AGH 303
suburban horticulture
horticultural concepts and their application to the growth and maintenance of
fruit, vegetables and ornamentals common to most homes.
syllabus
fall 2010
Instructor
Dr. Clydette
Alsup-Egbers
218 Karls Hall
417-836-5095
Mondays and Wednesdays 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Tuesdays and Thursdays 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
I am available at my office during the hours listed above,
unless otherwise noted.
You may make an appointment with me outside of those hours
if you cannot meet at those times. I am often in my office at times other than
my designated office hours, and you are welcome and encouraged to stop by if my
door is open.
Email is probably the best way to get in touch with me. I
will respond to your messages as quickly as possible. However, do not expect
responses to your email in the middle of the night nor at the last minute before
an exam.
Mondays, 6:00 – 8:50 p.m., 235 Karls Hall
Course Website
http://courses.missouristate.edu/clydettealsup
·
Schumann, D., E. Ehrle and R. Pippen. 1992. Living with plants: A guide to
practical botany. 2nd ed. Mad River Press, Eureka, CA.
·
Lecture materials will be available for download each week from the course
website.
None
Course Objectives (what you need to do to get a passing grade)
Students will do the following:
·
attend all class sessions, participate in discussions, and share knowledge of
topics under discussion
·
listen attentively during classtime
·
complete all assignments in a timely manner
·
review lecture notes and other materials throughout the week when not in class
·
score passing [and hopefully awesome] grades on quizzes and exams
·
attend any field trips, actively engage hosts, and relate what you learn to our
course
You are expected to attend each lecture. Although you do
not earn points merely by attending class, you need to attend if you wish to
succeed in this course and learn the information provided by this course.
The class will consist of lectures that focus on general
aspects of horticulture. As mentioned above, lecture materials are available on
the course website. Please read the lecture material, including the appropriate
sections or chapters in the textbook, before coming to class, and then during
class we can discuss any of the topics or concepts that are unclear to you.
Additional information will be presented during most lectures to enhance
understanding of the topics. Questions about the information could appear on
quizzes or exams. Hands-on activities and discussions will augment lecture
material.
Assignments
Various
activities will be assigned following each lecture. In most cases, the
assignments will be due the next class period. Each assignment will be worth
approximately 10 points (this could vary).
Email Assignment
This email assignment, due by 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 1,
requires you to send me an email message containing the following information,
worth 2 points each except where specified otherwise:
·
your name & your preferred email address, both typed in the body of the message
·
your major and why you chose that major
·
your career goals
·
what you want to get out of this course—be as specific as possible (4 points)
Put AGH 303 EMAIL in the subject line of your email message.
Quizzes
Two exams are scheduled. Each exam is worth 50 points. The
second exam will not be comprehensive. Exams may consist of a variety of
questions, including multiple choice, true/false and essay. I do expect neat
handwriting and proper writing mechanics on essays. Points may be deducted for
poor writing skills, especially if I cannot read your handwriting.
Please notify me in advance if you must miss an exam, or
notify me immediately after missing the exam. A valid excuse is required to make
up a missed exam, and I reserve the right to decide whether the excuse is valid.
A make-up exam for the Midterm will be given immediately following our final
lecture period. A make-up exam for the Final Exam would only be possible in
extraordinary circumstances. We would need to meet and determine a time/date for
you to take the Final Exam if you weren’t present when it was scheduled.
Grading will be based on the total points earned from the following
requirements:
·
7 Weekly Quizzes, 10 points each (drop lowest score)
60
·
8 Assignments, 10 points each 80
·
Midterm Lecture Exam 75
·
Final Lecture Exam 75
TOTAL POINTS
POSSIBLE 290
Grade Reporting Options
You will choose on the first day of class (the first class
when I became your instructor) between two grading options for the course.
Descriptions of the options are below.
Plan A—Classic grading system used most often in college
courses. Starting with 0 points, and then progressively gaining points to earn a
final grade. I have no idea what kind of grade you are going to earn in this
course. Answers on each assignment, quiz, exam, etc. are reviewed, and incorrect
answers are marked wrong. The score is marked at the top of the first page. The
score is typically reported as a percentage of correct answers, or as the number
of correct responses. You keep track of your grade points and the grade you are
earning based on your performance.
Plan AE—Alsup-Egbers grading system. Starting with a 100%
grade, and then maintaining the superior grade status that you have at the onset
of this course. I assume you are going to excel in this course. In fact, as far
as I’m concerned, when you walked into this classroom today you will earn a 100%
in this course. You are starting out with a 100 in my gradebook. Providing the
correct answers on each assignment, quiz, exam, etc. protects that 100% grade.
Incorrect answers (or coursework not submitted) lowers your perfect score.
