Fall 2026
Historical Geology
Instructor: Stelly, Karen
Email: stellyks@lamarpa.edu
Phone: 409-554-3493
Office Location and Hours: 10 am - 10 pm Sunday-Saturday
Additional Contact Information:
A comprehensive survey of the history of life and major events in the physical development of Earth as interpreted from rocks and fossils.
Required Textbooks and Supplies: (Emphasis on required, 1 item)
Textbook Purchasing Statement: A student attending Lamar State College Port Arthur is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from the college-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer, including an online retailer.
None
1. Describe how the application of the scientific method has led to our current understanding of Earth history.
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2. Explain the historical development of Geology as a science and how it was influenced by early interpretations of fossils and the theory of evolution. |
3. Communicate how principles of relative and numerical age dating have been used to develop the Geologic Time Scale.
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4. Describe the processes involved in the formation and differentiation of the Earth and identify major milestones in the physical evolution of the planet.
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5. Identify the major milestones in the evolution of life from its initial inorganic stages, through development of the major animal and plant groups, to mass extinctions.
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6. Explain how rocks and fossils are used to interpret ancient environments. |
7. Identify the major tectonic events in the geologic evolution of North America. |
1. Describe how the application of the scientific method has led to our current understanding of Earth history.
|
2. Explain the historical development of Geology as a science and how it was influenced by early interpretations of fossils and the theory of evolution. |
3. Communicate how principles of relative and numerical age dating have been used to develop the Geologic Time Scale.
|
4. Describe the processes involved in the formation and differentiation of the Earth and identify major milestones in the physical evolution of the planet.
|
5. Identify the major milestones in the evolution of life from its initial inorganic stages, through development of the major animal and plant groups, to mass extinctions.
|
6. Explain how rocks and fossils are used to interpret ancient environments. |
7. Identify the major tectonic events in the geologic evolution of North America. |
Science of Historical Geology
Early geologists tackle history's mysteries
Time and geology
Rocks and minerals: documents that record
Earth's history sedimentary archives
Life on earth: What do fossils reveal?
Plate tectonics underlies all earth history
Earth's formative stages and the Archean Eon
Proterozoic: Dawn of a more modern world
Early Paleozoic events
Late Paleozoic events
Paleozoic life
Mesozoic events
Mesozoic life
Cenozoic events
Cenozoic life
Human origins
Assignment 1 due Sept 14
Test 1 due Sept 21
Assignment 2 due Oct 12
Test 2 due Oct 19
Assignment 3 due Nov 2
Test 3 due Nov 9
Assignment 4 due Nov 23
Test 4 due Nov 29
Final exam due Dec 3
Percents
100-90% = A
89-80% = B
79-70% = C
69-60% = D
<60% = F
Points
600-540 = A
539-480 = B
479-420 = C
419-360 = D
<360 = F
You are expected to complete all assignments and tests.
Be sure to check your campus email and Course Homepage using MyLSCPA campus web portal. You can also access your grades, transcripts, academic advisors, degree progress, and other services through MyLSCPA.
Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSCPA policies (Academic Dishonesty section in the Student Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Accessibility Services Coordinator, Room 119, in the Ruby Fuller Building. The phone number is (409) 984-6241.
No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom. Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission. Use of electronic devices is prohibited.
This syllabus is part of LSCPA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.
As per Texas law and LSCPA policy, all LSCPA employees, including faculty, are required to report allegations or disclosures of child abuse or neglect to the designated authorities, which may include a local or state law enforcement agency or the Texas Department of Family Protective Services. For more information about mandatory reporting requirements, see LSCPA's Policy and Procedure Manual.
LSCPA is committed to establishing and maintaining an environment that is free from all forms of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual violence, and other forms of sexual misconduct. All LSCPA employees, including faculty, have the responsibility to report disclosures of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault (including rape and acquaintance rape), domestic violence, dating violence, relationship violence, or stalking, to LSCPA's Title IX Coordinator, whose role is to coordinate the college's response to sexual misconduct. For more information about Title IX protections, faculty reporting responsibilities, options for confidential reporting, and the resources available for support visit LSCPA's Title IX website.
For more information about the Clery Act and crime reporting, see the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report and the Campus Security website.
If you have a grievance, complaint, or concern about this course that has not been resolved through discussion with the Instructor, please consult the Department Chair.