Course Syllabus

Navigation (NS 2133)

Spring 2021

Course Information 

• Meeting times                  Tuesdays and Thursdays                                        1100 – 1215   
• Location                               Norman – Main Campus                                  Armory, Room 0228
• Zoom Information         Meeting ID: 94414779378
                                                    Passcode: 90314415    

• Course website https://canvas.ou.edu
• Final Exam Wednesday, May 12, 2021, 0800 – 1000 Armory, 0228

Instructor

LT Wesley McDaniel

• Office location Norman – Main Campus     Armory, 0121
• E-mail wesley.t.mcdaniel@ou.edu
• Office hours Appointments scheduled via email

Alternate Instructor

LT Kent Kammermeier               

• Office location Norman – Main Campus     Armory, 0120
• E-mail kent.kammermeier@ou.edu
• Office hours Appointments scheduled via email

Course Overview

     This course is designed to teach each student the basic principles, procedures, and plotting skills used in marine navigation. While these techniques also apply to overland navigation, this will not be the primary focus of the course. Whether you become a naval aviator, surface warrior, or submariner, you will be required to understand, demonstrate and practice basic piloting and navigation skills.

 

Required Text and Materials

• Marine Navigation 4^th ed. Naval Institute Press, 1998 (NROTC Provided)
• Marine Navigation Workbook. Naval Institute Press, 1998 (NROTC Provided)
• Navigation Rules International-Inland. COMDTINST M16672.2D. Washington, DC. GPO, 1999. (NROTC Provided)
• NROTC Exercise Signal Book. NAVEDTRA 37310, 1987. (NROTC Provided)
• Dutton’s Nautical Navigation. 15^th Ed. Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press. 2004.

 

*Additional texts may be issued out throughout the class as needed.           

**You will be provided a rolling ruler, a compass, and maneuvering board paper.

 

 

COVID Screening and Reporting

All students and staff are required to complete the COVID Screening and Reporting form before returning to campus. It can be found at http://covidreporting.ouhsc.edu/accounts/login/?next=/  and if you meet any of the following it must be completed again:

-You have been away from campus for 7 consecutive calendar days or more.*

-You returned from domestic or international travel (including any cruise). Domestic travel is defined as travel outside the State of Oklahoma.**

-You attended an event, entertainment venue, or group gathering of 10 people or more at which you were not wearing a mask and did not practice appropriate social distancing in the last 14 days. The people in your household do not count towards the 10 people at the gathering.

-You have had close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 or someone who has symptoms that could be consistent with COVID-19. Typical symptoms are fever, cough,  shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, the new loss of taste or smell, and/or extreme fatigue.

-You have experienced symptoms that could be consistent with COVID-19 such as fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chills, muscle aches, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell, and/or extreme fatigue. Please contact your primary care provider with any personal medical questions for guidance concerning your specific symptoms.  For a complete list of symptoms, please visit the Center of Disease Control webpages.

-You or a member of your household has tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 60 days.

 

            * A medical professional will be in contact with you, typically within 24 hours, following submission of your form. Based on a medical professional’s review of your information utilizing criteria developed by public health and infectious disease experts, you may be directed to observe a self-isolation period of up to 14 days. Individuals are encouraged to discuss their scheduling with their supervisor or faculty.

 

            **Commuter Process

 

Masking Statement

      As outlined by the University of Oklahoma¹s Chief COVID Officer, until further notice, employees, students, and visitors of the OU community will be mandated to wear masks (1.) when they are inside University facilities and vehicles and (2.) when they are outdoors on campus and social distancing of at least six feet is not possible. For the well-being of the entire university community, it is important that everyone demonstrate the appropriate health and safety behaviors outlined in the University Mandatory Masking Policy (https://www.ou.edu/coronavirus/masking-policy). As this mandate includes all campus classrooms, please make sure you are wearing your mask while in class. If you do not have a mask or forgot yours, see the professor for available masks. If you have an exemption from the Mandatory Masking Policy, please see the professor to make accommodations before class begins. If and where possible, please make your professor aware of your exemption and/or accommodation prior to arriving in class. If a student is unable or unwilling to wear a mask and has not made an accommodation request through the ADRC, they will be instructed to exit the classroom.

