Biology 1331--Spring 1999

Dr. Karen Snetselaar

We will start by studying some basic concepts of botany that we'll need to understand interactions between plants and people. We will then concentrate on plants and plant products used for food, fiber, medicine, and recreation, in the context of their consequences for human history. The goal for the service component of the course will be to extend our awareness of the importance of plants outside the classroom.

My office is 225 in the Science Center, office hours are posted on the door. You can also make an appointment in class or by phone (660-1826) or email (ksnetsel). You can usually catch me in my office or labs (213, 206, and 217) for conferences or to make appointments.

Attendance at all lectures, exams, and service sites is expected. Student behavior in this course must at all times be consistent with the Academic Honesty Policy as stated in the St. Joseph's University.

The required textbook is Plants and Society, by Estelle Levetin and Karen McMahon, published by Wm. C. Brown. Reading assignments from the textbook will be supplemented with materials from various sources; these will be assigned during the semester and placed on reserved in the library. Lectures will be designed around the assumption that you have read the assigned pages before coming to class.

There will be a total of 600 possible points for this course. There will be two lecture exams, each worth 100 points, and a 200 point final exam. Half of the final will be comprehensive, while the other half will cover the material studied since the second exam. Seven quizzes, each worth up to 10 points, will be given during the semester; the lowest two quiz grades will be dropped. No make-up quizzes or exams will be given, except by prior arrangement and at the disgression of the instructor. The service component of the course will count 150 points toward the final grade. You will earn 100 points by attending all service meetings (on-site and at SJU) and completing written assignments. The final 50 points will be a subjective assessment of the service component that will incorporate feedback from the supervisors at the service sites.

You are expected to spend at least 3 hrs per week outside of class, on the service component of this course. This will include time at the service site and time spent in discussion groups. You will sign up for discussion groups in class. Format of the discussion groups will vary, and you will have choices. These sessions will be designed to help you work out your service projects, hear what other students are doing at their sites, and start thinking about ways to integrate what you are learning in formal lecture with your life outside school.