<p><a href=“http://flc.ua.edu/[/url]”>http://flc.ua.edu/</a></p>
<p>[Topics</a>](<a href=“FACULTY LEARNING COMMUNITIES - Home”>FACULTY LEARNING COMMUNITIES - Home)</p>
<p>The topics of the Freshman Learning Communities are ones that students and faculty have expressed interest in. Some of the communities focus on the interests of a particular group of students, like those for pre-law or pre-medical students. Most FLCs are broad enough in their concerns to engage students with different interests who are enrolled in different colleges.</p>
<p>Each semester, there are more and more communities from which to select. Choose one that is something that you care about and that you think would be beneficial and enjoyable. Look at the courses that are part of the community and make sure that they are interesting to you.</p>
<p>LINKED COURSES: Each FLC will be linked to a specific EN 101 or 103 section, which students will be registered for as a group. In addition, FLC students will be pre-registered for one or two other courses related to the topic when they arrive for Bama Bound.</p>
<p>RESTRICTIONS: Unless specifically noted, FLCs are open to students interested in any major or career.</p>
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<p>FEATURED FLC-New for 2012</p>
<p>The Power of Places: Historic Restoration in Alabama and Cuba –Ellen Griffith Spears, PhD – New College – and Karen Gardiner, PhD – English</p>
<p>Urban spaces and historic landmarks shape our everyday experiences and hold strong cultural meanings, preserving vital elements of our history and creating a foundation for the future. Disruptions such as Tuscaloosa experience from the tornadoes in April 2011 prompt a revisiting of community values and urban design. This FLC is designed to introduce new students at the university to the changing landscapes of the city. We will study the rebuilding efforts in Tuscaloosa, exploring key sites in Tuscaloosa that hold historic significance and are sites of reconstructions. At the same time, the course will link first-year UA students with third year students who are studying historic preservation at the University of Havana San Geronimo campus. The FLC students will establish peer-to-peer writing exchanges with the students in Cuba to build skills in cross-cultural communication and academic writing.</p>
<p>UA students will read the Tuscaloosa Forward plan and attend community meetings designed to solicit input into the city’s rebuilding plans, exploring elements of sustainable design and the “new urbanism.” A series of short reading will likely include excerpts from Dolores Hayden’s the Power of Place (1995), Eugene L. Birch’s Rebuilding Urban Places after Disaster (2006), and articles on historic restoration in Cuba. Enrolling in introductory courses in English, ENG101, and American Studies, AMS150, Introduction to American Culture: Arts and Values, students would be undertaking writing projects that complement their study of historic preservation.</p>
<p>Participants in this FLC then will likely have an opportunity to collaborate with the San Geronimo students, if they choose to travel to Cuba for a proposed interim course the following spring. The interim UA course, on historic restoration in Cuba, if approved, would include 1-2 weeks of classroom work and 1-2 weeks of field work in Cuba, where US students visit Havana’s restoration sites by day and meet with the San Geronimo historic students in their evening classes to work on writing and converse in English about restoration-related topics.</p>
<p>Any freshman student may participate in this FLC.</p>
<p>*SPECIAL INTERESTS</p>
<p>Cooking Up Your Future –Jeff Jackson, PhD – Electrical and Computer Engineering</p>
<p>When should you follow a recipe and when should you add your own flair? Using concepts from cooking and culinary arts as a basis, this FLC will foster exploration and development of time management plans, budgets, schedules, and vision plans as vital tools for a successful academic career and beyond.</p>
<p>Participants will plan, share, and critique meals and then relate these learning experiences to other aspects of their college life. The class will use Internet and local resources for discussion-based learning in class. The group will attend additional campus and community activities together as schedules permit.</p>
<p>A diverse group of students will enhance the make-up of this FLC so all majors are encouraged to apply. Interest in cooking as a hobby is highly desirable.</p>
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<p>Discovering Southern Life – Denise Gonzalez – A&S Student Services</p>
<p>This FLC will introduce students who are not from the South to some of the wonderful things southern culture can offer. In this class students will cook a southern meal, visit some of the many historical sites around Tuscaloosa, learn about the unique traditions of the South and experience the rich football tradition at the University. While the FLC is open to any freshman student, out-of-state students will benefit from having a local connection to other students, faculty and staff.</p>
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<p>Exploring the Historically Black Fraternity and Sorority Movement – Stacy Jones, EdD -Office of the Dean of Students</p>
