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.

You have one required text for this class. Choose the format (print, eBook, audiobook) that works best for your needs and learning preferences:

• Engineering Eden by Jordan Fisher Smith

The following resource is recommended:

• Purdue Online Writing Lab Research and Citation Resources https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/resources.html

We will read from a variety of sources, including popular articles, book chapters, scientific reports, legal documents, and peer-reviewed articles. You will also be assigned videos and podcasts. All additional learning materials - including assigned readings, lecture slides, links to podcasts and videos - will be in the Modules section on Canvas.

ORPT 2040 is a GE Humanities course.

Upon successful completion 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.

Module Discussions

Photo Elicitation Exercise

Key Figure Research Project

Current Issue Project

Reflection

How do learning activities align to course outcomes?

Grade Scheme

• Module Discussions, 10 @ 25 points each = 250 points
• Assignments (Photo Elicitation, Key Figure,  50 points each = 100 points
• Current Issue Project, 85 points
• Reflection, 25 points

When can I expect a response from the professor?

It is my goal to:

• Respond to student emails within a week of it being received
• Provide grades and feedback on assignments within 5-7 days from the due date. Larger assignments may take longer.

At times I will be out of email and/or cell service. You will receive an automated out-of-office email reply if you contact me during this time.

Learning Activities, Late Policy, and Extra Credit

All learning 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 Time). Due dates will be 11:59pm on Sundays. 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. Late assignments received >48 hours past the posted due date will receive half of the total points earned. Late assignments without an extension will not be accepted more than 7 days past the posted due date. No "extra credit" or alternative assignments will be granted to "make up" for missed learning activities. ** Discussion assignments will NOT be accepted if late due to the need for them to be relative to current topics that all class members are currently engaging with. 

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.

Students are reminded that a minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit (SUU Credit Policy). For this course, which is 3 credits taught entirely online over a 14-week semester, students should plan to spend on average around 9-10 hours per week on class work (3 credits x 45 hours = 135 hours. 135 hours f7 14 weeks = 9.5 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. All Modules will be open when the course begins.

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 or critical thinking. 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.

I am also available to help you with questions not directly related to the course. If you are planning an adventure; have questions about internships, jobs, academic advising for ORPT, or graduate school; or there is anything else I can help you with, please let me know. If I cannot answer your question or provide the help you need, I will connect you with someone who can.

Canvas Information

Canvas is where course content, grades, and communication will reside for this course.

• For Passwords or any other computer-related technical support:
  • 435-865-8200
  • support@suu.edu
  • IT Service Desk
• For Canvas help:
  • 435-865-8555
  • canvas@suu.edu
  • Canvas Help Center
  • How to Use Canvas

SUU Campus Resources and Services

SUU has several resources and services available to support you during your time here. Please review this list of SUU Campus Resources and Services

Financial Security Statement

Finances are an integral part of maintaining your wellbeing. If you are struggling financially or wish to know more about budgeting, please visit the Financial Wellness Center in room 201C in the Sharwan Smith Center, contact Ashleigh Zimmerman at (435) 865-8436, or text the Financial Wellness line at 435-708-1952.