Learning Communities

Learning community trip to New York

Welcome!

What is a Learning Community?

Learning Communities at BCC build community by engaging small cohorts of students enrolled in two or more linked courses in integrative study around shared themes and across disciplines. Learning Communities challenge students to deeply interrogate topics central to current issues in society from multiple perspectives through intentional, prolonged collaboration and active learning. Relationships are central to learning communities, strengthening students' ties to their courses, to one another, and to BCC.

Learning communities enroll no more than 22 students and are taught by two faculty members, creating the opportunity for students and faculty to form connections in a supportive academic environment of curiosity and growth.

Students interested in joining are encouraged to make an appointment with an Academic Advisor to discuss how enrollment in a Learning Community will fit into their academic plan.

Spring 2025 Learning Communities

  • The Power of Place: ENG-101 and SOC-105

    Register for both:

    • ENG-101-A1: Composition I (Prescott)
    • SOC-105-A1: Introductory Sociology (Adams)

    How does our sense of place impact our sense of community and personal identity? In The Power of Place, we will explore the reciprocal relationship between place and identity, both cultural and personal. Through writing, discussion, and the examination of sociological and literary works, we will explore themes of diversity and equity and will consider our local community in its broader context as a member of the global community. We will look at two locations: Berkshire County and the Caribbean. Students will engage in a collaborative project that features the themes of our study.

  • Conflict, Community, and Connection: PSY-107 and COM-104

    Register for both:

    • PSY-107-A1: Introductory Psychology (Wynters)
    • COM-104-A1: Intro Interpersonal Comm (Dickman)

    How can difficult conversations foster community-building? Productive conflict encourages deeper understanding, builds stronger relationships among individuals with diverse perspectives, promotes empathy, and creates connections rooted in vulnerability, inclusion, and care. Through study of social dynamics and identity, dialogue, conflict transformation, community-building, power, group behavior, media narratives, and more, Conflict, Community, and Connection will explore how elevating marginalized voices can serve as a catalyst for growth and address the root causes of systemic issues.

Questions?

Erin Milne (she/her/hers), Coordinator of Integrative Learning
emilneberkshirecc.edu

"Participating in a learning community was a wonderful experience. I loved watching my students make connections between the things they were learning in my course and in the linked class, and bonding with one another in ways that really supported their learning and sense of belonging. I also really enjoyed working closely with my colleague on coordinating assignments and activities, and taking our students on a pretty incredible field trip together."
—Nell McCabe, Professor of English

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is a Learning Community?

    Learning communities are linked classes exploring a shared theme through active and integrative learning, with an emphasis on support, community, and relationship-building.

  • Why should I join a Learning Community?

    Much research has shown that first year college students who feel socially connected and academically supported are far more likely to reach their educational goals — and to enjoy the journey getting there. Learning Communities at BCC help to create an environment that values the inclusion of a diversity of thought, perspective, and experience, and that encourages academic inquiry, civic responsibility, and the strengthening of relationships on and off our campus.

  • How do Learning Communities work?

    Students who wish to be part of one of these Learning Communities will register simultaneously for the Community's two separate but integrated semester-long courses, whose topics are connected through theme and coursework. These courses will satisfy degree requirements (depending on your program) or General Education requirements, while delivering content specially designed by their instructors to encourage exploration of the relationships among subjects of study.

  • How do I join a Learning Community?

    It is important for students interested in joining a Learning Community to understand that upon successful completion of each of the two individual courses included in the Community, they will receive degree-bearing credit for each course.

    It is also important to understand that enrollment in a Learning Community is a commitment to full participation in both courses.

    Students interested in joining a Learning Community are encouraged to make an appointment with an Academic Advisor to discuss how enrollment in a Learning Community will fit into their academic plan.