New Students: We strongly recommend that you participate in a learning community (LC) to enhance your college experience. Since your advisor will attempt to build a fall schedule for you based on an LC, it is important that you take the time to review your choices and indicate your preferences. Your LC preferences will guide your advisor who wants to enroll you into an LC in which you have some interest. Moreover, some of your earliest friends in college will be classmates in your LC, so please give this choice some careful consideration. Below is a list of the various LCs available for Fall 2007. Use this list to identify which LCs appeal to you the most. Then indicate your LC preferences on the SOAR 2007 Student Survey. Your advisor will offer you a preliminary LC selection for your acceptance or adjustment at SOAR based on your preferences as indicated on the Survey.

Honors Learning Communities: First-year Honors students are strongly encouraged to enroll in an Honors LC! Information about Honors LCs can be found at the bottom of this page, and additional details about why you want one are on the Honors LC page.

Program-based Learning Communities:
Students with majors in Computer Science, Dance, Engineering, Music, or Theatre have natural LC cohorts as part of their program. However, students with these majors are still encouraged to indicate their preferences for seminar-based LCs in case they have not met the pre-requisites for the program-based LC for their major (which is the common first choice).

Seminar-based Learning Communities: All new students may participate in LCs centered upon a first-year seminar that focuses on issues relating to enhancing success in college. Some LCs spend part of their time in activities relating to a special theme or focus. Students in an LC are enrolled in a two credit hour first-year seminar and each of the linked General Education courses. Although as an elective the seminar may seem like an “extra” course, as long as a student is full-time with total credit hours at least 12 and not more than 18 hours, there is no extra charge for tuition for the seminar! Therefore the first year seminar course is usually “free” in the sense of no additional tuition cost.

Each section below correlates to a section on the SOAR 2007 Student Survey:

"I like the idea of being in a Learning Community (LC) with other students who are living on campus and that will focus on college success issues and campus life topics."

LCs for Students Living on Campus

Residential Living-Learning Communities (LLC): Everyone in this type of LC lives on campus. This makes it so easy to study and/or socialize together in the evenings and over the weekends! Each LLC has an instructor with extensive experience in residential and student life issues. These LCs will include topics of interest to residents, such as roommate relations, dealing with being homesick, and how to get involved on campus in students clubs, as well as the other college success topics. Each residential LLC provides a great opportunity to make deep friendships with your classmates since all of you live near each other and can socialize, study & attend LC-linked classes together. Juniors who were in LLCs often report they are still best friends with several students they got to know well in their LLC! This type of LC is strongly recommended for anyone who will live on campus.
Among the LLC options there will be an LLC for business majors, one for education majors, and another one for nursing majors. If you want one of these, mark as first choice both the residential and the majors LC preferences (these are the first two options on the Survey).

“I like the idea of being in an LC with other students who have intended majors similar to mine and getting some early contact with the college of my intended major.”

LCs by Specific Major or College:

All of these engage students with college success activities, as well as having a special focus:

• For Biology majors: Learn about the College of Science & Math, and meet fellow biology majors.
• For Business majors: Guest speakers from business & meet fellow business majors.
• For Computer Science & Computer Engineering majors: Learn more about CS/CEG, your college, and meet fellow CS & CEG majors.
• For Education majors: Guest speakers from education and meet fellow education majors.
• For Engineering majors: Learn more about engineering and meet fellow engineering majors.
• For Liberal Arts majors: Learn more about the College of Liberal Arts and meet fellow majors.
• For Nursing majors: Guest speakers from nursing and meet fellow nursing majors; some sections do job shadowing at a local hospital.
• For Physics majors: Learn about the College of Science & Math, and meet fellow physics majors.
• For and Social Services Pre-professionals: mostly majors in Social Work, Rehabilitation Services, Sociology, or Psychology who intend to work in the helping professions: Learn about the helping professions and visit a social services agency.

