First Year Learning Community

Course Selection

Please select your top two choices for Connected Course pairings. More information regarding each pairing (including the General Education Curriculum Requirements they satisfy) can be found on our Connected Course Options site.

First Choice for Connected Courses Pairing

WRT 150 - Strategies in Writing
INT 100 - Reflect, Connect, Engage

This pair of courses explores the life of the mind while encouraging students to exercise their own voices and play proactive roles in their education. In addition to reflection, the readings and course content inspire engagement through co-curricular experiences. We will tackle the "big questions" that surround education: Why should anyone go to college? What should students learn? How do they learn? As we grapple with these questions, we will apply this theory to practice. In other words, we will "think about our thinking" while we engage in discussion and writing processes that happen on and off the page. Students should expect to extend concepts from INT 100 and WRT 150 to all other college experiences and beyond.

These courses satisfy the Writing and Philosophy & Literature General Education Requirements.

WRT 150 - Strategies in Writing
INT 100 - Reflect, Connect, Engage

A growing body of literature indicates that humans are more alienated from nature than ever before. In the last 20 years the desire to spend time outdoors has diminished despite the reported mental and physical benefits of being in the natural world. Research suggests that this separations has weakened citizen's ecological literacy and stewardship towards the environment. By exploring and reflecting on Grand Valley State University's natural surroundings, we will enhance our knowledge of ecosystems, examine controversial topics in nature on a deeper, philosophical level, and gain a greater sense of place. These ideas will span both INT 100 and WRT 120 and far beyond.

These courses satisfy the Writing and Philosophy & Literature General Education Requirements.

PLS 102 - American Government and Politics
SOC 105 - Social Problems

Explore sociology and political science from the unique perspective of course pairing! During this experience, we will examine the fundamentals of American Government within the context of modern societal inequities including race, gender, and class. Through discussions of topics ranging from criminal justice, the education system to war and terror, we will examine critical contemporary issues and how they are and could be addressed with the political system.

These courses satisfy the Social & Behavioral Sciences and US Diversity General Education Requirements.

HST 103 - Introduction to American Civilizations
ENG 100 - Reading for College

This pair of courses will explore common people's history and current events to understand what is lost in much of our current content. Students will take a bottom-to-top view of American history and current events, examining a variety of primary and secondary sources from different periods, as well as examining various academic perspectives on the contemporary issues stemming from these histories. Students will learn how to read critically, with deeper comprehension, and more efficiency, as well as write persuasively and clearly to make an argument.

These courses satisfy the Historical Analysis and US Diversity General Education Requirements.

ENG 105 - Literatures in English
CLA 131 - Roman Civilization

This linked course offers a comparative framework for imaginatively exploring and thinking about historical and contemporary relations with the more-than-human environment. During our time together, we'll work with a diverse range of literary, philosophical, and scientific texts -- from ancient roman society to ours -- that ponder the extraordinary, complex, and fragile links between humans and the web of planetary life. Like us, the Romans contended with an array of environmental problems, including plague, and changing climates. What resilience strategies did ancient Romans develop in response to these challenges? How might their responses inspire us to take better care of each other and the planet? We will explore these and other fascinating questions to consider what the study of ancient Roma and the environment can offer us in the face of our contemporary ecological crises.

These courses satisfy the Historical Analysis and Philosophy & Literature General Education Requirements.

REL 100 - Religions of the World
ITC 100 - Introduction to Intercultural Competence

How are one's religion and identity connected? How does this connection affect how one experiences the world? This course pairing will delve into how religion is lived and impacts one's identity. Students will examine how religion intersects with other aspects identity, such as class, sexuality, and race, to develop a sense of self. These courses will look back at historical shifts and analyze current issues connected to religion and culture.

These courses satisfy the Global Perspectives, U.S. Diversity and Social & Behavioral Sciences General Education Requirements.

