Learning Communities
What is a learning community?
Scholars at Newman have discovered that when you pair two or more courses in different subjects, amazing things happen. A community of learners engaging relevant and meaningful material forms. This coming school year, Newman freshmen will join a learning community and encounter exciting connections. Studying the links between diverse subjects, you'll bond with about 20 classmates and create a community of active learners. You'll take two courses and a freshman seminar together. A student facilitator will help orient you to university life, and you and your professors will ask questions and discover the answers together. Make the most of your freshman year… Join a learning community!
Questions about learning communities? See if our Frequently Asked Questions have the answer or for more information contact the Office of Academic Affairs at: 316-942-4291 ext. 2127.
"The experience I had with my freshman learning community was one that I will treasure. I learned valuable life skills in honest communication with others, I was challenged to think in novel ways, and I saw how connected my knowledge base really is. Relevant and impactful, I wouldn’t trade my learning community for any random selection of classes. The community is what made the learning so much more meaningful."
– Caitlyn Maksymiak
"I would strongly recommend learning communities for any student at Newman. I feel that a learning community is a great way for new students to find other students on campus studying the same material. It is a wonderful opportunity to gain confidence in learning new material and to build a strong relationship with other students on campus. It was definitely one of the best experiences I had during my four years at Newman."
– Heather Ranney, Class of 2012
Building Just Communities
I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together."
– Martin Luther King, Jr. (referencing the prophet Isaiah)
Prophetic voices of the past and present have challenged us to embrace a dream, a vision of a life together variously called the peaceable kingdom, the reign of God, the beloved community. How do we build these communities? How do we sustain them?
Through writing, the study of the Bible from a Catholic social justice perspective, and a service project at a local non-profit organization of their choice, students will engage in a process of reflection and action intended to lead towards personal and social transformation and, consequently, is aligned with Newman's mission of empowering graduates to transform society, to work for the good of the world around us. This class includes 30 hours of off-campus learning experience and can be used by students to satisfy service hours.
Courses
| ENGL 1003B College Writing 1 – Marguerite Regan |
| THEO 1033A Introduction to Scripture – John McCormick |
| GNST 1001A Traditions and Transitions |
Lab Rat Pack
Science students at Newman University, whether they are biology, chemistry, or biochemistry majors, whether they dream of a career in the medical sciences or in a research lab, all share a common first year curriculum. They all spend a lot of time in lab. A lot of time. This time is used for hands-on exploration of the biological and chemical sciences, but it is also time to find the connections between the two disciplines. It is also time to form study groups and begin the scientific dialogue among peers upon which modern science is based. A section of Traditions and Transitions provides one additional meeting time per week for further discussions about what it means to major in science at Newman University, and what career opportunities are available. This learning community is recommended for those majoring in biology, chemistry or biochemistry as well as those pursuing a career as a pharmacist, dentist, physician, veterinarian or in a similar health-related field.
Courses
| CHEM 1012A/B General Chemistry Lab – Alan Oberley |
| BIOL 1014LA/LB General Biology Lab – Surendra Singh |
| GNST 1001H/I Traditions and Transitions |
Social Humans
Humans know themselves as individuals; humans know themselves as members of groups. While sociology puts a focus on groups, the focus is rarely exclusive. A dynamic relationship exists between the individual and the group— individuals join together to create and influence groups, and groups affect individuals. For example, individuals may join together to create a group we call a university, which, in turn, helps to shape the individuals who study there. This learning community provides you an opportunity to join in a study of the individual and the group.
Courses
| SOC 1003A Principles of Sociology – Larry Heck |
| GNST 1001J/K Traditions and Transitions |
Reacting to the Past
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be the emperor of China or to try to persuade your friends and neighbors to revolt against the British? Join our learning community and find out. By using role-playing experiences you'll develop a deep understanding of the ideas and personalities that shaped the world in which you live. At the same time, you'll develop your critical thinking skills as well as your ability to speak and write persuasively. Join us and take a hands-on approach to learning world history while forging an emotional and personal connection to the past.
Courses
| HIST 1023A World Civilization 2 - Kelly McFall |
| COMM 1013A Oral Communication – Audrey Curtis Hane |
| GNST 1001D Traditions and Transitions |
Spanish Live – What's your story?
Can you imagine yourself speaking another language? Join us as we learn to communicate together in Spanish while we explore and connect with others locally and in Central America.
Learning Spanish is a practical skill you can use for the rest of your life. It's a bit like opening the curtains and seeing things you did not know were even there. While getting a new perspective and cultural, linguistic, historical and social insight, it opens doors to personal and professional opportunities in our increasingly global community. Some of the things you will discover may even move you to hunger and thirst for deeper understanding and justice.
We will follow Enrique's Journey but also begin our own. Travel beyond the textbook: start your own journey to a bigger world and exciting possibilities.
Courses
| GNST 1001H Traditions & Transitions – Sonja Bontrager |
| SPAN 1014A Elementary Spanish 1 – Sonja Bontrager |
| SPAN 1014AL Elementary Spanish 1 Lab A – Sonja Bontrager |
Philosophers, Blackberrys and PowerPoint
Experience an entrepreneurial adventure! Learn basic business fundamentals and principles, entrepreneurial know-how, and communication strategy designed to help you best present yourself and sell your product. You'll study the thinking of some of the most famous philosophers, thinkers and achievers of all time and then apply their principles to find real-life business solutions. This learning community is recommended for business majors looking to apply their skills in a real-world environment or students from any major interested in exploring business courses.
Courses
| BSAD 1043A Foundations of Business Thought – George Smith |
| GNST 1001G Traditions and Transitions |