Harper College

Learning Communities

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Learning Communities

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"LIGHTEN YOUR LOAD" and take a learning community this spring!

To find available courses, visit the Spring 2026 Course Schedule.

 

 

 

Living Sustainable Lives

Register for both:

  • CHM103-HL2, CRN 66530 — The Chemistry Connection (Honors Only)
    • Monday/Wednesday, 11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
    • Monday, 12:30 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
    • Instructor: Julie Ellefson
  • PHI115-HL2, CRN 66608 — Ethics (Honors Only)
    • Wednesday, 2 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
    • Instructor: John Garcia

This course brings together Ethics (PHI115) and The Chemistry Connection (CHM103), allowing students to examine both the scientific and ethical dimensions of climate change and sustainability. Through this exploration, they delve into key questions about our planet’s future while also investigating and applying practical climate solutions and sustainable practices.

Julie Ellefson smiles while sitting outsideJohn Garcia smiles for the camera

Excel in Accounting

Register for all three:

  • ACC 102-BL1, CRN 64627 — Intro to Managerial Accounting
    • Tuesday, 9 a.m. - 10:40 a.m.
    • Instructor: Dawn McKinley
  • CAS115-BL1, CRN 64628 — Spreadsheet Software 
    • Thursday, 9 a.m. - 10:40 a.m.
    • Instructor: Enrique D'Amico
  • CAS215-BL1, CRN 64629 — Advanced Spreadsheet Software
    • Thursday, 9 a.m. - 10:40 a.m.
    • Instructor: Enrique D'Amico

By strengthening your accounting knowledge, you’ll become proficient in Excel and learn how to use its functions in real-world financial situations. Along the way, you’ll build practical, job-ready skills through hands-on assignments.

Dawn McKinley smiles for the cameraEnrique D'amico smiles for the camera

Why Exist?

Register for both:

  • ENG102-0L1, CRN 61829 — Composition II
    • Tuesday/Thursday, 11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
    • Instructor: Kurt Hemmer
  • PHI105-0L1, CRN 64571 — Introduction to Philosophy
    • Tuesday/Thursday, 9:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
    • Instructor: John Garcia

This paired experience brings together Composition II (ENG 102) and Introduction to Philosophy (PHI 105), giving students the opportunity to study Existentialism while examining how philosophical ideas appear and evolve within literature.

selfie of John Garciaphoto of Kurt Hemmer

FYS/Math Reboot

  • FYS101-0L5, CRN 64505 and MTH065-0L5, 64504
  • FYS101-0L6, CRN 64539 and MTH065-0L6, CRN 64538
  • FYS101-0L7, CRN 64543 and MTH065-0L7, CRN 64541

What exactly is a learning community?

Imagine a group of like-minded students, all enrolled in the same classes and connected by a common theme. In these communities, faculty and students come together to explore different subjects, build valuable connections, and expand their understanding of diverse perspectives. Collaborative and experiential learning take center stage, enhancing the overall educational experience.

Student testimonials about participating in learning communities

  • "Being in a learning community is interesting because you hear different perspectives at the same time about the same subject."
  • "In a learning community you make life-long friends while working together, making it a really great experience!"
  • "In my Harper College learning community, I found that my algebra class helped me understand mathematical concepts, which sometimes connected to the broader themes and critical thinking exercises in my First Year Seminar (FYS) course. Although the FYS class covered various topics, recognizing these connections helped reinforce my learning."

Discover the power of learning communities

Research conducted by the National Resource Center for Learning Communities has shown that participating in a learning community can lead to higher grades, faster friendships, and increased graduation rates.

By being part of a learning community, both faculty and students embark on a journey of discovery together. This closer connection allows for successful learning strategies to be developed collaboratively, resulting in improved academic performance. Students benefit from increased comfort in seeking guidance from faculty, which leads to a deeper understanding of the subject matter. With these communities, students have the chance to hone their skills, gain confidence in exploring complex issues, and develop critical thinking abilities.

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

Last Updated: 11/21/25