Course Name & Number

Horticulture Food Crops, HALT 2307

Semester & Year

Fall 2016

Time Offered

Wednesdays,

1:00-4:50 PM

Class Location

Gainesville Campus

Classroom AGC 1604

Instructor

Rebecca H. Parker

   Cell Phone #

(979)255-7556

Instructor’s Office

By Appointment

Office Fax #

N/A

Email Address

rhparker@nctc.edu

Office Hours

By Appointment

Course Catalog Description

HALT 2307    Horticultural Food Crops                  3 credit hours

32 Lecture hours + 32 Laboratory hours

A study of commercial and home cultivated food crops including various vegetables, fruits, and nuts. Topics address planting, maintenance, harvest, and storage of the various crops.

Textbooks & Materials

Recommended

o    Recommended: Biggs, Matthew. 2009. Vegetables, Herbs and Fruit: An Illustrated Encyclopedia. Firefly Books. ISBN: 1554071267.

o    Recommended: Grant, Greg. 2012. Texas Fruit and Vegetable Gardening. Cool Springs Press. ISBN: 13:978-1-59186-531-5

o    Recommended: Joseph Masabni, Frank J. Dainello. 2010.

Publication B-6237, Organic Vegetable Production Guide. No ISBN

https://agrilifebookstore.org/publications_details.cfm?whichpublication=2674

o    Recommended: The Texas Vegetable Growers' Handbook   compiled and edited by Drs. Joe Masabni, Frank Dainello, and Sam Cotner. http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/publications/veghandbook//index.html

o    Recommended: Cotner, Sam. 1996. The Vegetable Book: A Texan’s Guide to Gardening. TG Press. ISBN#: 0914641158 or http://www.texasgardener.com/Store/Products/viewproduct.aspx?id=111.

o    Recommended: Smith, Shane. 2000. Greenhouse Gardener’s Companion. Fulcrum Publishing. ISBN # 1555914500.

o    Recommended: Adams, William D. 2011. The Texas Tomato Lover’s Handbook. Texas A&M University Press. ISBN: 1603442391.

o    Recommended: Crops guides and information for supplemental study can be found at http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

Attendance Policy

This class will follow the attendance guidelines of North Central Texas College as delineated in the 2015-2016 Student Catalog.

Regular and punctual attendance is expected of each student, and all absences are to be considered unauthorized unless the student is absent due to illness or emergency.

I keep written records of absences and late arrivals; without a valid excuse, your class participation grade will be affected.   For every three absences, the student’s final grade will drop by one letter. In addition, note the “tardiness” policy below.

If a student has been unjustifiably absent or tardy a sufficient number of times to preclude meeting the course’s objectives, he/she may be dropped from this class by the Registrar upon recommendation of the instructor.

The instructor will not provide class notes to those who are absent.   As a student, it is your responsibility to obtain the missed materials and notes from a classmate.

Class Policies

Tardiness and Attendance

Three instances of tardiness (entering class late) will constitute one absence.  Three absences will drop your final grade by one letter.

Email Address:

Having an email address is mandatory for this class. The college provides one free of charge and provides students with computer labs. I will periodically email you important notices, so be sure to check your email before coming to class.

Class Handouts:

Printouts of notes will not be distributed in class. Lecture notes, handouts, and other class information will be posted within CANVAS and can be printed or downloaded to supplement your learning experience. Check CANVAS frequently for information.

Grade and Attendance Records:

All grades and attendance records will be posted in CANVAS and can be accessed at any time during the semester.

Cell Phones, Texting and Outside Communication:

Please silence all cell phones before class. In cases of emergencies, you may answer your phone or a text, but please leave the classroom/lab environment to do so. Texting and outside communication in the classroom and lab environments is prohibited.

Late Work:

Late work will not be accepted for any reason. If you cannot make it to the class in which the assignment is due, you must bring the assignment to me early or send it by someone else prior to or during the class.

Missing Exams:

If you are going to miss a lecture test, I must be notified prior to the exam. If a lecture test is missed with a valid excuse, a point penalty may still be assessed depending on the individual situation. A make-up test should be scheduled within 24 hours. If a lecture test is missed without prior notification or a valid excuse, an automatic zero will be assigned.

