Course Syllabus

Soil 101:  Soil and Society

Welcome to Soil 101!  Please review this syllabus to familiarize yourself with the the course policies.

Instructor: Dr. Judith K. Turk

You are welcome to call me Judy, but Dr. Turk or Prof. Turk are also okay if you prefer. My office is in Hardin Hall (Room 607), however, I will be working remotely as much as possible this semester. There are many ways that you can contact me, feel free to use any or all of the following :

• Send me an email through Canvas: I prefer that you use the Canvas email system, as this helps me prioritize student emails.  Canvas calls their email system "conversations", for instructions on sending a message through Canvas conversations see: How do I send a message to a user in a course in Conversations as a student?
• Send me a regular email: Though I prefer that you email me through Canvas, if you are have a problem with the Canvas system you can use my regular email address (jturk3@unl.edu). 
• Request a web conference: Email me for an appointment and I will set up a web conference over Zoom.

Course Description, ACE Outcome, and Course Objectives

Basic knowledge of soils. Historical perspectives of the role of soils in human societies. The role of soils in the humanities including art, philosophy and literature. How to address problems of human-accelerated erosion, soil degradation, and water quality.

ACE Outcome: Use knowledge, historical perspectives, analysis, interpretation, critical evaluation, and the standards of evidence appropriate to the humanities to address problems and issues (ACE 5)

Course objectives: Upon completion of this course you will be able to

1. Recall important terms and concepts in soil science 
2. Explain connections between soils and the humanities
3. Recognize the role of soils in the physical and cultural world around you
4. Utilize soil material to make paints and create soil paintings

Course Format

• Asynchronous: The majority of this course will be completed in an asynchronous format, meaning each student will complete the work on their own schedule within the framework established by the assignment due dates.
• Four synchronous meetings: Four synchronous discussions will be held using web conference software (Zoom), during which small groups will meet and interact at a mutually agreed upon time.  The groups and schedule for the synchronous discussions will be established on the basis of a survey early in the semester.
• One optional in-person work session: For those who do not wish to purchase their own art supplies for the soil paintings assignment, studio time to work on your soil paintings will be offered on  Thursday Oct. 8 from 6-9pm and Monday Oct. 12 from 8am-2pm in Hardin Hall Room 023.  The studio time is free time to work, so you can attend whichever day you prefer and  arrive and leave as your schedule permits.  

Materials

• Computer connected to the internet, with webcam and microphone for video conferencing
• Camera: cell phone camera is fine
• Art supplies for soil paintings: these will be made available during in-person studio time, but if you prefer you can purchase them and make the paintings on your own
  • Mortar and pestle
  • Paper cups
  • Pencils
  • Ink pens
  • Paint brushes
  • Artists acrylic (clear gloss medium)
  • Water color paper
• Books: Will  be made  available  electronically  (may be purchased in print if desired)
  • “Out of the Earth: Civilization and the Life of the Soil” by Daniel Hillel
  • “Soil and Culture” edited by Edward R. Landa and Christian Feller

Grading

Assignments

• Quizzes (10% pts)
• Participation (10% pts)
• Reading discussions (20% pts)
• Blog posts (20% pts)
• Final Essay (20% pts)
•  Exams (20% pts)

Letter grades

Late Submissions

Grades will be lowered by 10% for each day that it is submitted past the assignment due date (with a maximum 50% deduction).  

Student code of conduct

Students are expected to adhere to guidelines concerning academic dishonesty outlined in Article III B.1 of the University's Student Code of Conduct. A first offense will result in a 10% penalty on the assignment. A second offense will result in a grade of zero for the assignment. A third offense will result in a grade of F for the course. Students are encouraged to contact the instructor for clarification of these guidelines if they have questions or concerns. The SNR policy on Academic Dishonesty and procedures for appeals are available here.

Online Classroom Netiquette

Please watch the video below and read The Core Rules of Netiquette.  Keep these guidelines in mind when interacting with your classmates and instructor in this class.  Posts containing disrespectful language directed at a classmate will be promptly removed and will receive a failing grade for graded discussions and assignments.

Discussion Board Netiquette

ADA Statement

The University strives to make all learning experiences as accessible as possible. If you anticipate or experience barriers based on your disability (including mental health, chronic or temporary medical conditions), please let me know immediately so that we can discuss options privately. To establish reasonable accommodations, I may request that you register with Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD). If you are eligible for services and register with their office, make arrangements with me as soon as possible to discuss your accommodations so they can be implemented in a timely manner.
SSD contact information: 117 Louise Pound Hall Bldg.; 402-472-3787

Your image

There will be assignments in you are asked to include yourself in photographs.  The main purpose of this is to create a community in which we all recognize each other.  If you are uncomfortable sharing your image for religious or other personal reasons, please contact me and we can discuss other options for these assignments.

Mental Health and Wellbeing Resources:

UNL offers a variety of options to students to aid them in dealing with stress and adversity. Counseling and Psychological & Services (CAPS) is a multidisciplinary team of psychologists and counselors that works collaboratively with Nebraska students to help them explore their feelings and thoughts and learn helpful ways to improve their mental, psychological and emotional well-being when issues arise. CAPS can be reached by calling 402-472-7450. Big Red Resilience & Well-Being provides one-on-one well-being coaching to any student who wants to enhance their well-being. Trained well-being coaches help students create and be grateful for positive experiences, practice resilience and self-compassion, and find support as they need it. BRRWB can be reached by calling 402-472-8770.

Emergency procedures

Consult UNL emergency planning site for current emergency procedures: https://emergency.unl.edu/