Undergraduate Learning Circles

What is a Learning Circle?

• A Learning Circle is an academic “home” in The Scholar Ship program, similar to a university department or division, which organizes the exploration of themes in an interdisciplinary area of study.
• A Learning Circle is also a group of students, professors and other staff who explore a set of related themes through classroom study, planned activities onboard, port programs, and informal interaction.
• A Learning Circle is a set of related subjects (classes) addressing themes that meet the programmatic objectives of The Scholar Ship.

All undergraduate students select a learning circle in which they participate throughout the semester-long voyage. They must choose at least one of their electives from the subjects listed within their “home” learning circle and an additional, separate elective subject, which may be chosen from any of the five undergraduate learning circles or from the General Studies offerings.

Throughout the voyage, members of each learning circle participate in academic field study during port calls to explore themes belonging to their learning circle. Members also gather in small groups to share how their knowledge and perspectives gained through study and experiences relate to the themes of their particular learning circle. Through these interactions, students attain a broader understanding of the material they are studying, and from a more practical and holistic perspective.

Undergraduate Learning Circles

• International Business and Communication
• Sustainable Development
• Conflict Studies
• Global Cultures and Social Change
• Worlds of Art and Culture