Learning Communities Created for Past Semesters
LCCC is entering its third year of creating learning communities. During each of the last three semesters, we have offered several learning communities, and we have offered them to several groups of students. We include this list of past courses to provide a sense of what we have tried and of how our program has grown.
Fall 2007 Learning Communities at LCCC
***Registration for these courses is now closed.***
On the Schnecksville Campus
BioTech/CHE/VET/HRT Writing Community
This LC consists of special sections of College English I and Technical Writing that address the needs of students in these scientific majors.
- College English I
ENG 105-L1 MW 9:35 a.m.-10:56 a.m. Beth Ritter-Guth (CRN 43245) - Technical Writing
ENG 107-L1 MW 11:10 a.m.-12:31 p.m. Beth Ritter-Guth (CRN 43246)
Body & Mind: Biopsychology
Are you curious about the biology of psychology--or maybe it's the psychology of biology? Doesn't matter how you look at it: in this community, you will begin to see why these two sciences are becoming so intertwined.
The concepts you learn in one discipline will help you to better understand the other. The relationship between our behaviors, our mental processes, and our biology (cells, genetics, energetics, enzymes) is complex, but we will explore these relationships throughout the semester.
This learning community is designed for natural science and/or psychology majors.
- General Biology I
BIO 110-L1 and Lab, MW 9:35 a.m.-10:56 a.m. Holly Morris (CRN 43212) - Introduction to Psychology
PSY 140-L1 TR 9:35 a.m.-10:56 a.m. Robin Musselman (CRN 40726)
Business That Computes!
Today, almost all businesses use computers of one type or another in their operation. Business students need a special understanding of how computers advance the daily, monthly, and yearly needs of business, and computer science students need to know how business and industry use their services.
You will be able to apply what you're learning in each course with the other. Your faculty work together to help you see the connections between the two courses and bring the material to life!
- Computers & Applications
CIS 105-L1 MW 2:20 p.m.-3:41 p.m. Joyce Thompson (CRN 42029)
This course also has an enhanced lab, M, 3:55 p.m.-5:16 p.m. - Intro to Business Organization
BUS 120-L1 MW 12:45 p.m.-2:06 p.m. Richard Warner (CRN 42970)
Declarations of Independence
Declarations of Independence will focus on how our federal government and the doctrines we live by as American citizens impact the life of the individual. By analyzing government documents, such as the Constitution, and multiple genres of literature, such as short stories, novels, and poetry, students will examine how legal, political, social, and economic institutions have evolved to improve the lives of Americans throughout our short history, sometimes at the cost of others.
- College English II
ENG 106-L1 TR 11:10 a.m.-12:31 p.m. Jennifer Myskowski (CRN 42599) - American Federal Government
PSC 230-L1 TR 12:45 p.m.-2:06 p.m. Jenna Duke (CRN 41851)
At the Morgan Center
Our "Write" to Justice
This learning community will assist students in the development of critical thinking, reading, and writing skills through the study of the criminal justice system. Students will compose essays and read literary works in relation to the three components of the criminal justice system--law enforcement, criminal courts, and corrections.
Emphasis will be placed upon the reading, evaluation, and understanding of the U.S. Constitution and how it influences the direction and procedures of criminal justice today. Students will learn the fundamentals of research techniques, which will be used to write an argumentative research paper focusing upon one aspect of the criminal justice system.
- College English I
ENG 105-T3 MW 8:00 a.m.-09:31 a.m. Christine McGuire (CRN 42691) - Introduction to the Criminal Justice System
CJA 101-T1 TR 12:45 p.m.-2:06 p.m. Larissa Verta (CRN 42943)
Spring 2007 Learning Communities at LCCC
***Registration for these courses is now closed.***
On the Schnecksville Campus
What Are Penguins Worth?
Ethics in the Natural World
This LC teaches students how to critically evaluate information about environmental issues and to decide, based on sound scientific evidence and knowledge of ethical theories, ways that individuals, societies, or governments can respond to various environmental problems and the ethical consequences of inaction.
