TA Course Syllabus - Fall 2010

PS 175/ES 178 – Environmental Politics – Fall Quarter 2010

TA: Lauren Copeland

Office: 2703 Ellison Hall and Girvetz 2317

Office Hours: Wednesdays 4-6 pm in Girvetz, Thursdays 12:30 pm-1:30 pm in Ellison and by appointment

Email: l_m_c@umail.ucsb.edu

Web: http://environmentalpolitics175.blogspot.com/

Sections (Times/Rooms):

• Wednesday – 2pm – South Hall 1609
• Wednesday – 3 pm – HSSB 4201
• Thursday - 10 am – Buchanan 1934
• Thursday - 11 am – Phelps 3519

Grade: Section participation is worth 10% of your final grade.

REQUIREMENTS: This section will focus on the reading materials assigned for each week. For both the Wednesday and Thursday sections, I expect you to complete the readings assigned for the week in advance. The participation grade will be based on attendance and how well you demonstrate that you are caught-up on the readings through in-class discussions. Please check the blog weekly for announcements, discussion questions and articles that are relevant to class material. Some suggestions:

ATTEND: If you cannot attend section, please notify me as soon as possible. You are more than welcome to attend another section if something comes up—just let me know in advance. Absences will adversely affect your final grade.

INTRODUCE yourself early in the quarter. Come by during office hours or make an appointment.

PARTICIPATE: Do the assigned readings for the relevant discussion section. Come to class with questions and comments about the readings and lectures. Be able to answer the discussion questions I email out or post to the website. Students who attend every section but do not participate will receive a ‘C’ in section. If I suspect students are not doing the readings, I reserve the right to have pop quizzes.

BE RESPECTFUL: Respect dissenting opinions. Be kind to your peers. Keep an open mind at all times.

Email: 
Email should be reserved for brief correspondence, such as to inform me of an absence, medical (or other) emergency, and logistical questions. Substantive questions relating to the course material should be discussed in class or in Office Hours.

Cell Phones, Text Messages and Internet Use: 
Cell phones must be turned off BEFORE class begins. Texting in section is rude. You are more than welcome to take notes on your laptop computers. If I catch you on the Internet, however, you will be asked to leave. 



Academic Freedom: 
You are strongly encouraged to participate in class discussion in a constructive fashion. At times you may disagree with other student’s positions or the position of the professor. You will be graded on the quality of your discussion, not on your viewpoint. It is my hope that the diversity we all bring to the classroom, discussed in a welcoming and non-judgmental environment will benefit us all. I will make every effort to facilitate a healthy environment of diverse opinions and disrespectful commentary will not be tolerated. 


Resources: 
If you experience difficulty in this course for any reason, please consult with me.