Geosciences 300

Rules of Engagement



Geo 300 is a part of the OSU Baccalaureate Core and it fulfills the requirement for study related to both Contemporary Global Issues and Science, Technology and Society (but not both for the same student).

Core Global Issues (CGI) are addressed in this course by integrating meso and micro level sustainability issues. For example, a lecture on population includes coverage of the concept of profligacy, that the impact of each of us in "developed" countries are responsible for much more consumption of resources than the larger numbers of poor people. The CGI are also covered below in the "learner outcomes."

Science, Technology, and Society are addressed in this course by looking at emerging technologies like wind and wave generated electricity; biodiesel and its use in Oregon; and chemical vs. organic and sustainable agriculture. The connection with "society" is covered frequently. If the scientific community doesn't convey the significance of emerging sustainable technologies society is never going to become more sustainable.

Course Objectives:

  1. Learn about personal impacts upon Earth's resources
  2. Learn about current issues in sustainability
  3. Learn about worldwide sustainability issues
  4. Learn how to use critical thinking techniques to review information



University and Department Policies

Please note: "Students with documented disabilities who may need accommodations, who have any emergency medical information the instructor should know, or who need special arrangements in the event of evacuation, should make an appointment with the instructor as early as possible, no later than the first week of the term. In order to arrange alternative testing, the student should make the request at least one week in advance of the test. Students seeking accommodations should be registered with the Office of Services to Students with Disabilities."

Please note: The Department of Geosciences follows the university rules on civility and honesty. These can be found at Civility and Honesty

Cheating or plagiarism by students is subject to the disciplinary process outlined in the Student Conduct Regulations. Students are expected to be honest and ethical in their academic work. Academic dishonesty is defined as an intentional act of deception in one of the following areas:

  1. cheating--use or attempted use of unauthorized materials, information or study aids
  2. fabrication--falsification or invention of any information
  3. assisting--helping another commit an act of academic dishonesty
  4. tampering--altering or interfering with evaluation instruments and documents
  5. plagiarism--representing the words or ideas of another person as one's own
  6. Anyone found to be cheating in this course, will receive a Zero on that component, and be reported to the OSU Office of Student Conduct. We won't mess with cheaters.
  7. Behaviors disruptive to the learning environment will not be tolerated and will be referred to the Office of Student Conduct for disciplinary action. Disruptive Behavior is considered "Disorderly Conduct" by campus security, and you can go to jail.
    "The goal of Oregon State University is to provide students with the knowledge, skill and wisdom they need to contribute to society. Our rules are formulated to guarantee each student’s freedom to learn and to protect the fundamental rights of others. People must treat each other with dignity and respect in order for scholarship to thrive. Behaviors that are disruptive to teaching and learning will not be tolerated, and will be referred to the Office of Student Conduct for disciplinary action. Behaviors that create a hostile, offensive or intimidating environment based on gender, race, ethnicity, color, religion, age, disability, marital status or sexual orientation will be referred to the Affirmative Action Office."

    Learner Outcomes:
    1. Demonstrate an understanding of the interconnectedness of global sustainability principles, especially, the connection between the macro and micro components.
    2. Demonstrate ability to read, interpret, analyze, and evaluate sustainability information from multiple sources to reach logical conclusions utilizing a critical thinking format.
    3. Demonstrate knowledge of the importance of sustainability through investigating impacts of population, war, economics, and agriculture on countries of the world.
    4. Be able to apply sustainability principles to personal life by analyzing lifestyle choices.


Learner Expectations (to do well in this class)

    1. Attend lecture and pay attention :)
    2. Participate in recitations discussions and projects
    3. Become proficient at automatically using sophisticated critical thinking techniques
    4. Using cell phones, texting messages, doing homework for other courses (or even this one!), reading newspapers or other material unrelated to the current lecture, etc. will result in being asked to leave the classroom. Ignoring these rules more than once can result in expulsion from the course.
    5. The use of laptop computers is not allowed during lecture, unless prior approval is granted.