Credit Course Schedules - J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College

Learning Communities — Are a Practical Way to Learn

A learning community is when two (or more) course sections in the same semester are linked together and the same students enroll in both course sections. Professors work together to coordinate assignments, content, and improve crossover learning between the courses. Classes are typically back-to-back, or at the same time on alternating days.

Say you’re learning how to structure a research paper in your English composition class. Now say you have a paper due in Western Civilization on thedevelopment of the European government. Wouldn’t it be convenient to write one paper and get credit for both classes? Well, that’s the concept of a Learning Community – to coordinate what you’re learning in one class and apply it to another. What a practical way to learn and complete your class requirements!

Learning Communities give added meaning to your college experience. The program takes apparently unrelated courses and links them together with a common theme and team of instructors. Professors coordinate so that each knows what the other is teaching and they work together to tie themes into relevant reading and writing assignments.

Things YOU need to know about Learning Communities (LCs)

LCs are NOT harder, BUT they are BETTER because one course in a LC supports the other course(s). Professors work together to coordinate assignments, content, and improve crossover learning between the courses.
In a learning community, you still take the same courses you need for your degree or program; that is, there are no wasted courses/credits.
>> See the guide for transferring LC courses
It doesn’t cost any more to take a learning community.
You’ll get to know other students better and faster.
You’ll likely get better grades in your LC classes and you will get a better start on your college education.
Convenience; for example, courses are schedule to meet back-to-back on the same days or the week or at the same time on alternate days of the week.
You are encouraged to register for a learning community in your first semester at the college. There are opportunities, but no obligation, to continue for more than one semester.
If you come to Reynolds, you have the option of registering for a LC; if you were attending a four-year college or university, chances are very high you would be enrolled in a learning community.

Student Success & Reynolds Learning Communities

Multiple studies in higher education over the past 30 years show higher rates of student retention, improved student GPAs, and higher levels of student satisfaction as the result of participation in learning communities.

Comparable studies at Reynolds have obtained similar positive outcomes.

Student Testimonials

Both classes in my Learning Community can be used to satisfy core degree requirements in a college transfer program which was THE deciding factor in my decision to enroll. I work full time and have to make the most of my class time—the Learning Community was a neat way to meet my needs. -Reynolds Student, Christine Kroeger

Learning Communities bring together classes with two totally different subjects. By bringing together art and history, I was able to study how the cultural events that were occurring during a certain time influenced the art of that time period. Also having recently moved to Richmond, I enjoyed making some new friends. -Reynolds Student, Jessica Buckman

More courses . . . Less class time! - Reynolds Student, Katy Dunn

Courses are easier to deal with because they are linked together. – Reynolds Student, Kelly McIntosh

Spring 2013 Learning Community Courses include: [back to top]

Getting a Clue* – Reynolds’ Freshman Seminar - This learning community will help you make those critical life choices (like picking a major, a career, or a transfer college) by teaching you how to set goals, improve productivity, and develop the habits needed to ensure success in school and in life. “Clue,” linking ENG111 and SDV 100, has been awarded the Virginia Community College System’s first-place honorsfor Excellence in Education. Students interested in this Learning Community must register for both course sections. You have a choice of selecting from four offerings of this learning community as follows,

PARHAM ROAD CAMPUS “CLUES”
¨ CLUE #1

ENG 111 College Composition (3cr.), 54620, section 01CP, T, 11-12:15 p.m., Prof
Brownhill (This is a hybrid course which combines in-class instruction with online assignments to replicate the experience of taking an online course while providing support and instruction in how to succeed as an online learner.)

AND

SDV 100 College Success Skills (1cr.), 53949, section 05CP, Th, 11-12:30 p.m., 1st 8 wks. Prof Ratliff

¨ CLUE #2

ENG 111 College Composition (3cr.), 54219, section 02CP, M&W, 1-2:15 p.m., Prof Bourne

AND

SDV 100 College Success Skills (1cr.), 53957, section 06CP, F, 1-2:30 p.m., 1st 8 wks. Prof Morrison

DOWNTOWN CAMPUS “CLUE”
¨ CLUE #3

ENG 111 College Composition (3cr.), 54613,section 01CD, T & Th, 9:30-10:45 a.m., Prof Walsh

AND

SDV 100 College Success Skills (1cr.), 57571, section 04CD, T, 11-12:30 p.m., 1st 8 wks. Prof Morrison

Computer Skills & College Success*– College success in the 21st Century demands that students use the computer as a tool for research, writing, organizing, computing and presenting. The quicker you begin to sharpen these skills, the better your ability to tackle additional academic undertakings; this is the role of ITE 115 in this learning community. However, skills for college success certainly don’t end with the computer as a whole array skills need to be aligned with your college career. Study skills, learning styles, budgeting, time management and knowing where to go for help – all influence overall success and this is where SDV 100 picks up. ITE 115 is a full semester (16 weeks) course. Additionally you’ll have the advantage of taking SDV 100 during the first eight-weeks of the semester, which will include class assignments that will exercise and strengthen your expanding computer skills. Students must register for both course sections.