<p>The African American Fraternal movement can be illustrated and explored through gaining an understanding of the nine national historically Black Greek letter organizations, commonly referred to as the “Divine Nine”. The genesis of Black Greek letter organizations is rarely investigated and seldom used to explain their complex traditions. This seminar seeks to help students enhance their knowledge of these organizations in an effort to shed light on their impact past present and future.</p>
<p>Freshmen students interested in exploring Greek life should register for this FLC.</p>
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<p>Introduction to Entrepreneurship –Lou Marino, PhD – Management and Marketing</p>
<p>This FLC will focus on introducing students to the rewards and challenges of creating a new venture. Through a series of presentations by successful entrepreneurs and individuals who help entrepreneurs achieve success, coupled with activities and content focused readings students will learn what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur.</p>
<p>Students who are interested in starting a business, or helping others to do so, will find this FLC useful and interesting.</p>
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<p>Law & Order: Special Children’s Unit – Karen Baynes-Dunning – College of Human and Environmental Resources</p>
<p>Students will explore the intersection of childhood and justice system in the United States. Issues of child and adolescent development, juvenile justice, criminal justice, education, zero tolerance policies, and general notions of how childhood has changed will be discussed. Assignments may include watching crime shows, and other youtube videos regarding real life cases, reading case studies, class discussions, and writing reflective papers.</p>
<p>Students interested in any major that involves youth, crime and society would benefit from this FLC.</p>
<p>Making it Happen: Women’s Activism for Social Change in America –Elle Shaaban-Magana – Women’s Resource Center</p>
<p>This course will place women’s history, culture, and social roles at the center to explore the dictum “the personal is the political” by considering women’s experiences and histories in social movements for change in contemporary United States. Students will examine women’s contributions to positively impact their communities through strategies of activism, organizing and resistance.</p>
<p>All students are welcomed into this FLC.* The course will intersect with the following academic disciplines:* disability studies, education, history, gender and race studies, political science, sociology, and social work.</p>
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<p>Leadership 101 –Wahnee Sherman, EdD – Student Affairs</p>
<p>The Leadership FLC offers an opportunity for freshman to collaborate, learn, and share knowledge and experience with each other in the fields of leadership, civic involvement, social responsibility, and relationship building (on and off campus). The instructor provides a structured framework for the students to discuss, share, and learn the value of leadership and civic engagement and how these apply to their daily lives on campus, in their personal lives, and all throughout their careers and lives beyond the college experience. Some questions that are part of the community’s study include the following: What kind of leadership style do I have; what are the characteristics of good or bad leaders; how do I develop skills to be a better leader.</p>
<p>This FLC includes students with diverse majors and career interests.* Students in all majors are encouraged to register.</p>
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<p>Politics and Popular Culture –Heather Duerre Humann, PhD – English</p>
<p>This section of FLC will explore the relationship between politics and popular culture by examining how film, books, advertisements, music, television, and other forms of media and respond to ongoing political debates. This course will also consider how conversations that are ongoing in the popular media are also, to an extent, reflected and responded to in political debates. As a point of departure, we will discuss Brecht’s notion that all art is political and that the only questions becomes whether art attacks the existing power structure or refuses to do so (and thus endorses and attempts to perpetuate the current power structure). Thus, this FLC will address show there is always political engagement in popular culture–whether during an election year (which is 2012) or not!</p>
<p>This FLC appeals to a wide-range of students, especially students who are planning to major either in a business related or a liberal arts degree.</p>
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<p>Real Problems, Real Solutions: Serving the Community and Making a difference with $100 –Sara Hartley, MA – Student Affairs</p>
<p>Solutions to problems start with small steps. This class, using The $100 Solution™, will build a community of students who want to make a difference. They will gain knowledge, skills, and funds of exactly 100 USD to go into the community and make a positive change by asking one question: “What can we do to improve your quality of life?”</p>
<p>The class will demonstrate the power a small amount of money has to change lives, and it challenges the way public service is traditionally done by fully engaging students in the process. Students will learn leadership, teamwork, social responsibility, and problem-solving skills by translating needs to innovate and sustainable solutions. The decisions they will make are real. By engaging in these real life issues, the hope is to translate students’ thinking “from me to we,” showing them the power of one individual.</p>