DS 201 - Digital Identities and Communication
WRT 150 - Strategies in Writing

This pair of courses explore the role and future of technology. The courses will encourage students to interact with and use technology to reflect on and evaluate their digital identities and their involvement in digital communities. Students will encounter a range of digital artifacts and texts to grapple with how power relations are shaped through digital devices and by the plans for the future of technology companies. We will address questions like: How will technology affect our future professional lives? How can our involvement in different digital communities shape our approaches to citizenship and civic participation? How do social media platforms shape our sense of self and our ability to build lasting, meaningful communities? Amid looming threats to democracy and the climate, how can we redirect technology to safeguard a sustainable future?”.

These courses satisfy the Writing and Social & Behavioral Sciences General Education Requirements.

COM 201 - Speech
CIS 162 - Computer Science I

Daily standups, program team meetings, and project updates are standard practice for today’s software developers. Aspiring programmers need to be effective communicators whether in person or through virtual meetings. Likewise, good public speaking skills are beneficial in all walks of life, from presenting yourself as a candidate during a job interview or for landing a key internship to further your career while in college. This pairing builds both your programming skills and your ability to express yourself effectively.

These courses satisfy the Social & Behavioral Sciences General Education Requirement and Major requirements for Computer Information Science and Cybersecurity

WRT 120 (Fall) - Strategies in Writing: Stretch
WRT 130 (Winter) - Strategies in Writing: Stretch
ENG 100 - Reading for College

The transition from high school to college is an exciting time of life, though students and parents can sometimes arrive on campus unprepared for what college is really like. This paired course aims to help first year Lakers adjust to university life by introducing academic expectations, encouraging major exploration, building knowledge of campus resources, fostering a connection with the institution, learning to read and write across majors, and developing healthy coping strategies. These ideas will span both ENG 100 and WRT 120/130 as we examine problems common to new students and offer support for success at Grand Valley State University.

These courses satisfy the Writing General Education Requirement.

EGR 100 - Introduction to Engineering
EGR 111 - Introduction to Engineering Graphics

Start your journey to see the world through the eyes of an engineer. This pair of courses introduces the wide range of engineering disciplines, the engineering design process, and engineering graphical communication methods. Learn how engineers in different fields identify problems, brainstorm ideas, prototype solutions, and communicate their ideas using engineering drawings. Students will be expected to work in groups to explore a real-world engineering problem and present a designed solution using engineering sketches and drawings.

These courses satisfy Major requirements for Engineering.

HSC 202 - Technological Revolution
EGR 100 - Introduction to Engineering

From the Industrial Revolution to the Digital Age, participants unravel the intricate threads of innovation, examining the societal, economic, and environmental impacts of technological systems. Guided by their understanding of this technological evolution, participants will learn and practice CAD skills while exploring models of revolutionary designs. Moreover, participants will engage in dynamic discussions about the social and cultural histories of manufacturing, exploring how advancements in technology have transformed production processes and both challenged and reproduced structures of power. From traditional machining to additive manufacturing, participants will gain insights into the ever-evolving landscape of manufacturing, understanding how modern techniques are reshaping industries and exploring what drives innovation across disciplines.

These courses satisfy Major requirements for Engineering.

ITC 100 - Introduction to Intercultural Competence
GEO 105 - Living with the Great Lakes

This course integrates cultural competence with earth science using the Great Lakes as a lens. Students explore indigenous history, geologic history, climate dynamics, erosion, water chemistry, and human impacts on natural systems. Through discussions and field trips, the course examines the interplay between human and natural systems, fostering skills for diverse and sustainable practices.

These courses satisfy U.S. Diversity Cultures and Physical Sciences General Education Requirements.

INT 100 - Reflect, Connect, Engage
EDH 181 - Navigating College Success

Can a university education transform your life and change the world? How will you spend your time here at the university? This course pairing empowers students to question what it means to be educated through critical engagement with philosophy and literature, simultaneously introducing students to academic, social, and personal skills and responsibilities and highlighting important resources available to students at Grand Valley State University.

These courses satisfy Philosophy and Literature General Education Requirements.

