Small Class Sizes
BSS/SER Learning Communities enroll a
maximum of 30 students. Small class sizes
benefit students in a variety of ways. In this
setting, students have more opportunities to
ask questions. They also have more
opportunities to engage in discussions.
Finally, small class size makes it easier to
know you professors and classmates.
Student Equity Reenvisioned
SER
Student-Centered Faculty
BSS/SER faculty are committed to creating
an active learning environment for students
by embedding high impact practices and
creating a culturally responsive and equity-
minded learning environment.
Student Relevant Themes
BSS/SER Learning Community themes
focus on the big questions that matter
beyond the classroom and that have an
impact at the global, national, regional and
local level. Issues explored may include
social justice, individual and group rights,
social policy and social change,
environmental and ecological challenges
and multiculturalism and globalism.
Embedded Academic Counseling
BSS/SER Learning Community counselors
assist students in academic/career planning
so that immediate and long range academic
and career goals can be achieved.
Counselors accomplish this by providing
students with relevant information and
individualized education plans.
Welcome!
We are extremely excited about your interest in participating in a Behavioral and Social Science (BSS)/Student
Equity Reenvisioned (SER) Equity-Minded Learning Community! BSS/SER learning communities provide
students with an opportunity to learn in an innovative and dynamic academic setting that embeds high impact
practices to facilitate student success. BSS/SER learning communities are also theme-based and
interdisciplinary. Themes explored in past learning communities include Heritage and Identity Across Borders:
The History of Mexico and the Chicano Socio-Cultural Experience and Social Justice: Racial Inequality and the
Making of a New World. Our learning community approach creates a culturally responsive and equity-minded
learning experience that fosters and enhances connections among students, faculty and disciplines. Please
explore this website to learn more about our learning communities and how you can become a participant. Feel
free to contact us if you have any questions.
Why Participate?
Fall 2018 Learning Communities
UC/CSU Transferable Courses
All courses offered through BSS/SER
Learning Communities are UC/CSU
transferable. These courses are also listed
under their respective areas in ICETC.
PASS Mentor Tutoring
The PASS (Peer Assisted Study Sessions)
Mentor Program assists students with
course content in the classroom and
through PASS sessions. PASS mentors also
provide students with general advice on a
wide range of topics relating to student
success.
Jason Suarez
SER Faculty Coordinator
Wendy Lozano
Student Services Specialist
Student Equity
SER Faculty
Argelia Andrade - Spanish
John Baranski - History
Randall Firestone - Philosophy
Melissa Fujiwara- Sociology
Renee Galbavy- Psychology
Lars Kjeseth - Mathematical Sciences
Eduardo Muñoz - Political Science
Christina Nagao- English
Xocoyotzin Herrera - Ethnic Studies/History
Hong Herrera Thomas - Ethnic Studies/History
David Reed - Political Science
Jason Suarez - History
Julie Soden - Human Development
Orion Teal - History
Sandra Uribe - History
Spring 2019 Learning Communities
The Asian Experience: From Confucius to Modern Day America
History 114: History of the Asian American in the United States | Hong Herrera Thomas
Philosophy 114: Asian Philosophy | Randy Firestone
Creating Social Change: The Power of One, The Power of Many
Human Development 110: Strategies for College Success/Life | Daphna Ram
History 102: United States History from 1877 | Orion Teal
Heritage and Identity Across Borders: The History of Mexico and the Chicano Socio-Cultural Experience
History 154: History of Mexico | Jason R. Suárez
Ethnic Studies 5: Chicano Culture | Xocoyotzin Herrera
Racial Reconstruction: The Unfinished Project
Political Science 1: Government of the United States and California | David Reed
History 101: United States History to 1877 | Sandra Uribe
Fall 2019 Learning Communities and myPath Courses
myPATH
myPATH is a designation for stand-alone courses in Behavioral and Social Sciences (BSS) that integrate
culturally responsive and equity-minded teaching frameworks with Guided Pathways principles. Thus faculty
teaching myPATH courses incorporate the following:
•
Culturally responsive and equity-minded curriculum designs
•
Content exploration through themes and questions that matter to students
•
Embedded counselors to assist students in academic/career planning
•
Embedded PASS (Peer Assisted Study Sessions) Mentor Program to assist students with course content
The goal of myPATH is to bring the learning community experience to a stand alone course.
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