<p>Freshmen students interested in civic engagement, public service and just MAKING A DIFFERENCE should register for this FLC.</p>
<p>Relationships –Debra Nelson-Gardell, PhD – Social Work</p>
<p>Relationships form the context of our lives. They can serve both as powerful sources of help and support, but they can also hurt. This seminar focuses on the role and development of relationships in everyday life.</p>
<p>Freshmen who are interested in human social relationships and their roles in everyday life will be interested in this FLC.</p>
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<p>The New English: Facebooking, Texting, and Tweeting in the Age of Social Networking –Steffen Guenzel, PhD – English</p>
<p>We use English everyday and we never stop to ask: How do technological innovations, such as texting, Facebook, and emerging digital media, challenge our ways of seeing the world around us? In this FLC students explore various aspects of how our use of English has changed over the last couple of years. In addition, students have the opportunity to be introduced to different fields of study, examine how technological advances might impact English and meet with respective faculty teaching in the US English department.</p>
<p>Students who organize their lives around the latest digital gadgets, love literature, reading, writing and language will find this FLC interesting.* Students majoring in English, Communication, Journalism, Advertising, American Studies, Political Science, and Computer Sciences will be able to apply concepts discussed during class to their academic studies.</p>
<p>EXPLORING MAJORS AND CAREERS</p>
<p>Anime, Bollywood, Chopsticks: Understanding Asia –Amy Holmes-Tagchungdarpa, PhD and Kalzang Dorjee Bhutia – History</p>
<p>Home to many of the world’s oldest civilizations and diverse cultures, Asia is now also a rising economic and political powerhouse. This course will provide students an overview of contemporary Asian societies, economics, politics and culture, as well as recent history. How has contemporary ‘Asia’ come to be? How has colonialism and decolonization influenced changes in culture and politics? How can we understand the rise of the dragon and elephant – China and India – from a historical perspective? Through engaging in explorations of contemporary Asian cultures and their recent histories from diverse disciplines, including History, Literature, Film, Religious Studies, Anthropology, Political Science and Economics, this course will provide students with tools for understanding Asia and for pursuing studies of Asia at the University of Alabama and beyond.</p>
<p>All freshmen with an interest in international and global studies, particularly related to Asia; studies of history, culture, society, religions, politics and economics; and students who want to open their worldview and understand the rise of the new world order will* find this FLC of particular interest!</p>
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<p>Aspiring Elementary Teachers –Lee Freeman, EdD and Carolyn Palmer, MA – Curriculum and Instruction, Education</p>
<p>Aspiring Elementary Teachers is primarily designed for students majoring in elementary education. Topics covered include teacher responsibilities, teacher pay, working with parents, challenges and rewards of teaching, and current issues in education. Trips include visiting local areas of interest that would be appropriate for elementary classrooms to see (Children’s Hands-On Museum, the Natural History Museum, etc.). Additional topic and trips will be scheduled as class interests dictate.</p>
<p>Enrollment in the class is limited to students majoring in Elementary Education.</p>
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<p>Do You Think You Want To Go To Medical School? – Regina Harrell, MD – Family Medicine</p>
<p>This FLC is for students who are interested in going to medical school someday and want to know more about how it is structured, what is expected of med students, and how an undergraduate student can prepare for it.</p>
<p>Any freshman may participate in this FLC regardless of major.</p>
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<p>Energy and the Environment –David Dixon, PhD – Chemistry</p>
<p>Energy drives our modern way of life giving us a high standard of living and letting us have longer and more productive lives, yet our use of energy also can have substantial impacts on the environment. Thus it is critical that we meet the national and global estimated energy needs with minimal environmental impact. A growing world population, growing per capita Gross National Product (for every country), and a consequent growing energy demand has led to dramatic growth in atmospheric carbon dioxide from anthropogenic sources. As of 1998, the world used 12.8 TW of power, and the U.S. consumed 3.3 TW. Current world energy consumption is 14.5 TW, and by 2050, world power demand is projected to exceed 28 TW. How are we going to meet these needs and what is happening to our environment? What is carbon dioxide doing to the atmosphere and can we eliminate it or store it somewhere? These are the types of questions that we will address in this FLC from a broad range of perspectives. We will discuss the science behind these issues and also discuss their societal implications. In addition, we will talk about other related environmental issues such as water management and the cleanup of the environmental pollution due to nuclear weapons production. A goal is to get students to understand the importance of gaining skills in science and mathematics and to see how these skills can be used to solve problems that directly impact modern life and society. Readings are taken from the scientific literature. In addition, as appropriate, there is discussion about current coursework.</p>
