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