391 online / Fall 2009

PLS 391 is an introduction to the methods and analytic framework of the natural sciences, an exploration of the relationship between science and society, and a critical examination of the values and assumptions associated with the production of scientific knowledge. Part I of this course, The Nature of Science, will cover the scientific method and give you tools to critically analyze scientific data and news reports; Part II, the Web of Life, explores ecology and biodiversity, especially of the Chicago region; and Part III, Secrets of Life and Death, investigates the incredible biological insights of evolution and genetics.

: : Evolution : :

Charles Darwin, author
of The Origin of Species

: : Genetics : :

James Watson and Francis Crick, beside their 1953 model of the DNA molecule

: : Local Ecology : :

Students from my Spring 2004 natural science seminar, on a field trip to Volo Bog State Natural Area

In our readings, discussion, research, and field work, we will address several key questions about the scientific enterprise, including:

What makes this particular section of 391 special, of course, is that it takes place completely online. We'll be using the virtual learning interface at Roosevelt, called RUOnline, which is supported by Blackboard (hereafter referred to as "Bb," for short). The key thing to understand about online courses, including this one, is that they're interactive -- just as my on-campus 391 students read assignments, write papers, construct arguments, do research, and come to class to engage in lively discussion, so too will online 391 students share ideas and interact in real and virtual time. Bb gives us the web-based tools to do just that.

For the vast majority of our interaction, we'll use threaded discussion forums, which are asynchronous (i.e., not in real time) means of communicating, to exchange ideas and materials on a weekly basis. Reading and posting to the discussion board is like coming to class, except that you can do it any time of day throughout a given week. Just as the on-campus version of 391 requires you to be in the classroom for 5 hours per week, the online version necessitates your devoting at least 5 hours per week to exploring our website, reading and posting to the board, etc. -- and that does not count the time you'll need to spend reading your assignments and writing papers. Another important point here is that 391 online is not an independent study experience: you'll be moving through the semester with your fellow students, week by week, and interacting with them and me regularly. And of course, you can always contact me by email, by phone, or simply by dropping by during my office hours.

Basic class activities include regular reading assignments, class discussions, short "lectures" by yours truly, and a field trip. Readings include Ernest Callenbach's Ecology: A Pocket Guide, The Chicago Wilderness Atlas of Biodiversity, the weekly science section of the New York Times which appears every Tuesday, assorted websites related to each week's topic, and selected documents available on our Bb site. Key requirements and assignments consist of active weekly participation on the discussion board, one analytic essay (4-5 pages), two quizzes, an annotated bibliography (2-3 pages) on an Illinois ecosystem, and a research project consisting of a proposal (2 pages) plus a web-based research presentation on (a) a current scientific issue or controversy, or (b) an Illinois ecosystem, species, or environmental science issue/problem.

Our field trip to the Chicago River will not only will be a fun change of pace but also will give us a chance to meet face-to-face and build a class community beyond the borders of the computer screen. We will discuss logistical information for the trip early in the semester. For those unable to attend, alternatives (including web-based options) will be suggested.

Email (mbryson@roosevelt.edu) is probably the best way to get in touch with me; the phone (312-281-3148 DT / 847-619-8735 RC) is next best. Please feel free to talk to me during office hours or to make an appointment, should you have questions or feel like you need some individualized help beyond what I can provide in the virtual classroom. Keeping up is vitally important in this class, for our schedule is both tight and complex. Please do not disappear! I check my email regularly, and I do my best to return messages within a day during the work week. Remember that there's no substitute for regular participation and timely submission of your assignments.

"When a student . . . with a documented disability is able to perform the essential functions of the academic and program requirements, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to the needs of that individual, unless such accommodations would provide undue hardship to the University.

"Reasonable accommodations . . . will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Students with medically recognized and documented disabilities and who are in need of accommodation should notify the University of their needs. Students should contact the Office of Disability Services [ph. 312.341.3810] and provide documentation of their disability to this office" (RU Student Handbook, p. 75).

"Roosevelt University respects the rights of students to observe major religious holidays and will make accommodations, upon request, for such observances. Students who wish to observe religious holidays must inform their instructors in writing within the first two weeks of each semester of their intent to observe the holiday so that alternative arrangements convenient to both students and faculty can be made at the earliest opportunity. Students who make such arrangements by the deadline will not be required to attend classes or take examinations on the designated days, and faculty must provide reasonable opportunities for such students to make up missed work and examinations. However, all work missed for such absences, including papers and examinations, must be made up. Students who do not arrange for excused absences by the deadline are not entitled to such accommodations" (RU Student Handbook, p. 69).