Academic Resource Centers

The Academic Resource Centers (ARC) are a network of professionals, from thirteen different offices or departments across campus, who have expertise in teaching a variety of academic skills. Below are the credit bearing skills courses available to students. For more information on the ARC: See Academic Resource Centers pages in this catalog or at our web page Academic Resource Centers.

The areas that offer courses in Academic Skills are as follows:

Library Richard Fyffe, Rosenthal Librarian of the College and Associate Professor

Math Lab Jim Lawrence, Interim Director

Reading Laboratory Joan Mohan, Director

Science Learning Center Minna Mahlab

Writing Lab Janet Carl, Interim Director; Kevin Crim; Dan Darling; Helyn Wohlwend; Bill Rudolph

Academic Skills Courses

Academic Resource Centers

Courses

LIB 100 - Library Research Techniques

2 credits (Fall)

A practical introduction for students wishing to develop their understanding of library resources and become more effective researchers in college and afterward. Students will discover strategies for finding and evaluating sources of information in a variety of formats, including print indexes, online databases, government documents, and the World Wide Web. Students will also learn to compare these sources in terms of reliability and usefulness for their research. Issues relating to information ethics and information policy, such as copyright, plagiarism, and privacy will also be addressed. Burling Library’s interactive classroom provides the opportunity for hands-on experience.

Instructor: Staff

MAT 100 - Mathematics Laboratory

1 credits (Fall and Spring)

Note: Instruction in basic math skills is available without credit for all students. S/D/F only.
Instructor: Norris

RED 100 - Reading Laboratory

1 credits (Fall and Spring)

Individual and small-group instruction in reading and study skills, emphasizing reading efficiency, vocabulary building, and methods of effective study (concentrating, time management, preparing for tests, etc.). Recommended to students who have difficulty keeping up with reading assignments or understanding and remembering what they read as well as for those international students who want to improve their English language proficiency and pronunciation. Diagnostic test administered to determine individual needs. May be repeated once for credit, with permission of the director.

Note: Students may work at the Reading Lab without registering. S/D/F only
Instructor: Mohan

SCI 100 - Science Laboratory

1 credits (Fall and Spring)

Individual or small-group instruction emphasizing problem-solving skills. This class must be taken in conjunction with first-year sequences in physics, chemistry, or biology. May be repeated once for credit with permission of the director.

Prerequisite: Consultation with the related course instructor and permission of the director of the science lab are required.
Note: Instruction is available without credit to students who cannot take the course or who need only occasional assistance. S/D/F only
Instructor: Mahlab

SCI 240 - Science Education Methods

1 credits

This discussion seminar is open to all students who have taken at least one year of science, and is encouraged for those students who are biology and chemistry student mentors, science laboratory teaching assistants, or students interested in pursuing a career in science teaching. This class will review some of the current literature in science education and focuses on examining the stages of the teaching and learning process and tools for improving teaching and learning.

Prerequisite: One year (two semesters) of biology, chemistry, mathematics/computer science, physics, or psychology; and permission of the instructor.
Note: Not offered every year.
Instructor: Mahlab

WRT 101 - Basic Principles of Writing

1 credits (Fall and Spring)

In this course students attend a series of weekly workshops on the basics of academic composition as well as individual appointments in the Writing Lab to apply those basic principles to their assigned writing in other courses.

Prerequisite: None.
S/D/F only
Instructor: Staff

WRT 102 - Advanced Principles of Writing

2 credits (Fall and Spring)

Using both small group sessions and individual Writing Lab appointments, this course focuses on the interrelationships among purpose, audience, and genre. Some required writing and revision.

Prerequisite: WRT 101
S/D/F only
Instructor: Staff

WRT 120 - Oral Communication Skills

2 credits (Spring)

Students will present a series of persuasive and informational speeches to a variety of audiences, receiving feedback from both instructor and classmates. Some reading and class preparation required.

Prerequisite: None.
S/D/F only
Instructor: Staff

WRT 150 - Teaching Writing

2 credits (Fall or Spring)

Cross-listed as: EDU 150. Students in Writing 150 will gain both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience as they serve as writing mentors for college courses or teach writing as volunteers in other contexts (e.g., prison programs, schools, peer tutoring). They will read about theories of teaching writing, practice skills of tutoring, running workshops and facilitating peer review, observe the teaching of writing in several contexts, and engage in discourse (both oral and written) about the teaching and learning of writing skills.

Prerequisite: None.
S/D/F only

WRT 195-01 - Special Topic: Professional Writing

2 credits (Spring)

This course will prepare students for writing after college - whatever their future career goals. Students will practice a variety of professional writing genres and interact with both alumni and campus professionals.

Prerequisite: None.
Instructor: Carl

WRT 195-02 - Special Topic: Achieving Academic Success

1 credits (Spring)

This course is designed to help first-year students meet the College’s rigorous academic challenges. Students will learn about and practice skills to be academically successful. Sessions include goal setting, organization and time management, introduction to campus resources, reflection, and other strategies for improving academic performance. Students will engage with readings, discussions, projects and writing assignments. This course will meet the second through twelfth week of the semester.

Prerequisite: None.
Note: This course will meet the second through twelfth week of the semester.
Instructor: Perez