What’s a Learning Community?

A small group of fi rst-year students enrolled in two or more courses linked with integrated assignments, a collaborative team of faculty, and in some communities a Peer Leader.

Why Enroll in a Learning Community?

Connect with your peersMeet other fi rst-year students in your Learning Community courses. You will have shared experiences (both academic and co-curricular), and be able to support each other through your academic success.

Develop a sense of belonging with the Missouri State University communityGet connected to your new home when you join a Learning Community. You will have an opportunity to develop a connection within the MSU and Springfi eld communities.

Build lasting relationships with faculty both inside and outside the classroomThis will be valuable to you throughout your college experience and beyond.

Engage in experiential learning experiences which will enhance in-class learningApply in-class learning to real-world experiences. As you “learn by doing,” you will gain a better understanding of what you are learning.

Individual attention, lasting friendships, diverse communitySmall, scholarly, and diverse, the Learning Community lets you link intellectual ideas and good friendships that often last a lifetime. Interact with peers from diverse backgrounds representing a wide range of high schools across Missouri, the United States, and throughout the world.

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EXPERIENCE

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Ask your SOAR leader today about enrolling!

FYEfirst year experience

MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY

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BEARBEARYour fi rst year as a

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Missouri State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affi rmative Action Institution.

first year experience

FYEMISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY

FIRST YEAR EXPERIENCE

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Learning Community Themes

Sec 1- HOSPITALITY = FOCUS + FUN

GEP 101.1 (CRN 48605) Stephanie HeinHRA 201.2 (CRN 49114) Melissa Dallas

Considering a management career in the hospitality industry upon graduation? If you enjoy working with people, welcome diversity, have good organizational skills, can work well under pressure, have strong interpersonal skills, can multi-task, and possess a high energy level, then this learning community is for you. Tour area hotels and restaurants, interact with industry professionals, and learn how MSU can help you open the doors to this exciting and rewarding fi eld

Sec 2 - WE ARE FACEBOOKS: PAINTING SELF-PORTRAITS in COLLEGE and BEYOND

GEP 101.2 (CRN 47627) Melissa PriceART 100.8 (CRN 40106) Steve WillisENG 110.3 (CRN 40019) Thomas Crank

It’s time to update your profi le. Visualize yourself using design principles from ART 100. Empower yourself with stylized text in ENG 110. Imagine yourself in a network of students reaching for a diverse set of goals in GEP 101. Join us and complete a self-portrait that lasts.

Sec 3 - “THINK GLOBALLY, LEAD LOCALLY”

GEP 101.3 (CRN 47721) Magdalena BerryCOM 115.2 (CRN 48612) Robyn Rowe

We’ll take a look at the world and what some interesting people are doing to make it better, then consider what we can do to help.

Sec 4 - HOW JACOB, JOSEPH and JEZEBEL GOT THEIR GROOVE BACK

GEP 101.4 (CRN 48737) Jim MoyerREL 101.2 (CRN 41717) Jim MoyerorGEP 101.28 (CRN 49099) Jim MoyerREL 101.1 (CRN 41713) Jim Moyer

This is a survey of the Old Testament with emphasis on the bad and good girls and boys. Many good ones fumble the ball and bad ones reform themselves because of second and third chances. Meets Gen Ed requirements in Culture and Society-Humanities Perspective, 3 credit course, Fall semester MWF sect 1 10:45-11:35 and MWF sect 2 12:55-1:45 linked with GEP 101-4/28 TR 11-12:15.

Sec 13 - YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT... or ... DO YOU EAT WHAT YOU ARE?

GEP 101.13 (CRN 47664) Carmen BoydBMS 110.A (CRN 41393) Joshua Smith

Sec 14 - YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT... or ... DO YOU EAT WHAT YOU ARE?

GEP 101.14 (CRN 47671) Carmen BoydBMS 110.C (CRN 41395) Amy Schiller

Sec 15 - MYTHBUSTERS: RE-DISCOVERING LEGENDS

GEP 101.15 (CRN 47731) Dane WallaceLLT 180.2 (CRN 48517) Dane Wallace

In this dynamic course, we shall unearth some of history’s greatest heroes, heroines, and villains in order to explore the rest of their stories. Everyone knows Hercules, but do you know why he completed the twelve labors that made him a hero? Ever heard of Vlad Dracula, aka The Impaler? Did you know that he was the only head of State to heed Pope Pius II’s call to Crusade in the 1470’s? If you enjoy exploring heroes (heroines) and legends, come join the adventure of busting Myths. (This section is linked to LLT 180: Hero & Quest, section 2.)