 

 

 

Attendance Policy

      A temporary university policy has been established to protect the OU community by ensuring that students who are ill or required to isolate feel encouraged to remain at home. Missing a class session or other class activity due to illness or isolation will not result in a penalty for the absence, and the student will not be asked to provide formal documentation from a healthcare provider to excuse the absence. This policy is based on all students and faculty adhering to the principles of integrity, honesty, and concern for others. Students who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, including cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle pain, headache, chills, sore throat, loss of taste or smell, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea or who have been in close contact with others who have symptoms should:

      -Remain at home to protect others

-Ensure that any needed screening has been conducted (COVID-19 Screening and Reporting Tool) and any needed  treatment obtained

      -Contact the instructor prior to absence or inability to participate, if possible, and provide an  honest report of the reason for which you cannot attend class or complete a course activity

      -Continue to complete coursework to the extent possible, using Canvas, zoom, and other online tools

      -Submit assignments electronically to the extent possible and as directed by the instructor

      -Communicate with the instructor to arrange modifications to deadlines or work requirements or reschedule exams or other important course activities, when it is necessary

 

Food and Drink Policy

Food is not allowed in classrooms. Consuming food in learning spaces is a significant concern for transmission of illness and therefore is prohibited. Students that may need to eat for health reasons, such as blood sugar regulation, should step outside the classroom to a socially distanced location.

Drinking in classes is generally discouraged. It is acceptable for students to take a sip from a water bottle or cup with a lid by temporarily moving their mask to do so and immediately replacing the mask. Discretion should be used while drinking in the classroom and temporary movement of a mask should be momentary and replaced immediately after the sip.

 

Technology Use in Class

            You will not be allowed to use technology (e.g., Computers, Laptops, Tablets, Cell Phones) unless specifically directed or allowed to do so by the instructor.

 

Assignments

Unless given specific instruction/permission otherwise, all student assignments will be submitted as hard copies at the beginning of class on the date that the assignment is due.

 

Grade Percentages

      Quizzes (Canvas) ....................................................... 10%

      Exam 1 (Canvas or in-person*)................................... 20%

      Exam 2 (Canvas or in-person*)................................... 20%

      ROR Presentation (In-person or via Zoom*).............. 10%

      Homework (Canvas and in-person*)........................... 10%

      Participation................................................................ 10%

      Practical Plotting Exercise*........................................ 20%

 

*Events subject to change due to COVID-19 mitigations and University Policy updates

                                                                                    

Letter Grade Ranges

A   90 – 100                                                         

B   80 – 89     

C   70 – 79     

D   60 – 69                 

F    Below 60              

 

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities

      Students requiring academic accommodation should contact the Disability Resource Center for assistance at (405) 325-3852 or TDD: (405) 325-4173. For more information please see the Disability Resource Center website (http://www.ou.edu/drc/home.html). Any student in this course who has a disability that may prevent him or her from fully demonstrating his or her abilities should contact me personally as soon as possible so we can discuss accommodations necessary to ensure full participation and facilitate your educational opportunities.

 

Confidentiality of Student Information

            For any concerns regarding gender-based discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, or stalking, the University offers a variety of resources. To learn more or to report an incident, please contact the Sexual Misconduct Office at 405/325-2215 (8 to 5, M-F) or smo@ou.edu. Incidents can also be reported confidentially to OU Advocates at 405/615-0013 (phones are answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week).  Also, please be advised that if a report is made to me, I am required to report instances of sexual harassment, sexual assault, or discrimination to the Sexual Misconduct Office.  Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to: Shaniqua Crawford, University Equal Opportunity Officer and Title IX Coordinator, 405-325-3546, scrawford@ou.edu, or visit http://www.ou.edu/eoo.html.

I encourage you to talk with me about an incident if you think I can be helpful—I just want you to understand my reporting obligations before doing so.

 

Equal Opportunity

      The University of Oklahoma, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to:  admissions, employment, financial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, or health care services that the University operates or provides.
Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Shaniqua Crawford, University Equal Opportunity Officer and Title IX Coordinator, 405-325-3546, scrawford@ou.edu, or visit http://www.ou.edu/eoo.html.

 

Academic Integrity

     Cheating is strictly prohibited at the University of Oklahoma because it devalues the degree you are working hard to get. As a member of the OU community, it is your responsibility to protect your educational investment by knowing and following the rules. For specific definitions on what constitutes cheating, review the Student’s Guide to Academic Integrity at http://integrity.ou.edu/students_guide.html. Violations of academic honesty to include plagiarism will result in disciplinary actions in accordance with University policy and/or NROTC regulations for NROTC students.