Tobacco Products:

Please do not bring tobacco products into the classroom and greenhouse or any containers that might have tobacco byproducts in them. See Tobacco Free Campus Information Policy. If you do use tobacco products, always wash your hands with soap and water before entering the greenhouse or touching any plants.

Disruptive Behavior:

A student who engages in any behavior or language in the classroom that intentionally or unintentionally disrupts the learning process will be asked to leave the class and may be reported to the VP of Instruction for disciplinary action.

Dress:

We will be working in the lab room and outside. Wear old shoes and clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty, stained or bleached. Closed toe shoes will be required in the horticultural grounds. I keep a supply of gloves in the lab room, but you may bring your own if you’d like. Also note that students may occasionally use chemicals such as fertilizers, insecticides, bleach, etc.

I am open to receiving your comments, either positive or negative.   These help me to enrich this course and improve as a teacher. Please feel free to see me, email me at rhparker@nctc.edu, or send me a note in the mail to the following address: NCTC, ATTN: Rebecca Parker, 1525 West California Street, Gainesville, TX 76240.

Scholastic Integrity

Scholastic dishonesty shall include, but not be limited to cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion. See Student Handbook “Student Rights & Responsibilities:   Student Conduct [FLB-(LOCAL)]” #18.

I TAKE ACADEMIC DISHONESTY VERY SERIOUSLY.

Plagiarizing, purchasing research papers, copying answers from another student’s exam, collaborating on assignments, or using unauthorized notes or “cheat sheets” during an exam constitutes academic dishonesty and will result in swift disciplinary action. This action will take the form of failing that assignment or the entire course and a letter to the Dean of Students

Tobacco Free Campus Information

NCTC restricts the use of all tobacco products including cigarettes, cigars, pipes and smokeless tobacco on campus property. NCTC is aware that tobacco use influences underage students which cumulates unsightly tobacco litter and interferes with assuring clean air for all who come to NCTC. NCTC recognizes the health hazards of tobacco use and of exposure to second hand smoke. Information on a tobacco cessation program is available for students, faculty, staff who wish to stop using tobacco products.

We would like to "thank you" for your help in making our campuses Tobacco-Free.

For questions or concerns please contact the Office of Vice President of Student Services at (940) 668-4240.

Grading Policy & Procedures

Assignment Point Values

100 points   Class and Lab Participation

100 points   Fieldtrips and Internships

300 points   Exams (2 at 150 points)

50 points Plot and Greenhouse

50 points Significant Industry Topic and Presentation

100 points   Crop Quizzes

700 points TOTAL

Grading Scale:

630-700 points = A 560-629 points = B 490-559 points = C 420-489 points = D Fewer than 419 points = F

Course Evaluation Descriptions

Class Participation

Participation is a very important component of your learning experience. This is a class in which students learn from each other as well as by participating in hands-on projects.

Fieldtrips

We will be going on fieldtrips this semester. Students are expected to attend these fieldtrips, take notes and show up on time for departure. Questions about the fieldtrips will be included on the Crop Quizzes and Exams.

Exams

We will have 2 exams this semester at 150 points each for a total of 300 points. Exams will be in the form of essay, multiple choice, true/false, and/or short answer.

Internships

Two internship classes will be a part of the semester course expectations. On the internship weeks, no lecture class will be held. Students will choose a date on those weeks that they will work at a predetermined internship site for 4 hours. Each student will be expected to have a course sheet filled out and returned to class the following week

Significant Industry Topic and Presentation

Each student will select a significant vegetable industry topic (global production and markets; local production and markets; consumer or market trends; research; factors affecting production; etc) and give updates on their topic in class; complete a paper to due at the end of the semester and present the topic to the class.

Plots and Greenhouse

Each student will grow food crops in raised beds and the greenhouse and will be required to keep weekly documentation of progress. Documentation will include: monitoring plant progress, set-backs, growth, rainfall, pest problems and production. At the end of the semester, students turn in their documentation for a grade.

Crop Quizzes

An important component of this class is identification and culture of food crops. Throughout the course of this semester, students will be given 7 quizzes, for a total of 100 points. Quizzes will cover any material covered during the “Crops of the Week” class segment.   The information covered in these quizzes is cumulative.

