BARD LEARNING COMMONS
The
Learning Commons offers Bard students collaborative learning and support
through academic workshops, drop-in and subject tutoring, study rooms, and our
Writing Fellows program. We provide credit-bearing courses in writing, public
speaking, mathematics, and English for non-native speakers.
TUTORING
Individual tutoring in writing and in other
subjects can be arranged by contacting the Learning Commons, located in the
basement of Stone Row, by calling 758-7812, or by filling out the appointment
form at http://inside.bard.edu/learningcommons/findtutor/.
The
Learning Commons is open Monday-Friday, 9am-8pm, although tutoring sessions may
be scheduled with peer-tutors for others days and times as well. Review
sessions and individual tutoring for math and sciences, and drop-in hours for
math and writing help are also available during the semester. Call 758-7812 for
days and times, or visit the Learning Commons' website: http://inside.bard.edu/learningcommons/
THE MATH PLACEMENT DIAGNOSTIC TEST
All
students at Bard College must take and pass a mathematics
or computing course before graduation. If you haven’t taken a math course at
Bard yet, please take our Online Math Placement Diagnostic Test. Go to http://math.bard.edu/placement/ for instructions.
SERVICES
FOR DISABLED STUDENTS
In compliance with Section 504 of
the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans With
Disabilities Act of 1990, Bard College is committed to providing equal access
to the College’s academic courses, programs, and activities for all students.
Students with physical or psychological disabilities should register with the
Disability Support Coordinator in order to receive necessary accommodations.
Forms are available at: http://www.bard.edu/admission/forms/pdfs/disability.pdf.
LEARNING COMMONS COURSES
Courses listed below are
credit bearing but do not satisfy program or distribution credit.
12080 |
BLC 107
Intensive ESL |
Denise Minin |
M W 10:00 am-12:30 pm T Th 10:00 am-12:30
pm |
HDR 101A ALBEE 106 |
(4 credits, two-semester
requirement) This course is designed to give incoming international students
an overview of the Liberal Arts experience through exploring some of the fields
of study Bard has to offer. Through this investigation, students will develop
the academic and study skills needed to survive this challenging academic
environment. An emphasis on reading and writing will provide opportunities for
students to develop vocabulary, improve grammar and
strengthen their grasp of the written language.
Class
size: 15
12081 |
BLC 110
Grammar for
Writers |
Denise Minin |
T Th 1:30 pm-2:50 pm |
OLIN 304 |
(4 credits) This class
examines issues of grammar, usage, and style, with an emphasis on the
difficulties encountered by non-native speakers of English. Special attention
will be given to the problems created by language transfer issues and to the
specific expectations of writing in different disciplines. Through frequent
writing and rewriting, we will study rules and habits that lead to clear and
concise academic writing. At least 25 pages of revised writing will be
expected.
Class
size: 12
12082 |
BLC 150
Algebra
Workshop |
Daniel Newsome |
F 1:00 pm-3:00 pm |
HEG 102 |
(2 credits) This course
provides a review of the algebra used in math, science, and social science
courses. It is designed for students who would like to improve their algebra
skills while taking or in preparation to take an introductory math, science,
economics or statistics course. Topics include linear equations and their
graphs, quadratic equations, fractions, rational expressions, and exponents.
This course will be graded Pass/Fail. No distributional credit is earned.
This course will meet for the first 10 weeks of the semester.
Class
size: 22
12083 |
BLC 185
Placemaking:Mission-Center
Design |
Joshua Livingston |
F 8:00 am-10:00
am |
HDR 106 |
(2 credits in spring; yearlong course for 6 credits: semester 1, 4
credits; semester 2, 2 credits.) Design
that is visually intriguing and highly functional is extremely important in
developing spaces that are ultimately turned into places by their users. A space,
in this context, is understood to be more of the framework or meeting spot for
people; while place is defined by what is made by the people based on
the life and meaning they put into it. The goal of this course will be not only
to think, but to create. Through peer inquiry, human-centered design
activities, and research, a need for students on campus will be examined and
additional pain points unearthed. This course incorporates physical, human, and
operational design iterations to create space that revolves around the wants of
the people it intends to serve. Theoretical perspectives and practical
approaches of design thinking will be used. Social enterprise and social
innovation will be explored through a wide range of literature, audio and
video. The deliverable for students in this course will be a new and innovative
space to take root on Bard College’s campus. This class is team oriented.
Students will conceptualize, and if interested, create physical design within
the space to be developed. No prior experience with design or mission-based
work is required. The course welcomes and thrives on inclusivity, as it draws
upon the unique perspective from all students. Interested students should send
an email to Joshua Livingston (livingstonjosh@gmail.com),
that includes your academic focus and a brief description of your
interest in the course. Keep in mind that this is a year-long course. You will
be required to complete both parts to participate.
Class
size: 10
12084 |
BLC 190
Algebra/Trigonometry/Functions |
Daniel Newsome |
W 5:30 pm-7:30 pm |
OLIN 201 |
(2 credits)
This course is designed for students who have taken a pre-calculus course in
high school or at Bard, but would like more computational practice with
algebra, trigonometry, logarithms and exponentials. This course can be taken at
the same time as a math, science, or economics course, or in preparation to
take such a course in a subsequent semester. This course will be graded
Pass/Fail. No distributional credit is earned. This course will meet for the
first 10 weeks of the semester.
Class
size: 22
12085 |
BLC 205
Essay and
Revision |
Katherine Heupel |
M W 11:50
am-1:10 pm |
OLIN 306 |
(4 credits) In this
course, we will sharpen our skills at writing and revising academic essays. By
breaking down the writing process into its constituent steps, considering what
each step needs in order to be useful, and anticipating the experience of a
reader, this class allows students to hone their skills at producing successful
academic writing. Along the way, we'll consider question framing, using outside
sources, revision and editing, and other skills necessary to write effectively.
Class
size: 12
12549 |
BLC 220
Digital
Literacy/Scholarship |
Jeremy Hall |
F 10:10 am-11:30 am |
OLIN 309 |
(2 credits) This course will examine
the skills necessary to produce scholarship and engage the public sphere by
developing students’ proficiency in conducting and presenting research. The aim
is for students to better understand current trends in information consumption,
including key issues like “fake news” and “alternative facts.” Class time will
be devoted to discussions and workshops covering a range of topics such as news
and media literacy, infographics and digital design, social media, data ethics,
web programming languages and advanced research skills. Students will cultivate
a digitally-literate approach to learning that they can apply in their academic
and professional lives.
Class
size: 15
12554 |
BLC 305
Writing and
Research |
Jane Smith |
T Th 3:10 pm-4:30 pm |
OLIN 307 |
(4 credits) This course is designed especially for moderated
juniors who want to prepare for the senior project. Emphasis will be given
to the early work of articulating a significant research question and
to working with primary and secondary sources to develop a sustained
argument in response to it. Students will explore the specific rhetorical
strategies, styles, and formats of his or her own discipline and
meet with faculty in their field of interest. Students will write a
literature review, a Senior Project proposal, and a research paper.
Class
size: 12