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.
