Time Schedule:
Richard M. Strickland
OCEAN 102
Seattle Campus
Historical case studies of research on the ancient oceans, deep-sea exploration, climate change and the oceans, and human impacts on marine life. Students consider societal factors affecting progress in marine science, changing popular attitudes toward the oceans, and key current policy implications of marine science. Intended for nonmajors. Offered: W.
Class description
I have designed Ocean 102 to present an alternative view of basic oceanography. Ocean 101 focuses on fundamental physical, chemical, geological, and biological principles affecting the oceans. But often in Ocean 101 there is no time to broaden our descriptive knowledge of the marine world and how people interact with it.
Ocean 102 takes a historical approach to Natural World credit, with readings on the past oceans [ancient oceans and marine life, deep-sea exploration], the present oceans [stressed species and habitats], and the future oceans [climate change]. We also look at Individual & Society topics including the lives of ocean scientists, changing attitudes toward the oceans and marine life, and ocean-related social controversies such as evolution and climate change.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Lectures will cover the scientific material and set forth the context for the social and ethical issues that accompany the ocean science case studies. One day per week we will have small sections with discussion exercises deriving from the readings and lectures and led by TA's. These discussions and homework assignments will be the forums in which students express their own views on social and ethical issues. Internet students will conduct structured online discussions in lieu of attending discussion sections.
The lectures and discussions will be planned around readings from two inexpensive and readable paperback books about the ocean rather than a formal textbook. There are also readings from the internet and from papers placed on electronic library reserve.
Recommended preparation
This course has no prerequisite and is open to all students, including students who have taken Ocean 101 or other oceanography courses. Ocean 102 will favor students who attend class (or visit the web pages) faithfully, arrive punctually, do their homework, and participate in class discussions (in person or online). I encourage a willingness to think about and discuss the material rather than an expectation to sit passively and be told what will be on the exam.
Class assignments and grading
The tests and reading and written assignments will be posted on the online syllabus on the Ocean 102 web page and will be updated as the course proceeds. You can expect some short-answer test questions and/or written assignments in addition to mark-sense tests. Check the draft syllabus via the Ocean 102 web page for details.
I use what I call a "United Way Fund Drive" grading system. There will be a total of 500 possible points awarded in the class. Your point total divided by 100 is your numerical grade; more than 400 points earns a 4.0. This is a non-curved, non-competitive, incentive-based grading system.
