HONR 289I – HONORS SEMINAR Spring 2015
Greening Cities: Who Wins, Who Loses, and Who Cares
Tuesday/Thursday 2:00pm - 3:15pm – 1119 PLS Building
Instructor: Dr. Marla McIntosh, Professor, Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture
Office: 6117 Plant Sciences Building (Office appointments scheduled on student request)
E-mail: mmcintos@umd.edu and via ELMS HONR 289I site
Course Description
Can people, plants, and animals coexist in cities? If people only think of their own immediate needs,
what happens to their cities? This course guides you to discover ways that cities work.
Students will learn about cities as urban ecosystems. The relationships between people (residents,
commuters, government officials, politicians, environmentalists, developers, etc.), trees and associated
plants and animals (the urban forest), natural resources (soil, water, and air), and the built environment
(buildings, roads, utilities, parking lots, etc.) will be explored for each student to develop their own
understanding of cities and their global significance.
I-Course Learning Objectives
Students will learn from:
1. Investigating significant issues with imagination and intellect with a belief that they will inspire
future investigation and provide concrete mechanisms to implement innovative ideas.
2. Exploring and thinking in new ways about “Big Questions” related to contemporary problems
and age-old dilemmas like ecological sustainability.
3. Classroom activities promoting effective communication skills, media literacy, technology
fluency, and humane understanding.
4. Taking responsibility for learning and demonstrating mastery of the course content.
5. Actively participating in class discussions and team assignments.
Students will learn:
1. Principles of ecology as applied to the functions and services of cities.
2. Differing perspectives that give meaning and purpose to green and sustainable cities.
3. To relate the past, present, and future of cities in the context of global sustainability.
Class format:
Course topics will be customized based on student interests. Classes will include lectures, discussion
and debate, student presentations, guest speakers, field trips, and extra-curricular activities, including
UMD events related to sustainability. Students are expected to complete required reading and student
research on topics in preparation for class activities. Critical thinking, creativity, and independent
thought is expected. Independent research and reading will be key to success for students, both
individually and as a whole.
My role as a professor goes beyond responsibility for course content and lectures but also includes
serving as a mentor, guide, and facilitator for students. This course is seminar-based and will be
structured for Honors students. Thus, the intellectual bar will be set high and Honors students will be
challenged to address wicked issues that are not easily resolved. In addition, students and instructor will
also be required to stay informed about current environmental news related to course themes.
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Course Materials
Books – Windfall (Paperback to be released January 27) and other TBD
ELMS- (Canvas)
Students are required to use ELMS regularly for class announcements, assignments, posted readings,
and online discussions. Most assigned course readings (except books) will be posted or linked through
ELMS. However, students will also be given assignments to conduct their own literature searches.
Attendance Policy:
Active student participation is required to meet the course learning objectives. The class is studentcentered. Students are expected to come to class prepared, to participate in and lead discussions, and
actively engage in class activities. Attendance will be recorded and counted towards your participation
grade. To request an excused absence, send me an e-mail before class stating reason for absence.
Unless a student has an excused absence, late assignments will be reduced by one letter grade for
each day late.
Grades:
Classroom Participation – 50%
Assignments/Projects – 50%
Late Assignment Policy
Late assignments without a valid excuse (e.g. excused absence) will lose one grade for each day late. If
you have a valid excuse (see attendance policy), contact instructor to request an extension.
Learning disabilities:
Students with documented disabilities who wish to receive academic accommodations are
encouraged to contact the instructor within the period of schedule adjustment to arrange for
recommended accommodations and before you encounter problems with the course.
ACADEMIC HONESTY:
Academic honesty is an essential component of every course at The University of Maryland. You
are required to know and abide by the Honor Code (http://www.shc.umd.edu/code.html). Any
violation will be reported to the University Honors Board for investigation.
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