ONLINE VERSION of Computer Skills and College Success

SDV 100 College Success Skills (1cr.), 54428, section DL08, Prof Buchanan-Foster e education course. Students should check the Blackboard site at http://learn.vccs.edu beginning January 7 to begin orientation and other information.)

AND

ITE 115 Intro to Computer Applications & Concepts (3 cr.) 53636, section DL01, Prof Bottom, (In addition to being part of a learning community, this is a distance education course. Students are expected to log into the Blackboard site at http://learn.vccs.edu on January 7 to begin orientation. Students must log into Blackboard by August 20 to begin the credit course.)

Computing & Composing* - Preparing for Learning On-Line* - More than 30% of students in US colleges are taking at least one online course and that number is growing. So you might as well get ready! When ITE 115 is linked to the content and learning activities of English 111 to form a learning community (LC), this linkage strengthens students’ attainment of the learning objectives because the learning activities in both courses are mutually supportive. Students interested in this Learning Community must register for both of the following course sections.

PARHAM ROAD CAMPUS - Computing & Composing

ENG 111 College Composition (3cr.), 54099, section 03CP, T & Th, 1-2:15 p.m., Professor Brandon

AND

ITE 115 Information Technology Essentials (3cr.), 53611, section 01CP, T, 11-12:15 p.m., Professor Maher (This is a hybrid course which combines in-class instruction with online assignments to replicate the experience of taking an online course while providing support and instruction in how to succeed as an online learner.)

DOWNTOWN CAMPUS - Computing & Composing

ENG 111 College Composition (3cr.), 54614 section 02CD, T & Th, 11-12:15 p.m., Prof Bohannan

AND

ITE 115 Information Technology Essentials (3cr.), 53615, section 01CD, T & Th, 9:30-10:45 a.m., Prof Thomas

Writing in the Social Sciences* - The core strategy for each of the learning communities which include ENG 112 as one of the linked courses, is to extend ENG 112 learning outcomes to help it serve as a support course for other, linked courses comprising the learning community. By focusing learning outcomes in ENG 112 to include group work, class discussion, and reflective writing on the success skills required in the linked course, improved grades, student satisfaction, and engagement in both of the linked courses should be greatly increased.
ENG 112 English Composition II (3cr.), 54206, section 01CP, M, W & F, 10-10:50 a.m., Prof Lira, Parham Road Campus

AND
SOC 200 Principles of Sociology (3cr.), 54070, section 01CP, M, W & F, 11:-11:50 a.m., Prof Morrison, Parham Road Campus

Early America Literature and History* - Extra-Credit opportunities abound for this Learning Community. There just isn't a better, more fun place to study early America and its literature than Virginia and Richmond. Think about it. Where else can you spend a day visiting one of the first English settlements, stop by an early Plantation to see life of the rich and poor, visit where Tom Jefferson went to school, visit where America was first argued into the separation of church and state, sit in the graveyard where Poe's love is buried, and stand where Patrick Henry said (we think), "Give me Liberty, or Give me Death," and see where the fate of the Civil War was decided. Much of the history of Early America took place in our own back yard, and this class brings together a chance to study this history alongside the authors and the writing which helped produce early America.

ENG 112 English Composition II (3cr.), 54209, section 03CP, M, W & F, 10-10:50 a.m., Prof Brandon, Parham Road Campus

AND
HIS 121 United States History I (3cr.), 53507, section 01CP, M, W & F, 9-9:50 a.m., Professor Shepherd, Parham Road Campus

Global Boundaries-Global Connections II* - Here’s the venue for those of you who want to gain a wider understanding of different cultures, and who want to improve your ability to overcome the boundaries (whether based on geography, language, culture, economics, etc.) which can separate you from others. This Parham Road Campus based learning community provides a great follow up to “Connections I” but new students are also welcome.

ENG 112 College Composition II (3cr.), 54625, section 02CP, T & Th, 2:30-3:45 p.m., Prof Brandon, Parham Road Campus

AND
HIS 111 History of World Civilization (3cr.), 56025, section 01CP, T & Th, 2:30-3:45 p.m., Prof DeMayo, Parham Road Campus,

See the Pictures – Hear the Stories` - Did you ever wonder about the genesis of works which come to be recognized as “art”? Does “art” spring forth serendipitously and spontaneously? Or do historical events shape architecture, statues and pictures that diverse cultures have produced? By bringing together art and history, you will explore how the interrelationship between social, political, military and economic events that were occurring during a particular time, influenced the recognized art work of that same period; you will learn how cultures have expressed themselves to the world through art from the ancient times. Registration in both of the following course sections is required. (note: neither ART 101, nor HIS 101 is prerequisite to ART 102, or HIS 102)

ART 102 History & Appreciation of Art (3cr.) 53125, section 01CP, T & Th, 1:00-2:15 p.m., Prof Steele, Parham Road Campus

AND
HIS 102 History of World Civilization (3cr.), 54354, section 01CP, T & Th, 11:00-12:15 p.m., Prof DeMayo, Parham Road Campus,

