Learning Beyond the Classroom Requirement
To enhance career preparation and independent critical thinking skills, undergraduate students in the College of Arts and Science must complete a Learning Beyond the Classroom (LBC) course or activity. In general, the Learning Beyond the Classroom (LBC) requirement is not met in a regular course through normal homework outside class but through significant independent learning activities.
Approved Learning Beyond the Classroom Courses
There are many cooperative education, internship, and research opportunities that qualify as a Learning Beyond the Classroom experience. For a list of courses, see the undergraduate course catalog.
Approved Learning Beyond the Classroom Narrative
Before beginning any LBC activity, you need to submit a narrative to your advisor or faculty sponsor.
In 500 words or less:
- Describe the LBC activities in which you will engage,
- Your timeline,
- How the activities relate to your career interests, and
- Exactly how those activities will provide you with opportunities to achieve two or more of the learning objectives.
Learning Beyond the Classroom Objectives
In order to fulfill the LBC requirement, the activities you engage in should provide opportunities to achieve the first three, plus at least one of the last three of the following learning objectives:Mandatory:
- Independent learning
- Higher-order skill development (e.g., research, applied writing, leadership, critical and creative thinking, etc.)
- Problem solving and resourcefulness
Plus at least one of the following:
- Professional development(e.g., learning about the world of work, professional behavior etc.)
- Personal development (e.g., self-awareness, ethical values, resilience, social relationship skills)
- Developing professional contacts and networking
Students completing the LBC requirement should complete the LBC Approval Form from the Dean's Office before beginning the project, describing in detail the project proposed, focusing on the above criteria that will be met by the project, and including the number of hours anticipated, and the name, title, email, and phone number of the supervising authority. Students will be expected to complete a midterm progress report and a final summary of the Learning Beyond the Classroom Experience, signed by the approved supervising authority. Written reflection and faculty supervision are required. At the completion of the LBC, students will submit the completed LBC Approval Form to an A&S College Evaluator (Hillyer Hall, Room 204 or 205).