Answers on each assignment, quiz, exam, etc. are reviewed, and incorrect answers
are marked wrong. Your final grade—as of that point in time—is marked at the top
of the first page.
At the conclusion of the course, you receive with the grade
you earned, regardless of the grade reporting option you choose.
Not only do I expect you to make an effort to contribute to
class discussions, but I also expect you to be respectful and polite to myself
and your fellow students. I encourage you to express your thoughts, but do so in
a manner that is sensitive to your classmates. In addition, give others 100% of
your attention when they are speaking. This means no talking when other students
or I address the class, no reading the paper, doing crossword puzzles, eating in
a noisy manner, other disruptive activities. Such behavior is distracting to the
class and disrespectful to me.
It’s fine to bring
food (except for durian or anything else that smells so horrendous)
and [non-alcoholic] drinks to the
classroom. Try to not bring food in noisy wrappers or containers, and if
possible wait until break time to eat.
You must have
access to a computer and university email account.
Please let me know right away if you’d prefer that I send
course information to an alternate email address (other than the Missouri State
email). I will add your preferred email address to the class distribution list.
Emergency Response Statement
Students who require assistance during an emergency
evacuation must discuss their needs with their professors and Disability
Services. If you have emergency medical information to share with me, or if you
need special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please make an
appointment with me as soon as possible.
For additional information students should contact the
Office of Disability Services, 836-4192 (PSU 405), or Larry Combs,
Interim Assistant Director of
Public Safety and Transportation at 836-6576.
For further information on Missouri State University’s Emergency Response Plan,
please refer to the following web site:
http://www.missouristate.edu/safetran/erp.htm
In general, the University does not cancel class for bad weather. However, in
the case of any unexpected circumstances that may impact our class meeting, I
will inform you by email, if possible. If time does not permit this, an
announcement will be posted at the classroom door (barring any unforeseen
circumstances).
University of Missouri Extension Publications
http://extension.missouri.edu/main/DisplayCategory.aspx?C=67
American Society for Horticultural Science
http://ashs.org
Dr. Pamela Trewatha, Professor of Horticulture, Missouri State University,
website for courses including AGA 485 Weed Control
http://courses.missouristate.edu/pbtrewatha/
HortCorner, University of Illinois Extension
http://urbanext.illinois.edu/hort/
PlantFacts, Ohio State University
http://plantfacts.ohio-state.edu/
Missouri Botanical Garden’s Kemper Center for Home Gardening
http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plantinfo.shtml
Missouri Department of Agriculture
http://mda.mo.gov/
Missouri Department of Conservation’s Plant and Tree Management
http://mdc.mo.gov/landwater-care/plant-management
American Nursery and Landscape Association
Prolonged Absence from Class
It is very important that you contact your instructors and
the Dean of Students’ office if illness or other life circumstances make it
difficult for you to attend class for a prolonged period. Sometimes, there are
things that can be done to allow you to catch up and complete the course work,
or take an incomplete grade to finish the course after the end of the semester
(only if your absence occurs at the end of the course). Other times, it may be
very difficult to receive a passing grade due to prolonged absence, so it may be
in your best interest to drop the course to avoid receiving an F.
It is your responsibility to understand the university’s
procedure for dropping a class. If you stop attending this class, but do not
follow proper procedure for dropping the class, you will receive a failing grade
and will be financially obligated to pay for the class. To drop a class any time
after the first week of classes, you must complete and turn in a drop slip at an
authorized registration center. You do not need to obtain any signatures on the
drop slip. It does not need to be signed by your instructor, your advisor or
department head. If you wish to withdraw from the university (drop all your
classes), contact the
Academic Integrity
You are encouraged to study and interact with fellow
classmates; however, all quizzes, exams and disease specimen collection must be
your own, independent work. Taking and giving assistance both constitute
academic dishonesty and will result in a zero for the assignment, quiz or exam
and notification of university authorities as required by university policy. A
second offense will result in a failing grade for the course.
In addition, in accordance with university policy, any
student detected participating in any form of academic dishonesty in this course
will be subject to sanctions as described in the Student Academic Integrity
Policies and Procedures, available at the Reserves Desk in Meyer Library, in
abbreviated form in the MSU Undergraduate Catalog, and at the following website:
www.missouristate.edu/acadaff/AcademicIntegrity.html. It is your
responsibility to read and fully understand MSU’s Student Academic Integrity
Policies and Procedures.
Cell Phone Policy
As a member of the learning community, each student has a
responsibility to other students who are members of the community. When
cell phones or pagers ring and students respond in class or leave class to
respond, it disrupts the class. Therefore, the
Office of the Provost prohibits the use by students of cell phones,
pagers, PDAs, or similar communication devices during scheduled classes.
