ENVRMT-101 - Intro Environmental Studies - Phoebe Gimple

Introduction

Hi everyone, 

My name is Phoebe Gimple, and I will be your instructor for the Intro to Environmental Studies course.  I am an Environmental Microbiologist and have been teaching at COC since 2010.  I love biology, our environment, and everything in our environment!  My goal is to share my passion and knowledge with you, so you can apply what you learn in this course to take good care of our Earth and all that it supports.

Course Description

This course 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; as well as career opportunities in environmental studies. It is a 3-unit UC and CSU transferrable course. 

What to Expect in this Course

This is a fully online, asynchronous course with no in-person or live online meetings.  All course related materials will be accessible through Canvas.  

This fast-paced 5-week course requires self-independence, commitment, dedication, interest, and good time management from students.  Staying on top of your reading, completing your reading assignments, and watching related videos are essential.  The ability to be able to successfully complete chapter questionnaires depends on thoroughly reading and understanding key concepts and definitions from the assigned reading chapters.   

Since this is an online course that relies on technology, I highly advised not to wait until the last minute to submit anything on Canvas.  All assignments and assessments are set to close automatically at the specified due date and time.

Participation in the discussion boards is required. Discussion boards provide students with an opportunity to share ideas and reflect on the weekly course material. Please ensure your responses are respectful, meaningful, and thoughtful to foster a positive learning environment for everyone.

The course also includes five quizzes and three exams (two regular exams and one final exam) and three discussion boards.  Assessments feature a variety of question formats such as include multiple choice, true/false, matching, fill in the blanks, short answers, and essays, etc..

During the 5-week Winter Course, it is strongly recommended that all students obtain the required textbook within the first two days of the session.  

Types of Assessments

Coursework includes reading assignments, answering questions, discussion boards, online quizzes, online exams, and a research paper.  The Honor Lock Proctoring System will be used for all assessments and Turnitin will be utilized for research papers.  

To successfully complete the quizzes and exams, you will need a computer with Google Chrome, the Honor Lock extension installed on the Google Chrome Browser, and a reliable internet connection.

Textbook Information

The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History, by Elizabeth Kolbert (ISBN# 978-1-250-06218-5)

The textbook is required and can be purchased through our campus bookstore or through online retailers such as Amazon.   Textbook can be purchased in various formats such as softcover or e-book.

Other Relevant Course Information

During the Winter 5-week Winter course, all students must post to the first discussion board on Canvas within 48 hours, by the end of the second day of the semester, to confirm their attendance and participation.  Students who fail to post or contact me will be dropped from the course after the second day of the Winter Session. 

Canvas can be accessed on the first day of the class at https://coc.instructure.com.  Your MyCanyons username and password are required to log into COC Canvas account and access course materials.  Canvas is available 24/7 for completing assignments or assessments. 

Please note that waitlisted students cannot access Canvas information until they are officially enrolled.  When a spot becomes available within the first two days of the Winter Session, the waitlisted student will receive an email from me to be able to register for the course. 

Emails are typically responded within 24-48 hours on weekdays.  Canvas messages are responded within 24 hours during the weekdays. 

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: 01/05/2025 Sub#: 1877