“I like the idea of being in an LC for undecided students with a focus on exploring majors.”

LCs for Undecided Students Exploring Careers & Majors:
For Undecided Students: Includes an introduction to career planning services at WSU as well as college success topics. Highly recommended for students who have no clue about what they want to do for a career or a major. It is important to start the career exploration process early!

“I like the idea of being in an LC with a wide variety of students with different majors in which more time will be given to student life and college success topics.”

College Success: These LCs offer the widest experience and range of topics relating to college life. They concentrate on college success topics without giving up any class sessions to a special theme or focus. Most sections are taught by Peer Instructors (juniors, seniors & graduate students), and they tend to do a lot of fun educational activities. A wide variety of students with different personality types are attracted to these LCs, so they are more diverse than other LCs in membership. These LCs may be the best for students who want class topics to change frequently and who seek to make new friends from many different backgrounds and majors.

"I like the idea of being in an LC with a special theme." (Part I: Special Studies LCs)

Special Theme LCs for ANY major:
These LCs all have a special theme. At least half of the class sessions will still focus on college success topics. The rest of the class sessions (4 to 9) and activities will be devoted to the special theme. Most of these LCs will likely have more deep learning experiences than many other LCs. They are recommended for students who are not very concerned about adjusting to the demands of college life and who are interested in one of the special themes.

Campus Recreation: Special focus on activities on campus provided by the office of Campus Recreation, including climbing/ rappelling tower, low ropes course, the fitness center and other physical team-building activities. Meets an extra time once / week for these activities. Co-ed.

Chorus: This LC is an opportunity for students who sang in a concert choir during high school to continue singing and meet others with similar musical interests. It is for those who are not majoring in music but still like to sing. The LC seminar will be taught by a Peer Instructor who majors in music. The two linked courses will be University Chorus (no audition required) and MUS214, Music in Western Culture, a GE course. You will have opportunities to experience the rich musical offerings available to students at WSU. If you enjoyed singing in your old choir, you will enjoy singing in ours!

College Success for Commuters: In this LC you will meet fellow commuters and discuss the issues that challenge those who live off campus. Study tips, time management, and how to get involved on campus, all with the commuter student in mind. This is a great chance to make friends!

Concert Band: This LC is an opportunity for students who played in a concert band during high school to continue performing on your instrument and meet others with similar musical interests. It is for those who are not majoring in music but still like to play. The LC seminar will be taught by a Peer Instructor who majors in music. The two linked courses will be Concert Band (no audition required) and MUS214, Music in Western Culture, a GE course. You will have opportunities to experience the rich musical offerings available to students at WSU. If you enjoyed playing in your old band, you will enjoy playing in ours!

Discoveries About Diversity: When students arrive at WSU they quickly realize how different many people on the campus are from them. In this LC you will have the opportunity to take a look at the different diversity issues on our campus, discuss your experience with diversity, and take a look at diversity through the use of current events, media, and text selections. We will take advantage of guest speakers, diversity events, and other activities on campus that highlight diversity issues. You will grow and broaden your horizons by participating in this stimulating LC!

Exploring Cultural Identity Through Art & Literature: This LC will explore cultural identity through experiencing international selections from art, film & literature. You will have fun while gaining a better understanding of the diverse cultures found in American and the world.

Exploring Mind: Can the human mind experience phenomena that seem to go beyond the five senses and conventional wisdom? We will examine this question regarding the capabilities of human consciousness using selected highlights from consciousness studies & parapsychology research, such as distant healing, lucid dreams, psychokinesis, remote viewing, & near-death experiences. The LC will balance these explorations with the views of mainstream Western psychology (PSY105) and Non-Western religions (CST232: Shamanism, Hinduism, Buddhism & Taoism). An open mind is helpful for this LC as we challenge conventional thinking about consciousness. We use a text focusing on “explorations into the further reaches of consciousness.” This LC’s first year seminar meets 3 days/week instead of 2.