Sec 16 - BECOMING WHO I WANT TO BE

GEP 101.16 (CRN 47697) Diane LeamySOC 150.1 (CRN 47192) Tricia McTagueENG 110.001 (CRN 40088) Magi Smith

An old Chinese proverb says, “The fi rst step to becoming an individual is to recognize that you are not one.” What we become as people depends on the nature of our ties to others. Without examining how we are like and unlike others, we will fail to become all that we could become as individuals. You will learn how to see these connections through service-learning, critical thinking, refl ective writing, mindful skepticism, considering multiple points of view, and fi nally, by articulating your own moral standpoint. In other words, you will not only learn by doing but also by thinking and writing about what you are doing. (Note: Fifteen hours of service with a community partner are required.)

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first year experience

MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY

FYEfirst year experience

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COMMUNITY

Sec 5 - SWEET LEADERSHIP

GEP 101.5 (CRN 47703) Tracy DaltonCOM 115.5 (CRN 40001) Jerri Lynn Kyle

Through the study of leadership styles, including that of a Springfi eld chocolate maker, students will experience what it means to become ethical leaders in a global society.

Sec 6 - LEADING FROM THE START!

GEP 101.6 (CRN 47702) Mike WoodCOM 115.3 (CRN 48613) Allison Coltharp

Leadership skills are essential for success in any career. This learning community will help you explore campus leadership opportunities and start building your résumé. Make the most of your fi rst-year experience!

Sec 7 - WRITE/RIGHT YOURSELF IN

GEP 101.7 (CRN 47648) Susan MartindaleENG 100.1 (CRN 40026) Margaret Weaver

One of the learning objectives in higher education is to help students join in the conversation. While technological advances have expanded the possibilities for more global conversation, they have also prompted a shift to a more text-based form of communication. Students now must write themselves into the conversation and, simultaneously, right themselves into the conversation. To participate successfully, students must develop a thorough understanding of how written rhetoric is shaped by diverse perspectives and deliberate, ethical negotiation. This learning community will facilitate such understanding by providing multiple opportunities for students to join in the conversation.

Sec 8 - CHARGE AHEAD: CREATE YOUR OWN PATH at MISSOURI STATE !

GEP 101.8 (CRN 47685) Carrie LinesENG 100.004 (CRN 40033) Jenny Jackson

Accomplish your dreams and goals using a variety of great resources available to you at Missouri State. Jump start your social life by learning about everything from sports to clubs to Greek life; jump start your academic life through learning the basics of writing and research in the classroom. Get ready to charge ahead at Missouri State University.

Sec 9 - EXCITEMENT BEYOND BELIEF

GEP 101.9 (CRN 47642) Dave GoodwinCOM 115.4 (CRN 48614) Sue Brilhart

Join your peers and become part of a Learning Community that will study culture, communication and congeniality. The emphasis will be hands-on, minds-on, active learning. You and your colleagues will learn written and oral communication styles in a friendly and exciting atmosphere that will help you in your studies and pursuit of a university degree.

Sec 10 - EXPLORE YOUR WORLD

GEP 101.10 (CRN 47683) Leticia WhiteENG 110.8 (CRN 40129) Brittany LichiusANT 125.1 (CRN 41703) Elizabeth Sobel

What secrets does the world hold, and how do they relate to you? Embark upon a lifelong odyssey of discovery. Follow your passion and fi nd your place in this Learning Community.

Sec 11 - RECIPE FOR SUCCESS

GEP 101.11 (CRN 47729) Angela RievesCOM 115.1 (CRN 48611) Nora Cox

Did you know that most of your food travels an average of 1500 miles from production to your plate? How many miles do you think you will log around campus your fi rst year of college? In this Learning Community, we will explore Missouri State’s 2010-11 public affairs theme of “Leadership in a Global Society” by focusing on issues surrounding the food industry including where your dinner comes from and how food has signifi cance in many cultures. We’ll blend speeches, guest speakers, hands-on learning, and community involvement together to create your recipe for success!

Sec 12 - NEW TESTAMENT & MODERN WORLD

GEP 101.12 (CRN 47687) Mark BoyerENG 100.006 (CRN 40039) Jessie CannadyREL 102.302 (CRN 49176) Mark Boyer

In this learning community you will learn how to read some of the literature of the New Testament of the Bible alongside some of the literature of the modern world. This religious studies course and English class offers opportunities to learn about all types of heroes and heroines, good vs. evil, tragedy, etc. in stories, essays, and letters. The Public Affairs theme of leadership in a global society is woven throughout the fabric of this learning community, which consists of GEP 101, Section 12; REL 102, Section 302; and ENG100, Section 6.