Tuesday, August 3, 2021

Grand Challenges

UNIV110: Grand Challenges of our Time

Instructor: Dr. Darryll Pines, President, University of Maryland
September 20 to November 10
Mondays 4:00-5:15
Wednesdays with 4:00-5:15 or 5:00-6:15


What is UNIV100: Grand Challenges of Our Time?
This course will give an overview of the issues of our time, including COVID-19, Black Lives Matter and social unrest, Climate Change and civic engagement. Students learn about these grand challenges by hearing from experts in the field and engaging with classmates in small group discussion sections.

Who is teaching the course?

President Pines!!   

When does the course meet?
This one-credit class will meet twice per week from September 20 to November 10. On Mondays, students will meet with President Pines and hear local and national experts speak about grand challenges. On Wednesdays, students connect with other first-year Terps in small discussion groups to investigate today’s issues together.

What will the course content cover?
Students in this class will:

● Identify the values of UMD, and understand the rights and responsibilities of all campus citizens.
● Identify the challenges of this time in history: COVID-19, BLM and social unrest, climate change and civic engagement—why are these “Grand?”
● Understand who writes history, who is missing from the story, and what is our role in telling the stories of these grand challenges

Who can take this course?
Any new first-year student in the class of 2025!

I’m already registered for UNIV100. Can I still take this class?
Yes! If you’re already registered for UNIV100 or any other one-credit class, you may still participate in Grand Challenges!

Do you have other questions about Grand Challenges? Check out the Grand Challenges website for more information and FAQs, or reach out at grandchallenges@umd.edu

When historians pick up their pens to write the story of the 21st century, let them say that it was your generation who laid down the heavy burdens of hate at last and that peace finally triumphed over violence, aggression and war. So I say to you, walk with the wind, brothers and sisters, and let the spirit of peace and the power of everlasting love be your guide.
- John Lewis