Welcome to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Learning Communities
If you are looking for an academic experience where:
- your teachers really know and care about you as an individual and your classmates become your best friends
- you learn, live, study and grow as part of a small community within a large metropolitan university setting
- your courses are integrated across disciplines and relate to a common theme
Then a Learning Community is the place for you.
Learning Communities courses are designed and taught by teams of faculty members from different disciplines. The selected faculty have proved their talents and dedication to undergraduate teaching in the classroom. Learning Communities faculty have won teaching awards from Associated Students of ASU, the ASU President's Office, ASU Student Affairs and Kappa Alpha Fraternity, among others.
"The faculty are awesome. All ASU professors know how to teach, but what sets the Learning Communities faculty apart is their interest in and dedication to your success as students and people." —Kal Clark, biology and society; hometown: Pewee Valley, Ky.; Human Disease and Society Learning Community, 2003
In the Learning Communities, classroom material and extracurricular activities, such as field trips and pizza, movie and discussion sessions, are integrated to enhance your intellectual development. Also, faculty and students frequently have breakfast or lunch together to get to know one another on a personal basis.
"There are interesting guest speakers, such as war veterans who share their real-life experiences, and trips to museums to enhance your understanding of certain time periods or cultures. These activities really bring the class to life." —Lauren Prieb, pre-law; hometown: Phoenix; War, Culture and Memory Learning Community, 2003
Students enrolled in a Learning Community have access to a designated librarian, peer tutors and a specially assigned advisor for individualized research and academic support. You also can participate in study groups and other activities organized by peer mentors.
"Having a specific librarian on hand is great. As a freshman, there is this fear you have of new things, new people, new rules and new places. Having someone there who knows your name is a big help." —Christina Garcia , psychology; hometown: Eldridge, Iowa; Multicultural America Learning Community, 2003
All of the Learning Communities are dedicated to enhancing students' information-literacy, critical-thinking and writing skills. Librarians work with the faculty on developing course materials that focus on basic computer skills, research skills and how to critically evaluate online information.
"The Learning Communities provide such good opportunities to grow as a scholar. During small-group discussion time there is the opportunity to debate and extend your views on issues. Many drafts are required for an essay, which enhances your writing skills. And the selection of books is excellent." —Lauren Prieb, pre-law; hometown: Phoenix; War, Culture and Memory Learning Community, 2003
Each Learning Community is limited to fewer than 100 freshmen, enabling you to develop a supportive network of peers on campus. In addition, CLAS Hall at Hassayampa Academic Village is set aside for Learning Communities students who wish to live together.
Under construction—Morgan Fairman, premed, no preference; hometown: Illinois; Human Disease and Society Learning Community, 2008