Syed E. HasanProfessor of Geology & Chair

Dept. of GeosciencesUniversity of Missouri-Kansas

Cityhasans@umkc.edu

28th among top 50 metropolitan areas

1.8 million (2000) 2 states and 10

counties Highest freeway lane-

mile/capita 78% White; 13% Black; 5% Hispanics; 2%

Asian

An urban university Private university

(1929); became part of the state-supported University of Missouri system (1963)

13 schools/colleges; several professional (One of 26 in the

nation in the range of degree programs)

Course: Intro. to Environmental Science 200 level course; reqd. of Environmental

Science/Environmental Studies majors Offered each spring Enrollment: 40 Pre-requisite: EnvSc 110, Understanding

the Earth (five spheres; hazardous processes; resource, energy, waste, environmental health…)

Relatively new course (5 yrs) Course Description: Explores important

environmental issues such as air and water pollution, water supply, climate change, agriculture and food supply, environmental health, ecosystem disruption, environmental management, environmental ethics, and energy resources. Topics may vary depending on current event.

Challenge: What topics to include in the syllabus?

No syllabus given on the 1st day of class

Students asked to suggest topics All topics listed on the white board Duplications eliminated Discussions on relative importance of

various topics Select 8 out of ~16 topics based on

students’ consensus Includes a class project

Advantages Better engaged Feel important Sense of ownership Raised level of interest in the course Results in regular attendance and

participation in discussions Learn to work in groups

Waste issues common theme; expertise area

Always include environmental justice

Global climate change

Geology and health

MAJORS (N=152) ACADEMIC STANDINGEnvt’l Sc/Studies 66Humanities/SS 37Business 26Sciences 10Professional 6Undecided 7

Freshmen 11%Sophomore 26Junior 51Senior 30

GENDERMale 48%Female 52%

Average Age 25.5 years

Search library and internet resources

Write - Project report

- Persuasive letter to law makers Prepare PowerPoint presentation Make presentation to the class

- Develop critical thinking and analysis skills - Ability to synthesize information

gleaned from various sources- Sharpen writing skills- Learn to work in groups- Develop oral communication skills