Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much biology do I need to know to take this course?

• In-class discussions will be based upon assumptions that each student is familiar with the Linnaean classification system, a range of common plant families, and basic plant anatomy used in classification of plants. Review of a basic taxonomy text may be needed by some students.

• In-class discussions will be based upon assumptions that each student is familiar with basic plant and animal physiology and major metabolic cycles. These are the kinds of information learned in introductory botany or biology. Review of a basic biology or botany text may be needed by some students.

2. How much linguistics do I need to know to take this course?

• In-class discussions will be based upon assumptions that each student is familiar with basic linguistic terminology and concepts such as glotto-chronology. Review of a basic linguistics text may be needed by some students.

• In-class discussions will not require knowledge of other languages, but will require the ability to read materials heavily referencing non-English vocabularies.

3. How much time should I be spending on the readings?

• The readings include a wide vocabulary that will be beyond most students. It is NOT a good idea to look up each word that is not understood unless the word is encountered multiple times. Meanings of words should be understood within context if possible. Most articles assigned should be read in 30-60 minutes with a bit of contemplation and note-taking recommended.

• Each student should expect to spend 2-3 hours per week reading the assigned materials and another 1-2 hours gathering information from the Internet.

4. Do I need to have a computer?

• Basically, yes. You also need some software. Key software, other than standard Microsoft Office applications, are available without charge and may be downloaded from the Internet.
  
• You are expected to have computer competence equivalent to successful completion of ICS 101.
  
• Expect to make frequent use of the World Wide Web.
  
• The class will use a Wiki. This will be sufficiently intuitive that you should have no difficulties if you have average computer competence.

5. How should I cite references in the Oral and Written Presentations?

• Oral presentations do not need to cite references unless a photograph is used by permission. In that case, the source web site or individual should be cited in 12 point font in a corner of the photograph.

• Written presentations must cite all referenced materials and include a set of references. The following are examples:

  • Reference types
  • Journal Articles: Author Last Name, First and other Initials (then secondary authors as First and other Initials Last Name). Publication year. Publication title. Complete Journal Title Volume:Pages.
  • Books: Author Last Name, First and other Initials. Publication year. Book Title. Publisher, Location.
  • Book Chapters: Author Last Name, First and other Initials (then secondary authors as First and other Initials Last Name). Publication year. Publication title. Pages in Book Title. Edited by Last Name, First and other initials (then secondary editors as First and other Initials Last Name) Publisher, Location.
  • Theses/Dissertations: Author Last Name, First and other Initials. Publication year. Title of Thesis or Dissertation. Thesis or Dissertation, University, Location.
  • Manuscripts with Authors: Author Last Name, First and other Initials (then secondary authors as First and other Initials Last Name). Year of production (if known) or "n.d." for No Date. Title of Manuscript (if known) or A Brief Manuscript Description. Location of Manuscript.
  • Manuscripts without Authors: Title of Manuscript or a Brief Manuscript Description. Year of production (if known) or "n.d." for No Date. Title of Manuscript (if known) or A Brief Manuscript Description. Location of Manuscript.
  • Internet Sites with Authors: Author Last Name, First and other Initials (then secondary authors as First and other Initials Last Name). Publication year or Upload year if no publication year is listed. Site Title or Page Title as appropriate. Site address (without leading http://)
  • Internet Sites without Authors: Title of Site or a Brief Site Description. Publication year or Upload year if no publication year is listed. Site Title or Page Title as appropriate. Site address (without leading http://)
  • Personal Communications: Source Last Name, First and other Initials. Year of communication. Brief Description of Communication (e.g., "Telephone interview about useful trees of the Kalahari"). Location of deposited recordings, interview transcripts, or other records of the communication. ("with the author" is not sufficient. Only permanently deposited records of communications should be cited.)
• Spell out all Journal Titles: Do not use abbreviations. In lists of Authors use "&" rather than "and". Use only single spaces following periods.
• In the text cite as: (Pukui 1986). Do not list page numbers. Et al. should be used in the text (Jones et al. 1999) but NOT in the list of references cited.

6. Can I hand in my assignment late?

• Late assignments will result in loss of 20 points per day late. 

7. What can I do if I am sick and miss class discussions?

• It is assumed that everyone will miss a day now and then. Therefore, credit is given for participation in 25 days of class. This assumes that each person may miss up to 2 days without loosing points.

• Credit for participation in project workshops may be made up if the student is able to meet with the other students in the class and contribute to the group project in a meaningful way.

• When a class is missed it is the student's responsibility to talk with others in the class about the readings and make sure that the materials are understood.

8. I have never given a Power Point presentation before. Can I get some help?

• Yes. Instruction in use of Power Point and any other software needed will be provided by the instructor. However, students needing help must contact the instructor early in the semester. Seeking help the week before the assignment is due is irresponsible and will not receive a great deal of sympathy. Seek help early and as often as needed to make sure that the grade earned is the one desired.

• Students are encouraged to complete the Power Point presentation at least one week before it is due and to practice the presentations with each other. The instructor is also willing to review dry runs of the presentations as time permits.