All such devices must be turned off or put in a silent (vibrate) mode and
ordinarily should not be taken out during class. Given the fact that these
same communication devices are an integral part of the University’s emergency
notification system, an exception to this policy would occur when numerous
devices activate simultaneously. When this occurs, students may consult
their devices to determine if a university emergency exists. If that is
not the case, the devices should be immediately returned to silent mode and put
away. Other exceptions to this policy may be granted at the discretion of
the instructor.
To request academic accommodations for a disability,
contact Katheryne Staeger-Wilson, Disability Services, Plaster Student Union,
Suite 405, (417) 836-4192 (voice); (417) 836-6792 (TTY)
http://www.missouristate.edu/disability. Students are required to provide
documentation of disability to Disability Services prior to receiving
accommodations. Disability Services refers some types of accommodation requests
to the Learning Diagnostic Clinic (LDC). The LDC also provides diagnostic
testing for learning and psychological disabilities. A fee is charged for
testing. For information, contact the LDC (417) 836-4787,
http://www.missouristate.edu/contrib/ldc/.
My Non-Discrimination Statement
I do not discriminate based on race, color, national
origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual
orientation, and marital or family status.
MSU Non-Discrimination Statement
Missouri
http://calendar.missouristate.edu/academic.asp
Syllabus Subject to Change Statement
The syllabus is subject to change as deemed necessary by
me. You are responsible for keeping track of any changes announced in class or
otherwise.
Sources of Help
on Campus
Meyer Library
850 S. John Q. Hammons Pkwy
Resources and telephone
http://library.missouristate.edu/services/ids/services.pdf
Writing Center
The Bear Claw: Meyer Library Learning Commons - 1st Floor behind the circulation
desk.
Writing Center Director's Office is in Meyer 112
Telephones (Main) 417-836-6398 or (Director) 417-836-5006
michaelfrizell@missouristate.edu
Karls Hall 231
Cheek Hall room 150
Glass Hall on 2nd floor
Strong Hall room 107
Counseling and
Testing Center
Carrington 311
417-836-5116
Tutoring
Student Retention
Services
Carrington Hall
Room 302
417-836-7642
bobkincaid@missouristate.edu
www.missouristate.edu/retention/
Disability
Services
Plaster Student
Union room 405
417-836-4192
417-836-6792 tty
www.missouristate.edu/disability
DisabilityServices@missouristate.edu
Learning
Diagnostic Clinic
Meyer Alumni
Center room 502
300 South
Jefferson
417-836-4787
learningdiagnosticdlinic@missouristate.edu
Office of Student
Conduct (formerly Office of Judicial Programs)
Plaster Student
Union Room 405
417-836-6937
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Printing Facilities
Plaster Student
Union room 210
417-836-5808
Plaster Student
Union room 210
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday through Friday
Taylor Health and
Wellness Center, near Bookstore on Campus, 417-836-4000
Emergency Services
on Campus
Police Substation,
636 E. Elm, 417-836-5327
Safety and
Transportation 636 E. Elm
University
Response 417-836-5911
Safety 417-836-5509
Transportation 417-836-5509
Campus security
policies
Emergency response
plan
Sexual Harassment
and Rape Prevention
Campus security
patrol
Escort service
Emergency Services
off Campus
Fire, Police,
Ambulance 911
Springfield Police
Department 417-864-1810
Poison Control
800-366-8888
St. John’s
Hospital (closest hospital to campus), National and Sunshine
Emergency 417-885-2115
Cox North
Hospital, Jefferson and Division
Emergency 417-269-3193
Cox South
Hospital, National and James River
Emergency 417-269-4083
Ambulance Dispatch
417-269-3773
Recreation on
Campus
http://www.missouristate.edu/campusservices/recreation.htm
Career Center
Carrington Hall
309
Glass Hall 103
Monday - Friday 8
a.m. to 5 p.m.
417-836-5636
877-836-JOBS(5627),
CareerCenter@MissouriState.edu
Campus Volunteer
Center
Blair-Shannon 113
(Inside the Office of Student Employment)
417-836-5627
campusvolunteercenter@missouristate.edu
Lost & Found
The Plaster
Student Union Information Desk is the center for lost and found on campus. Once
a month, the information desk staff collects the lost items from the other
campus buildings and brings those items to the Student Union. All lost and found
items are kept for 90 days. After this time period, the items are purged
and handed over to Property Control.
To turn in a found item, simply
stop by the desk
Sat - Sun 11 am - 11 pm
(Seasonal hours may vary)
To report a
lost item
Call the desk at
836-5885
Student Government
Association
Plaster Student
Union 123
417-836-5500
SGA@MissouriState.edu