Take your required classes in a new and innovative way!

Learning Communities integrate two or more courses using a common theme. By connecting subjects through readings and assignments, understanding of the material is easier and learning is improved. Furthermore, you'll work with the same community of students in the linked classes, helping each other succeed and making friends along the way. To enroll, simply register for the specific courses and sections in the learning community. The courses will transfer and appear on your transcript just as they would if you took them separately.

Benefits of Learning Communities:

• Reinforcement of content in both courses.
• Opportunity to make friends and form strong bonds with fellow students.
• Built-in support system.
• Increased interaction with the faculty.
• Courses offered at prime times.
• Courses often offered back-to-back in the same room.

Fall 2020 Learning Communities

Just Us: Social Justice for a Just World

Is this the kind of society and world in which you want to live? In this cluster, you will investigate, discuss and speak out about social justice issues you care about most. Find out what activists are doing to address injustices in areas such as civil rights, criminal justice, the environment, foreign policy, immigration, labor unions, privacy rights, social class, women’s rights and more. Learn how to advocate for the principles you believe in and create a more just society. Learn how to let your voice be heard!

Prerequisite: Eligibility for ENG 101 / 101A.

Last W(rites): Dealing, Not Dwelling, with Death

Rites (and writing) surrounding death have allowed us space to grieve and to celebrate, to mourn and to move on. Build on the skills in writing and research you learned in English 101, but add your own voice, focusing on human encounters with death and memorializing, while establishing your skills as a speaker and presenter. Study social traditions and individual inventions for coping, texts and tributes, and local sites of interest while becoming a stronger orator.

Prerequisite: Eligibility for ENG-101/101A.

What is your Food IQ? Facts, Myths and Misinformations about What We Eat

What are the implications of your food choices?  Did you know that something as common as table sugar can impact human rights, the environment and human health? Study contemporary literature related to food's impact on health, politics, economics, culture and the environment, and connect this information to knowledge gained through scientific inquiry.

Prerequisite: Eligibility for ENG-101 (Math requirement for BIO-135 waived)

Screen Time: Living in an Online Society

How much of your life is lived online? In 2020, nearly all aspects of American society have a digital option: shopping, learning, dating, banking, navigating, stealing, job-searching, reading, keeping records of the past, photographing the present, dreaming of the future, even keeping in touch with our loved ones. How does this new reality affect a society? How do we determine our roles within it, and live our best lives? Use sociological concepts and theories to examine how the internet has shaped our everyday lives. Consider the consequences of spending time in this virtual space. Research sociological topics based on your own interests while you demonstrate strategies for effectively speaking and writing about society’s constantly changing web of ideas.

Eligibility for ENG 101

The Game is Rigged

Imagine a world where there are neither distinctions in socioeconomic class nor social hierarchies or privileges based on religion, race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality or nationality. Imagine a society where there is no hunger, no greed and no need for material possessions, and people are free to pursue creative passions and enjoy work. Is this a possibility in the capitalist society we live in? Can such a utopia be achieved best by gradual reform or a sudden revolution? Critically analyze historical texts and contemporary issues, and explore how various systems of stratification such as class, race, ethnicity, gender, and sexuality intersect with religion and our political and economic systems.

Eligibility for ENG 101

Success in Business through Communication and Technology

Acquire communication and technology skills needed to compete and function within today’s dynamic, complex and innovative digital economy. Gain essential analytical skills that employers are looking for and the knowledge that will help you to ultimately find (or land) your ideal job. The skills you will learn can also be used to start and grow a business of your own.

Anatomy of a Monster

In this learning community, we will explore a variety of psychological concepts and use that knowledge to enhance our study of Mary Shelley’s "Frankenstein." Topics of discussion will include, but not be limited to, the definition of monstrosity, ethics and morality, language acquisition and cognitive development, trauma, freewill versus fate, the nature of evil, persecution and rejection, and a wide range of psychological disorders.

Eligibility for ENG 101

Let's Speak about the same kind of different as me at AACC

How do your life experiences influence your perceptions of others? Do you naturally see the similarities or do you notice the differences? In this course, students explore how symbolic interactions correspond with blind spotting specific cultures and/or groups. Students will identify a selected group to represent with a call to action to fuel a change in their community. This course creates a heightened sense of cultural awareness, interpersonal skills and small group dynamics. Crank up your communication skills with table topics, group panels/talk show and individual speeches.

Speaking of History: Connecting with History through Speech

Good speeches have shaped and described U.S. history since the country’s founding. Expand your knowledge of selected U.S. historical events and personalities while refining your public speaking skills, conducting research and gaining confidence as a presenter. Study texts, primary sources and videos, and gain speaking practice.

Prerequisite: Eligibility for ENG 101/101A..