Fall 2019 Course Syllabi

Reflective Writing Assignments will be assigned with prompts throughout the semester and graded based on a rubric that looks for addressing of prompt, depth of understanding, use of technical information, language use, and overall synthesis of content. This is a powerful learning tool as it integrates experience with knowledge gathering and seeks to integrate the two to demonstrate higher level learning than what would be assessed in examinations. Semester Writing Exercise will require you to select a horticultural crop of your interest by the second week of class. A crop may be of ornamental, medicinal, fiber or nutritional (You may not choose one of the crops featured in “Botany of Desire”). The paper will be developed over the entire semester in five sections; 1) history of the crop, i.e., climatic, soil and regional origin, role in human culture, etc.; 2) culture and production of the crop; 3) pest management issues that might include potential for organic production; and 4) role of the crop in modern society including a discussion of emerging issues associated with the crop. You will have about three-four weeks per section. During those weeks you will have some time during class to discuss your paper with the instructor, research your topic, and will be required to submit a draft for peer review to your fellow students. The draft copies must be submitted with your section at the end of each three-week period. Additionally, you will be permitted to continue enhancing each section throughout the semester, so as to make it a “living” work. Your final grade for the exercise will be based on the depth of your exploration, ability to utilize resources, and articulation and integration of topics in the final submission. * Field Trips will be taken as part of this class in order to gain experience and exposure to the Industries involved in Horticulture Science. (DCB section only) *The instructor reserves the right to modify this syllabus and course requirements at any time. GRADING: Grading is based on a standard college curve, where students earn a grade based upon the percent of total possible points they obtain. Any missed exam or assignment not made up within the allotted time will be given a zero. The “allotted time” given is at the discretion of the instructor and will be communicated to the students throughout the course. (Note: It is the responsibility of the student to schedule make-up work with the instructor at a time convenient to both parties.) Final letter grades are assigned based on the following criteria: A = 90-100% of the total points B = 80-90% of the total points C = 70-80% of the total points D = 60-70% of the total points F = <60% of the total points Tentative Course Outline/Topics: * Note September 13 th there will be scheduled a *mandatory all day field trip to the International Peace Garden ** Travel to the International Peace Garden. Mandatory attendance. (Identification required is a minimum of an official birth certificate and photo ID. A passport or passport card is preferred). *Note Sometime in November there will be scheduled a *mandatory field trip to Lowes Garden Center in Minot, ND *Only mandatory for DCB section *Labs listed for DCB section