students studying in stundent lounge

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 2024 Learning Communities

The following Learning Communities courses are offered during the Fall 2024 semester.

Explore the processes of the American government and the role of rhetoric through the lens of the 2024 elections. The Presidential, Congressional and local campaigns provide a unique opportunity to study, analyze and evaluate candidates’ strategies as related to the principles of American politics and written communication. Students will engage in service learning and other out-of-class activities.

  • ENGLI-1101-LC004, Composition I (Gen Ed: Communication)—3 credits
    Mondays and Wednesdays, noon to 12:50 p.m.
  • POLS-1101-LC004, American Politics (Gen Ed: Social and Behavioral Sciences)—3 credits
    Mondays and Wednesdays, 1 to 1:50 p.m.

Information: James Allen, allenj@cod.edu or Maureen Heffern Ponicki, heffernponickim@cod.edu

Hybrid format requires additional weekly coursework outside of the classroom.

How do we analyze and interpret sports literature? Through reading about history, studying trends, examining statistics and discussing the many sociological significances in sport. Sports enthusiasts can deepen their understanding of the issues, psychology, culture and emotion of sports. Explore social science and literary art through sports studies and literature.

  • ENGLI-1130-LC030, Introduction to Literature (Gen Ed: Humanities and Fine Arts)—3 credits
    Online
  • PHYS-2210-LC030, Sports in Society—3 credits
    Mondays and Wednesdays, 1 to 2:15 p.m.

Information

Jackie McGrath, mcgrathj@cod.edu or Stephanie Vlach, vlachs@cod.edu

Internet access is required for fully online courses (NET) and virtual classroom meetings (VCM). For more information, visit cod.edu/online.

Build your expertise through integrated coursework in an advanced study of human resource management. Upon completion, students can demonstrate to employers their competencies in responding to today’s HRM job challenges. Prerequisite: MANAG-2240: Human Resources Management

  • MANAG-2242-LC030, Talent Acquisition and Retention—2 credits
  • MANAG-2245-LC030, Compensation, Benefits and Total Rewards—2 credits
  • MANAG-2248-LC030, Strategic HR Management—2 credits

The three certificate courses meet back-to-back on campus, on Wednesday evenings, from 6 to 9:30 p.m.

Information

Jane Murtaugh, (630) 942-2821, murtaugh@cod.edu

Hybrid format requires additional weekly coursework outside of the classroom.
Internet access is required for fully online courses (NET) and virtual classroom meetings (VCM). For more information, visit cod.edu/online.

Explore the integration of psychology and aspects of the courtroom environment. Investigate how psychological theories and principles can be systematically applied to various components of the American criminal justice system, including, but not limited to, the system’s primary components of courts, police, corrections, victims and offenders.

  • CRIMJ-1100-LC025, Introduction to Criminal Justice—3 credits
    Online
  • PSYCH-1100-LC025, General Psychology (Gen Ed: Social and Behavioral Sciences)—3 credits
    Online

Information: Tauya Forst, johnsont217@cod.edu or Or’Shaundra Benson, bensono@cod.edu

Internet access is required for fully online courses (NET) and virtual classroom meetings (VCM). For more information, visit cod.edu/online.

Restoring a prairie. Planting a garden. Making art inspired by nature. Conserving water and energy. How we engage with the environment impacts how we think about land use, natural resources, agriculture, biodiversity, industrialization and pollution. Explore the Earth’s vital systems and consider creative ways to a sustainable future by studying ecological concepts and artistic principles. We will read, discuss, make art and explore in real life.

  • ART-2217-FS002, Art and Nature—3 credits
    Thursdays, 10 to 11:50 a.m.
  • BIOLO-1110-FS002, Environmental Biology, (Gen Ed: Physical and Life Sciences)—4 credits
    Tuesdays, 9 to 11:50 a.m.

Information: Jackie Weaver, weaverj1376@cod.edu or Shamili Ajgaonkar, sandifor@cod.edu

Hybrid format requires additional weekly coursework outside of the classroom.

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

Contact Information

James Allen
(630) 942-3421
Email: allenj@cod.edu