MTH 108 - Algebra - Stretch 1 (Fall)
MTH 109 - Algebra - Stretch 2 (Winter)
EDH 181 - Navigating College Success

Starting college can be both exciting and challenging—navigating new environments, expectations, and academic demands. EDH 181: Navigating College Success acts as your guide to building a strong foundation, helping you hone study skills, discover campus resources, develop strategies for success, and build your community. When paired with Algebra Stretch 1 (MTH 108) in the Fall, you’ll gain not just the skills to thrive in college but also the mathematical reasoning needed to tackle real-world problems. This unique pairing extends into the winter semester with MTH 109 (Algebra Stretch 2), keeping the same instructor and group of students. This continuity helps foster a comfortable and supportive learning environment, allowing you to build confidence as you further develop your algebraic thinking. Join us as we connect algebraic reasoning with strategies for academic success, reinforcing your ability to problem-solve both in and out of the classroom.

These courses satisfy Mathematic Sciences General Education Requirements.

ENS 201 - Introduction to Environmental and Sustainability Studies
GSI 201 - (Dis)Order and (In)Justice: An Introduction to Global Studies

How can your skills and experiences work toward justice? What does answering a call for justice look like to you? This pair of courses brings together the interdisciplinary fields of environmental and global studies to answer these questions. Across both courses, students will examine complex social and environmental issues across the regional and global scales. How are environmental issues in the Great Lakes region connected to broader global histories and systems? And how might thinking globally help us understand how to approach the issues we face at home? In these courses, students will develop a relational framework as a tool for addressing urgent calls to address injustice.

These courses satisfy the Social and Behavioral Sciences General Education Requirements.

SOC 105 - Social Problems
EDH 181 - Navigating College Success

There’s so much to learn as a first-semester college student; it can be overwhelming and eye-opening. Sometimes, it feels like other students have an exclusive handbook to college, but EDH 181: Navigating College Success is that handbook. The course will introduce you to resources and help you build your community. When you pair EDH 181 with Social Problems (SOC 105), you will explore the different conditions, arrangements, and behaviors that can make it look like some people or groups have a secret manual to successfully navigate social problems. You will learn to apply sociological methods and theory with your college success community.

These courses satisfy the U.S. Diversity Cultures and Social and Behavioral Sciences General Education Requirements.

WRT 150 - Writing
IDS 110 - Research Hacks for New Students

Animals have historically provided humans with food, clothing, labor, and companionship. As the overlap between nature and the human world increases, wild and domestic animals often find themselves on the losing side. The future of humanity and wildlife alike depends on humans’ ability and willingness to share our communities and lives with animals. Coexistence means many things: The impact of human behavior on wildlife and vice versa, animals as entertainment and commodities, pet ownership, animal rights and endangerment, diversity of species, and so much more. In this course, students will investigate one of the myriad issues of human-animal interaction to address a challenge and gain insight into one part of a complex topic that affects us all. Through research and reflection, we will grapple with the politics of human–animal coexistence, imagining better ways to share the world with our creature counterparts.

These courses satisfy the Writing and U.S. Diversity General Education Requirements.

CAP 115 - Research Basics For Advertising And Public Relations
IDS 110 - Research Hacks for New Students

Strongly encouraged for Advertising and Public Relations Majors.

Curiosity is where great ideas begin. In IDS 110: Research Hacks for New(ish) Students, you’ll explore how to ask better questions, find reliable sources, and think critically about the information you encounter. In CAP 115: Research Basics for Advertising and Public Relations, you will apply those same inquiry skills to real world media and Ad/PR contexts, discovering how research helps shape messages, campaigns and audience understanding. Together, these courses help students become more confident researchers and communicators turning curiosity into insight and insight into impact.

WGS 101 - Introduction to Gender Studies
ENG 100 - Reading for College

Increasingly, we encounter stark claims about AI that either celebrate what it offers or warn us about the harm it will bring. Artificial intelligence (AI) is the wave of the future! AI will destroy our futures! In these paired courses, we focus on AI in more personal ways—how it impacts our identities. We will examine how AI networks work and whether they mirror the neural and social networks of the humans who created them and use them. Students will consider questions about gendered representations in AI produced content, how gender and race play a role in the content retrieved from AI tools, and how gender, race, and other social identities are far from absent as we engage in the world of AI.

These courses satisfy the U.S. Diversity and Social and Behavioral Sciences General Education Requirements.

