Academic Web Manager
Cleveland State University Learning Communities for First-Year Students
Ask your Academic Advisor about these Learning Communities being offered
in Fall 2008.
Or, contact CSU Learning Communities Activities Director
phone: 216-687-5561
email: learningcommunities@csuohio.edu.
Space is limited so act now!
CSU INTRODUCES Learning Communities
Learning Communities create the sense of a small campus…helping students get connected, grow intellectually and socially…achieve better grades and succeed. In Learning Communities, students are exposed to a variety of disciplines and programs of study allowing them to make connections from multiple perspectives. This usually leads to more engaged learning, better understanding, and higher grades.
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WHAT IS a Learning Community?
Learning Communities are “student-centered models” for the delivery of education that feature five components proven effective to support academic achievement.
- Clustered courses organized around a provocative, unifying theme
- Cohort participation where 25 students attend small classes together
- Easy access to Faculty to develop positive, supportive relationships
- Field trips and co-curricular activities that extend learning beyond the classroom
- Academic supports and services that contribute to engaged learning and balance
Being in a community helps students balance the academic and social dimensions of University life and research shows that students who participate in Learning Communities are more likely to achieve higher grades and graduate in 4–5 years.
WHAT DISTINGUISHES CSU Learning Communities?
- Our location gives us the unique advantage to make the City our classroom. Learning extends beyond the classroom, taking full advantage of area landmarks, museums, and resources to stimulate intellectual growth.
- Highly motivated and engaged faculty collaborate to integrate course content, assignments, and co-curricular activities that foster active and engaged learning.
- An Embedded Librarian serves in each Learning Community and assists students as they develop Information Literacy and complete intellectually challenging assignments.
- Peer Mentor Coaches serve as excellent role models and support student transition from High School to the demands of University life, coordinating study groups, and facilitating positive learning activities.
WHY PARTICIPATE IN a Learning Community?
Learning Communities are designed for first-year students to provide a powerful supportive system to make a smooth transition to the rigorous demands of University life. It is an exciting way to experience the first year of higher education with smaller classes, interesting and intellectually challenging coursework, positive interactions with faculty and peers, and lots of co-curricular activities.
Creating a Small College Atmosphere on a Major Metropolitan Campus
To Enroll: Contact your Academic Advisor or phone 216.687.5561
E-mail: learningcommunities@csuohio.edu
Fall 2008 Learning Communities:
Local and global history comes alive as students explore the rise of African American institutions, in this area, since the abolitionistmovement and Reconstruction. With a focus on the changing cultural, political, and economic structures of the local urban experience, students will visit historic landmarks to examine the sites where much of the history being studied has taken place. This Learning Community is ideal for students who want to study history in the context of contemporary cultural reality. Courses:
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Trace the patterns of the African Diaspora and explore the historic events that contribute to contemporary notions of race, color, diversity and the aesthetic, multi-cultural perceptions associated with the range of skin colors. Patterns of dance, theatre and otherethnic forms of cultural expressions will be examined. Students will gain deeper understanding of the connection between history, patterns of thinking and color biases that contribute to thecreation of social and political systems and contemporary issues. Courses:
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Students interested in a Computer and Information Science major will enjoy this opportunity. It is a rigorous course of study examining the history of computing, evolving and expanding use of computing technology in the business environment, management of computing resources, ethics, security and future trends. Students in this Learning Community will be introduced to opportunities for application of learning in Internship situations. Courses:
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Learn about the practice of teaching in contemporary environments and Education as a profession. Using technology, combined with enhanced teaching strategies, instructors will teach strategies and practice methods that demystify math and science principles helping students understand and achieve greater success. Students will be actively involved with Service Learning Projects that provide opportunity for immediate application and deeper understanding. Courses:
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This Community is a powerful and constructive way for tomorrow’s leaders to imagine the future and examine the role of leadership in society. Understand the nature of effective moral, ethical, social, artistic and economic dimensions of leadership. Students will closely examine real-time contemporary issues with hands-on application of theories. Using strong analytical and critical thinking skills, students will develop strategies for organizing and leading positive social action. Courses:
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Students will examine contemporary societal issues and the various ways in which we try to make sense of our worlds, analyze situations, define realities, and engage with others in society. Issues of personal and shared responsibility for society and its members will be considered in the context of the way we live our lives and construct our worlds. Students will be challenged to examine old ways of knowing as they develop strong analytical skills and explore this theme in the context of their own lives and visions for the future. Courses:
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Students will study contemporary topics in business, influences of politics and governing structures, technologies, cultural competencies and ethics.The primary focus will be emerging trends in the global market place.This Learning Community will challenge our ways of thinking and operating in global business environments. Students will participate in a variety of co-curricular learning activities and field trips. Courses:
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How do selected groups acquire and operate on the basis of power, passion and privilege? Examine the ways in which language and privilege serve as instruments to create and sustain hierarchies and influence social and cross-cultural interactions. Students will explore how cultures of domination are created and how wisdom serves the interest of peace and peace making as we shape our worlds. Lectures, demonstrations, films, co-curricular activities, and frequent participation with diverse groups are important features in this interdisciplinary study. Courses:
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This Learning Community includes foundation courses to explore a range of careers in Health Care. Implications of new scientific discoveries, use of technologies, and ethics in the profession will be explored. Students will be actively involved in co-curricular activities and a variety of service learning opportunities for hands-on and real-time learning. Courses:
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Colors of Mind: History, Culture and Social Life
