Learning Communities
Learning Communities combine two or more classes linked by a common theme, allowing a more immersive exploration of the class topics. You’ll enhance your education and develop a meaningful support network with others who share similar interests. Learning Communities are innovatively designed to help you enjoy the path to achieving academic success! Check below for this semester’s offerings.
How Learning Communities Work
- They encourage deeper learning by exploring subjects through an interdisciplinary perspective that promotes integrated learning.
- Classes run back-to-back with a break in between.
- More time spent with faculty and classmates allows you to develop meaningful relationships and increased collaboration.
- They allow you to complete general education and/or program requirements in a unique learning environment.
- Assignments are often coordinated, creating a workload that feels more manageable.
- Some learning communities even take field trips!
What Students Have to Say
- “It definitely had more of a family feel than any other class.”
- “I participated in two learning communities in my time at COD and I wish the university I transferred to offered them. Content from these courses stuck with me because we had more time to discuss and absorb the information. I always noticed how topics from my classes would crossover, and learning communities allow you to share that experience with a whole group.”
- “I think [learning communities] are great! It was very helpful to have two classes that were together; it made my first semester easier and prepared me for the rest of my college experience.”
- “Good way to learn by getting ideas from various perspectives.”
- “It is great! You’re able to tie together all of the coursework and complete multiple classes during one period.”
- “Incredibly engaging. Every class should be in this format!”
Spring 2027 Learning Communities
The following Learning Communities courses are offered during the Spring 2027 semester.
Using the paired lenses of Environmental Biology and Humanities, this learning community allows students to explore human relationships with the Earth, and to consider how decisions made today affect the future of our planet. Together we explore how and why we make the decisions we make and examine differing philosophical responses as possible approaches to current environmental challenges.
Hybrid format: a mix of face-to-face, internet and/or virtual class meeting. Internet access is required. Must co-enroll in BIOLO-1110-LC040 and HUMNT-1102-LC040. Fee: $40 (includes field trips).
Information: Shamili Ajgaonkar, email: sandifor@cod.edu or Julia DiLiberti, email: dilibert@cod.edu
- BIOLO-1110-LC040, Environmental Biology (Gen Ed: Life Science) - 4 credits
Tuesdays, 11 a.m. to 1:50 p.m. - HUMNT-1102-LC040, Introduction to Humanities: Ideas and Values (Gen Ed: Humanities or Fine Arts) - 3 credits
Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 1:50 p.m.
This learning community offers an innovative approach to understanding chemistry principles through ceramic art. Explore foundational chemistry concepts in CHEMI-1105, then apply them practically in ART-2242 to craft custom glazes melding scientific precision with artistic flair.
Must co-enroll in CHEMI-1105-LC035 and ART-2242-LC035.
Information: David Nasca, email: nascad@cod.edu or Lauren Chlebanowski, email: chlebanowskil@cod.edu
- CHEMI-1105-LC035, Contemporary Chemistry (Gen Ed: Physical Sciences) - 4 credits
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 1:50 p.m. - ART-2242-LC035, Glaze Chemistry (Gen Ed: Fine Arts, Humanities) - 3 credits
Mondays and Wednesdays, 1 to 2:50 p.m.
How are the prairies of the American Midwest relevant to what we eat? Can you save the world by giving up bottled water? Just how bad for the planet is the suburban green lawn? This learning community examines lifestyle issues and critically analyzes the relationships among population, natural resources, agriculture, biodiversity, industrialization, and pollution, as well as how to ask a scientific question about the environment and find the information to answer it.
Hybrid format: a mix of face-to-face, internet and/or virtual class meeting. Internet access is required. Must co-enroll in both BIOLO-1110-LC030 and COLLG-1116-LC030. Fee: $40 (includes field trips).
Information: Shamili Ajgaonkar, email: sandifor@cod.edu or Laura Burt-Nicholas, email: burt-nicholasl@cod.edu
- COLLG-1116-LC030, Research in the Information Age - 1 credit
Wednesdays, 9 to 9:50 a.m. - BIOLO-1110-LC030, Environmental Biology (Gen Ed: Life Sciences) - 4 credits
Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 12:50 p.m.