<p>Students in this FLC will be registered for Honors General Chemistry (CH117) or General Chemistry (CH101) and a mathematics course according to placement. Science and engineering majors find this FLC very helpful.</p>
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<p>Evolutionary Attitudes –Christopher Lynn, PhD – Anthropology</p>
<p>This course is to consider the representations and implications of evolutionary theory through the lens of popular culture. Evolution is commonly conceived of as simply a biological theory, but it is truly one of the foundational theories of modern thought with broad cultural and intellectual implications. We will watch and read popular depictions of evolution, including through movies, TV shows, books, articles, and literature. In past semesters, we compared depictions of genetic evolution in the TV shows “Heroes” and “Battlestar Galactica” representations of hominid ancestors in the movies “Neanderthal Man,” “Clan of the Cave Bear,” “Iceman” and “Altered States.” In the coming semester, we will also compare depictions of primate evolution in “Planet of the Apes” movies and shows to the book Ishmael and other literary sources. The course is subject to change based on the recommendations of the students, but the objective, which is to begin to develop skills as cultural critics, will be maintained. We will be involved in hosting talks by experts in evolution for UA’s ALLELE series, and you will be afforded the opportunity to get involved in evolution-oriented research. Finally, this course will afford a fun and interesting introduction to US’s new minor in Evolutionary Studies, as well as an introduction to a topic dealt with in numerous disciplines at UA.</p>
<p>The FLC is targeted at students who might be considering a minor in Evolutionary Studies but it is not restricted to them.* Any freshman who is interested in cultural depictions of evolution is welcome!</p>
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<p>Fashion Advertising and Promotion – Caryl Cooper, PhD – Advising and Public Relations</p>
<p>From the clothes we wear to the cologne we spritz on, fashion advertising and promotion helps propel these fashion brands into our closets and onto our shelves. This course examines how advertising and promotion is used to build fashion, designer, and retail brands. The course will introduce students to the strategic planning process of fashion advertising and promotion. Additionally, it will address fashion advertising and mass media combine to become a strong cultural force that shapes our identity. At the end of the course, students will have gained insight into how fashion advertising and promotions are planned as well as career opportunities available in the industry.</p>
<p>Incoming freshmen that are exploring majors or minors in advertising, public relations, marketing and fashion retailing will be interested in topics discussed in this FLC.</p>
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<p>Getting into Science –Sharon Nichols, PhD and Dennis Sunal, PhD – Curriculum and Instruction</p>
<p>This FLC is for those interested to get into science careerways. Students will have opportunities to visit various science research areas at the university to become acquainted with STEM career options and faculty in Science, Engineering, Technology, and Mathematics. Participants will learn about cutting edge STEM careers and receive program of study guidance as they contemplate various careers. Given that most any graduate of science will eventually be called upon to educate others–students, community members, museums, etc. Accordingly, participants will have fun opportunities to try on teaching science through experiences such as hosting a Science Fun Day at a local classroom, helping put in a pond site at a local high school, and sharing an activity at the Alabama Science Teachers Association meeting. Our group will take at least one field trip to a local field site such as the UA Arboretum to see how Smart tools such as QR codes are being used to learn science in non-formal settings.</p>
<p>Students considering pursuit of degrees in sciences or science education should consider this FLC.</p>
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<p>Navigating your Freshman Year as a Theatre Major – Allison Hetzel, MFA – Theatre</p>
<p>This learning community will assist incoming theatre majors with navigating the departmental audition process and prepare students with a foundation of skills. Additionally the course will include time management and study skills to help the theatre major find the necessary balance of academics and involvement in department production and projects. The course will also include vocal health and overall well-being information for the theatre student.</p>
<p>Freshmen students entering the theatre major may register for this FLC.</p>
