A. Colosimo, Instructor, Geosciences

MWF 8-8:50 am, Bldg 11 Rm. 302, 3 Credit Hours

Office: 8-436

Phone: 292-2421 or X2421 on campus

Hamell, R.D. 2008. Myths, Monsters and Mysteries course packet

This course investigates pseudoscientific mysteries. Using the scientific method, this course will assess topics related to the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, extinction events, early engineering structures, plate tectonics, climate concerns, and enigmatic landforms.  The student will learn and use the scientific method of inquiry, reasoning, common sense, and logic to better understand unexplained phenomena.  The student will be exposed to literature that might be considered sensational pseudoscience and learn to recognize and evaluate these by critical and rational thinking. 

Attendance will be taken each day, per college requirements. When life happens outside of the classroom I expect that you contact me when you will be unable to attend class, either by phone or email. Three late arrivals or early departures will count as one absence. You may be withdrawn from the course if you exceed six (6) absences throughout the semester. Still, course withdrawal is YOUR responsibility. See your student handbook for procedures for withdrawing without penalty (W), for health reasons (WH), and for obtaining and incomplete (I).

Students should avoid being disruptive to others by turning off cell phones prior to class and refraining from personal discussions until class has ended. Distractions caused by cell phones may result in a pop quiz.

The best way to earn good grades is to actively listen and care about the material being discussed in class. Grades will be calculated from three hourly examinations, quizzes, in-class projects, and journal assignments. Approximate point distribution is as follows:

3 Hourly, non-cumulative exams: 300 points

Final Project 100 points

Quizzes, projects and video write-ups 150 points

Perfect score 550 points

Each hourly exam will be given in class and will consist of multiple choice, true/false, matching, and short essay questions. Exams will only cover material discussed in class. This means that not all information from the text will be covered, and alternative information presented in class will appear on an exam. Makeups will only be given with a legitimate, verifiable excuse, and may be a series of essay questions. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the instructor about a makeup exam WITHIN 48 HOURS.

Quizzes will be announced the class before it is to be given, along with material to be covered. Quizzes will occur at the beginning of class, and you are ineligible to take a quiz if you arrive after it is distributed. There are no make-ups for quizzes.

Projects include group and individual assignments involving article critiques and refinement of observational and deductive reasoning skills in analyzing problems. Many project worksheets can be found in the back of your text. Projects are to be turned in at the beginning of the following class, unless stated by the instructor. Projects will be penalized 50 % per class session for lateness. Students are ineligible to receive credit for a project if it has already been returned to the class, which is often the following class session.

Most video worksheets will be done while critiquing a film.

See attached sheet.

A 100-93 C 76-73

A- 92-90 C- 72-70

B+ 89-87 D+ 69-67

B 86-83 D 66-63

B- 82-80 D- 62-60

C+ 79-77 F <60

Class cancellation information is available daily on the web or through the telephone. Go to the MCC website and under the "Quick Links" window on the homepage, click on "Class Cancellations." Additionally, class cancellation information is available by dialing 292-2066. Press "1" for the Brighton Campus and "2" for the Damon Campus. If possible, please use the web as there could be delays in the voice recordings based on the number of cancellations.

Monroe Community College has a number of Learning Centers at Brighton (for example, Accounting, Math, Psychology, Writing, the Electronic Learning Center, etc.) and at Damon (for example, the Integrated Learning Center, Electronic Learning Center, etc.). Learning centers are staffed with instructional personnel and may be equipped with computers and software to assist students.

It is recommended that students use the Learning Centers to get additional help with concepts learned in the classroom and with their homework. In addition to the Writing Center (building 11, 2^{nd floor), students may find it useful to visit the Natural Science Education Center (NSEC) in 9-129.}

In the academic process, it is assumed that intellectual honesty and integrity are basic responsibilities of any students. However, faculty members should accept their correlative responsibility to regulate academic work and to conduct examination procedures in such a manner as not to invite violations of academic honesty. Such violations consist mainly of cheating and plagiarism. Plagiarism and exam cheating are serious breaches of student’s code of conduct and if discovered will result in an F for the course and other penalties (see student handbook).

Definition: Cheating is defined as the unauthorized use or exchange of information by students or others for the purpose of achieving unfair advantage in the classroom or examining process. Plagiarism is defined as offering the work of someone else as one’s own. The language or ideas thus taken from another may range from isolated formulas, sentences or paragraphs, speeches, or the writing of other students. Any student who fails to give credit for ideas or materials that are taken from another, verbatim or in paraphrase, is guilty of plagiarism. Any form of plagiarism is essentially an act of cheating.

The College provides appropriate accommodations for students who have documented disabilities, which limit major activities, such as visual or hearing impairment, orthopedic or mobility problems, emotional problems, chronic health problems, and learning disabilities. Services may include specialized placement testing, early registration, sign language, note takers, special testing arrangements, etc. Students who request accommodations must indicate on their college applications that they have a disability or be able to document any disability for which the College provides assistance. Other sources for assistance include Student Services and the Counseling Office.

Much course material can be accessed on the school’s M-drive from any on-campus computer. A convenient place to access this network drive is from the Electronic Learning Center (Building 11, room 106). Sign in with your student ID card, sit at a computer, and open the Courses folder on the desktop. Navigate to the GEO folder, then Colosimo, then 103 Mysteries. On this drive, you will find copies of the course information sheet, as well as powerpoints shown in class.

Last day to drop: 9/22/08

Last day to withdraw: 11/22/08

Thanksgiving Break 11/27- 11/30/08

Last day of classes: 12/12/08

Exam period ends: 12/18/08