Syllabus

HLRM 120: History of Domesticated Alaskan Ungulates

1 Credit

  • Greg Finstad, Instructor
  • email:  glfinstad@alaska.edu
  • Phone: 907-474-6055
  • Office hours: Mondays 9-11am

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Review the history of domesticated ungulate populations, free-ranging and fenced systems, in Alaska beginning from the 1890’s to present.

PREREQUISITES

None

COURSE GOALS

The goal of this course is for the student to gain an overview of the domesticated ungulate industry in Alaska from the 1890’s – present for both free-range and fenced systems.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

Knowledge and comprehension outcomes/objectives:

  • Describe domestication and range use by humans
  • Review the history of domesticated ungulates in Alaska
  • Discuss historical figures and events related to Alaskan ungulates

Analysis and application outcomes/objectives:

  • Apply past and present ownership policies to current challenges in the industry
  • Differentiate between domestication histories of various ungulate species in Alaska

Synthesis and evaluation outcomes/objectives:

  • Prepare and assemble a 10 minute audio presentation
  • Evaluate historical events to explain current policies

MEETING INFORMATION

This is an online course. You are currently viewing the course website, where all class activity will take place. Your grades and personal feedback will be available on  Blackboard. Most work will be completed asynchronously, following weekly deadlines. Students will attend four synchronous check-in meetings via Blackboard Collaborate.

INSTRUCTOR RESPONSE TIME

I will typically respond to e-mail requests for help within 24 hours. If you don’t hear from me after 24 hours, contact me again–I may have missed your message! There are weekly due dates for the course. You can expect to receive a grade and/or feedback within seven days of the assignment due date.

PLAGIARISM AND ACADEMIC HONESTY

Plagiarism is representing someone else’s ideas and work as your own. Plagiarism includes not only copying verbatim, but also rephrasing the ideas of another without properly acknowledging the source. As work is prepared and submitted to meet course requirements, whether a draft or a final version of a paper or project, take care to distinguish personal ideas and language from information derived from sources. Sources include published primary and secondary materials, electronic media, and information and opinions gained directly from other people.  The UAF Student Code of Conduct  is adhered to in this course.

DISABILITIES SERVICES

Disability Services, a part of UAF Center for Health and Counseling, provides academic accommodations to enrolled students who are identified as being eligible for these services. If you believe you are eligible, please visit the Office of Disability Services at  https://www.uaf.edu/disability  or contact a student affairs staff person at your nearest local campus. You can also contact Disability Services on the Fairbanks Campus at (907) 474-5655,  fydso@uaf.edu. The instructor will work with the Office of Disabilities Services to provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities.

SUPPORT SERVICES

The Division of Student Services (DSS) provides student-centered programs and services designed to assist students in achieving their personal, academic and career goals. In collaboration with academic deans, they lead the university in recruiting a diverse student body. With the use of ongoing assessment DSS supports and develops programs and communities that contribute to the retention, success and leadership development of students. Go to  https://www.uaf.edu/ses/  to learn more.

UAF eCampus and Distance Education provides student service support for this online course. See their website at:  https://ecampus.uaf.edu

Writing support services are available to UAF students through the Writing Center, located in 801 Gruening, 474-5314, online at:  https://www.alaska.edu/english/writing-center/. You are encouraged to use this resource to meet writing expectations.

Technology support services are available through the OIT Support Center, 450-8300 (Toll Free: 800-478-8226), online at:  https://www.alaska.edu/oit/sc/about/contact.xml, and via email to  helpdesk@alaska.edu.

REQUIRED TEXt

North, Dick.  Arctic Exodus: The last great trail drive. New York: Lyons Press, 2005.

COURSE FEES

Only the $25 per-credit UAF eCampus fee applies to this course. There are no other fees.

WRITING STANDARDS

Homework and projects will be evaluated for proper spelling and grammatical usage.

TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS

This is an online course. Students will use a computer to communicate, to access online multimedia (audio, video, Flash), and to create multimedia. Consistent Internet access and a computer with the ability to record and broadcast sound via a built-in or external mic or a headset will be required.

Students are expected to be active participants in online exchanges. Additionally, there will be periodic online interaction with the instructor and other students using Blackboard Collaborate.

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS

A variety of instructional methods will be used in this course, including Internet research, reading assignments, discussion, reflection, presentation and peer evaluation.

EVALUATION

Student grades will be based upon the following criteria:
100%-90% A, 89%-80% B, 79% – 70% C, 69% – 60% D, 59% and below is an F

Final course grade will be calculated using the following formula:

  • Weekly Quizzes (3 @ 10% each): 30%  60 points
  • Discussions (10% each week): 30%  60 points
  • Final project/presentation: 30%  60 points
  • Final week: reflection and discussion: 10%  20 points

COURSE ASSIGNMENTS

Quizzes–30%

Students are required to complete 2 quizzes each week. The first will be a cognitive tutorial to help better identify and understand important points from readings and lectures. The second quiz will be a traditional closed book, timed quiz, administered via blackboard.

Discussions–30%

Students are expected to contribute meaningfully to online class discussions and peer review of projects. The minimum quantity of participation is two original posts and two responses per week. Beyond this minimum requirement, grading will be based on the quality of participation, not on the number of posts.

Final project/presentation–30%

A final project will be submitted during Week 4 and presented to the instructor and class.  Your final project is a major component of this course. You  will research a historical figure, historic legislation, or interview someone related to Alaska’s domesticated ungulate story. In the final week of this course, you will present your findings in a 10 — 15 minute presentation. Your project will take considerable planning and time to complete. It is advised that you begin thinking about a topic, and even gathering materials (research or interviews) as soon as possible.

Final Week Reflection and Discussion–10%

All students will be required to contribute to the student blog to discuss what they have learned from the course, what they enjoyed the most and any recommendations for improvements.  Students will be expected to provide their own post as well as comment on others.

ASSIGNMENT DUE DATES

This is a cohort-based class with assignment and activity deadlines. Late assignments will be penalized at 10% per week unless an excused exception has been arranged with the instructor.

COURSE POLICIES

Students bring a variety of experiences and knowledge to the class cohort. Each student’s unique perspective is an important component of the learning experience for his or her peers and colleagues–students will be expected to contribute and collaborate actively.

Please Note:  Students who do not complete Orientation Assignments in the first two weeks of the semester will be dropped from the course. Students who have not participated significantly by the second week of the course may be withdrawn. Significant participation includes the following minimums: two quizzes and one online discussion.

If you fall behind in the course, please contact me.  Under extenuating circumstances, you may request a temporary Incomplete grade and additional time to complete the course. Be advised that UAF policy only allows an Incomplete grade if you have completed the majority of the coursework and if you have a grade of C or better.