EEOC Statement

North Central Texas College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, or disability in the employment or the provision of services.

Financial Aid, Scholarships, and Veteran Services

The Financial Aid Office is responsible for administering a variety of programs for students who need assistance in financing their education. The first step for financial aid is to complete a FAFSA. For more information, please visit your nearest Financial Aid Office

Financial Aid offers financial resources for students that qualify, visit the financial aid offices for more information.  http://www.nctc.edu/FInancialAidHome.aspx.

Early Alert/CARES

Early Alert/CARES: The NCTC Early Alert program has been established to assist students who are at risk of failing or withdrawing from a course. Your instructor may refer you to this program if you are missing assignments, failing tests, excessively absent, or have personal circumstances impacting your academic performance. If submitted as an Early Alert you will be notified via your NCTC e-mail address and then contacted by a Counseling and Testing advisor or counselor to discuss possible strategies for completing your course successfully.

 The NCTC CARES (Campus Assessment Response Evaluation Services) Team addresses behavior which may be disruptive, harmful or pose a threat to to the health and safety of the NCTC community-such as stalking, harassment, physical or emotional abuse, violent or threatening behavior, or self-harm. As a student, you have the ability to report concerning behavior which could impact your own safety or the safety of another NCTC student. Just click the NCTC CARES Team logo posted on MyNCTC, or send an e-mail to CARESTeam@nctc.edu.  As always, if you feel there is an immediate threat to your own safety or welfare (or to another student), please call 911 immediately.

ADA Statement & Academic Support Services

Disability

Accommodations

Student Success

North Central Texas College does not discriminate on the basis of disability for admission or access to its programs.  The College is committed to providing equal access to its students with disabilities by providing appropriate accommodations; a variety of services and resources are made available through the ACCESS Department.  Students are responsible for notifying the ACCESS Department of their need for assistance.  Students with documented disabilities, such as mobility impairment, hearing or visual impairment, learning, and/or psychological disorders are eligible for services. 

The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) provides accommodations for students who have a documented disability. On the Corinth Campus, go to room 170 or call 940-498-6207. On the Gainesville Campus, go to room 110 or call 940-668-4209.  Students on the Bowie, Graham, Flower Mound, and online campuses should call 940-668-4209.

North Central Texas College is on record as being committed to both the spirit and letter of federal equal opportunity legislation, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, ADA Amendments Act of 2009, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (P.L. 93-112).   http://www.nctc.edu/StudentServices/SupportServices/Disabilityservices.aspx.

The Student Success Center is designed to help all students at NCTC develop tools to achieve their academic goals.  This program also links students to FREE tutoring, including a Writing Center, a Math Lab, and free 24/7 online tutoring and helps new students acclimate to college by providing computer lab services for prospective students.  All students are invited to visit the Student Success Center on the Corinth Campus go to rooms 170, 182, or 188; on the Gainesville Campus go to rooms 114 or 111; on the Flower Mound Campus go to room 111, on the Bowie Campus go to room 124.

Counseling and Testing staff offer a variety of services to current and prospective students, such as College 101, placement testing, academic advising and course registration, transfer assistance, and College Success seminars (Time Management, Study Skills, Test Anxiety, Choosing a Major, Learning Style Strategies, Career Exploration), and much more.  http://www.nctc.edu/StudentServices/CounselingTesting.aspx

Tentative Calendar

Week & Date

Topic

Week 1

Aug. 24

§ Class Set-up: Introductions, Syllabus, Semester paperwork, Pre-test

§ Lecture: Introduction and History of vegetable/fruit crop production in U.S.

§ Discuss: Significant Industry Topic Assignment

§ Lab: Soil Testing. Set up raised bed plots and review vegetable/herb plant choices. Intro to Plot/Greenhouse Reports.

§ Food Crops: APIACEAE (Umbellifer Family or Carrot Family): Carrot, cilantro, parsley.

