The Course

A major priority in the design of this course is the engagement of students as scientists and citizens. This is accomplished through the variety of techniques described below.

Course Syllabus

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Learning Outcomes for the Courses/Modules

The course goals are to:

1. contextualize scientific knowledge through experiential, inquiry-based methods;
2. utilize technology to facilitate inter and intra-institutional collaboration between U.S. consortium and Kenyan students and researchers;
3. provide for civic engagement;
4. promote cultural and gender-based sensitivity and understanding;
5. encourage the development of skills that propagate continued interest in the sciences and in civic engagement;
6. examine how hypotheses are formulated and tested and ways that science moves from hypothesis to general acceptance of ideas, and that science advances by amendment;
7. differentiate among scientific models;
8. identify and locate sources of reliable science and art information for the general public; read and understand relevant articles; and use knowledge of science and art to construct reasoned arguments concerning a societal issue;
9. develop an understanding of the mutual relationships between science and societies, including those of cultures, values, and governments;
10. understand how HIV evolved and moved from chimpanzees to humans;
11. understand how HIV attacks the body and why it is difficult to treat AIDS;
12. understand the technologies involved with detecting HIV and the roles that society plays in developing and administering these technologies;
13. consider the future of HIV/AIDS and discuss the impact this may have on society and how things may be different depending on the society and culture;
14. understand that what happens in East Africa is applicable to the United States;
15. strengthen and develop communication and analytical skills;
16. gain an appreciation for the diversity and complexity of East African systems;
17. understand the role that politics, society, and history play in wildlife and environmental status;
18. consider alternative strategies for conserving wildlife and the environment (NCWC only)

Grade Components

Meredith College

Each student is required to:

1. Complete all assignments and quizzes on time. This is to include all in and out of class projects, papers, reading assignments and presentations. Unexcused late assignments will result in a 10% deduction.
2. Participate in class discussions.
3. Attend all classes. Attendance to less than 75% of the class meetings will result in an failing grade.

Components of Grade Evaluation

• Journal –20%; This grade is based on the successful compilation and written analysis of topical information.
• Quizzes – 30%; Quizzes will cover information given in class lectures, demonstrations, experiential learning, and reading materials.
• Participation – 15%; This includes participation in class discussions, experiential learning, professional attitude, and class attendance.
• Written Assignments and Exercises – 35%; This includes independent research and reporting on an aspect of HIV/AIDS. You will be placed on a team with other students from NC Wesleyan College and the University of South Carolina Sumter. Working on a specific topic covering HIV and emailing a Kenyan consultant, you will form a framework for the paper. Additionally, you will need to research more on the topic to adequately cover the topic.

North Carolina Wesleyan College

Your grade for this course will be based upon both group and individual work. In order to succeed in life after college, you must be able to do well in both. In addition, as indicated by the objectives above, I hope that you will be able to make this course applicable to all aspects of your life. In order to achieve this overall goal, we will be using a variety of assessments used to determining your overall grade.

We will discuss each assignment and examination more fully as the time approaches. In general, however, the following details are necessary:

• Any assigned homework is due at the beginning of class; no late work will be accepted without penalty.
• On individual write-ups, the final work that you submit should reflect your own independent efforts. I should never read the same thing on two different papers. If I feel that a student has “copied” from another student, both students will receive zero points for that assignment. If it happens for a second time, the rules for plagiarism for the college will apply. If you use your textbook (or any other material) on your homework, be sure to cite this source. If you do not cite it, you are plagiarizing this work. Again, a serious offense! Be careful.
• Examinations are designed to allow you to reflect and build on what we will cover in the course. Therefore, some of the questions will be “factual” in nature, but others will be more “application.” The format of the exam will be multiple choice, short answer and matching.

Components of Grade Evaluation

• Four Exams (including Final Exam)– 65%; Multiple Choice Questions as well as Short Answer/Discussion Questions will be asked. We will discuss this in more detail closer to the first exam and practice problems will be available on my website.
• Homework Assignments – 25%; This includes summaries of readings, review work on the immune system, a group presentation on a Kenyan tribe, and an ecotourism paper.
• Group Project – 10%; You will be placed on a team with other students from Meredith College and the University of South Carolina Sumter. Working on a specific topic covering HIV and emailing a Kenyan consultant, you will form a framework for the paper. Additionally, you will need to research more on the topic to adequately cover the topic.

University of South Carolina Sumter

Components of Grade Evaluation

The final grade will be computed as defined below.

Assessments – Weighted Value

Pop Quizzes – 100 Points

Assignments – 50 Points

This includes independent research and reporting on an aspect of HIV/AIDS. You will be placed on a team with other students from Meredith College and NC Wesleyan College. Working on a specific topic covering HIV and emailing a Kenyan consultant, you will form a framework for the paper. Additionally, you will need to research more on the topic to adequately cover the topic.

3 Exams – 300 Points

3 Exams – 300 Points1 Final Exam – 200 Points

TOTAL POINTS – 650 POINTS

Quizzes – Unannounced quizzes will be given as often as practical during the course. Each quiz will focus on previous material covered in the last two classes although knowledge of concepts presented earlier may be required. No make-up quizzes will be given.

Hour Exam – Each of the one-hour exams will be limited to the newly covered material; they will not be cumulative. Objective and subjective format may be used.

Final Exam – The final exam will be cumulative and may contain objective as well as subjective questions.

Review Sessions – Prior to each hourly exam and the final, a review session will be held.

Hour Exam – Each of the one-hour exams will be limited to the newly covered material; they will not be cumulative. Objective and subjective format may be used.

Final Exam – The final exam will be cumulative and may contain objective as well as subjective questions.

Review Sessions – Prior to each hourly exam and the final, a review session will be held.