NGCSU Learning Communities Spring 2007

Currently, six different Learning Communities are being offered, and five new Learning Communities will be offered during spring semester 2007. Learning Communities have proven valuable for increasing the learning, satisfaction, and retention of college and university students.

The Learning Communities for spring will link two core curriculum courses, and a variety of core courses will be included: Biology, Art History, Spanish, Mathematics, First-Year Composition, Philosophy, and History. In addition to learning activities in classrooms, laboratories, and other traditional and virtual environments, members of each Learning Community will participate in selected enrichment activities, e. g., study groups, field trips, social activities, etc. Even though the benefits for participating are substantial, no additional tuition or fees are required.

If you have questions, please contact Dr. Linda Williams, Learning Communities Coordinator at this e-mail address: ctle@ngcsu.edu.

Please review the Spring 2007 Learning Communities below, choosing your first and second choice.

Then CLICK HERE TO APPLY online.

History 1112 (CRN 633) and Art 2520 (CRN 924)

Why do some events make the history books while others are forgotten? Who decides what artwork is important? Why are some people famous, and others neglected? We will explore art in history and history in art by examining changes in the world since 1500 as represented in visual images and the people who made them. In studying world history, we will ponder the roll of art as an agent and reflection of social change.

Ms. Barbara Howerton and Dr. Linda Williams
English 1102 (CRN 508), Introductory Biology 1010 (CRN 911), and Introductory Biology Lab 1010L (CRN 1078)

This is the second semester of the Texts and Tadpoles Learning Community. During this semester, students will be introduced to the discipline of biology in Biology 1010 and 1010L while continuing to develop their writing skills in English 1102: First-Year Composition II. Students will read, write, and listen to examples of nature writing to improve their descriptive writing skills. Also, as a topic for their English 1102 research paper, they may choose from a variety of biological issues and public controversies, e. g., evolution, stem cell research, cloning, genetically engineered food and medicine, etc.

Mr. Marc DiMaggio and Dr. S. N. Wiedmann
English 1102 (CRN 521) and Philosophy 1001 (CRN 1044)

This Learning Community will investigate the concept of human nature and what it means to be a human being. We will explore the relationship between humans and non-human reality and explore such timeless questions as "What is the nature of the relationship between ourselves and the rest of the world?" "Why are we here?" "How ought we live?" We will make use of both philosophical and literary works in our exploration. If you enjoy thinking about "the big questions," you will enjoy being part of this community.

Spanish 1002 (CRN 935) and Mathematics 1101 (CRN 764)

Spanish 1002 and Math 1101 are linked together to understand and to practice conversions to the metric system. An educated and globally sensitive student needs to know how to make conversions when traveling and planning for a trip. These linked courses work together to offer the opportunity to understand the metric system within a Hispanic cultural context. The primary contexts in Spanish class will be conversions for currency, temperature, distance, weight, volume (liquid) and sizes. These concepts will be explored and reinforced in the Math Models class (Math 1101) in the context of functions, function operations, function composition, and financial mathematics applications.

English 1102 (CRN 506), Biology 1260 (CRN 457), and Biology 1260L (CRN 628)

The Back to Nature Learning Community will offer you an opportunity to learn about the environment around you and advance your writing skills by composing persuasive essays, proposals, and research papers addressing environmental issues and concerns.  We will read both fiction and non-fiction, transforming what we actually find in the woods into words!  So, let's get back to nature . .