The HRM Certificate learning community provides advanced, integrated, and experientially-based Human Resources Management studies for those seeking to launch, further develop, or transition into a HR or HR-related career. HR career development and networking connections activities are also included. The three certificate courses meet consecutively on campus.
Hybrid format: a mix of face-to-face, internet and/or virtual class meeting. Internet access is required. Must co-enroll in MANAG-2242-LC030, MANAG-2245-LC030 and MANAG-2248-LC030.
Information: Jane Murtaugh, (630) 942-2821, email: murtaugh@cod.edu
- MANAG-2242-LC030, Talent Acquisition and Retention - 2 credits
Wednesdays, 6 to 7:50 p.m. - MANAG-2245-LC030, Compensation, Benefits and Total Rewards - 2 credits
Wednesdays, 7:15 to 8:20 p.m. - MANAG-2248-LC030, Strategic HR Management - 2 credits
Wednesdays, 8:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Does it really matter if we win or lose? Does playing board games make you a better communicator? How does rooting for a sports team help build social bonds? Study social psychology through a range of games and sports. Develop skills in research, information literacy, and motivation that will be valuable long after the class.
Must co-enroll in ENGLI-1102-LC040 and PSYCH-2240-LC040.
Information: Jim Allen, email: allenj@cod.edu or Sarah Butler, email: butlers584@cod.edu
- ENGLI-1102-LC040, Composition II (Gen Ed: Communications) - 3 credits
Mondays and Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. - PSYCH-2240-LC040, Social Psychology (Gen Ed: Social and Behavioral Sciences; Human Relations) - 3 credits
Mondays and Wednesdays, 12:30 to 1:45 p.m.
Dive deep inside road trip films. Survey several classic films to explore how they work, and what they mean to you.
Hybrid format: a mix of face-to-face, internet and/or virtual class meeting. Internet access is required. Must co-enroll in BIOLO-1110-LC040 and HUMNT-1102-LC040. Fee: $40 (includes field trips). Must co-enroll in ENGLI-1135-FS035 or MPTV-1135-LC035 and either ENGLI-1154-LC035 or MPTV-1154-LC035.
Information: Brian Brems, email: bremsb@cod.edu or Gianni Barchiesi, email: barchiesig@cod.edu
- ENGLI/MPTV-1135-LC035, Introduction to Film Art - 3 credits
Wednesdays, 12:30 to 1:45 p.m. - ENGLI/MPTV-1154-LC035, Film as Literature - 3 credits
Wednesdays, 2 to 4:50 p.m.
This learning community merges 3D Foundations, Time-Based Media, and Art History to explore multidisciplinary approaches to artmaking. It will serve as a platform for creating site-specific, responsive works through the integration of video, performance, sculpture, sound, and installation. Through the study of art history, students will learn the historical practices and contexts for these media.
Must co-enroll in ART-1152-LC032, ART-2212-LC032, and ART-2281-LC032.
Information: Jackie Weaver, email: weaverj1376@cod.edu, Eric Fuentes, email: fuertese@cod.edu or David Ouelette, email: oueletted@cod.edu
- ART-1152-LC032, 3D Foundations - 3 credits
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 to 11:50 a.m. - ART-2212-LC032, Art Histories from 1400-1950 (Gen Ed: Fine Arts) - 3 credits
Wednesdays, 1 to 3:50 p.m. - ART-2281-LC032, Time-Based Media - 3 credits
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1 to 3:50 p.m.
How do we analyze and interpret sport in society and literature? Through reading history and literature and studying trends and statistics, athletes and fans can deepen their understanding of the issues, psychology, culture, and emotion of sports. Explore social science and literary art through a study of sports and sports writing.
Hybrid format: a mix of face-to-face, internet and/or virtual class meeting. Internet access is required. Must co-enroll in ENGLI-1130-LC030 and PHYS-2210-LC030.
Information: Jackie McGrath at mcgrathj@cod.edu or Stephanie Vlach at vlachs@cod.edu
- ENGLI-1130-LC030, Introduction to Literature (Gen Ed: Humanities) - 3 credits
Mondays, 1 to 2:15 p.m. - PHYS-2210-LC030, Sports in Society - 3 credits
Wednesdays, 1 to 2:15 p.m.
Co-enrollment is required for all learning communities. Course meeting times are subject to change. View classes
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Professor, English
Contact Information
James Allen
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