Students enrolled in a Learning Community take one or more courses together. They also live together on the same floor of their co-ed residence hall and attend some of the same lectures and field trips.
These living and learning environments focus on shared, active learning, linking academic and out-of-class experiences and developing strong bonds with faculty and fellow students. Learning Community students tend to achieve higher grade point averages, make friends quickly and transition into college life smoothly.
Please note: Learning Community students live in co-ed housing. That means, they share a room with a same-gender student but the floor they live on is co-ed by room. If you are interested in living in a single-gender residence hall, you cannot be in a Learning Community.
To show your interest in a Learning Community, you must select one or more First-Year Seminars that are also Learning Communities when completing the Academic Directions task on the Orientation website. You may also indicate your interest in the space that asks for additional information on the Academic Directions task.
There are currently two different kinds of learning communities available at Hobart and William Smith, each allowing students to connect their academic experiences with an additional academic or social experience in order to provide students with a more integrated approach to learning in the first year.
Linked Course: Your First-Year Seminar is linked to a second academic course taken during the fall semester. Your professors will work together to link the courses through common readings, themes and projects.
Linked Pods: Your First-Year Seminar is linked to another First-Year Seminar. As a group, the Seminars will enjoy field trips, lectures and other special events throughout the academic year.
Bird Obsessions: Beauty of Beast
Students enrolled in Bird Obsessions will also be enrolled in a section of Topics in Introductory Biology, a Linked Course. The course, called Animal Minds, will help students learn about scientific inquiry and about the forces that shape individual and group behavior in animals.
The Hollywood Way
First-years enrolled in this course will also take Introduction to Literary Studies, a Linked Course. Together, these courses will help students obtain a better understanding of storytelling and how it influences our culture.
The History of Stuff
Students enrolled in The History of Stuff will also be enrolled in Topics in Environmental Studies. These Linked Courses will explore the connection between the history and current realities of coal mining and petroleum.
The Essence of Golf
Students placed in The Essence of Golf with Dean Chip Capraro will also be enrolled in Introduction to Architecture. Combined, the courses will give students a unique perspective on intentional design and architectural principles.
The Science and Communication of Weather
First-years enrolled in The Science and Communication of Weather will also be enrolled in Meteorology. Combined, the courses will prove interesting to students who are interested in mathematics and physics as well as severe and hazardous weather.
The Language of American Pop Culture
Interested in learning the Language of American Pop Culture? These students will also be enrolled in the appropriate section of Spanish-language instruction. When taken together, these courses will support students as they become conversant in the nature of language.
Why Aren't All Countries Rich
Students enrolled in this course will also take Introduction to Comparative World Politics. Together, these courses will give students a foundational knowledge of the global political and economic climate.
“The experience of pairing courses has allowed me to be more comfortable in both classes because my classmates are more familiar and I am not afraid of sharing my thoughts and ideas with them. It is also nice to be constantly surrounded by fellow students who can help and encourage me when the work gets tough. Without this situation, I may not have been as focused and comfortable in class and as diligent about doing my homework.”
“We do more than work together. We have fun together and help each other. We accept each other’s strengths and weaknesses and learn from each other.”
“I learned how to think abstractly, how to compare two seemingly different topics and find their connection. I was also much more comfortable in these classes because I was with people I knew. I feel like I learned more from the combined courses because the discussions could bring in information from both courses, making us see connections and think more critically.”
“We have become extremely close very quickly, and we have created a supportive net to fall into. We made it a point to take care of each other, to meet before leaving the dorm, to check in with each other on our first assignment, and to spend time with each other outside of class. This has made my transition to college easier in an immense way.”
“I was able to know my fellow classmates better by having paired courses. Also, it seems to me that I am closer with my two teachers than any other professors on campus.”
“Participating in activities together, living together, and always knowing you have someone to sit with at a meal makes the fast transition of college much easier.”
