Students in Professor David Kirschner’s water class learn about more than just water.

The course is titled “Water – Our Precious Resource”, but it also teaches how to think critically, improve writing skills and learn good study methods.

“You get out of your education what you put into it,” advises Kirschner, “You are rewarded with the fruits of your investment.”

Kirschner’s class has already taken four field trips with a fifth one planned soon. There are also guest speakers and hands-on experiments in the lab.

“I have really learned a lot in this class,” said Steven Kratky, a student in Kirschner’s class. “I am going to try to take more SLU2000 classes.”

This class, along with others, is part of the new SLU2000 academic program. “The goal of the program is to provide a different quality of experience with a least one small and interactive class,” said Associate Provost Ellen Harshman.

These lower-level courses are structured to provide skills that students can use throughout their college career and their future.

According to Harshman, the innovative program focuses on making a connection between the faculty and the students.

Harshman meets with the faculty on a monthly basis to discuss how the classes are going.

“Faculty are talking non-stop,” she said. “The program is really exceeding peoples’ expectations.”

SLU2000 fall courses are found in the Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Mathematics, Modern and Classical Languages and Philosophy departments.

Future classes might include those in the area of economics, international business and fine and performing arts.

“The program is a mix of experiences and provides a lot of opportunities for students to find classes that meet their learning style,” Harshman said.

SLU2000 courses in the Modern and Classical Languages department this semester are in German and French. Spanish courses will be added in the spring. The courses put a lot of emphasis on both the language and the culture.”We plan a weekend at the Lay Field station in Louisiana, MO, where the students will be completely immersed in the German language and culture,” said Gregory Wolf, German professor of SLU2000 course.

“The University has done a very nice job setting up the program,” Kirschner said. “I am very pleased to be a part of it.”

“I think it is an excellent addition to our curriculum,” said John Severson, Dean of Academic Services. “The reaction from students has been very favorable.”

For more information about SLU2000 courses, visit http://www.slu.edu/SLU2000/academic.html.