BHCC Learning Community Clusters enable you to take two or more courses together and learn and study with the same group of students.

In Learning Community Clusters, faculty members have planned their courses together around common themes.

Learning Community Clusters offer smaller class sizes and hands-on activities such as field trips that make learning fun.

Enroll in a Learning Community Cluster and you will be more likely to stay in school, maintain a higher GPA, and achieve your goals.

Speak with an Advisor to register for a Spring 2012
Learning Community Cluster.

Business.com

Discover the dynamic relationship between business and information technology in this learning community that integrates study of the purpose, role and responsibility of business in a capitalistic society with the use and applications of modern computer systems in the business world.

Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in Academic Reading III (ESL098) and Academic Writing III (ESL 099) or Reading Skills II (RDG095) and Writing Skills I (ENG 090) or exemption from reading or writing requirements by placement.

Business by the Numbers

This learning community integrates an examination of the basic principles of marketing with the study of statistical concepts and methods. Students will apply statistical concepts and methods to their study of the behavior of the consumer market and the product, pricing promotion, and distribution decisions employed to create consumer satisfaction.

Prerequisites:Grade of C or better in Fundamentals of Algebra (MAT 094) or placement, Grade of C or better in Academic Reading III (ESL098) and Academic Writing III (ESL 099) or Reading Skills II (RDG095) and Writing Skills I (ENG 090) or exemption from reading or writing requirements by placement.

Computer Learning Community

This learning community for students placing into ENG095 and RDG095 provides a survey of the use and applications of modern computer systems. Students will learn fundamental computer concepts, terminology, applications and theory as they develop the language skills necessary to communicate effectively and succeed in college level coursework.

Students will get hands-on personal computer experience and gain a working knowledge of MS WINDOWS, MS OFFICE, and INTERNET use and applications.

Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in ENG090 and RDG090 or placement. Students must co-enroll in the following courses:

The Culture of Senior Living

This learning community integrates two classes in the Assisted Living Management program. Students will gain an understanding of the social issues in an Assisted Living facility and the impacts on effective marketing and management. Joint assignments, speakers and site visits will focus on how the psychological and sociological needs of residents are of vital importance within a thriving assisted living environment.

Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in Hospitality Marketing Management (HRT109).

Environmental Politics

Students will explore solutions to the problems caused by global climate change through the three courses in this learning community. Environmental Science II will examine the effects of deforestation, species extinction, and other impacts on global ecosystems. Government and Politics in the U.S. will discuss how to create environmental policy change within the American political system, with its shared checks and balances. College Writing II will guide students through research and writing about environmental policy questions.

Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in ENG111 (College Writing I) and MAT091 (Fundamentals of Math).

Flesh & Blood, Metaphor & Magic

Human life depends on the constant beat of the heart muscle, yet we urge "Be still my heart." The retina of the eye contains 130 million photoreceptors to see far and wide, yet when in love we say "I only have eyes for you." You will be introduced to the structure and function of the human body as you consider in reading and writing how the human body is used as a metaphor for our emotions and behaviors.

Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in ENG095 and RDG095 or ESL098 or placement. Students must co-enroll in the following courses:

Fundamentals of Mathematics and Pre-Algebra

This learning community combines instruction in Fundamentals of Mathematics and Prealgebra. The course develops a solid base in the principles of arithmetic. It includes operations and applications of whole numbers, fractions and decimals and an introduction to percent numbers. Math study skills and successful student strategies are integrated throughout the course. The course further develops arithmetic operations and applications and introduces basic algebra concepts. It includes ratio, proportion, percent, measurement, metric geometry, signed numbers, variables, expressions and solutions to basic equations.

Note: Students earn no credit for this course if they have already received credit for a mathematics course having a higher course number. The course does not satisfy the college math requirement for graduation.

Prerequisites: Placement in Fundamentals of Mathematics (MAT091)

It All Adds Up

This learning community combines instruction in Fundamentals of Mathematics and Prealgebra with a Learning Community Seminar. It is designed for incoming students who have faced challenges in traditional math courses. Students will participate in guided activities that will help them discover mathematical ideas through real and thought-provoking situations. Students will learn to recognize and overcome barriers to learning math, identify and access resources, and practice the strategies and skills necessary for academic success.

Prerequisite: Placement into Fundamentals of Mathematics (MAT091). Students must co-enroll in the following courses:

Language & the Mind

This learning community for students placing into ENG095 enables students to learn the fundamental principles of psychology as they develop the language skills needed to communicate effectively in college study. Students will explore the human brain and behavior, research methods, learning, consciousness, motivation, emotion, human growth and development, personality, abnormal behavior and psychotherapy, and social cognition in a community that fosters critical thinking and analysis.

Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in Writing Skills I (ENG090) and Academic Reading III (ESL098) or Reading Skills II (RDG095) or placement. Students must co-enroll in the following courses:

The Language of Money

Students will study accounting concepts and terminology as they learn the skills of writing coherent, well-developed essays in this learning community that links Principles of Accounting I and English Composition I. The world of business will serve as the backdrop for readings, writings and discussion in the English course.

Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in Writing Skills II (ENG095) and Reading Skills II (RDG095) or Academic Reading III (ESL098) or placement. Students must co-enroll in the following courses

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Math and The Mind: What is Normal?

