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Learning Communities

Learning Communities

Learning Communities class photo

An exciting way to learn

Research shows that students who participate in a learning community earn higher grades, make friends faster and graduate at higher and faster rates than students who don't participate.*

* The National Resource Center for Learning Communities


VIDEO 

"It's a lot different than just your standard classroom. There's a respect between the teacher and the students."
 
—Learning Community Student
 

What is a Learning Community?

  • A common group of students is enrolled in the same classes.
  • Students and faculty build connections between subject matter, disciplines and ideas.
  • The community focuses on a central theme common to the disciplines.
  • Courses are collaboratively taught by faculty from two or more content areas.
  • Collaborative and experiential learning are central to learning communities.
  • Multicultural thinking is encouraged to promote the understanding of diverse perspectives.

Benefits of Learning Communities

  • Learning Communities classes emphasize that faculty and students alike are embarked on a journey of discovery.
  • Faculty and students are able to work together more closely and develop successful learning strategies collaboratively.
  • Students are able to become better acquainted with faculty and tend to be more comfortable asking questions.
  • Students have the opportunity to develop stronger skills, the confidence to explore issues in depth, and the ability to question and think rigorously.

Learning Communities Image logo

Spring 2023 Learning Communities Courses

Themed- Learning Communities

A Wand, a Ring, and an Accursed Book: Building the Fantasy Worlds of Tolkien, Lovecraft, and Rowling

The theme of this Learning Community is to explore the secondary worlds created by J. R. R. Tolkien, H.P. Lovecraft, and J. K. Rowling. Using Tolkien’s influential essay, “On Fairy-Stories,” we will explore how these authors use various aspects of Greek, Norse, Arthurian, and Christian mythologies to “sub-create” their fantasy worlds. 

Flyer (PDF)

ENG102-0L3 CRN 64637

Instructor: Nicholas Bennett

IAI C1 901R

TR   9:30am-10:45am

HUM120-0L3 CRN 64638

Instructor: Keith Jensen

IAI H9 901

TR    11:00am- 12:15pm

Total Credits: 6

Excel in Accounting

This hands-on learning community sets you up for success. You will explore the functions and features of Excel while applying those skills to practical business world applications. By learning these critical and employable skills using in-class exercises, small group work and hands-on assignments, you distinguish yourself by expanding your understanding of accounting while learning the essential Excel skills.

Flyer (PDF)

ACC102-BL1 CRN 64627

Instructor: Dawn McKinley

IAI BUS 904

T    9:30am-10:45am

CAS115-BL1 CRN 64628

Instructor: Enrique D’Amico

R    9:30am-10:45am (1st 8 weeks)

CAS215-BL1 CRN 64629

Instructor: Enrique D’Amico

R    9:30am -10:45am (2nd 8 weeks)

Total Credits: 5

Living Sustainable Lives

What does it mean to live sustainable lives? Together, Chemistry and Ethics allow us to think about what would be entailed in sustainable use of resources, from energy to lean water and food, as well as at the why we should care about each other, animals, the natural world, and even future generations.

The Living Sustainable Learning Community is composed of two honors courses. For information about joining the Honors Program, please email honors@harpercollege.edu. 

Flyer (PDF)

CHM103-HL2, CRN 64618

Instructor: Julie Ellefson

IAI P1 903L

MW  12:30pm-1:45pm

M      2:00pm-4:45pm 

PHI115-HL2, CRN 64619

Instructor: John Garcia

IAI H4 904

W     2:00pm-3:15pm

Total Credits: 7

Intercultural Dialog and Exchange

Are you the type of person who likes to meet new people from all over the world? Join this Learning Community to connect with students overseas and discuss issues relevant to our global society. You will gain college writing, communication, and study skills that you’ll need to succeed in school and your future career. In these classes, you will practice self-reflection and intercultural communication.

Flyer (PDF)

ENG101-BL4 CRN 64641

Instructor: Richard Johnson

IAI C1 900

T    12:30pm-1:45pm

FYS101-BL4 CRN 64642

Instructor: Kimberly Jaeger

T    2:00pm-3:15pm

Total Credits: 6

General Learning Communities

Course # CRN Title Cr Hrs Days Meet Days Meet Days Meet Days Meet Begin Time End Time
FYS101-0L8 64651 FIRST YEAR SEMINAR 3 M   W   11:00am 12:15pm
ENG100-0L8 64650 COMPOSITION 4 M   W   12:30pm 1:45pm
FYS101-0L5 64505 FIRST YEAR SEMINAR 3 M T W   8:00am 8:50am
MTH065-0L5 64504 ALGEBRAIC MODELING 4 M T W R 9:00am 9:50am
FYS101-0L6 64539 FIRST YEAR SEMINAR 3   T W R 10:00am 10:50am
MTH065-0L6 64538 ALGEBRAIC MODELING 4 M T W R 11:00am 11:50am
FYS101-0L7 64543 FIRST YEAR SEMINAR 3 M T W   1:00pm 1:50pm
MTH065-0L7 64541 ALGEBRAIC MODELING 4 M T W R 12:00pm 12:50pm

 

To learn more about Learning Communities, speak to your academic advisor or contact the Office of Interdisciplinary Programs.

Last Updated: 3/17/23