The best aspects of this course included the engaging guest lecturers, the smal group problem-solving activities, and learning about the varied Baltimore-based initiatives and how they’ve improved city life in myriad ways. Some students felt there was a lack of participation from their peers and that the instructor was often unprepared. Suggestions included providing more structure for Thursday classes and making it more interactive and discussion-based. Prospective students should know that participation is crucial in this course, being worth about 50% of one’s grade.

Many students enrolled in this course said that it was one of their favorite Public Health courses they have taken. Each week presents a new topic, and guest speakers from all over the Baltimore area visit the class. Students found the course to be chal enging in a fun way, and the professor was clearly committed to teaching his students. However, some of the speakers were completely disengaging and the professor would go on rants sometimes. Suggestions for improvement include: less time spent on clicker questions, more participatory activities and better guest speakers. Prospective students should know that the course is more beneficial than taking a one credit seminar.

The best aspects of this course included the interesting course material, thought provoking discussions, and the variety of guest speakers who came to class. Students felt the instructor did not stay on topic during lecture and went off on tangents. Suggestions for improvement included giving more assignments throughout the semester that built up to the final paper. Prospective students should know that this was a good introductory course for those interested in public health and learning more about the city of Baltimore. The course load was very manageable and attendance was a large portion of the course grade.