Fall 2005

 MR 11:00 - 12:30 p.m.

Griswold Library 003

A Delicate Balance

ELA 4000

 

Paul Hancock

Office: Moses 155/ phone 8324

Hours: T 1-3, W 10-Noon

Course Overview:

A Delicate Balance is the capstone course of your general education program. In Images of Nature and Dimensions of Nature we examined literary views of nature and the history of scientific thought about nature. Here, we will examine a number of contemporary environmental issues that tend to be global in scope. Specifically, we will attempt to examine these issues from multiple disciplinary perspectives in an effort to better understand how humans relate to nature. The focus of the course will therefore encourage discussion and analyses from the social sciences, physical sciences and humanities. The ultimate purpose will be to find creative and effective ways of informing public policy in order to address these pressing environmental concerns.

A Delicate Balance is a seminar; a group of students, guided by the instructor, engaged in scholarly discussion and research. Throughout the semester, we will listen to a series of presentations from individuals with knowledge or expertise in a variety of environmental topics. We will meet to discuss and debate the ideas they present, as well as the content of the readings related to each presentation. In addition, students will conduct research on each topic to provide the class with a broader understanding of the issues presented.

Student research will be emphasized throughout the semester. Each student will complete a research project investigating an environmental issue of interest to him or her. Whatever topic you choose, you should conceive of the project as the culmination and expression of your personal interest and involvement with the environmental mission of Green Mountain College. Your project should demonstrate the skills you have acquired during your college career, and should become a permanent part of your portfolio, which you could show to prospective employers or graduate school admission committees.

Course Objectives

o        To develop your understanding of the role that scholars and policy makers play in addressing contemporary environmental problems.

o        To develop your ability to listen, question, and discuss.

o        To develop your ability to write and research independently.

o        to refine and enhance your research, writing, and public speaking skills.

Description of Course Requirements:

1.      Throughout the semester, you must prepare two-to-three page topic précis addressing the issues raised by the seven invited speakers. Each topic précis is a summary and critical discussion of the issues raised by the seven speakers, with only six of the submitted memos counting toward a grade. A separate handout will be provided with detailed instructions and expectations for the topic précis.

2.      Three one-to-two-page synopses (article analyses) of articles used in the literature search for the semester paper. The synopsis will summarize the article’s main points and describe the relevance to the thesis of the semester paper. A separate handout will be provided with detailed instructions and expectations for the synopses.

3.      The senior capstone project must include an oral presentation. Your oral presentation will be scheduled between November 10 and December 17. A separate handout will be provided with detailed instructions and expectations for the research project.

4.      Class participation is an important and required feature of A Delicate Balance, and will constitute 15% of your final grade for the course. 

Summary: 

15%   Three Analyses of Journal Articles (synopses)

25%   Six Topic Précis of the Speakers’ assigned articles

10%   Project Proposal (Week 4)

          Full Bibliography and Outline (Week 8)

          Full Draft for Peer Review in hard copy (Week 10)

10%   Project Presentations (starting Week 11)

25%   Project Paper (Due November 14th)

15%   Participation

 Note: All the speakers will present their talks in the East Room of Withey Hall to the combined sections.

Class Schedule

Week #1:  Aug. 29, Sept. 1

·        Course introduction; library resource presentation

Week #2:  Sept. 5, 8

·        Library resource presentation continued, Research topic & methods discussion 

·        Assignment: Précis #1 on assigned article(s) is due Thursday.

Readings: Slate Industry of Wales: http://www.llechicymru.info/index.english.htm,  http://www.bwrdd-yr-iaith.org.uk/en/cynnwys.php?cID=4&pID=124 “The Labor Movement in the Vermont/NY Slate Industry”: http://spruce.flint.umich.edu/~ellisjs/Hancock.PDF.

 

 Week #3:  Sept. 12, 15         

·        Monday:  Topic #1 – Speaker: Dr. Dafydd Roberts. “Nid yw'r graig yn deall Saesneg (The rock doesn't understand English) ".

·        Thursday:  Class discussion of Dr. Roberts’ presentation. Précis #2 is due. First Synopsis on outside article due.

 

Week #4:  Sept. 19, 22

·        Monday: Topic #2  – Speaker: Prof. Jacob Park. "Ecosystem Services and Human Development"

·        Thursday: Class discussion of Park’s presentation. Précis #3 is due.

Project Proposal Due (Thurs., Sept. 22nd)

Week #5:  Sept. 26, 29                                  

·        Monday: Topic #3 – Speaker: Dr. Conrad Reining. “ The Northern Appalachians Wildlands Project”

·        Thursday: Class discussion of Dr. Reining’s presentation. 

Week #6:  Oct. 3, 6                                       

·        Monday:  Topic #4 – Speaker: Prof. Rebecca Purdom. "The Paradox of Public Participation in Wilderness Restoration "Précis #4 is due.

·        Thursday: Class discussion of Prof. Purdom's presentation. Discussion of state of students’ research.

Mid-term break (our class resumes Oct. 13th)

Week #7:  Oct. 13

·        Thursday: Discussion of state of students’ research.  Précis #5 is due.   .

Week #8:  Oct. 17, 20

·        Monday: Topic #5 – Speaker: Prof. Linda Weintraub. “Avant Guardians: Ecology and Art at the Cultural Frontier.”. Second Synopsis due on outside article

·        Thursday: Discussion of Prof. Weintraub’s presentation. Précis #6 is due.

Bibliography and Outline Due (Thur., Oct. 20)

Week #9:  Oct. 24, 27      

·        Monday: Discussion of state of students’ research. Third Synopsis due on outside article

·        Wednesday:   Topic #6   -- Speaker: Adam Werbach, conservationist and former Sierra Club president. 7 p.m. at Castleton State College gym. Transportation will be provided.

·        Thursday: Discussion of Werbach’s presentation. Précis #7 is due. Research discussions, scheduled interviews, library work    

Week #10:  Oct. 31, Nov. 3              

·        Monday: Topic #7 - Speaker: Dr. Robert Manning "Solitude Among the Multitude: How many is too many in the National Parks."  

·        Thursday: Discussion of Dr. Manning’s presentation. Research discussions, scheduled interviews, library work. Final Project Overview & Discussion (evaluations, assessment). Précis #8 is due.

Full Draft Due for Peer Review (Thurs. Nov. 3rd)

Week #11:  Nov. 7, 10          

·        Monday: Topic #8 - Speaker: Dr. Robert Thorson "The Delicate Balance of Stone Walls as Landforms"

·        Thursday: Final Project Overview (evaluations, assessment) … continued. Presentations begin.

Week #12:  Nov. 14, 17        

·        Monday: Presentations.

·        Thursday: Presentations

Final Paper Due in Class (Mon., Nov. 14th)

Final Exam: Mon., Nov. 21, 11 – 12:30 p.m.            Presentations (if necessary), Course Wrap-up