| Instructor: Dr. Mark V. Barrow, Jr. Office: 432 Major Williams Phone: 231-4099 (O), 552-5876 (H) Office Hours: T, Th 11:00-12:00 noon., and by appt. Online readings name: walden; password: pond URL: http://www.majbill.vt.edu/history/barrow/hist3144 E-mail: barrow@vt.edu | Never doubt that a small group of
thoughtful, committed citizens can
change the world. Indeed, it's the
only thing that ever has. --Margaret Mead |
COURSE OBJECTIVE:
This course uses readings, discussions, lectures, and films to provide an introduction
to the field of American environmental history. Until recently, historians have
tended to ignore the role and place of nature in human society. Environmental
history seeks to address this longstanding neglect by examining the myriad ways
humans have both interacted with and been influenced by the natural world through
time. It explores how nature has helped to shape culture as well as how humans
have modified the natural world in the process of importing exotic species,
extracting resources, building structures, producing pollution, and otherwise
transforming the land. At the same time, it seeks to understand differing perceptions
of, ideas about, and values associated with the non-human world.
REQUIRED READING:
EVALUATION:
The final grade for the course will be based on the following:
| Test 1 | 15% |
| Test 2 | 15% |
| Final Exam (or Optional Term Paper) | 20% |
| Two Short Essays (@ 12.5% each) | 25% |
| Attendance, Participation, Homework | 25% |
| 100% |
OPTIONAL RESEARCH/TERM PAPER:
In lieu of the final exam, students may choose to do an optional short (ca.
10 pages, double-spaced or ca. 3500 word) paper on a topic in American environmental
history. The specific topic is left up to the student, but it must be historical
in orientation and be approved in advance by me. The research/term paper
must be based on the student's own research using appropriate primary and secondary
sources. It should also contain proper documentation (notes and bibliography
or reference list) cited in a standard format (i.e., the styles presented in
latest edition of Kate Turabian, Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses,
or Dissertations, or The Chicago Manual of Style). Those who decide
to pursue this option are not exempt from the requirement of attending
classes, participating in discussions, turning in homework, and completing any
other assignments given during the last third of the semester. The final date
to request this option is 23 March 2004, but I strongly encourage those interested
in writing a research/term paper to begin meeting with me as early in the semester
as possible to explore topics and identify potential sources. The research/term
paper is due on the last day of class.
ESSAYS:
Each student will be required to write two short essays (each ca. 3-4 pages typed, double-spaced)
on a topic assigned by the instructor. Essay assignments will be based on material covered in the
course and will not require additional reading or research (though students are always welcome to
delve more deeply into topics in which they are especially interested). Completed essays should be
stapled in the upper left-hand corner and should include a cover page with the student's name, date
of completion, course number, title of paper, and word count. Essays will be graded on content and
form (see the handout entitled "Grading Criteria for Essays," which is also available on the class
homepage). In some cases students may be allowed to submit revised versions of their essays after
they have been graded.
CLASS ATTENDANCE, HOMEWORK, QUIZZES, AND PARTICIPATION:
I expect students to attend each class and to prepare themselves by carefully reading the material
assigned for that day. To encourage (and reward) class attendance, preparation, and participation, I
will regularly take attendance, occasionally give unscheduled quizzes, and assign numerous short
homework exercises during the term. Homework assignments will be passed out at least one class
period before they are due and graded using a ˆ, ˆ+, or ˆ- system of evaluation. A failure to turn
in a homework assignment will result in a grade of zero for that assignment. Unscheduled quizzes
cannot be made up, and homework assignments must be turned in by the class on which they are
due to receive credit. If you should miss a class, it's important to check the class homepage to find
out if any new homework has been assigned (just follow the link in the schedule). The participation
component of the final grade will be based on how actively students engage in the exchange of
ideas during class and how well they prepare themselves by reading and thinking about the
assigned material before each class session. I encourage questions, welcome alternative viewpoints,
and expect everyone to demonstrate respect for the ideas of their fellow students.
HONOR CODE:
Students are expected to follow the Virginia Tech Honor Code for all assignments. I don't mind if
you consult with your classmates for homework and paper assignments, but any work you turn in
should ultimately represent your own thoughts and words. Otherwise we would all be forced to live
in a world of deceit and distrust that most of us would prefer not to inhabit.
A PERSONAL NOTE:
I am here to help you learn. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions, concerns,
special needs, or difficulties related to this course (or even if you just want to talk about the issues it
raises). I know that approaching a professor can be intimidating, but I want to assure you that I
enjoy meeting with students, and I do everything possible to make myself accessible.
SCHEDULE:
Subject to revision as necessary (any changes will be announced in class and
posted on the class homepage). Reading assignments are to be completed by the
time of class on the day they are listed below. Unless otherwise noted, the
numbers in the reading assignment column refer to chapters. Online readings
(OLR) and Online lectures are available on the class homepage.