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Lectures:  M 6:00-9:00 pm, Room 401              

Required Readings:     Quinn, D. 1993.  Ishmael: An Adventure of the Mind and Spirit, New York: Bantam Books McDonough &                                                Braungart. 2002. Cradle to Cradle, New York: North Point Press Various assigned articles, chapters, and essays.

Suggested Readings:    Benyus, J.M. 1997.  Biomimicry:  Innovation Inspired by Nature,  New York:  Quill, William Morrow.   Carson, R.L. 2002. Silent Spring, Mariner Books 1962.  CT, Fawcet Crest Books Schor & Taylor. 2002.  Sustainable Planet:  Solutions for the Twenty-first Century, Boston, Beacon Press.  

Course Description:

This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts of sustainability.  A general understanding of the current state of affairs regarding our natural and finite resources will be woven into the reality of what we must do as stewards of the planet to restore and protect what is only borrowed from the future. This course is intended to spark debate on historical, political, religious, scientific, ethical, philosophical, and cultural issues. However, most importantly, it is intended to promote critical thinking of one’s own actions and the resulting consequences and learn to critically evaluate information. The final weeks of the course will deal specifically with the designer’s role in integrating the concepts of sustainability with the built environment.

 Course Requirements and Grading:

To successfully complete this course you will read assigned materials, attend and participate in each class and complete all written and oral assignments as follows.

 Readings: You are expected to read athe assigned readings and be prepared for thoughtful class discussion each period. Readings are posted under the tabs on the top of the homepage.

Attendance: Attendance is critical to a sufficient understanding and working knowledge of the material. I recognize that circumstances beyong one’s control do occur. You are allowed two personal days to take at your discretion. Choose them wisely. You are never excused from the assignments due or that occur in class while you are absent. Quizzes, presentations, mid-term exam and the final exam will have no make up opportunity. Students with 3 or more absences will have 10-points deducted from their final grade. Students with 4 or more absences will have 20-points deducted from their final grade. Also, class starts at 6:00 PM and I expect you to be present at that time. Excessive tardiness will translate to absences at my discretion.

All cell phones or PDAs are to be off and out of sight during class time. Students using cell phones or text messaging during class will be immediately asked to leave and considered absent from class. Students doing work for other classes, sleeping, or otherwise using their time unwisely will also be asked to leave.

Notebook: All Students are expected to take notes during lectures, films, and while completing their readings. During exams and quizzes students will be allowed to use a single composition notebook (standard black and white 9.75″x7.50″) with handwritten notes in it. Nothing may be tapes, inserted or stapled into these notebooks. No other materials will be allowed to be used.

Final Grade: Undergraduates                                  Graduate and Honors College
                           15% Mid-term                                          15% Mid-term 
                                                                                               15% Paper
                           25% Quizzes                                              20% Quizzes
                           25% Group Project                                   20% Group Project
                           25% Final Exam                                        20% Final Exam
                           10% Class Participation                           10% Class Participation

Mid-term: A 100 question multiple choice exam; Bring scantron form and students will have the entire class period for the exam.

Quizzes: Quizzes may be noted on the class schedule, but unannounced quizzes may be given at any time. I highly suggest you take notes in class and review them frequently. The Ishmael quiz is worth 2 quiz grades and may not be replaced with any make-up assignments.

Group Project: Teams of students (number TBD) will decide on a simple solution to an issue or problem they see (low hanging fruit). The students will then implement a plan to improve the situation, document the process in a minimum 5-page paper and present it to the class at the end of the semester. More discussion on this assignment will occur throughout the semester.

 Final Exam: A 100 question multiple choice exam; Bring scantron form and All students with a 90.0 grade (including the class participation grade) will be excused from the exam.

Make-up work/ Extra credit: Several opportunities will arise to make up absences or replace low quiz grades throughout the semester. Papers are to be 500 words typed and on 1 sheet of paper. They are due at 6:00 PM the Monday following the event or assignment. Place them in a stack at the front of the room. Do not be asked to turn them in or come in late with them.

Honors College/Graduate Student Paper: A 5-7 page paper on a topic of your choosing (and of my approval) relating to the material presented in this course.

Class Participation: All students are expected to be prepared for discussion on the issues. ten percent of your grade will be earned at the discretion of the instructor through class participation, attitude, interest, improvement, etc.

 Academic Dishonesty: Cheating of any kind in this course will not be permitted. any student caught giving or receiving answers on a quiz or exam will fail the course for the semester. Any student caught plagiarizing will be given a 0 on the assignment and reported to the University.