Fall 2013 Cornerstone Learning Communities

Please Note: While some of the experiential opportunities with each learning community will be mandatory, others may require both permission forms and a small fee. Those opting out of extracurricular activities that require additional fees or because of extenuating circumstances will be given alternative activities to meet the learning objectives

You will see some information in bold below some communities. Some information is to let all students know if a community is not an option due to possible transfer credit. You will also see notations for possible Nursing students because that program requires specific courses from different areas of University Studies and does not allow them much "wiggle room". Anyone else considering a LC with an ENG 290 or GER 209 would be okay to take them, even if you plan to take the English Literature AP exam – it would come in as a different literature credit, so you can do both.

There are nine total Cornerstone Learning Communities to choose from. For more information about each Learning Community and the courses offered you may click on one of the following or scroll through the page.

Fall 2013 Learning Communities

  1. Bugles, Belles, & Bullets: The Fact and Fiction of the American Civil War
  2. Donations, Disasters & Dependence: Global Humanitarian Assistance Today
  3. The Explorers: Cultural Anthropology and Global Citizenship
  4. EnviroMedia: Environmentalism in the Age of Big Media
  5. The Glory & The Sorrow: An examination of the art and culture of Europe from the time of the Renaissance to the days of Rock and Roll
  6. Going Global: Politically Punctuating Your Perspective
  7. Scrubs & Scholars: Community Support in Navigating Your Path to Nursing
  8. The Soundtrack of History: German Music & Literature
  9. Stretching Your Mind

1. Bugles, Belles, & Bullets: The Fact and Fiction of the American Civil War

Courses:

Description

The deadliest war in American history is known by many, primarily Southern, names. Some of them are "The Late Unpleasantness," "The War of Northern Aggression," The Lost Cause,"" The Brothers' War," and "The War Against Slavery." Whatever the name, there is little doubt that the war fractured the United States and that the time period was rife with nationalism, inflammatory language and tales of suffering and hardship. Some of this fracture and hostility is in evidence almost 150 years later. The literature of and about this period reflects the history and the war's impact on both individuals and cultures. The short stories, poetry and drama in Eng 290 will often parallel the studies in HST 105 and since we live in a historically significant area, there will be field trips as well as study of pertinent original documents. From a historical standpoint, we will examine the causes of the Civil War as well as social, military and political aspects of the war itself and its aftermath.
*You cannot choose this as an option if you have taken (and scored a 3 or better) or plan to take the AP test for U.S. History.Good option for possible NUR majors if you are not taking the AP English Literature & Language exam. 

2. Donations, Disasters & Dependence: Global Humanitarian Assistance Today

Courses:

Description

In a global society, should we provide humanitarian assistance? Should we care? If so, how? This community analyzes the global perspective of humanitarian assistance and how it affects you as a global citizen. Humanitarian Assistance is usually associated with crises management and disasters, but this course will explore beyond crises donations and efforts. Humanitarian Assistance is not just donating bottled water or canned food. It includes larger scale global governmental decisions, corporation involvement, communication, economics, life-saving efforts, and socioeconomic factors. By combining International Studies and Ethics, students will reach an opinion on humanitarian assistance after branching into areas such as economics, political science, and modern day as well as historical repercussions. Topics to be explored include colonization, global starvation, morality, and more.
*Good option for possible NUR majors.

3. The Explorers: Cultural Anthropology and Global Citizenship

Courses:

Description

In a global society, should we provide humanitarian assistance? Should we care? If so, how? This community analyzes the global perspective of humanitarian assistance and how it affects you as a global citizen. Humanitarian Assistance is usually associated with crises management and disasters, but this course will explore beyond crises donations and efforts. Humanitarian Assistance is not just donating bottled water or canned food. It includes larger scale global governmental decisions, corporation involvement, communication, economics, life-saving efforts, and socioeconomic factors. By combining International Studies and Ethics, students will reach an opinion on humanitarian assistance after branching into areas such as economics, political science, and modern day as well as historical repercussions. Topics to be explored include colonization, global starvation, morality, and more.
*Good option for possible NUR majors.

4. EnviroMedia: Environmentalism in the Age of Big Media

Courses:

Description

The environmental challenges facing us today are great, ranging from climate change and rising sea levels to loss of global biodiversity. Yet, we also have a greater opportunity than ever before to meet these challenges head-on. Media have the potential to educate us about environmental issues regardless of where we are in the world. They can energize, empower, and organize us toward solutions to these issues. Media can serve to persuade and even drive public opinion and environmental policy. On the other hand, media often fail the environment through omission, misinformation, propaganda and even deception. Exposure to media is so pervasive that most of us are relatively unaware of the power that they have in shaping our lives. This is the focus of "EnviroMedia – Environmentalism in the Age of Big Media". Using a hands-on approach, we will look at the science behind environmental issues, whether in news, documentaries, feature films, or the simplest of blogs. The class will also create media about environmental issues addressed in the class through developing our own web pages, video, photographs, and blogs. Together, these will be linked to a Facebook page which will present the work of the class.
*You cannot choose this as an option if you have taken (and scored a 3 or better) or plan to take the AP test for Environmental Science.