Students will study core concepts in ethics, science, and ecology, and use this knowledge to develop their own positions by basing them on sound scientific and ethical reasoning. Students will evaluate sources and information about ecological or environmental issues and consider the credibility, reliability, and possible financial or political agendas of proponents of various opposing views.
Students will benefit by sharpening (or developing) critical thinking skills while simultaneously learning about ethics, ecology, and environmental science. Students will study ecology as a science, examine evidence connected to ecological problems, consider various solutions, and ponder consequences from logical, emotional, practical, ethical, and philosophical perspectives.
- Topics in Ecology
BIO 116-L1 MW 11:10-12:31 Teresa Heisey (CRN 10098) - Introduction to Ethics
PHI 205-L1 MW 12:45-14:06 Creed Hyatt (CRN 12840)
Stories from the Sandbox
Through literature, this LC exposes students to diverse issues of child development. The courses encourage students to identify with characters and situations portrayed in the literature and to develop critical thinking skills in terms of the implicit theoretical perspectives of the literary works. By learning critical reading strategies and psychological theories, students will learn to empathize with children facing development issues.
- College English II
ENG 106-L1 MW 11:10-12:31 Joanne Gerken (CRN 10616) - Child Development
PSY 243-L1 MW 12:45-14:06 Robin Musselman (CRN 10713)
Science Writing Learning Community
A partnership between Beth Ritter-Guth, Instructor of English, and Brad Prutzman, Associate Professor of Physics/Chemistry, this LC demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the concept of "learning community."
Since no specific science course can be matched to English courses, Beth Ritter-Guth will work as liaison to Brad Prutzman's chemistry classes and will evaluate written materials based on relevant concepts. Since no science courses are offered systemically with particular English courses, it is not possible to pair two like courses.
In Spring 2007, one section of College English I (ENG 105) and one section of Technical Writing (ENG 107), each designated for students in AAS programs, will link with various science courses. Students will complete all course objectives relevant to each course as outlined by course outlines.
Students who want to register for this LC should register for one of Brad Prutzman's various science courses AND one of the following courses:
- College English I
ENG 105-L1 MW 9:35-10:56 Beth Ritter-Guth (CRN 10599) - Technical Writing
ENG 107-L1 11:10-12:31 Beth Ritter-Guth (CRN 12932)
Fiction, Realities, and the Discourse of Life
The purpose of forming this learning community is to give LCCC Honors Scholars a unique learning experience that challenges and engages them. Linking the courses provides students with both greater opportunities and a wider variety of perspectives to explore than they would receive normally in unlinked Introduction to Philosophy (PHI 201) and College English II (ENG 106) sections. With these greater opportunities comes increased rigor and, thereby, increased value.
These courses integrate through a number of shared themes, the broadest of which involves the problematic nature of formulating theories, practicing them, and critically engaging them. Since both of our courses feature debatable ideas about realities and their varying significances, both of which are presented in creative writing, this link is a natural link: PHI 201 introduces the major categories and methods of philosophical enquiry, and the course requires critical reading, critical thinking, careful discussion, and writing of ideas; ENG 106, for honors students, introduces the theory and practice of literary criticism--which takes root, generally, in philosophical constructs that theorists adapt into literary theory--and helps students further develop their abilities to read critically and communicate effectively, especially through writing.
- College English II
ENG 106-L2 MW 14:20-15:41 Jonathan Sponsler (CRN 10617) - Introduction to Philosophy
PHI 201-L1 MW 15:55-17:16 Creed Hyatt (CRN 12564)
At the Morgan Center
Madness & Metaphor: Psychology in Literature
This LC introduces students to the science of psychology as it impacts human behavior and literary composition.
Students will develop an understanding of the science of psychology and an appreciation for literature while expanding their thinking, reading, and writing skills. These linked courses introduce students to the contemporary and historical foundations of psychology that seek to understand human behavior and mental processes--and that guide literary composition. A variety of short stories, novels, poetry, and dramas reflect the psychological dynamics of literary works: for instance, the psychological state of the narrator contributes significantly to the outcome of a work. Students will apply psychological principles while writing analytic and interpretive compositions about literature.