Gender & Global Issues: Ever notice how gender affects our lives every day, but no one ever talks about it? In this LC you’ll talk with one another about life at WSU and how gender (almost invisibly) affects everything from our personal relationships to global politics. We’ll screen films like Volver and Memoirs of a Geisha, meet student leaders, share exciting field trips, complete a service project together, and hear guest speakers. Linked to two GE courses: WMS 200 (Approaches to Women’s Studies) & CST 251 (Comparative Non-Western Social Systems).

Global Warming and Climate Change: This LC will focus on exploring the scientific research that revealed global warming and the implications of the resulting climate changes for present and future populations. Main resources for the LC seminar will be the book and DVD of "An Inconvenient Truth".

Global Women & Leadership: Do you want to increase your influence, become a powerful communicator, and learn to build a legacy of leadership? If so, this LC is for you! We will examine past and present women in leadership roles and learn the skills needed to assist you in being successful in you academic career. We will complete a service project together, hear inspiring guest speakers, and bond on exciting field trips. Linked to: WMS 200 & CST 251.

The Gulf Coast After Katrina: A Raider Service Learning Project This LC will explore the events leading up to Hurricane Katrina and the legacy that her devastation has created in the region. The course will culminate with a service learning trip to Biloxi, Mississippi during December 1-8 to help aid in the rebuilding of this coastal community and experience their situation firsthand. A special fee of $250 will be due the seventh week of fall quarter to help cover the cost of the trip. Linked to PLS200 & SOC200.

Human Behavior: Self & Society Engage in this inner journey to decode your personality and unlock the mystery of why you behave the way you do. Explore society through the dissection of current events, music and TV. Above all, meet others and form friendships in a comfortable atmosphere. Linked to PSY105 & SOC 200.

Media Literacy: How to Watch TV Television programs are manufactured. They are constructed by teams of communication professionals. How do these teams create what we see? What is the art of visual storytelling? We will examine the tools professionals use to create television, watch examples of the tools in action, and discuss/ analyze popular TV programs.

No Holds Barred: Speakin' 'bout Truth and Consequences of Stereotypes: This LC will encourage participants to examine various social stigmas and stereotypes that often hinder their college success. Using an interactive seminar-based approach, students will engage in an open dialogue among students, the instructor, and guest speakers on the different perspectives of college life today.

Our Common Culture: The American Mosaic This LC aims to improve students’ understanding of the cultures of the many groups that make up the American Mosaic. It will feature guest speakers from various ethnic groups who will share about their cultures. Students will learn about the different timelines of immigration and contributions of people from all walks of life that make up the rich American culture.

Outdoor Adventures for Women: This exciting LC will address topics young women face in today’s society, including adjusting to college, using physical experiences to challenge the body as well as the mind. We will push ourselves and increase our self-confidence through activities such as climbing & rappelling the tower and mastering the low-ropes course. A few weekend adventures are tentatively planned. Meets an extra time/ week. Women only.

Preparing for Leadership Through Service Learning: This LC explores service learning as a pathway to becoming a leader. Service learning will provide you with the chance to use what you learn in class to address real-world problems, explore career development, and become more involved in the local community both on and off campus. As part of this LC you will help plan a service learning project, complete it as a group, and reflect on its impact—you will also have fun while learning, developing valuable skills, and making a difference in the community!

The Psychology of Hip Hop Culture: An examination of the history and psychological impact of Hip Hop music and videos on American culture. This LC will explore the influence of the Hip-Hop sub-cultures on urban and suburban environments, as well as their impact on the American value systems, economics, and cross-cultural relationships. We will also examine how the genre has impacted race and gender stereotypes, professional and business ethics, popular mainstream culture, and much more!

