Environmental History Course Syllabus Instructor: Tadd Gestrin Phone: (503) 534-2343 Waluga Junior High School 4700 SW Jean Road, Lake Oswego, OR 97035 Email: taddkg@teleport.com

Content: This course will be divided into three main topics of study. The first will focus on Environmental History from a global perspective. The major text for this portion of the course will be Clive Ponting’s A Green History of the World. The second focus of the course will be on Environmental History from an American perspective. The major text for this portion of the course will be Carolyn Merchant’s Major Problems in American Environmental History. The third portion of the class will focus on the development of water in the West. The major text for this portion of the course will be Marc Reisner’s Cadillac Desert.

Grades: Grades will be based on a percentage of points earned through classwork, participation, homework, projects, tests, presentations, essays and the final exam. The percentage breakdown for grades will be:

90 - 100% = A 80 - 89% = B 70 - 79% = C 60 - 69% = D 0 - 59% = F

Late work: Late work will receive a maximum grade of C. Work is late if it is turned in after the date it was due. Students with excused absences may turn in work one day late for each day of excused absence for full credit. Due dates for long term assignments and test dates shall remain unchanged by absences or other factors unless special arrangements are made in advance with the teacher.

Office Hours: Every attempt will be made to be available after school each day to assist students. However, due to scheduled meetings on any particular day, students may wish to check with the teacher to assure that there is no conflict before staying after school. Students will be helped on a first come, first served basis. Morning office hours may be arranged in advance if necessary.