Syllabus

IDIS 280 section 005 Spring 2008

Special Topics in Interdisciplinary Studies – 1 credit

"Maryland's Greenways: History, Policy and Prospects"

Dr. Joan Maloof, Department of Biological Sciences

(410) 548-5788; jemaloof@salisbury.edu

Thursdays, 4 pm

This course is sponsored by the Institute for Public Affairs and Civic Engagement (PACE) at Salisbury University, 1101 Camden Ave., Salisbury, MD 21801
410-677-5045

A Civic Engagement Seminar designed to: “examine a governmental or non-profit policy issue relevant to a local, county, or regional need. The course gives students an opportunity to do research (in the broadest sense of the word) in the community on a practical problem that has policy ramifications.”  Civic Engagement Seminars count toward the requirements for the PACE Presidential Citizen Scholar Program. For more information about this program please check this web link:

http://www.salisbury.edu/community/pace/programs/pcs/welcome.html

Wicomico County, where Salisbury University is located, is at a critical juncture in the balance between development and green space preservation. During this semester we will learn about “green infrastructure” and the benefits it offers a community. We will learn about why, and how, Wicomico County plans to protect its green infrastructure with greenways.

This topic combines conservation biology, environmental issues, and politics. Guest speakers from all of these fields will meet with the class. By the end of the semester students will be knowledgeable of what greenways are, the history of greenway development in this county, and what remains to be accomplished. Students will also learn about how they can get involved and make a difference.

Date	activity
Jan 31	Initial meeting http://www.dnr.state.md.us/greenways/
Feb. 7	meet in Devilbiss 103
Feb. 14	John Groutt – meet in HS 255
Feb. 21	David Curson – Birds in Greenways HS 103 4pm (public seminar)
Feb. 28	Discussion HS 255
March 6	Film: Save our lands HS 255
March 13	Rick Politt – County Executive HS 255
March 20	Spring Break
March 27
April 3	Katherine Munson and Dana Coehlo Worcester County Planning Dept. HS 255
April 10	NCUR – no meeting
April 17
April 24
May 1
May 8