Biological Sciences 380-002
“Planet in Crisis”
Instructor: Dr. Chuck Wimpee
HON 195, MW2:00-3:15
Office hours: Wednesday, 1-1:45
Office: Lapham S495
Lab: Lapham S486 (I’m usually in my lab)
Office phone: 229-6881
Course Description
Except for sunlight and the occasional meteorite, everything our planet is going to get is already here. The steady state that has sustained life for over 3.5 billion years consists of a complex network of processes in which water, carbon, and nutrient resources are continuously recycled. In a balanced system, the processes that cycle these vital life components keep pace with one another. But what happens when this system tips out of balance? What happens when one species learns to control and manipulate resources and other organisms? Humans are that species. Our extraordinary inventiveness has consequences for the entire living world. This seminar will explore the impact humankind has on vital life resources, the diversity of living things, and ultimately the future of thebiosphere.
Course Requirements
There is no textbook for this course. Articles on relevant topics will be uploaded to the course website on D2L. The course will include reading, videos, student presentations, roundtable discussions, and writing. Requirements:
(1) Each student will present a topic to the class.
(2) Discussions will be based on presentations and on any reading that is assigned.
(3) Weekly writing assignments will be based on presentations and reading, and will consist of a short analysis of each topic. Each analysis should reflect not only theunderstanding of the topic by writer, but also the effectiveness of the presentation.
(4) “State of the Planet” term paper. (see guidelines below)
Grades will be based on a combination of presentation (25%), weekly writing assignments (25%), participation (25%), and term paper (25%). Students will have the opportunity to revise and resubmit written assignments.
Topics (in no particular order):
Fossil fuels
Alternative energy sources
Ocean acidification
Population
Water
Infectious diseases
Mining
Deforestation
Fisheries
Agriculture
Invasive species
Habitat destruction
Urbanization
Hunger
Term Paper: State of the Planet
Your assignment is to write a “State of the Planet” paper. The minimum length should be about 10 pages, double-spaced, with appropriate references. What you cover is very open-ended. The only guidance I will give you is that your paper should include BIG ISSUES and BIG IDEAS. A ten-page paper is very short, so you need to make your case in relatively few words. Your first paragraph or page should include some sort of thesis statement, and what follows should include background information and arguments that support your thesis statement, ending with a conclusion paragraph that summarizes the major points. The paper should be persuasive, aimed at an educated and well-read audience, but not necessarily a scientific audience. Picture yourself writing this as an editorial for a major newspaper or news magazine. Therefore, any technical information you include should be presented in an understandable way, but without “dumbing it down.”
You can make any argument you choose, but here are some thoughts you might include:
- Is anything truly sustainable?
- To what extent are humans obligated to protect the environment?
- What are the tradeoffs in trying to preserve the environment?
- Can technology save us from technology?
UWM Policies
Disabilities
If you are a student with a disability, please do not hesitate to contact the instructor early in the semester for any help or accommodations which you may need. Students' rights are detailed in the schedule of classes.
Weather
Snow Days: Call 229-4444 to determine if classes or exams are cancelled due to an emergency.
Academic misconduct
In this course you are expected to perform to the best of your ability in an honest manner. Plagiarism or any other acts of misconduct will result in a penalty according UWS Chapter 14.
See
For other UWM policies, see