Learning Communities
Spring 2016
What are Learning Communities? Learning Communities are widely recognized as a powerful pedagogy that promotes
deep learning and student engagement leading to student success. Learning Communities provide students the opportunity
to take two linked courses and work closely with one another and with their faculty.
What do QCC students have to say about Learning Communities? QCC students noted both social and intellectual
benefits of participating in Learning Communities including feeling more connected, less intimidated, receiving more
individualized attention, and were motivated to do better.
Note: Academy Adviser registration required for enrollment in Learning Communities.
Learning Community #1 (seat limit 23 students)
English Composition I
ENGL101
LC1
45166
Sociology
SOCY101
LC1
38189
M
W
T
10:10 - 12:00 pm
10:10 - 12:00 pm
9:10 - 12:00 pm
H436
H405
S434
Gray, Peter
Ryersbach, Marga
Learning Community Theme: Representing Ourselves, Representing Others: Writing and Exploring the Sociological Imagination
Learning Community Description: In this Learning Community we will study how self and society are imagined and represented in language,
media, and music by linking individual experiences with larger sociological understandings drawn from critical theory. Using the materials and
theoretical concepts from English 101 and Sociology 101, we will consider how the complexity of “self” is a process shaped through interactions
with each other and larger social phenomena, such as the media, and explore the resistance of representations.
Learning Community #2 (seat limit 25 students)
English Composition I
ENGL101
LC2
45182
Introduction to Human
Biology
BI111
LC2
69897
MW
2:10 - 4:00 pm
H232
Lau, Matt
T
Th
2:10 - 3:00 pm
2:10 - 4:00 pm
S319
S319
Stark, Julian
Learning Community Theme: What Does It Mean to Be a Modern Person? Evolution and Shifting Perceptions
Learning Community Description: This learning community examines essays written by researchers in the fields of evolution and anthropology
in the context of an examination of the human body. In the English composition course, students will study and write about a variety of issues that
broadly correspond to the themes of perception and misperception in the context of modern life. In relation to the Biology course, particular
attention will be given to essays written by Stephen Jay Gould on evolution – its history and politics – and to essays exploring the myth of race.
Students in the learning community will write one essay selected from material covered and connected both to anatomy and to their work in
English composition.
Learning Community #3 (seat limit 24 students)
English Composition I
ENGL101
LC3
65898
Intro. To the Criminal
Justice System
CRIM101
LC3
65151
M
W
T
10:10 - 12:00 pm
10:10 - 12:00 pm
10:10 - 1:00 pm
H406
Atik, Aliza
S424
Sporer, Celia
Learning Community Theme: Narrative and Knowledge in Criminal Justice and English
Learning Community Description: This Learning Community is designed to explore the foundations of the criminal justice system alongside the
fundamentals of English composition and reading. The courses will be connected through an exploration of narrative: narratives of those
experiencing the criminal justice system, and narratives written by students reflecting upon their personal histories and knowledge of the criminal
justice system. Students will develop a greater knowledge about the ways in which the criminal justice system informs their lives, and the skills it
requires to discuss and analyze the complexities of criminology.
Learning Community #4 (seat limit 28 students)
English Composition I
ENGL101
LC4
54440
Criminology
CRIM102
LC4
37947
T
Th
M
2:10 - 4:00 pm
2:10 - 4:00 pm
12:10 - 3:00 pm
H436
Sexton, Danny
M130
Weissinger, George
Learning Community Theme: Criminology and Composition in the American Experience
Learning Community Description: This Learning Community explores the relationship between criminology and composition as they pertain to
the American experience. Criminology provides theoretical explanations for crime causation and its impact on every person living in a society
while composition develops techniques for reading, thinking, and writing about these ideas. In a collaborative effort, students will think, read, and
write about topical criminological issues such as inequailty, the administration of justice, and the immigrant experience. In addition to relevant
essays on these issues, the course will also consider how prose, song lyrics, and other media impact on American criminology.
Learning Community #5 (seat limit 24 students)
English Composition I
ENGL101
LC5
69798
Contemporary Education EDUC101(WI) LC5
Principles & Practices
38035
M
W
MW
8:10 - 10:00 am
8:10 - 10:00 am
10:10 - 12:00 pm
H344
Dolan, Michael
M130
Ferdenzi, Anita
Learning Community Theme: Composing Education
Learning Community Description: By participating in this learning community, students will have the opportunity to experience the exciting
connection between composition (reading/writing) and foundations of education. They will read a wide variety of materials (essays, short stories,
newspaper and magazine articles and research papers) while learning how to apply essential educational foundation and critical thinking strategies.
At the same time, they will learn about effective writing strategies and apply these strategies in their own writing. Students will do an observation
project and write two different reports for the two courses.
Learning Community #6 (seat limit 23 students)
English Composition I
ENGL101
LC6
76930
Growth of American
Civilization II:
Reconstruction to the
Present
HI128 (WI)
LC6
76931
M
W
M
10:10 - 12:00 pm
10:10 - 12:00 pm
1:10 - 4:00 pm
H405
H438
S417
Lintz, Sharon
Nichols, James
Learning Community Theme: U.S. Experience in its Diversity
Learning Community Description: In this Learning Community, students will examine multiple historical perspectives regarding the "U.S.
Experience in its Diversity" theme, with particilar emphasis given to matters of social justice. In the English composition course, students will
write about a variety of issues that broadly correspond to our theme, writing about both themselves and their surrounding communities, with
specific attention given to researching and writing about both the history and current landscape of New York City. Throughout the semester, we
will consider the relationship between the past and present through a variety of texts, including memoirs, essays, historial and contemporary
newspaper articles, speeches, and documentaries.