1. People of the Environment For the AASHE Conference, 2010

2. 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”

3. 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

4. Team teaching Challenges: Trust/respect, flow, and planning time, limited options in large group 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 Advantages: Diverse perspectives and teaching styles, can be very engaging if the team works well together

5. 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

6. Transfer station

7. Wastewater treatment plant

8. Hobson Forest Solitary nature observation or hike Use the senses Journal

9. The BioHaus! Wow!

10. Another fun option… Bike trip downtown –Wild Hare –Goodwill –Pawn Shop –Harmony Food Coop –Consignment Store –Farmer’s Market

11. 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)

12. Reconnect them…

13. Questions? Dr. Patrick Welle (Professor of Economics and Environmental Studies, People and the Environment Coordinator) Dr. Patrick Welle (Professor of Economics and Environmental Studies, People and the Environment Coordinator) –PWelle@bemidjistate.edu PWelle@bemidjistate.edu Erika Bailey-Johnson, Sustainability Coordinator Erika Bailey-Johnson, Sustainability Coordinator –EBaileyJohnson@bemidjistate.edu 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