ENVRMT 101 - Introduction to Environmental Studies - Ben Vallejo
| Course: | Introduction to Environmental Studies |
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| Professor: | Ben Vallejo |
| Email: | ben.vallejo@canyons.edu |
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| Course Length: |
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Introduction
Hi everyone,
I am Mr. Vallejo, and I will be guiding you through the wide world of introductory environmental science. I have been studying biology and the environment my whole adult life, and I hope my passion for the subject rubs off a little bit on to you. I am a National Board Certified Teacher. I also have been teaching online since 2007, well before the Pandemic made all of us online learners. Although I teach online in three different states, I am local (my main in-person job is in the San Fernando Valley) and can relate to the issues that you and I share here. There are many benefits to online learning. You can access the material 24/7 and work on your own time. You minimize commute time and expenses. Some even find online learning more interactive, since you can share ideas in a Discussion post rather than sharing in person in public speaking environment. Whatever your reasons are for being in this online class, I hope that you feel welcomed and safe. I hope that you, after successfully finishing the class, feel prepared to go on to the next course with an increased body of knowledge about the environment and a taste of the importance that many have when considering the Earth and all of its inhabitants.
Watch this short video below to learn more about Professor Vallejo.
Course Description
Environmental Studies 101 (ENVRMT 101) is the introductory course in environmental studies. Units: 3.00 transfer to UC:CSU. Introduces the use of the Earth’s natural resources by human civilizations; the roles that economics, ethics, law, history, politics, culture and gender inequity have played in resource use and distribution. Specifically, we will cover populations, climate change, air and water pollution, energy resources, and biodiversity.
What to Expect in this Course
Every week, you will have a required reading (2 chapters) from the book, The Sixth Extinction, by Elizabeth Kolbert. There is an accompanying question set and assessment (10 point multiple choice quiz). You also take Cornell notes on my lecture for the week, which covers one important topic in environmental science. As for your technology needs, you will need to have access to the Internet via computer or phone, since all of the assignments will be Canvas. A computer with a webcam will be preferable, since for your final project you will be presenting an environmental topic of your choice as a screencast (like in Zoom) of you along with your PowerPoint or Google slide deck. There will be a proctored final exam using Honorlock test security, so you will need a PC that runs Google Chrome and has the Honorlock extension installed.
Types of Assessments
Assessments include Cornell notes of Mr. Vallejo’s lectures, a question set for each reading, an online discussion, and a quiz about the week’s material. There will also be a final project (your Zoom recording) and a proctored final exam.
Textbook Information
You need a copy of the book, The Sixth Extinction, by Elizabeth Kolbert. You are likely able to find a good deal on this book on the web. A quick Google search turned up one for $3.49.
Other Relevant Course Information
This is a short class, so use the Canvas calendar to keep up and even get ahead on the assignments. Reading questions and Cornell notes can be completed ahead of time and are always due on Monday @ 11:59PM. Quizzes are open until the Monday DUE date. Discussion threads are open Tuesday to Monday. Use the assignment availability to your advantage; get things done early so as to allow for any issues that come up during the course of the class.
Additional Resources
Canvas
This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:
- CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
- CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password
Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.
Online Education
Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.
The Learning Center (TLC)
The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!
Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)
College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.
Online Counseling
The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.
Management of Stress and Mental Health
Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.
Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.
You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.
Veterans Resource Center
The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.
Library
The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!
Last updated: 02/05/2025 Sub#: 1329