NRES 679 PR: Natural Resources, History, and Culture of Island  Ecosystems: Puerto Rico is a one-credit web-based course offered through the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. that will provide an overview of island origins and evolution; explore the importance of natural resources and biodiversity of island ecosystems; investigate threats and research issues of islands; discuss Puerto Rico as a case study; specifically its history and culture; and examine its current issues as related to its continued existence.  Course activities will include exploration of pertinent websites, online discussions, self quizzes, written curriculum/lesson plans (for teachers), chat rooms, and other on-line activities.

This online course supports and is a prerequisite for NRES 679  face-to-face summer course (2 credits) which will travel to Puerto Rico in June. 

Course Mission:

To increase participant's knowledge and develop participant's interest in island biogeography, environmental challenges and conservation measures by:

·         Engaging participants in coursework that enables them to comprehend island biogeography, understand the importance of studying island ecosystems and environmental challenges, and how islands can be preserved.

·         Exposing participants to various levels of private and governmental organizations, institutes and agencies working to sustain island ecosystems.

·         Increasing participant's awareness of the urgency of the problem – both in magnitude and long-term implications.

Location: On-line April 3, 2006 to April 30, 2006.

Estimated Tuition:  WI Graduate Credit: $500 --This covers one graduate credit, tech fee, and is your deposit on the summer trip.  Total program cost is estimated at $3,000; but through grants and partnerships, the Wisconsin Center for Environmental Education (WCEE) is offering the entire program at the reduced cost of about $1,800 to $2,000.  This includes: 3 Graduate Credits, round trip airfare to Puerto Rico , food, lodging, and travel in country.  Balance will be due before travel (mid-June).

Meeting times: Primarily a semi-synchronous over a 4 week period with specific deadlines for completion of a unit and required assignments. 

Instructor: Dr. Mai Morshidi Phillips
 

To get to the active course page, please click on the following URL.

http://www.uwsp.edu/natres/nres679pr/index.htm

Grading: Grades will be based on a contract system. Each letter grade has a designated assignment that you must complete to earn that grade. Each assignment must be quality work. Quality work is defined as complete, considered responses to questions. Responses should be written in complete, grammatically correct sentences.

NRES 679 PR Grading Scale:

A – Completion of all required readings, self-quizzes, participation in all online discussions, and submitting a written assignment.

B – Completion of all required readings, self-quizzes, participation in all online discussions in three of the units, and submitting a written assignment.

C – Completion of all required readings and self-quizzes in two of the units, participation in two online discussions and completion of a written assignment.

D – Completion of all required readings, self-quiz in one of the units, participation in one online discussion and submitting a written assignment.

Acknowledgments: The development of this course was funded in part by the Global Environmental Management (GEM) Education Center, College of Natural Resources, UWSP, the Wisconsin Center for Environmental Education Education and the College of Natural Resources Mini-Technology Grant Program, UWSP and through grants to Randy Champeau and Mai Morshidi Phillips.