Second Choice for Connected Courses Pairing

WRT 150 - Strategies in Writing
INT 100 - Reflect, Connect, Engage

This pair of courses explores the life of the mind while encouraging students to exercise their own voices and play proactive roles in their education. In addition to reflection, the readings and course content inspire engagement through co-curricular experiences. We will tackle the “big questions” that surround education: Why should anyone go to college? What should students learn? How do they learn? As we grapple with these questions, we will apply this theory to practice. In other words, we will “think about our thinking” while we engage in discussion as well as writing processes that happen on and off the page. Students should expect to extend concepts from INT 100 and WRT 150 to all other college experiences and beyond.

These courses satisfy the Writing and Philosophy & Literature General Education Requirements.

WRT 150 - Strategies in Writing
INT 100 - Reflect, Connect, Engage

A growing body of literature indicates that humans are more alienated from nature than ever before. In the last 20 years the desire to spend time outdoors has diminished despite the reported mental and physical benefits of being in the natural world. Research suggests that this separations has weakened citizen's ecological literacy and stewardship towards the environment. By exploring and reflecting on Grand Valley State University's natural surroundings, we will enhance our knowledge of ecosystems, examine controversial topics in nature on a deeper, philosophical level, and gain a greater sense of place.

These courses satisfy the Writing and Philosophy & Literature General Education Requirements.

PLS 102 - American Government and Politics
SOC 105 - Social Problems

Explore sociology and political science from the unique perspective of course pairing! During this experience, we will examine the fundamentals of American Government within the context of modern societal inequities including race, gender, and class. Through discussions of topics ranging from criminal justice and the education system to war and terror, we will examine critical contemporary issues and how they are and could be addressed with the political system.

This course satisfy the Social & Behavioral Sciences and US Diversity General Education Requirements.

HST 103 - Introduction to American Civilizations
ENG 100 - Reading for College

This pair of courses will explore common people's history and current events to understand what is lost in much of our current content. Students will take a bottom-to-top view of American history and current events, examining a variety of primary and secondary sources from different periods, as well as examining various academic perspectives on the contemporary issues stemming from these histories. Students will learn how to read critically, with deeper comprehension, and more efficiency, as well as write persuasively and clearly to make an argument.

This course satisfy the Historical Analysis and US Diversity General Education Requirements.

ENG 105 - Literatures in English
CLA 131 - Roman Civilization

This linked course offers a comparative framework for imaginatively exploring and thinking about historical and contemporary relations with the more-than-human environment. During our time together, we'll work with a diverse range of literary, philosophical, and scientific texts-from ancient roman society to ours-that ponder the extraordinary, complex, and fragile links between humans and the web of planetary life. Like us, the Romans contended with an array of environmental problems, including plague, and changing climates. What resilience strategies did ancient Romans develop in response to these challenges? How might their responses inspire us to take better care of each other and the planet? We will explore these and other fascinating questions to consider what the study of ancient Roma and the environment can offer us in the face of our contemporary ecological crises.

These courses satisfy the Historical Analysis and Philosophy & Literature General Education Requirements.

REL 100 - Religions of the World
ITC 100 - Introduction to Intercultural Competence

How are a person's religion and identity connected? How does this connection affect how a person experiences the world? This course pairing will delve into how religion is lived and impacts a person's identity. Students will examine how religion intersects with other aspects identity, such as class, sexuality, and race, to develop a sense of self. These courses will look back at historical shifts and analyze current issues connected to religion and culture.

These courses satisfy the Global Perspectives, U.S. Diversity and Social & Behavioral Sciences General Education Requirements.

DS 201 - Digital Identities and Communication
WRT 150 - Strategies in Writing

The pair of courses explore the role and future of technology. The courses will encourage students to interact with and use technology to reflect on and evaluate their digital identities and their involvement in digital communities. Students will encounter a range of digital artifacts and texts to grapple with how power relations are shaped through digital devices and by the plans for the future of technology companies. We will address questions like: "How will technology affect our future professional lives? How can our involvement in different digital communities shape our approaches to citizenship and civic participation? How do social media platforms shape our sense of self and our ability to build lasting, meaningful communities? Amid looming threats to democracy and the climate, how can we redirect technology to safeguard a sustainable future?".

