People of the Environment

For the AASHE Conference, 2010

Details…• Began in the late 1990’s due to a new

mandate by MnSCU (Minnesota State Colleges and Universities)

• Fulfills Transfer Curriculum Category 10 (MnSCU), liberal education requirement for all undergrads

• 3 credits, one semester• Team-taught, interdisciplinary “large

group”• Individual perspective “small group”

Course Objective“The major purpose of this course is to heighten awareness

of current environmental challenges and of the complex interconnections between natural and human systems. Students will integrate various disciplinary perspectives on environmental problems and potential solutions and will employ critical thinking skills in reflecting on values-based and ethical dimensions of environmental decision-making. Students will gain an understanding of biogeochemical processes in the environment and of the social, cultural, and economic influences shaping human impacts on the environment. In light of these impacts, possible changes in these institutions will be considered.”

Course website

Team teaching

Challenges: Trust/respect, flow, and planning time, limited options in large group

Advantages: Diverse perspectives and teaching styles, can be very engaging if the team works well together

Additional details and suggestions…

• One faculty member is allowed 2 credits per semester of reassigned time

• Most courses require service learning

• Field trips encouraged• Invite speakers• Connect knowledge to action

(students want to know what they can do)

• Be a role model

Transfer station

Wastewater treatment plant

Hobson Forest• Solitary nature observation or hike• Use the senses• Journal

• The BioHaus! Wow!

Another fun option…

• Bike trip downtown– Wild Hare– Goodwill– Pawn Shop– Harmony Food Coop– Consignment Store– Farmer’s Market

BSU, ample learning opportunities!• Wind energy• Talloires Declaration• Lakeshore restoration• Recycling• Native plants/butterfly

garden/raingarden• Reusable mugs• Washable plates, etc.• Light motion sensors• Low flow shower heads• Many campus initiatives that involve

the environment (e.g. Suit Yourself, Donate [don’t dumpster], Earth Day)

Reconnect them…

Questions?• Dr. Patrick Welle (Professor of

Economics and Environmental Studies, People and the Environment Coordinator)– PWelle@bemidjistate.edu

• Erika Bailey-Johnson, Sustainability Coordinator– EBaileyJohnson@bemidjistate.edu“In the end we will conserve only what we

love. We love only what we understand. We will understand only what we are taught.”

- Baba Dioum