 

Academic Schedule

     This class will follow OU’s Spring 2021Academic Calendar for days of instruction. Any day annotated within that calendar as a day of “Instructional Holiday” will be observed as such. OU’s Spring 2021 Academic Calendar can be found at https://www.ou.edu/registrar/academic-calendars/spring-2021

 

Religious Accommodations

     It is the policy of the University to excuse absences of students that result from religious observances and to provide without penalty for the rescheduling of examinations and additional required classwork that may fall on religious holidays.

 

Adjustments for Pregnancy / Childbirth Related Issues

     Should you need modifications or adjustments to your course requirements because of documented pregnancy-related or childbirth-related issues, please contact me as soon as possible to discuss. Generally, modifications will be made where medically necessary and similar in scope to accommodations based on temporary disability. Please see www.ou.edu/content/eoo/faqs/pregnancy-faqs.html for commonly asked questions.

 

Alternate Date for the Final Exams

     Students that have valid requests for an alternate time or date for taking an exam shall discuss the matter with me at least one week prior to the exam in question. Requests not made within the one week window are generally not granted. When they are, it is for situations where something very significant has happened that the student could not have foreseen – for example, a very serious illness or a death in the immediate family.

 

Extensions for Assignments

     Extensions for assignments are generally not granted. When they are, it is for situations where something very significant has happened that the student could not have foreseen—for example, a very serious illness or a death in the immediate family.

 

Regrading of Quizzes, Assignments, and Exams

     The regrading procedure is intended to correct oversights in grading. It is not intended as an opportunity to argue about each judgment made by the grader. Grading is inherently an imperfect process. Minor errors are sometimes made that hurt your score while others are made that help your score. In my experience, these errors balance out, but not surprisingly, students never argue to correct an error that was made in their favor.

Bottom Line: A regrade is conducted only when there is a clear and obvious oversight on the part of the grader. Oversights are simple mistakes made on the part of the grader and not a difference in the interpretation of the quality of a student’s work. Oversights include: the grader skipped over a question on an exam, the total point value for a question is in error (e.g., the grader assigned a perfect score of 10 points for a question that was actually worth 15 points), or the points were simply added up incorrectly.

• You have 24 hours from when the quiz, assignment, or exam was returned to the class to request a regrade.
• Regrade requests must be submitted to an instructor via email with a clear justification for the request.

 

 

Professional Dispositions

    Here are the things I expect of you:

 

1. Punctuality	If you arrive just as class begins, you’re late. Arrive a few minutes early, get settled in, and then be quiet and focused the moment class starts. You’ll know that class has started because I will say something like “Ok. Let’s get started.” Also, maintain attention until the last moment of class. Don’t pack up your materials in anticipation of the end of class—it’s rude. You’ll know class has ended when I say something obvious like “That’s it, I’ll see you next time.”
2. Attention	Pay attention in class. This means you should not sleep, talk with your neighbor, read materials that are not related to the class, or send and receive text messages. You may not use a computer in class unless you are specifically directed to do so by your instructors. When a student asks a question or makes a comment, pay attention to what they are saying. Show your fellow students as much respect as you show to all of your instructors—it’s fair to expect the same from them.
3. Active Participation	Students almost always have an opinion on the ideas discussed in class—don’t keep them to yourself or whisper them to a neighbor. Raise your hand and contribute. Don’t worry about sounding foolish—it’s ok to be wrong. I am sometimes wrong as well and I appreciate it when my errors are brought to light so that I can correct them. Really. Discovering that you’re wrong and changing your mind is essential to learning. If you don’t understand something, ask. If you disagree, say so in a polite and professional manner.
4. Maturity	Don’t make excuses and ask for special accommodations unless they are justified by regulations or laws. The policies described in this syllabus apply to everyone. Don’t try to negotiate every last point on quizzes, assignments, or the final exam.
5. Resourcefulness	You have the syllabus—answers to most of the questions students typically ask can be found in it. Figure things out for yourself whenever you can.
6. Communication	You should use a professional tone in email correspondence with all of your instructors. You should start with “Dear Professor,” “CO/XO,” or “LT/Capt [last name].” Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are important as always. Be direct and to the point. Do not use exclamation points or SMS abbreviations. You should close with “Very Respectfully,” followed by your name. Here’s a great article about how students can send their professors professional, effective emails: https://goo.gl/h2XRRA
7. Honesty and Integrity	This is absolutely the wrong class to cheat in. The penalty in the United States Navy for cheating is significant. It’s not worth it. It is better to turn in an assignment late and receive a relatively minor penalty than it is to cut corners just to turn it in on time.