This learning community for students placing into MAT094 integrates theory and practice in psychology with the concepts and applications of fundamentals of algebra. Students will examine the question of what is considered "normal" in various aspects of their lives they as gain a better understanding of how to identify, develop and use mathematical and psychological methods to achieve academic and career success.

Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in Prealgebra (MAT092) and Academic Reading III (ESL098) or Reading Skills II (RDG095) or placement. Students must co-enroll in the following courses:

Mind Your Business

Business uses psychology to do everything from predicting consumer behavior to managing employees and designing workspaces. This learning community examines the role and responsibility of business in society through the lens of psychology. Learn more about who you are and how you fit into the business world while learning the concepts and theories of psychology and business.

Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in Academic Reading III (ESL098) and Academic Writing III (ESL 099) or Reading Skills II (RDG095) and Writing Skills I (ENG 090) or exemption from reading or writing requirements by placement. Students must co-enroll in the following courses:

Motivations & Movements: Exploring Careers in Behavioral & Social Science

This learning community for first-year students integrates a survey of information and theory in sociology with field study in the behavioral science field. Students will have the opportunity to stand on the spot where the Boston Massacre occurred, cheer on Boston sports teams, and examine what motivates individuals and groups of people to participate in these and other actions.

Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in Academic Reading III (ESL098) or Reading Skills II (RDG095) or placement. Open to students interested in the behavioral or social science fields. Students must co-enroll in the following courses:

Office and Information Management: Technology on the Move

This learning community is designed for students pursuing careers in Office and Information Management. Students will explore career opportunities in medical, legal and executive administration fields as they consider the relationship between the theory and experience of effective groups. Comparisons of individual and group performance, group goals, problem solving, decision-making, conformity, norms, cohesiveness, and leadership will be examined. Critical thinking and teamwork projects will help students develop the ability to give and receive constructive criticism in a supportive environment.

Students complete individual and team projects that use internet research and library resources. Students must co-enroll in the following courses:

The Psychology of Success

This learning community for first-year students examines the meaning of success and how to practically apply the principles of psychology to achieving success. From study skills and time management to exploring careers that suit your personality and emotional style, learn how to use psychological theory to set goals and stay motivated to achieve them.

Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in Academic Reading (ESL098) and Academic Writing III (ESL 099) or Reading Skills II (RDG 095) and Writing Skills (ENG090) or exemption from reading or writing requirements by placement testing. Students must co-enroll in the following courses:

Reading & Writing Learning Community: Building a Strong Foundation

This learning community for students placing into ENG090 and RDG090 integrates the study of reading and writing. Students will develop the reading skills necessary for success with college level material as they begin to develop the writing skills needed to work in the College Writing program. This Cluster does not satisfy any part of the College Writing requirement for graduation.

Placement is determined by assessment testing or faculty referral. Upon completion of Writing Skills I (ENG090) with a grade of C or better, students enroll in Writing Skills II (ENG095). Students must meet reading exit requirements or pass a department reading final in order to earn a passing grade of C in RDG090. Students must co-enroll in the following courses:

Reading and Writing Learning Community: Crossing Borders

This learning community for students placing into ENG095 and RDG095 provides a rich opportunity for students to develop advanced reading and writing skills while learning about immigration in the United States. Students will read about key aspects of immigration, including historical material, personal narratives, and fiction, as well as use the internet and view films. Students will write about how immigration relates to their own lives or to their families.

Students must meet reading exit requirements or pass a department reading final in order to earn a passing grade of C in RDG095. Students must pass the basic Writing Competency Exam in order to receive a passing grade for ENG095. The course does not satisfy the College Writing requirement for graduation. Students must co-enroll in the following courses:

Rites, Rituals, and Reasons: Western Psychology Meets African Studies

This learning community for students placing into ENG111 considers the role of rites and rituals in African societies. Two powerful academic disciplines – Psychology and English – are integrated to explore the many rites and rituals of Africa that have been written about for centuries but cannot be fully understood through the traditional Western aesthetic. Students will develop their writing abilities in an atmosphere that emphasizes cross-cultural awareness and the creation of "Community" as it is known in the "African village" context.

Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in Writing Skills II (ENG095) and Reading Skills II (RDG095) or Academic Reading III (ESL098) or placement. Students must co-enroll in the following courses:

The Sociology of Gaming

This learning community integrates Game Development Essentials and Introduction to Sociology to explore how key concepts in sociology apply to various popular video and online games. Students will develop a critical analysis of how current social issues, such as class, race, gender and age, are portrayed and incorporated in gaming charters and plot design.

Grade of C or better in Writing Skills II (ENG095) and Reading Skills II (RDG 095) or Academic Reading III (ESL098) or placement.

You Are What You Eat

This learning community integrates Culinary Arts courses in baking and bistro with an English course that explores the world of food, culture, and the body. Through reading, writing, speaking, and listening, students will explore the current American food landscape so that they can make informed choices about their career in culinary arts. At the same time students will be engaged in hands-on learning about running a small bistro and baking in a food service environment.

Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in ENG095 and RDG095 or ESL098 or placement. Culinary Arts students should enroll in CUL135, CUL145 and the following section of ENG111.