Commonly Asked Questions:
Q: Can I join the Black Studies Learning Community during the second or third semester?
A: Yes, while ideally, we want to keep the same group of students for all three semesters, we do not want to deny any student the opportunity to become involved.
Q: Is the Black Studies Learning Community only for black students?
A: No, the Black Studies Learning Community is designed for anyone who has an appreciation for African American culture.
Q: What is the difference between English 60 or 100 in the BSLC and a regular English 60 or 100 class?
A: The primary difference is the research and readings are all drawn from authors and subjects that affect the African American community. The classes themselves are worth the same credit as any other English class.
Q: What is a learning community?
A: There are different types of learning communities; however, the Black Studies Learning community identifies a group of classes and the curriculum and assignments are linked so the student is working smarter, not harder.
Q: Why should I become involved in the Black Studies Learning Community?
A: The Black Studies Learning Community offers students an opportunity to complete up to 21 units toward graduation with a built in support system. Students enrolled have access to tutoring and counseling to increase their success rate. There are workshops designed specifically for the needs of the students each semester so that they can learn to manage their time and study, for example. Also, we build a sense of community with many activities and field trips throughout the semester.
Q: Do I have to attend the field trips and workshops?
A: It benefits the student to attend the field trips and workshops because they are integrated into the course assignments. Therefore, students who attend will be more successful on their assignments as a result.
Q: Do I have to enroll in all of the courses offered in the Black Studies Learning Community in any given semester.
A: Yes, and all of these classes help students achieve the academic goal of transfer and/or the AA degree—so why not?!?
Q: How do I get enrolled?
A: Students can visit our complete the information/registration card on the web and email it to kbeatty@cypresscollege.edu, visit Mrs. Ssensalo in the Transfer Center in the Fine Arts Building, Room 100, or call 714-484-4135.