Historical Geology Fall 2019
GEOL 210-001, 3 credits
MW 12:30-1:45 in Kinard 102
Instructor: Dr. Diana Boyer
Office: Sims 212B
e-mail: boyerd@winthrop.edu
Office hours: Tuesday 9-11 and by appointment.
Text: Earth System History, 2009, Steven Stanley, Freeman, New York, 567p. 4th edition-required
Course Objective: Through the course of this semester we will take a chronological tour of the geologic record-some highlights to the right. This is a comprehensive course that covers a broad range of topics from rock types to plate tectonics to paleontology to ancient climates. We will start with an introduction to some fundamental principles of geology and processes that shape the rock record. We will then travel through time starting in the Precambrian highlighting some of the major tectonic, biotic, and climatic events through the history of the Earth.
Attendance: Being in class for every class period is required. Attendance is also directly correlated with performance in this class. If you do need to miss class for any reason, please email me ahead of time with details of why you will miss class. I will do the same.
Code of Conduct:
In this course, you will have the opportunity and, in some instances, be
required to work with others. That said, all work must be your own. I take intellectual integrity very seriously and always escalate violations.
As noted in the Student Conduct Code: “Responsibility for good conduct
rests with students as adult individuals.” The policy on student academic
misconduct is outlined in the “Student Conduct Code Academic Misconduct Policy”
in the online Student Handbook.
Grading:
6 in class quizzes-lowest score dropped 20%
In class/homework assignments 15%
Writing Assignments 15%
3 exams (10% each) 30%
Final Exam 20%
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Tentative
schedule of topics* |
Reading |
Assignments* |
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Aug 21 |
Introduction to
time and rocks |
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Aug 26 |
Geologic time, plate
tectonics |
Chap 1 |
Why study hist. geology? |
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Aug 28 |
Rocks and minerals |
Chap 2 |
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Sep 2 |
Period paper
assign, Fossils and life |
Chap 3 |
Writing assign (#1) |
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Sep 4 |
Diversity of life |
Chap 3 |
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Sep 9 |
Evolution |
Chap 7 |
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Sep 11 |
Sedimentary
environments |
Chap 5 |
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Sep 16 |
Stratigraphy and
time |
Chap 6 |
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Sep 18 |
Exam 1 |
Chap 1-7 |
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Sep 23 |
Plate tectonics & mountain building |
Chap 8-9 |
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Sep 25 |
Plate tectonics & mountain building |
Chap 8-9 |
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Sep 30 |
In class paper presentations |
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Oct 2 |
Formation of Earth,
Hadean |
Chap 11 |
Period paper (#2) |
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Oct 7 |
Proterozoic |
Chap 12 |
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Oct 9 |
Cambrian-Ordovician |
Chap 13 |
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Oct 14 |
Fall Break |
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Oct 16 |
Silurian-Devonian |
Chap 14 |
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Oct 21 |
Carboniferous |
Chap 15 |
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Oct 23 |
Permian, Triassic |
Chap 15-16 |
Writing assign
(#3) |
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Oct 28 |
Exam 2 |
Chap 11-16 |
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Oct 30 |
Triassic |
Chap 16 |
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Nov 4 |
Jurassic |
Chap 17 |
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Nov 6 |
Cretaceous |
Chap 17 |
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Nov 11 |
Cretaceous |
Chap 17 |
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Nov 13 |
Paleogene |
Chap 18 |
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Nov 18 |
Neogene |
Chap 19 |
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Nov 20 |
Holocene |
Chap 20 |
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Nov 25 |
Exam 3 |
Chap 16-19 |
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Nov 27 |
Thanksgiving |
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Dec 2 |
Holocene and review |
Chap 20 |
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Dec 3 |
Study Day |
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Dec 10 |
Final Exam Tues.
11:30 |
All material |
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*This schedule is subject to
change