- College English II
ENG 106-TL1 MW 9:35-10:56 Melanie Turrano (CRN 12930) - Abnormal Psychology
PSY 243-TL1 MW 11:10-12:31 Larissa Verta (CRN 12931)
Fall 2006 Learning Communities at LCCC
***Registration for these courses is now closed.***
On the Schnecksville Campus
Start Here | Pass Math
Technical programs typically require mathematical ability. This learning community provides students with the opportunity to develop necessary study skills and strategies while tackling a math and/or technical course.
- Pre Algebra
MAT099-I3 TR 11:10-12:31 Julie Labbiento (CRN 42979) - Student Success
RSS104-I2 TR 9:35-10:56 Kim Bruno (CRN 42962)
SPARK: Students and faculty Pursuing Achievement, Retention, Knowledge
Transitional students will benefit greatly from this LC. First, students will learn the basic skills associated with reading, writing, and critical thinking. Second, students will gain a true understanding of what is expected at the college level. Third, students will be provided continuous support through faculty intervention. Finally, students will be retained at a higher rate than non-linked students.
- Fundamentals of Writing
ENG 100-I1 MW 11:10-12:31 Beth Ritter-Guth (CRN 40416) - The College Experience
RSS 102-I1 TR 11:10-12:31 1st five weeks TBA (CRN 41820) - Effective Study Skills
RSS101-I1 TR 11:10-12:31 2nd five weeks TBA (CRN 42561)
Intercultural Communications in a Global Workplace
This LC features these classes that meet on the same day and at the same time. Frequently, these classes will combine into one large group. Students will be assigned group projects to allow for grouping or pairing of students from all the classes. Students also will be working on projects, group/team letter/report writing, group/team PowerPoint presentations, and group/team research for report writing.
- Technical Reporting
ENG 107-L1 TR 11:10-12:31 Linda Novak (CRN 40461) - Business Communications
BUS 209-L1 TR 11:10-12:31 Janet Seggern (CRN 40187) - English for Academic Purposes
ESL 251-L1 11:10-12:31 Ruth Munilla (CRN 42181)
Business that Computes
This LC is designed for Computer Science and Business majors.
Today, most businesses use computers of one type or another in their operation. Business students need a special understanding of how computers advance the daily, monthly, and yearly needs of business; likewise, computer science students should be introduced early to how business and industry use their services. Students will be able to apply what is being learned in each course with the other.
- Introduction to Computer Applications
CIS 105-L1 MW 14:20-15:41 Joyce Thompson (CRN 42029) and
CIS 105L-LC Hybrid Lab M 15:55-17:16 (CRN 40258) - Introduction to Business Applications
BUS 120-L1 MW 12:45-14:06 Richard Warner (CRN 42970)
Ethical Speech
This LC features the theme of ethics: principles of ethical behavior link with ethical speaking. The main objective is to prepare students for constructing high-quality argumentative speeches and to improve students' ability to present and defend ethical positions. Since ethics exists in a culture of argumentation, which includes oral and written arguments, speech is an essential element of the process of thinking through ethical positions.
- Introduction to Ethics
PHI 205-L1 TR 11:10-12:30 Creed Hyatt (CRN 42410) - Speech
CMN 205-L1 TR 9:35 - 10:56 Dana Burnside (CRN 42947)
At the Morgan Center
Psychology in Literature
This LC introduces students to the science of psychology as it impacts human behavior and literary composition.
Students will develop an understanding of the science of psychology and an appreciation for literature while expanding their thinking, reading, and writing skills. These linked courses introduce students to the contemporary and historical foundations of psychology that seek to understand human behavior and mental processes--and that guide literary composition. A variety of short stories, novels, poetry, and dramas reflect the psychological dynamics of literary works: for instance, the psychological state of the narrator contributes significantly to the outcome of a work. Students will apply psychological principles while writing analytic and interpretive compositions about literature.
- College English II
ENG 105-L1 TR 9:35-10:56 Melanie Turrano (CRN 42953) - Abnormal Psychology
PSY 243-L1 TR 11:10-12:31 Larissa Verta (CRN 42981)