Missouri River Institute

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Education

River-Based Curriculum

Introduction to River Studies
(Next offering: Fall 2012 semester)


This interdisciplinary course has a focus on important topics concerning large river systems. Emphasis is on the Missouri River, but other large rivers are also covered.  

Field trips to observe the Missouri River and its tributaries take place throughout the semester. The course covers topics such as:

    field trip  
  • Large rivers in North America
  • Water law and policy
  • River geomorphology 
  • River ecology
  • Water quality
  • History and culture of the river
Missouri River
Science, Culture and History of the Missouri River

(Next offering: July 2012)

  • Interdisciplinary course that focuses on important topics concerning the Missouri River, including: ecosystem restoration; natural and cultural history of the river; and impacts of policy decisions on the river.
  • Course will balance in-class lectures and field trips to observe the Missouri River and its tributaries.
  • Includes methods for K-12 teachers but is open to all students.
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Missouri River Science & Ecosystem Management
IdEA Course

USD's IdEA program - Interdisciplinary Education and Action - provides a liberal learning experience where today's issues become the subjects of classes. With an interdisciplinary focus, students develop critical thinking skills while exploring the meaningful connections that exist among the disciplines. This class examines Missouri River issues from an interdisciplinary perspective. The class includes guest speakers from various areas of expertise and stakeholder groups.

   lecture   

Students role-play as individual stakeholders representing Native American, economic development, recreation and tourism, private landowners and biodiversity conservation interests. They meet with other stakeholders to try to develop consensus approaches for achieving ecosystem restoration and species recovery. 

Graduate Program in Environmental Studies
  • River systems emphasis