Clayton State University

SCI 1901b - Plants and Society
Course Syllabus - Fall 2005

Individuals with disabilities who need to request accommodations should contact the Disability Services Coordinator, Student Center 214, 770-961-3719, disabilityservices@mail.clayton.edu.

Course Description

Number and Title:

SCI 1901b
Plants and Society

Credit Hours:

3.0 semester credit hours

Catalog Description:

Plants and Society emphasizes plants in everyday life.  Topics include the basic structure and function of plants, identification of common plants, plant ecology, economic botany, backyard botany, medicinal plants and poisonous plants.

This class does not require any prerequisite courses. 

Notebook Computer Requirement:

Each CSU student is required to have ready access throughout the semester to a notebook computer that meets faculty-approved hardware and software requirements for the student's academic program. Students will sign a statement attesting to such access.  For further information on CSU's Official Notebook Computer Policy, please go to http://itpchoice.clayton.edu/policy.htm.

Computer Skill Prerequisites:

• Able to use the Windows^TM operating system.
• Able to use a the Microsoft Word^TM word processing program.
• Able to send and receive e-mail using the Outlook^TM or Outlook Express^TM program.
• Able to use a Web browser.

In-class Use of Student Notebook Computers:

Student notebook computers will not be used in this class. Computers will be required to access course materials and to communicate with your instructor.

Course Objectives:

• To understand basic plant structure and function.
• To understand plant diversity.
• To understand the role of agricultural plants in society.
• To understand the role of plants in producing intoxicating and stimulating beverages.
• To understand the role of plants in medicine.
• To understand the role of plants in producing psychoactive agents.
• To understand how the knowledge of plants is used in forensics.
• To understand Piedmont ecology.
• To learn the dominant plants of the region.
• To understand the use of native plants in landscapes.

Student Learning Outcomes:

General education outcomes:

• Communication: knowledge base. SCI 1901b will provide knowledge base information necessary for communication of information concerning basic plant structure and function, the role of plants in society, and plants of the region.

• Critical thinking: all components (question/issue, method, evidence, conclusion). SCI 1901b will require application of knowledge base information to understand biological relationships.

Instructor Information:

Sections 1 
Jere Boudell (CRN 83831)
Office: Arts and Sciences Building, Room G-105-F
Phone: (770) 961-3423
email: JereBoudell@mail.clayton.edu 
Internet address: http://a-s.clayton.edu/jboudell/ 
Fall Office Hours: MW 11:50-1:50, T 8:50-9:50, TH 9:50-10:50 & 2:20-3:20 (C29) and 3:25-4:30 (G105F)

 

Class Meetings:

Textbook Information:

Text:

Levetin, E. and K. McMahon, Plants and Society, 4th edition, McGraw Hill, 2005

Text Coverage:

Selections will come from the following chapters: 2-6, 9, 12-14, 16, 19, 20, and 24

Evaluation:

Grading:

Your final grade will be determined as follows:

Tentative Course Schedule*:

Textbook: Plants and Society, Levetin, E. and K. McMahon, 4th edition, 2005

*This lecture schedule and lecture testing is tentative and may change. Tests may be given the week before or the week after the week listed here--or during the week predicted. Specific test dates will be announced approximately one week in advance in class.

Final Examination Schedule:

Course Policies:

Students must abide by policies in the Clayton State University Student Handbook, and the Basic Undergraduate Student Responsibilities.

Absences from QUIZZES and EXAMS must also be accompanied by a signed physician's or judge's excuse (there are no exceptions). Without an excuse provided within one week, a grade of zero points will be assigned for the missed assessment.  If the student does have a valid excuse the next quiz or exam will be doubled to make up for the missed one, unless it is a final exam, in which case a makeup will be administered.

Visitors (friends, children, etc.) are strictly prohibited from attending class without the permission of the instructor.

No smoking, eating or drinking is permitted at any time in the classroom.

Students may not play video games during lecture.

Any type of activity that is considered dishonest by reasonable standards may constitute academic misconduct. The most common forms of academic misconduct are cheating and plagiarism.  All instances of academic dishonesty will result in a grade of zero for the work involved.  All instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Office of Student Life/Judicial Affairs.   Judicial procedures are described at
http://adminservices.clayton.edu/studentlife/judicial_affairs.htm.

Changes or additions to this syllabus, including reading, exam schedule, grading, and course policies can be made at the discretion of the instructor at any time.

Last update: November 30, 2010