Week 2

Aug. 31

§ Lecture: Vegetable Garden Planning, Site Selection, Climates and Garden Styles; Guidelines for a Healthy Garden

§ Video: How to Design and Build Vegetable Gardens

§ Lab: Draw gardens to scale; Plot/Greenhouse Reports; Amend soil; Begin planting fall gardens

§ Food Crops: BRASSICACEAE OR CRUCIFERAE (Mustard Family): broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, Chinese cabbage, collard.

Take Note

Sept. 5

§ LABOR DAY HOLIDAY – All campuses closed & classes dismissed.

Week 3

September 7

§ Crop Quiz 1

§ Lecture: Plant Pathology of Food Crops

§ Lab: Gardens; Planting; Plot/Greenhouse Reports

§ Food Crops: ASTERACEAE (Composite Family or Sunflower Family): lettuces

§ Other: Topic Sheets due next week

Week 4

Sept. 14

§ Fieldtrip: Jim Moore Farms – Vegetable Production; Basil Savage Farms - Pecans

Week 5

Sept. 21

§ Internship Week – No Class

Monday - Friday

Week 6

Sept. 28

§ Crop Quiz 2

§ Lecture: Entomology and IPM

§ Lab: Tend plots. Plot/Greenhouse Reports. Drying herbs. Preparing and selecting vegetables. Topics.

§ Food Crops: CHENOPODIACEAE (Goosefoot Family): beet, chard, spinach; CONVOLVULACEAE: sweet potato; LEGUMINOSAE (Pulse or Pea Family): bean, pea, peanut

Other: Discuss internship

Week 7

Oct. 5

§ Crop Quiz 3

§ Lecture: Guest Speaker – Mr. Michael Cooke; Viticulture Specialist; Texas AgriLife Extension: “Growing Grapes in North Texas”

Soils and Fertility: Amendments, Compost, & Cover Crops

§ Lab: Plant Arbor. Tend plots. Plot/Greenhouse Reports. Topics.

§ Food Crops: CUCURBITACEAE (Gourd Family): cantaloupe, cucumber, pumpkin, squash, watermelon

§ Other:

Tentative Calendar, continued

Week & Date

Topic

Week 8

Oct. 12

§ Fieldtrip: Wineries, Blue Ostrich Vineyard and Winery (5611 FM 2382, Saint Jo)

§ Crop Quiz 4

Week 9

Oct. 19

§ Exam 1

§ Lecture: Current Trends: Sustainability and Commercial Organic Food Production. Gardening with the seasons: Spring, Summer, and Fall Gardening

§ Lab: Tend plots; Plot/Greenhouse Reports; Topics.

§ Food Crops: LILIACEAE (lily family): asparagus, chive, garlic, leek, onion, shallot as well as herbs

§ Other: Review for Exam I, Discuss fieldtrip

Week 10

Oct. 24-30

§ Internship Week – No Class

Monday - Friday

Week 11

Nov. 2

·   Fieldtrip: Wolf Creek Farms (Tioga)

Week 12

Nov. 9

§ Crop Quiz 5

§ Lecture: Pecans, Apples and Pears

§ Lecture: Greenhouse Gardening; Growing Vegetables and Fruits in Containers

§ Food Crops: POACEAE (Grass Family): corn; SOLANACEAE (Nightshade Family): eggplant, pepper, potato, tomato; MALVACEAE (Mallow Family): okra

§ Other: Discuss fieldtrip and internship

§ Lab: Tend plots. Plot/Greenhouse Reports. Topics. Handling fruit. Preserving fruit.

§ Other: Early Registration, Go over Exam I

Week 13

Nov. 16

§ Fieldtrip: Retail Management

Week 14

Nov. 23

§ Quiz 6

§ Lecture: Canning and Preserving

§ Lab: Canning and preserving

§ Food Crops: Berries

Nov. 24-26

§ THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY – all campuses closed

Week 15

Nov 30

§ Crop Quiz 7

§ Lab: Significant Topics presentations.

§ Food Crops: Herbs, Plums, Apricots, Figs

§ Other: Review for Exam II. Complete Online Semester Evaluations. Discuss fieldtrips

Week 16

Dec.7

§ Exam II (cumulative)

§ Clear and Clean-up Plots.

§ Lab: Cooking with vegetables. Potluck with plot produce.

§ Other: Complete Online Semester Evaluations