge of geographic locations in the Pacific northwest.
Earth
is a very old and dynamic planet that is constantly changing. Geologists have
come to these conclusions from many years of detailed examination of rocks.
Rocks are history books. They
preserve information that can tell us what the Earth and other planetary bodies
are made of, as well as when they formed. Rocks
also contain evidence of the conditions by which they formed, they preserve
fossils of ancient life forms and provide clues to prehistoric climate
conditions.
A
detailed understanding of rocks has led geologists to formulate numerous
hypotheses and develop many principles and comprehensive theories. Geologists
use the principles to understand the behavior of rocks under stress and high
temperature as well to determine the physical and chemical behavior of water as
it moves through the hydrologic cycle. In
addition, the theory of plate tectonics has revolutionized how scientists view
our planet. This theory will be the cornerstone this course. For much of
the past 600 million years the western edge of the North American lithospheric
plate has been an active plate margin. Much
of the geology in the Pacific Northwest will be explained in context of this
theory.
Field Trips: An integral part of geology involves the examination
and interpretation of field exposures of rocks. You are required to
attend two field trips. A sign-up sheet is located outside my office door so you
can select the trip that you want to attend. We will meet and depart from the
lower parking lot of Boyle Education Center. Bring a lunch, pencil notebook and
clothing for adverse weather conditions.
Posters: In
order to give you an opportunity to learn more about the geology of the Pacific
Northwest, part of your grade will consist of researching and summarizing the
geologic story of one of our parks. You may choose a national, state, country or
city park or monument within the Pacific Northwest.
You will present your findings in the form of a poster that you will
present to the class. Your topic must be approved by me before you begin.
A set of guidelines for researching and developing your poster and topic
suggestions are provided. Posters are due in class on Thursday June 6th.
Late posters will not be accepted.
Grading:
There are a total of 350 possible points for the course. Two exams will be given
during the course. The dates of these exams are listed on the following
schedule. The exams will consist of
a combination of essay, matching, and interpretative drawings.
The exams are “closed book”
which means that you may only use the information stored in your brain to
complete the tests. You cannot use
notes, texts, or another student to assist you, nor can you assist another
student in completing their exam. I
consider all of these to be cheating offenses and you will receive a score of
“0” for the exam. In addition,
you must take the exams on the designated date and time. If you miss an exam you will get a “0” for that test.
In the event of an emergency you should contact me ahead of time. In the
rare case that a late exam is permitted, there will be a mandatory 10 point deduction. The
grade that you earn will be based upon the scores you receive in the categories
listed below. Letter grades will be
assigned as follows from the percentage of the total points possible:
A = 93 - 100%, A-
= 90 - 92%, B+ = 87 - 89%, B = 82 - 86%, B-
= 79 - 81%, C+ = 76 - 78%,
Midterm
exam 100
points
Final exam 100 points
Poster 100 points
2
Field Trips
50 points