5. The Glory & The Sorrow: An examination of the art and culture of Europe from the time of the Renaissance to the days of Rock and Roll

Courses:

Description

Whether your ancestors come from Europe, Africa, or Asia, all Americans have been profoundly influenced by the Western/European tradition. From the legacy of the Protestant Reformation, to the Renaissance, the Enlightenment, the Scientific Revolution, the devastation of the Second World War, and the near annihilation of humanity during the Cold War, we will explore the ways in which the art, history and culture of Europe have connected and intersected over the last four hundred years. Understanding art is about more than memorizing names, dates and the basic appearance of works of art, just as the study of History involves more than knowing what happened on any given day. Art and History are part of the complex web that makes up human culture, and approaching them in a connected way can help us better understand what has brought us to this point in time. From the great European royal families to the Industrial Revolution to the emergence of Socialism to the killing fields of Flanders to the rise of Hitler to the collapse of the Berlin Wall, this is a course that will examine the early years of photography, the beauty of the poets of Central Europe, and the paintings of the French Impressionists. To aid us in our task we will read some of the most intellectually stimulating works of fiction, watch some of the greatest European films ever produced, and view art in person. We look forward to interesting and impassioned discussions about how History can give Art context and Art can give History a portrait.
*You cannot choose this as an option if you have taken (and scored a 3 or better) or plan to take the AP test for European History.

6. Going Global: Politically Punctuating Your Perspective

Courses:

Description

With the ever-changing international community, it has become clear that Americans cannot remain isolated from the rest of the world. The conjunction of ENG 100, PLS 111 and UNI 101 offers students an opportunity to experience the world through a different lens. We often become so focused on our local community we forget to look at the world in a global perspective. These courses will challenge students to examine their link to the international community. We will thoughtfully reflect on various cultures, political systems, and global issues and how these connect to self. In ENG 100 students will examine the diversity of our world and the many interconnections that exist. Focusing on rhetorical analysis aimed at enhancing global awareness, ENG 100 develops students' ability to read, write, and critically think outside what is innately familiar. PLS 111 offers students an insight into comparative politics and international relations. We will attempt to answer questions such as: What do we mean by politics? What is power? What is government? Why are some nations successful while others are not? And ultimately, why should we care? These three courses will provide students with the tools and knowledge necessary to become educated global citizens. They will engage students in thoughtful discussions, group activities, and personal reflections with the goal of truly enhancing knowledge and understanding of the global community. Guest speakers, engaging projects, field trips, as well as service learning opportunities will be a dynamic part of 'punctuating your perspective.
* You cannot choose this as an option if you have taken (and scored a 3 or better) or plan to take the AP test for either English Language or English Literature. This is also not an option if you had high verbal scores on your SAT (610 or higher) or ACT (28 or higher). Good option for possible Nursing majors.

7. Scrubs & Scholars: Community Support in Navigating Your Path to Nursing School

Courses:

Description

This learning community offers students the opportunity to begin their intensive study of the sciences as well as their personal preparation for a career in health care from the first moments of their college experience. This community is specifically designed for potential nursing students ONLY. Admission to nursing programs is highly competitive and includes having an outstanding academic profile as well as refined personal qualities and skills in the realms of communication, teamwork, social awareness, humanitarianism, and leadership. Members of this learning community will begin preparation for their desired professional paths immediately by building their foundational scientific understanding, participating in the UNCW and Wilmington communities, and growing their individual skills through self-reflection, critical thinking, and investigation of career opportunities.
For this learning community, students will be in regular, larger sized CHM and SOC lectures but their CHM lab and their UNI 101 course will only have their learning community classmates in them. The CHM and SOC courses will be taught in the regular academic buildings and the seminar course will be taught in Cornerstone.
*You cannot choose this as an option if you have taken (and scored a 3 or better) or plan to take the AP test for Chemistry or are transferring in credit for a General Chemistry college course or an Introductory Sociology course. Good option for possible Nursing Majors.

8. The Soundtrack of History: German Music & Literature

Courses:

Description

This learning community will take students on a journey beginning with the Baroque and moving through the Enlightenment, Romanticism, and into the fragmentation of the 20th century. The focus of this community will be German music (MUS 115) and literature (GER 209) from the early 18th to the late 20th century. Students will simultaneously read texts (in English translation) and hear music from these eras, as well as examine European cultural and historical movements as exemplified in the works. Students will receive a firm education in cultural history; knowledge that will enable them to examine common themes and problematic and to experience what is constantly new in the way artists in different disciplines deal with their topics.
*Good option for possible Nursing majors if you are not taking the AP English Literature & Language exam.

9. Stretching Your Mind

Courses:

Description

How can we achieve balance in our lives? What can we do to enhance our health in every aspect; mind, body, and spirit? How does our environment influence our choices? How can we develop behaviors that will serve us well as we age? This Learning Community seeks answers to these questions and many more through the combination of General Psychology (PSY 105) and Physical Activity and Wellness (PED 101) with a concentration on Hatha Yoga techniques. In the PED 101 class, students will receive an introduction to the various aspects of Yoga, including Hatha Yoga postures, breathing techniques and deep relaxation. They will also develop their skills as informed health consumers and engage in the application of healthy choices regarding fitness, nutrition, personal safety, stress management, and weight management for the purpose of wellness, chronic disease prevention and improved quality of life. In PSY 105, students will be provided a sampling of the major subject areas of psychology, with an emphasis on the general principles and methods of psychological study. It is hoped that, as they explore the wide range of psychological research and learn the disciplines of yoga, students will increase their own self-awareness and their understanding of the determinants of their own behavior.
*You cannot choose this as an option if you have taken (and scored a 3 or better) or plan to take the AP test for Psychology or are transferring in credit for an introductory Psychology course. Good option for possible Nursing majors.


UNC Wilmington | 601 S. College Road, Wilmington NC 28403 | 910.962.3000 | About this Site | Copyright Notice | Feedback | Page maintained by:  K. Fidalgo [ fidalgok AT uncw DOT edu ]