Conquering College Math* – Make your SDV requirement work for you! Is math not your forte? If not, try signing up for one of the SDV sections especially designed to help you progress through college math. Register for any of the following developmental math courses - BSK 1, MTE 1, MTE 2, MTE 3, or MTE 7 - and a specially designated section of SDV100. Offered at both Parham Road and Downtown campuses, as follows,

Register for any section of - BSK 1, MTE 1, MTE 2, MTE 3, or MTE 7

AND

SDV 100 College Success Skills (1cr.), 57583, section 05CD, Fridays, 1st 8wk session, 8-9:30 a.m. Prof Wilkerson, Downtown Campus

SDV 100 College Success Skills (1cr.), 57585, section 07CP, Fridays, 1st 8wk session, 8:30--10 a.m., Prof Goldsborough, Parham Road Campus

SDV 100 College Success Skills (1cr.), 57592, section 08CP, Wednesdays, 2nd 8wk session, 1-2:30 p.m., Prof Shutt, Parham Road Campus

Surviving College English* - If you received a recommendation for developmental English, this may be the Learning Community for you. . Save nearly $300 in tuition and books (over the previous system) and possibly finish your developmental English study in only ONE semester! You also gain earlier than usual access to SDV 100. Read right, write right, study right in one semester. Students must register for all three courses in this Learning Community.

DOWNTOWN CAMPUS
¨ Surviving College English = Tier A

ENF 1 Preparing for College English I (8cr.), 59846, section 01CD, T & Th, 8:00-11:40 a.m., Profs Gilfoyle and Morrison

AND

SDV 100 College Success Skills (1cr.), 54305, , section 01 CD, T, 12:00-12:50 a.m., Prof Billups

¨ Surviving College English - Tier A

ENF 1 Preparing for College English I (8cr.), 59625, section 02CD, M, W & F, 9:00-11:30 a.m., Profs Morrison and Pallay

AND

SDV 100 College Success Skills (1cr.), 54306, section 02CD, M, 12:00-12:50 a.m., Prof TBA

¨ Surviving College English - Tier B

ENF 2 Preparing for College English II (4cr.), 60150, section 01CD, M & W, 12:00- 1:50 p.m., Profs Morrison and Gilfoyle

AND

SDV 100 College Success Skills (1cr.), 57541, section 03CD, M, 2:00-2:50 p.m., Prof Sims

PARHAM ROAD CAMPUS
¨ Surviving College English = Tier A

ENF 1 Preparing for College English (8cr.), 60146, section 01CP, M & W, 8:00-11:40 a.m., Prof Nance

AND

SDV 100 College Success Skills (1cr.), 53952, section 01CP, W, 2:00--2:50 p.m., Prof Nance

¨ Surviving College English – Tier A

ENG 1 Preparing for College English (8cr.), 60147, section 02CP, T & Th, 8:00-11:40 a.m., Profs Creel and Brandon

AND

SDV 100 College Success Skills (1cr.), 56905, section 02CP, T, 12:00-12:50 p.m., Prof Ratliff

¨ Surviving College English - Tier B

ENF 2 Preparing for College English II (4cr.), 60153, section 01CP, M & W, 12:00- 1:50 p.m., Prof Nance

AND

SDV 100 College Success Skills (1cr.), 54038, section 03CP, M, 2:00-2:50 p.m., Prof Nance

¨ Surviving College English - Tier B

ENF 2 Preparing for College English II (4cr.), 60154, section 02CP, T & Th, 12:00- 1:50 p.m., Profs Hibbison and Joseph

AND

SDV 100 College Success Skills (1cr.), 53958, section 04CP, T, 11:00-11:50 a.m., Prof Ratliff

EVENING (Parham Road Campus)
¨ Surviving College English = Tier A

ENF 1 Preparing for College English (8cr.), 60149, section 81CP, M,T,W & Th, 7:00-8:50 p.m., Profs Hibbison and Dolan

AND

SDV 100 College Success Skills (1cr.), 57532, section 81CP, M, 6:00-6:50 p.m., Prof Williams

¨ Surviving College English - Tier B

ENF 2 Preparing for College English II (4cr.), 60155, section 81CP, T & Th, 7:00- 8:50 p.m., Profs Watson and Williams

AND

SDV 100 College Success Skills (1cr.), 57556, section 82CP, T, 6:00-6:50 p.m., Prof Williams

* How to Register for a Learning Community Class

Follow the regular instructions for class registration found at http://www.jsr.vccs.edu/jsr_ar/reg.htm

When you or your advisor is entering your course selections to the computer, be sure to add both learning community course section BEFORE you proceed to the next step (i.e., Enrollment Shopping Cart). If you don’t include both courses sections, you will get the following message.

If you do get the above message, go back to the screen where you entered your course selections and enter BOTH of the course sections that comprise the learning community. Then proceed to the next (checkout/payment) steps.

If you are still having trouble with completing your registration, it may be that you haven’t completed one or more of the pre-requisites for the course(s) for which you are trying to enroll . . . or there may be some other glitch. In either event contact or visit a campus Student Success Center for assistance.

Learning Communities Courses: [back to top]