Schedule and Course Guide

Dr. Lenny Vincent            Fall 2017

COURSE GOALS:
To familiarize you with basic biological principles using insects and spiders as examples. To give you, as as non-science majors, a lively appreciation and understanding of the diversity and wonder of insects and spiders, an informed perspective of the pervasive role of insects and spiders in our society, and their contribution to scientific thought, human progress and culture.

TENTATIVE READING ASSIGNMENT SCHEDULE   V.1

TEXTS AND READINGS:
          BS = BERENBAUM, M. 1995. BUGS IN THE SYSTEM. ON RESERVE**
          PE = IMES, RICK. 1992. THE PRACTICAL ENTOMOLOGIST.
          POT = ADAMS, JEAN. 1992. INSECT POTPOURRI. ON RESERVE**.
          EX = FORSYTH, ADRIAN. 1992. EXPLORING THE WORLD OF INSECTS.ON RESERVE**.
                 ** FOR THE MANY RESERVE READINGS SEE SEPARATE PAGE.

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Your grade for this course is based upon announced and unannounced quizzes, classroom participation and a cumulative 200 point final exam.

It is likely that there will be a quiz each week on some or all of the assigned reading as well as readings from previous weeks. Your lowest quiz score will be dropped. Students who arrive after a quiz has begun will lose 5 pts. and will have to turn in their quiz when time is called.There will be no make up quizzes. You can bring to each quiz, but not the final, one 3X5 card with hand-written notes on one side. Your % of total points will become your letter grade as follows:

90-100% = A; 80-89% = B; 65-79% = C; 55-64% = D, < 55% = F

There is no curve but the above may be adjusted slightly downward. You must bring to each class meeting 10 typed jeopardy questions and answers based on the current reading assignment. You must outline the reading and bring those, on the appropriate date, to class If you do not do so twice, you will be dropped for lack of participation. Your name and date due must be on top of all handed in pages. There may be extra credit for Jeopardy winners (2pts), field trip reports (25 pts) and properly collected and curated adult spiders (TBA pts). For this you will need a Micron 005 pen. Do not collect widow spiders.

Note: It is your responsibility to drop a class. Don't assume I will drop you for non-attendance. However, you will likely be dropped if you miss more than three hours of class. If you arrive, late let me know so I can mark you present. Always bring your text books to class. They will be referred to during class. You are responsible for all material covered in class, including assigned readings, instructions, and announcements of changes (e.g., quiz content pop quizzes). I expect you to get to class on time. More than three tardies may result in your being dropped from the class. Participation in class activities is mandatory. If you do not participate, you will be dropped.