New Living & Learning communities enhance academic and social experience.
By Heather Templeton '10
Virginia Wesleyan College's Living & Learning Communities are another advantage for freshmen transitioning from high school to college who want to participate in the integrated academic, co-curricular and social experience.
"Students in the community have become like a family," said Associate Dean for Special Academic Projects Debbie Hicks. "They have developed a built-in support system within the community."
Last year, the College offered the American Politics Community, in which 14 students immersed themselves in the study of the presidential election, examining the candidates, the issues, and attending political events. This spring, students are taking a political science and philosophy course that meets general studies requirements, while looking at various public policy controversies. In each community, students live together, complete two courses in the fall and spring semesters with the learning community, and take the remainder of classes with a mixture of students from the larger VWC community.
"Ever since I arrived at Virginia Wesleyan, I've felt like I had friends," said Chris Markham '12 from Midlothian, Va. "We were all placed in a hall together and by taking classes together, it forced us to talk and get along. Each of us is very different, but together we are a hall full of good opinions and strong minds. Politically we all share different opinions, but we have learned to speak our mind without hurting each others opinions."
Outside of class, the students attended political rallies of the candidates, watched the election and processed and predicted the outcomes together. This spring, they are taking several destination field trips including one to Colonial Williamsburg, the original capital of the Virginia Colony.
Ashleigh Anderson '12, from Newark, Del., said the different opinions and debates between her classmates only enhance the overall experience of a Living & Learning Community.
"I was weary about joining the Living & Learning Community at first," said Anderson. "I thought that I wouldn't have anything in common with my peers, and I was completely right! But, that's what has made everything so interesting. We are the closest hall on campus because we all learn and hangout together."
With the success of the American Politics Community, Virginia Wesleyan is offering five different communities for the 2009-2010 academic year. Each community is located in Bray Village and is limited to 16 freshmen.
American Politics
Are you passionate about policy issues and the American political process? This community will give you a chance to voice your opinion. Debate the American Government and policy issues in political science and philosophy courses. Outside the classroom, you'll attend political events and policy forums.
The Creative Self
Learn from and inspire each other to realize your creative potential as artists, musicians, actors, film makers and photographers in this student-selected community. The First Year Seminar class will allow you to focus on the nature of the creative process and how to develop that capacity inherit in each person.
The Environment and You
Explore the environment and other related issues from a liberal arts perspective by examining society's human relationship with the earth. Courses include writing philosophy, environmental geology and a First Year Seminar course designed around environmental themes.
Religious Heritage and Faith
Be introduced to various faith traditions, beliefs and ethical concerns through a world religions course. Additional courses will explore specific religious communities in the Hampton Roads area where you'll examine how these groups respond to social, economic and political challenges.
Women in Science
Examine the contributions of women in science related to graduate programs and career opportunities. A foundation science course will introduce students to chemistry and calculus and will take learning into the lab, performing biology and chemistry experiments. This community is only for female students interested in physical or life sciences.
For more information on Virginia Wesleyan's Living & Learning Communities, contact Debbie Hicks at 757.455.3338 or dlhicks@vwc.edu.
03.04.09