Southern Utah University

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Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Spring Semester 2026

Americans in the Outdoors (Online)

ORPT 2040-SW1

Course: ORPT 2040-SW1
Credits: 3
Term: Spring Semester 2026
Department: PEHP
CRN: 12899

Course Description

Examines human values, uses, and management of natural settings at the individual, community, and societal levels. Topics include psychological responses to nature, history of U.S. Park and natural resource management, environmental sociology and politics, and nature in non-Western cultures. (Spring) [Graded (Standard Letter)] Registration Restriction(s): None General Education Category: Humanities

Required Texts

Engineering Eden by Jordan Fisher Smith

Learning Outcomes

ORPT 2040 is a GE Humanities course. By the end of this course, you will be able to:
  1. Derive evidence from primary sources regarding the complexities and changes in human experience through analytical reading and critical thought
  2. Describe how human experience is shaped by social, cultural, linguistic, and/or historical circumstances
  3. Demonstrate attentiveness to linguistic, visual, and/or audio texts when communicating meaning
  4. Use appropriate verbal, perceptual, or imaginative skills when organizing meanings, developing a sense of self, and balancing potentially disparate values

Course Requirements

Course Requirements - What work will I do in this class?
Reading Response Quizzes
Reading Responses Quizzes are intended to encourage you to complete assigned readings*. There is typically one Reading Responses Quiz for each Module. (5 points, 14 Module Responses = 70 points total) *readings may include other types of media as well such as videos or podcasts
Module Discussions
This course presents an excellent opportunity for us to share ideas and experiences and learn from our peers. Module Discussions allow you to share your thoughts related to course topics and engage with your classmates. You will have one Module Discussion due each week. 
(10 points - Module A first Introductory Discussion, 25 points - 13 Module Discussions, 335 points total)
Book Study
As mentioned earlier in the syllabus, we will be reading together as a class “Engineering Eden” by Jordan Fisher Smith. You’ll use the book throughout the course and will be worked into a number of assignments. (No additional points)
Photo Elicitation Exercise
Share a photograph and narrative that you feel addresses the theme of Americans in the Outdoors (featuring a human-nature link). This should be about 200-300 words. (50 points total)
Key Figure Research Project
You will pick an important figure in the outdoors/environmental movement and examine that person's role and influence. This could be a historic figure such as Teddy Roosevelt or a modern figure such as Deb Haaland. (50 points total)
Civic Engagement Exercise
Complete an online toolkit to learn more about civic engagement and how you can get involved in issues you care about.  (50 points total)
Final Reflection
Now that you have learned the various ways in which Americans in the Outdoors interact with and affect one another, prepare something that describes your personal outdoor attitudes and ethic. It can be an essay, a creative writing piece, a song, or take any other form.
Grade Scheme
The following grading standards will be used in this class (note that grades are based on Points, which are cumulative - don't worry about percentages on Canvas - they mean nothing until the final grade, which will be based on total points)::

 | GRADING SCALE
| Grade | Range | A | 100  to 94
| A- | <94.0 to 90.0
| B+ | < 90.0 to 87.0
| B | < 87.0 to 84.0
| B- | < 84.0 to 80.0
| C+ | < 80.0  to 77.0
| C | < 77.0  to 74.0
| C- | < 74.0  to 70.0
| D+ | < 70.0  to 67.0
| D | < 67.0  to 64.0
| D- | < 64.0  to 61.0
| F | < 61.0  to 0.0


Course Outline

5 Values for Class Climate & Participation 
Learning is a collaborative process. You will get the most out of this course by being an active participant, reviewing course materials, and completing assigned learning activities. In order to get full value, let's agree to the following values:
  1. Safety - The classroom should be a safe space for all, and we all must do our part to make it so. Students should feel safe to express and debate ideas, ask questions, and grapple with novel perspectives.
  2. Respect - All people are deserving of dignity and respect. Respect should be extended to your classmates, instructor, and the ideas and perspectives introduced in the course. You don't have to agree, but we should be able to debate ideas while respecting the person.
  3. Seek Understanding - This course will introduce you to new perspectives and experiences, both through the assigned readings and course materials and through interactions with your classmates. Embrace a growth mindsetLinks to an external site. and be willing to understand perspectives different from your own, even if you do not agree.
  4. Accountability - You are here to learn and work toward your personal and professional goals. Be accountable to your learning by completing assigned learning activities, participating in group discussions, following directions on assignments, and committing to learning and growth.
  5. Fun - We can (and should) have fun while learning and growing, even while disagreeing and facing challenges. We will work to find joy in the journey of this class.
Course Activities
All course activities will be posted on Canvas and include clear instructions, learning objectives, evaluation rubric, and submission instructions. Any assignment that needs to be turned in will have posted due dates and times (in Mountain TimeLinks to an external site.). Due dates will be 11:59pm on Thursday and Sunday. You are always welcome to turn an assignment in early.
Work will be accepted up to 48 hours (2 days) past the posted deadline with no penalty. Extensions beyond the 2-day grace period are granted on a case-by-case basis and may be given for extenuating circumstances. No "extra credit" or alternative assignments will be granted to "make up" for missed learning activities.
Technology and the Online Classroom
Canvas will be the primary platform used for this course. Students need a reliable internet connection and device (desktop, laptop, or tablet recommended) to access course materials, watch videos, and complete and submit class assignments.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies continue to develop and improve at a rapid pace. Each assignment will have a specific "AI Policy" that will direct you in how I expect you might utilize, disclose, or limit use of AI for certain segments of your assignment. AI and other forms of technology are tools that should enhance our learning, not replace or substitute for learning. As a general rule in this class:
  • Use AI to think with you, not for you. Your prompts should show you are learning the material and using that knowledge to get better information.
  • AI cannot pass this course, only you can.
  • AI contributions to assignments must be attributed and true.
  • AI use must be open and documented.
  • Surpass what AI can do.
Communication
If at any time you have questions or concerns, please communicate them to me. I am here to make sure you have the resources you need to be successful in your learning in this course and beyond. If you do not feel comfortable speaking to me about a problem in class, you can contact your Academic Advisor. We want to make sure you are getting the answers and support you need.
PLEASE EMAIL ME DIRECTLY. DO NOT MESSAGE THROUGH CANVAS. Canvas is often delayed and since this course is shortened, time will be of the essence. You can expect regular communication from me, so it’s essential to check your email and the Canvas Announcements daily throughout the course.

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

Work will be accepted up to 48 hours (2 days) past the posted deadline with no penalty. Extensions beyond the 2-day grace period are granted on a case-by-case basis and may be given for extenuating circumstances. No "extra credit" or alternative assignments will be granted to "make up" for missed learning activities.

Attendance Policy

Course Format
This is an asynchronous online course. This modality allows students to set their own schedule and complete the course material at their own pace throughout each week. There will be no requirements for in person attendance, though the instructor reserves the right to offer optional in-person opportunities. 
Students are reminded that a minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit (SUU Credit PolicyLinks to an external site.). For this course, which is 3 credits taught entirely online over a 7-week semester, students should plan to spend on average around 19 hours per week on class work (3 credits x 45 hours = 135 hours. 135 hours ÷ 7 weeks = 19.2 hours/week).
This course will be delivered using the Canvas learning management system (LMS). All assignments, course resources, and non-textbook readings will be provided in the Modules. Each week will have one Module corresponding to that week's topic(s) and activities. 

Course Fees

There are no Course Fees associated with this course but Program Fees may apply.

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.