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<p>Principles of Biology I (majors) Study Group –Kim Caldwell, PhD – Biology</p>
<p>This FLC will further explore the concepts discussed in the large Principles of Biology lecture class (BSC114) within this smaller, group discussion, environment with the professor who teaches this lecture. As examples, we will relate class topics to medically relevant areas such as diseases associated with cell organelles, genetic testing for disease, and cloning, or areas that have social concerns, such as stem cells and evolution. We will also have activities, such as practice problems and time for questions/answers to enhance comprehension of the material covered in class.</p>
<p>Students in a pre-med track or students majoring in Biology, Chemistry and Chemical and Biological Engineering will benefit from this FLC. It is not intended for students in non-majors biology classes.</p>
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<p>Reporting the Arts –Richard LeComte – Media Relations</p>
<p>This FLC will examine how critics and reporters cover the performing arts and the process critics engage in when evaluating a performance. All the lively arts are covered: classical music, popular music, theater, dance and movies. Emphasis will be places on how to write and structure reviews, how to interview artists and how to write featured articles on the arts.</p>
<p>While this FLC is open to any freshman student, students intending to major in journalism, TCF or the performing arts will find this FLC to be a nice enhancement to their academic studies.</p>
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<p>Teachers Rock! –James Hardin, MA – Curriculum and Instruction, Education</p>
<p>The intentions of this FLC are to allow students who intend to become secondary school teachers to learn about the teaching profession, College of Education degree requirements, the TEP process, as well as meet other freshman with the same goals and intentions.* The FLC offers opportunities to meet other teaching professionals and learn from their experiences.</p>
<p>Registration is limited to Secondary Education majors.</p>
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<p>ACADEMIC SUCCESS</p>
<p>Discovery – Nancy Shockley, MA – College of Arts & Sciences</p>
<p>The Discovery Learning Community is designed to assist students in defining their academic and career interests. The process begins by getting to know more about yourself as well as learning about the University Resources and career possibilities. Students will explore requirements for different professional fields and engage in evaluating their talents and interests to identify professional and academic areas of study to pursue.</p>
<p>Freshmen who want to explore majors and career interests, as well as those who want to confirm their choice of major, will find this FLC helpful.</p>
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<p>Military to College: Making the Transition – David Blair – Office of Veteran and Military Affairs</p>
<p>In order to ease the transition from the military to college environment the Veterans Center seeks to provide instruction in college survival skills while focusing on academics, social settings, interpersonal skills, and managing readjustment to civilian life. The course will help effective stress management associated with combat, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and operational stress. The class will also give students an understanding of the financial aid process for veteran/service-members, and dependants. The course will lay the ground work for success in achieving their educational goals.</p>
<p>This FLC is limited to student veterans, service members and dependents.</p>
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<p>Navigating College – Pamela Derrick, MA – A&S Student Services</p>
<p>This community will explore resources to assist in the transition to college life. Students will participate in activities to learn more about their learning styles and personalities, campus resources, policies, and resources. Each class will begin with Q&A to address campus issues, deadlines, announcements, etc. so that each student is informed and can explore their questions and concerns. Group activities will be included.</p>
<p>The FLC is open to students interested in any major or profession.</p>
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<p>Swimming in the Big Pond –– A&S Student Services</p>
<p>The transition from a small private high school or from home school to a large public university can sometimes overwhelm an unsuspecting student. This course will use Clifton Taulbert’s book, Eight Habits of the Heart, to discuss and hopefully help students embrace the values that build strong families and communities. While examining Taulbert’s eight recommended habits or nurturing attitude, dependability and responsibility, friendship, brotherhood, high expectations, courage, and hope, students will also learn the necessary skills needed to survive at a large university setting such as time management skills, using available resources, study skills, managing extracurricular activities, etc.</p>
<p>Students who have been home schooled or graduated from small high schools will benefit from this FLC.</p>
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<p>Check back often to see the most updated and comprehensive list of Freshman Learning Communities.</p>