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!”
Fall 2026 Learning Communities
The following Learning Communities courses are offered during the Fall 2026 semester.
Incoming A.F.A. majors take all their semester art classes in a cohort, building community
while exploring artmaking approaches and techniques.
*Permit required.
- ART-1101-LC001, Drawing I—3 credits
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 to 11:50 a.m. (First 8-week session) - ART-1151-LC001, 2-D Foundations Studio—3 credits
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 3:50 p.m. (Second 8-week session) - ART-2213-LC001, Art Histories Since 1950 (Gen Ed: Fine Arts/Humanities)—3 credits
Wednesdays, 1 to 3:50 p.m. (16 weeks)
Complete core coursework in a supportive and affirming environment. *Permit required.
- COLLG-1115-LC003, College Success Skills (Contemporary Life Skills)—2 credits
Tuesdays, 1 to 2:50 p.m. - ENGLI-1101-LC003, English Composition I (Gen Ed: Communications)—3 credits
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. - SPEECH-1100-LC003, Speech Fundamentals (Gen Ed: Communications)—3 credits
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Study the dual perspectives of history and biology to explore the environment’s role
in world history.
- HISTO-1160-LC003, World Civilization Since 1300 (Gen Ed: Humanities)—3 credits
Tuesdays, 11 a.m. to 1:50 p.m. - BIOLO-1110-LC003, Environmental Biology (Gen Ed: Life Sciences)—4 credits
Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 1:50 p.m.
Complete your HRM certificate through this advanced study in HR process and policy
development.
- MANAG-2242-LC018, Talent Acquisition and Retention—2 credits
Wednesdays, 6 to 7:05 p.m. - MANAG-2245-LC018, Compensation, Benefits and Total Rewards—2 credits
Wednesdays, 7:15 to 8:20 p.m. - MANAG-2248-LC018, Strategic Employee Relations—2 credits
Wednesdays, 8:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Develop effective reading and writing communication skills in the context of the manufacturing field.
- MANUF-1101-LC001, Industrial Design/CAD—3 credits
Wednesdays, 1 to 3 p.m. - ENGLI-1101-LC001, English Composition I (Gen Ed: Communications)—3 credits
Wednesdays, 3 to 4:45 p.m.
Explore the cultural components that impact conspiracy theories and misinformation and learn how to combat them.
- ANTHR-1130-LC022, People and World Cultures (Gen Ed: Social and Behavioral Sciences,
Global/Multicultural Studies or Human Relations)—3 credits
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 9 to 9:50 a.m. - ENGLI-1102-LC022, English Composition II (Gen Ed: Communications)—3 credits
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 10 to 10:50 a.m.
Right and wrong. Just and unjust. True and false. Fixed and flexible. Explore how language shapes ethical choices.
- ENGLI-1101-LC002, English Composition I (Gen Ed: Communications)—3 credits
Mondays and Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. - PHILO-1110-LC002, Ethics (Gen Ed: Humanities)—3 credits
Mondays and Wednesdays, 12:30 to 1:45 p.m.
Co-enrollment is required for all learning communities. Course meeting times are subject to change. View classes
If you have not yet applied to take classes at College of DuPage, you will need to apply for admission before registering.
Professor, English
Contact Information
James Allen
Take the Next Step
Whether you’re exploring, applying or planning your path, COD makes it easy to get started.