Sports & Society: Students will take a global, issues-oriented approach to study the role of sports in our society. We will discuss current sports-related issues and controversies and help students develop critical thinking skills. We will provide an insight into sports-related careers, sociological and psychological characteristics of athletic performance, and how sports directly affect our everyday life. Two sections will be offered: one for WSU athletes, one for any student.

Student Clubs & Campus Involvement: Learn about student clubs, organizations, and on-campus events. Participation in some fun co-curricular activities is expected. Recommended for those who want to experience the full range of what college life offers for student development!

Study Abroad: Getting to Know Other Cultures This LC’s special focus is on our Study Abroad Program. Studying overseas positively influences your career path, world-view, and self-confidence; it will impact your life for years after the experience. Students will learn about the various study abroad opportunities that WSU offers, including tips on how to get the most out of your experience. This LC is great preparation for those who may study abroad later on at WSU.

Support Services for Students with Disabilities: This LC is for students who will be registered with the Office of Disabilities Services and is taught by ODS staff. The focus is to assist students with the transition to college and address disability-related concerns, including how to access support services to enhance their success. Recommended for students with disabilities that may impact college performance.

Understanding Personality Through MBTI: Students will take the MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) and learn about their personality type and how it influences their preferred learning style, time management, interpersonal communication, and teamwork preferences through fun activities!

Wright Talk, Wright Write: In this LC you will learn to make distinctions between informal writing (such as text messaging, journaling, etc) and more formal academic prose by writing and discussing examples of each. We will learn to identify “pitfalls” in academic writing while gaining valuable experience with campus resources for writers. We will share our creations by posting them to our Course Studio homepage and then discuss them in class.

“I have been accepted into the WSU Honors Program and like the idea of being in an Honors LC.”

University Honors Program LCs: For Honors students only, and highly recommended!

Honors Learning Communities are an excellent way to get off to a good start in Honors. Students who successfully complete all components of an Honors LC will earn credit for three Honors courses. This makes completing the requirements for graduation "with Honors" much easier. All first-year Honors students are strongly encouraged to enroll in an Honors LC!

Education in a Democracy: This Honors LC is designed for education majors who are living in the Honors Community. It links a general education course with ED 210 which is required of all ed. majors. The linking seminar is usually taught by a graduate student in education who is also a graduate of the Honors Program.

Engineered for Success: This Honors LC will feature EGR 101, ENG 101 and UH 101. The ENG 101 will have a technical writing focus. This LC is a great way for engineering majors to get started in the Honors Program. It's suitable for all engineering majors except Computer Science and Computer Engineering majors.

Language, Power, and Politics: This Honors LC will explore the power generated by the intersections of language and politics. In ENG 101 you will develop your personal power in using language by analyzing and evaluating the writing of others and by sharpening your own skills in using oral and written language. In PLS 200 you will study the variety of political systems used to secure and hold power. In UH 101 we will link these areas of study by using our own political power and our power with language in service of the public good through a community service project.

Pre-Med Students: This Honors LC will include BIO 111 & CHM 121 and is designed for those Honors students planning for medical school. The instructor is our Pre-Med Advisor!

Service, Justice, and Society: This Honors LC will include a community service co-curricular component & links ENG101 & SOC200. Students in this LC will live in the Honors Community.

The West and the World: This Honors LC will explore western culture’s relationship with the rest of the world through the study of history, literature, and writing. Students will also interact with members of non-western cultures on campus. Co-taught by the Director of the Honors Program. This LC is designed for students living in the Honors Community.

New Students: Now that you have reviewed the LC Preview list and marked your favorite LCs, return to the SOAR Student Survey and indicate your LC preferences for your advisor.
Your advisor will meet you at SOAR and you will receive more information about LCs and your fall quarter schedule of classes. We look forward to seeing you then!

To return to the SOAR Pre-Registration Survey page, click here.

University College Monday - Thursday 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 180 University Hall Wright State University 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy. Dayton, OH 45435-0001 Telephone: (937) 775-5750 Fax: (937) 775-5762