These courses satisfy the Writing and Social & Behavioral Sciences General Education Requirements.

Com 201 - Speech
CIS 162 - Computer Science I

Daily standups, program team meetings, and project updates are standard practice for today's software developers. Aspiring programmers need to be effective communicators whether in person or through virtual meetings. Likewise, good public speaking skills are beneficial in all walks of life from presenting yourself as a candidate during a job interview or for landing a key internship to further your career while in college. This pairing builds both your programming skills and your ability to express yourself effectively

These courses satisfy the Social & Behavioral Sciences General Education Requirement and Major requirements for Computer Information Science and Cybersecurity.

WRT 120 (Fall) - Strategies in Writing: Stretch
WRT 130 (Winter) - Strategies in Writing: Stretch
ENG 100 - Reading for College

The transition from high school to college is an exciting time of life, though students and parents can sometimes arrive on campus unprepared for what college is really like. This paired course aims to help first year Lakers adjust to university life by introducing academic expectations, encouraging major exploration, building knowledge of campus resources, fostering a connection with the institution, learning to read and write across majors, and developing healthy coping strategies. These ideas will span both ENG 100 and WRT 120/130 as we examine problems common to new students and offer support for success at Grand Valley State University.

These courses satisfy the Writing General Education Requirement.

EGR 100 - Introduction to Engineering
EGR 111 - Introduction to Engineering Graphics

Start your journey to see the world through the eyes of an engineer. This pair of courses introduces the wide range of engineering disciplines, the engineering design process, and engineering graphical communication methods. Learn how engineers in different fields identify problems, brainstorm ideas, prototype solutions, and communicate their ideas using engineering drawings. Students will be expected to work in groups to explore a real-world engineering problem and present a designed solution using engineering sketches and drawings.

These courses satisfy Major requirements for Engineering.

HSC 202 - Technological Revolution
EGR 100 - Introduction to Engineering

From the Industrial Revolution to the Digital Age, participants unravel the intricate threads of innovation, examining the societal, economic, and environmental impacts of technological systems. Guided by their understanding of this technological evolution, participants will learn and practice CAD skills while exploring models of revolutionary designs. Moreover, participants will engage in dynamic discussions about the social and cultural histories of manufacturing, exploring how advancements in technology have transformed production processes and both challenged and reproduced structures of power. From traditional machining to additive manufacturing, participants will gain insights into the ever-evolving landscape of manufacturing, understanding how modern techniques are reshaping industries and exploring what drives innovation across disciplines.

These courses satisfy Major requirements for Engineering

ITC 100 - Introduction to Intercultural Competence
GEO 105 - Living with the Great Lakes

This course integrates cultural competence with earth science using the Great Lakes as a lens. Students explore indigenous history, geologic history, climate dynamics, erosion, water chemistry, and human impacts on natural systems. Through discussions and field trips, the course examines the interplay between human and natural systems, fostering skills for diverse and sustainable practices.

These courses satisfy U.S. Diversity Cultures and Physical Sciences General Education Requirements.

INT 100 - Reflect, Connect, Engage
EDH 181 - Navigating College Success

Can a university education transform your life and change the world? How will you spend your time here at the university? This course pairing empowers students to question what it means to be educated through critical engagement with philosophy and literature, simultaneously introducing students to academic, social, and personal skills and responsibilities and highlighting important resources available to students at Grand Valley State University.

These courses satisfy Philosophy and Literature General Education Requirements.

MTH 108 - Algebra - Stretch 1 (Fall)
MTH 109 - Algebra - Stretch 2 (Winter)
EDH 181 - Navigating College Success

Starting college can be both exciting and challenging—navigating new environments, expectations, and academic demands. EDH 181: Navigating College Success acts as your guide to building a strong foundation, helping you hone study skills, discover campus resources, develop strategies for success, and build your community. When paired with Algebra Stretch 1 (MTH 108) in the Fall, you’ll gain not just the skills to thrive in college but also the mathematical reasoning needed to tackle real-world problems. This unique pairing extends into the winter semester with MTH 109 (Algebra Stretch 2), keeping the same instructor and group of students. This continuity helps foster a comfortable and supportive learning environment, allowing you to build confidence as you further develop your algebraic thinking. Join us as we connect algebraic reasoning with strategies for academic success, reinforcing your ability to problem-solve both in and out of the classroom.

