Fall Semester 2007: T/ 2:30-4pm, Collins 210
Spring Semester 2008: M 2-4:30p, Collins 217
Dr. Karen Arabas, Dr. Joe Bowersox & Dr. Peter Eilers
Department of Environmental and Earth Sciences
Collins Hall, 503-370-6077
The senior seminar in environmental science is the capstone experience for environmental science majors. The main focus of the seminar is researching and writing the senior thesis. We will also spend some time on career development throughout the semester. Depending on time and interest we may also read and discuss articles relevant to the complexities of being a modern-day environmentalist.
Beginning this academic year (2007-2008) the seminar will be split into two semesters. Throughout the fall semester (ENVR 495W) students will focus on developing and defending a solid thesis proposal, and beginning data collection and research efforts. Each student will make a formal presentation on his/her thesis progress at the end of the fall semester. Enrollment in the second half of the thesis seminar (ENVR 496W) is contingent upon successful completion of ENVR 495W. During the spring semester students will devote themselves to completing their data collection, analysis and interpretation, culminating in their final, formal thesis presentation and written thesis. Exceptional student thesis students will be selected to participate in Student Scholarship Research Day in April.
There is one class session per week. All sections of the thesis seminar share the same due dates for major pieces of writing, student presentations, and outside speakers. Outside of these shared dues dates and activities, thesis advisors may assign additional work and activities. Please consult the schedule your thesis advisor hands out for details.
Required Readings: We will distribute any readings required for the class.
Suggested Style Manual: Turabian, K. L. 1996. A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations . University of Chicago Press, Chicago. (Available for $7-11 at Amazon.com)
Thesis Proposal (60 points). The EES senior thesis reflects a student's interdisciplinary study of nature and human impact on nature. It is an original piece of research that demonstrates a familiarity with the relevant literature and methods of analysis both within and across disciplines. It encompasses both traditional library research and community connections. The thesis proposal is generally 8-10 pages in length and it is the product of a recursive writing process in which drafts are reviewed by peers and the advising professor. A solid thesis proposal will present the research questions within the context of established literature, and it provides a student with a clear course of research/data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
Thesis Progress Presentation (20 points). You will make a 15 minute presentation (7-8 minutes speaking, 7-8 minutes for questions and answers) of your thesis progress to your peers and faculty near the end of the semester.
Participation (20 points). Your professionalism, contributions to discussion and presentations , and the peer review process also count toward your final grade. Attendance is also considered here, and includes class, outside speakers, and meetings with your faculty advisor.
Final Thesis (60 points). The EES senior thesis reflects a student's interdisciplinary study of nature and human impact on nature. It is an original piece of research that demonstrates a familiarity with the relevant literature and methods of analysis both within and across disciplines. It encompasses both traditional library research and community connections. Critical analysis of the thesis data is paramount. Finally, the thesis should conclude with a reflection on the methodology and findings and consider future research directions. The thesis is generally 25-35 pages in length and it is the product of a recursive writing process in which drafts are reviewed by peers and the advising professor.
Thesis Presentation (20 points). You will make a 20 minute presentation (15 minutes speaking, 5 minutes for questions and answers) of your thesis to your peers and faculty near the end of the semester.
Participation (20 points). Your professionalism, contributions to discussion and presentations, and the peer review process also count toward your final grade. Attendance is also considered here, and includes class, outside speakers, and meetings with your faculty advisor.
Computers and cell phones in the classroom.
You are welcome to bring your laptop to class. However, please refrain from checking email, iChatting, websurfing, etc. during class. If you are observed doing so during class time, you will be asked to stop bringing your laptop to class.
The use of cell phones during class for any reason is prohibited.
Plagiarism and Cheating
The Willamette College of Liberal Arts Catalog defines cheating as "any form of intellectual dishonesty or misrepresentation of one's knowledge" and plagiarism as a form of cheating when one represents someone else's work as one's own. Plagiarism and cheating are offenses against the integrity of the course in which they occur and against the College community as a whole. In the context of the senior thesis plagiarism is most likely to occur inadvertently as a result of lack of attention to appropriate citations. We will discuss this further in seminar. Please refer to the CLA catalog for further information concerning Willamette's policy toward academic dishonesty.
Students with Disabilities
The University will make reasonable accommodations for persons with appropriately documented disabilities. Students should notify the Office of Disability and Learning Services located in the Bishop Wellness Center and provide documentation of their disability to us at the start of the semester in order to be considered eligible for accommodation.
Grading Policy
Late Penalty
Assignments handed in after the due date will be assessed a late penalty. No assignments will be accepted one week beyond the due date. A student may lose up to 15 points of his/her participation grade in late penalties. The amount of penalty points is left to the discretion of the thesis advisor. Please note that there is no late option for the final thesis proposal . Failure to turn in the final thesis proposal on time will result in an F grade in the course.
Grading
You may earn a total of 100 points in the class. Please note that in order to receive credit for this course toward your Writing Centered requirement, you must earn no less than a C- .