EARTH 520
Plate Tectonics and People

Overview

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Before we begin our semester of study together, it is important that you review all of the material in this Course Orientation, as it will not only prepare you to be successful in this course, but it will also help you prepare for the Syllabus Quiz at the end of the orientation. You must get a score of at least 90% on that quiz to be able to turn in assignments for this course...and the answers are all contained in this orientation and on the syllabus!

Have you looked at our syllabus?

This Course Orientation will complement and expand on the information provided there. Be sure to review it carefully! A link to the syllabus is located in the "Resources" menu.

What will we learn about in the Course Orientation?

  • The structure of EARTH 520
  • Required assignments for this course
  • An overview of Canvas, PSU's course management system
  • Technical requirements for EARTH 520
  • How to succeed in this course
  • Where to get course assistance if you need it

What is due for the Course Orientation?

You should complete the Course Orientation by the end of the first week of the semester. It is my habit to make my due dates Tuesdays. So, complete the Course Orientation (which includes the activities spelled out in the table below) by 29 Aug 2017. I will write the due dates here in the course content, but you can also refer to the schedule-at-a-glance page I made in Canvas and also the calendar in Canvas, so you will have more than one way to find out when things are due and if all goes well I won't write down two different due dates for the same assignment.

As you work your way through these online materials for the Course Orientation, you will encounter additional reading assignments and hands-on exercises and activities. The table below provides an overview of the requirements. For assignment details, refer to the Course Orientation page noted.

Course Orientation activities
Activity Described on which page of this orientation Due Date
Forward your PSU email Course Communications 29 Aug 2017
Log in to this Web site Course Communication 29 Aug 2017
Introduce yourself and meet the rest of the class Getting to Know You -- the discussion board is in Canvas 29 Aug 2017
Take the Syllabus Quiz Summary and Final tasks -- quiz is in Canvas 29 Aug 2017

Questions?

If you have any questions, please post them to our Questions? Discussion Forum (not e-mail), in Canvas. I will check that discussion forum daily to respond. While you are there, feel free to post your own responses if you, too, are able to help out a classmate.

Keep reading!

On the following pages you will find important information about the course structure, requirements, scheduling, and technical requirements and assistance--all of which you'll need to know in order to pass the course. Remember, you are also responsible for the information located in our course syllabus (see the link to the syllabus in the "Resources" menu).