ENS 201 - Introduction to Environmental and Sustainability Studies
GSI 201 - (Dis)Order and (In)Justice: An Introduction to Global Studies

How can your skills and experiences work toward justice? What does answering a call for justice look like to you? This pair of courses brings together the interdisciplinary fields of environmental and global studies to answer these questions. Across both courses, students will examine complex social and environmental issues across the regional and global scales. How are environmental issues in the Great Lakes region connected to broader global histories and systems? And how might thinking globally help us understand how to approach the issues we face at home? In these courses, students will develop a relational framework as a tool for addressing urgent calls to address injustice.

These courses satisfy the Social and Behavioral Sciences General Education Requirements.

SOC 105 - Social Problems
EDH 181 - Navigating College Success

There’s so much to learn as a first-semester college student; it can be overwhelming and eye-opening. Sometimes, it feels like other students have an exclusive handbook to college, but EDH 181: Navigating College Success is that handbook. The course will introduce you to resources and help you build your community. When you pair EDH 181 with Social Problems (SOC 105), you will explore the different conditions, arrangements, and behaviors that can make it look like some people or groups have a secret manual to successfully navigate social problems. You will learn to apply sociological methods and theory with your college success community.

These courses satisfy the U.S. Diversity Cultures and Social and Behavioral Sciences General Education Requirements.

WRT 150 - Writing
IDS 110 - Research Hacks for New Students

Animals have historically provided humans with food, clothing, labor, and companionship. As the overlap between nature and the human world increases, wild and domestic animals often find themselves on the losing side. The future of humanity and wildlife alike depends on humans’ ability and willingness to share our communities and lives with animals. Coexistence means many things: The impact of human behavior on wildlife and vice versa, animals as entertainment and commodities, pet ownership, animal rights and endangerment, diversity of species, and so much more. In this course, students will investigate one of the myriad issues of human-animal interaction to address a challenge and gain insight into one part of a complex topic that affects us all. Through research and reflection, we will grapple with the politics of human–animal coexistence, imagining better ways to share the world with our creature counterparts.

These courses satisfy the Writing and U.S. Diversity Cultures General Education Requirements.

CAP 115 - Research Basics For Advertising And Public Relations
IDS 110 - Research Hacks for New Students

*Strongly encouraged for Advertising and Public Relations Majors.

Curiosity is where great ideas begin. In IDS110: Research Hacks for New(ish) Students, you’ll explore how to ask better questions, find reliable sources, and think critically about the information you encounter. In CAP 115: Research Basics for Advertising and Public Relations, you will apply those same inquiry skills to real world media and Ad/PR contexts, discovering how research helps shape messages, campaigns and audience understanding. Together, these courses help students become more confident researchers and communicators turning curiosity into insight and insight into impact.

WGS 101 - Introduction to Gender Studies
ENG 100 - Reading for College

Increasingly, we encounter stark claims about AI that either celebrate what it offers or warn us about the harm it will bring. Artificial intelligence (AI) is the wave of the future! AI will destroy our futures! In these paired courses, we focus on AI in more personal ways—how it impacts our identities. We will examine how AI networks work and whether they mirror the neural and social networks of the humans who created them and use them. Students will consider questions about gendered representations in AI produced content, how gender and race play a role in the content retrieved from AI tools, and how gender, race, and other social identities are far from absent as we engage in the world of AI.

These courses satisfy the Social and Behavioral Sciences and U.S. Diversity Cultures General Education Requirements.

Important Information:

Courses will be assigned to students based on preference and availability. Placement in a particular Connected Course pairing is not guaranteed.
Your course assignment will be sent to you prior to your Freshman Orientation session.
Students will not be assigned a Connected Course pairing until an Orientation reservation is received.

If you have additional questions, please email Dr. Brian Hatzel at hatzelb@gvsu.edu.

Admissions & Recruitment

First Year Learning Community - Fall 2026

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