Format & Policies

There are two hours of lecture each week and two hours of laboratory. You are expected to attend lecture since the material covered in lecture will not necessarily duplicate material presented in the textbook. You are responsible for all material covered in class. If you miss a class, even for a legitimate reason, you are still responsible for the material covered in that class and should get notes from a fellow student.

You are required to attend lab. Some of the materials necessary to complete lab assignments may be available only during the lab period, and if you are not present, you may not be able to complete the assignment. There are two required field trips (the UWSP Catalog states that field trips may be required). Failure to participate in these field trips will result in a grade of zero for any assignments related to these field activities. Please see the attached calendar for the dates of these trips.

You are expected to do the assigned readings before coming to class. You should read these pages critically, asking questions as you go - What does this mean (do I understand it)? Why is it important to the study of geomorphology? When and how, in a geomorphological investigation, would I use this information? How does it relate to other information I've read or to information we've discussed in class? As you do the assigned readings, ask yourself the following questions: What did I learn that I didn't know before? What did I already know, but gained a better understanding of? What am I still confused about?

Occassionally, we will have discussions in class (as opposed to lectures). On these occasions, you are expected to come to class prepared, and you are expected to participate. Failure to participate in class discussions will affect your final course grade. Your active participation in the discussion will improve the quality and quantity of material that you learn. You must take responsibility for your own learning. Participating in class discussions is one way to do this. You are always encouraged to participate in class, even on lecture days, by asking questions and contributing observations and comments. The more you participate, the more you learn.

Student rights and responsibilities. UWSP has specific guidelines regarding student rights and responsibilities in class and on campus. You can access the document explaining these rights and responsibilities at http://www.uwsp.edu/centers/rights/RRBOOKLET8-2005-06.pdf. Pages 2-4 explain the responsibiliteis of both faculty and students, and pages 5-10 explain what constitutes student misconduct and subsequent proceedings.