Twofer Classes Offered At McHenry CountyCollege

McHenry County College (MCC) students can learn two subjects in one time slot and earn twice the credits with Learning Communities classes being offered in the fall. Also known as a Twofer, the classes are available in a variety of subjects and co-taught by two instructors.

These unique courses offer a more interactive environment where students can easily see the intersections between the topics and participate in more discussions. Course material is designed to encourage students to examine ideas from different perspectives and learn the value of team interaction and critical thinking—skills that are highly valued by today’s employers. Assigned reading, papers and projects apply to both classes at the same time, though students’ transcripts will show two separate classes and grades.

Upcoming Twofer classes at MCC include:  

 

Battle Cry: Speaking Truth to Power. This new class combines Composition II (ENG 152 004) and American History II (HIS 172 002) and focuses on the social, political, and cultural impact of American protest movements since the Civil War—including modern civil rights, anti-imperialism, anti-war, and the women’s movements. Instructors are Mark Waters and Todd Culp.

Gandhi’s Playlist. This new class explores philosophy and art from India, China and Japan. From the origins of Eastern thought and image-making to contemporary influences, students will gain knowledge and think about and see the world in new ways. Combines Eastern Philosophy (PHI 160) and Non-Western Art History (ART 155). Instructors are Timothy Seitz and Sarah Ruthven.

‘Till Divorce Do Us Part. Combines Composition II (ENG 152 002) and Sociology of Families (SOC 175 003). Students will explore questions such as: What is a family? Why do people get married? and Who’s getting married and for how long? Students will explore how changes in society have contributed to the new mosaic of American families, and then learn how to effectively communicate their ideas on these complex issues. Instructors are Lisa Crizer and Shiela Venkataswamy.

Laughing Your Ass Off: The Written and Spoken Arts of Comedy. The written and spoken Arts. A fun and different take on two of the more traditional general education courses. Every student has to take research writing and public speaking, but not every student gets to do it with a hilarious topical focus where they can earn double credits for Speech (SPE 151) and Composition II (ENG 152) at the same time, in one class, with two instructors. Instructors are Jay Geller and Kate Midday.

Mindspeak. Should jurors trust eye-witness testimony? Is there a perfume that drives men wild? Have you wondered if ADHD is just an excuse for bad parenting? In this writing-focused psychology class, we’ll look at the science behind human behavior from learning and brain development to phobias and disorders. Combines Composition I with Anne Humphrey and Introduction to Psychology (PSY 151 018) with Christine Grela.

Morals and Malice in Middle Earth: A Hobbit’s Journey through Good and Evil. Examines questions of good and evil, right and wrong, virtue and vice through J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic, “Lord of the Rings.” Students will explore what motivates villains like Saruman to do evil and what makes ordinary hobbits like Sam and Frodo perform heroic acts. The class combines Introduction to Ethics (PHI 251) and Composition II (ENG 152). Instructors are Jim Gould and Ted Hazelgrove.

Those interested in enrolling in these popular classes are encouraged to speak with an advisor and register early, as classes fill quickly. General Spring 2016 registration begins

Oct. 26 through the first week of classes. Weekday credit classes begin Jan. 19, 2016.

Visit www.mchenry.edu/twofer to learn more about course structure and credits. For more information, contact Kate Midday at (815) 455-8735 or email her at: kmidday@mchenry.edu.