The Grand Challenge Learning Initiative will be offering an exciting set of 100-level courses open to Freshmen, Sophomores, and first-year Transfers (this is a change from previous semesters), as well as 200-level Critical Frameworks courses, which are open to all students.
GCL 124, “Sustainable Earth” examines the impact of sustainability challenges on minority communities. The course will include field trips and guest speakers. It fulfills both Physical Sciences and US Minority Cultures. GCL 148b, “Historical Perspectives on Social Justice: Cultures of Disability” will use community-based service projects to help students learn about how Americans with disabilities have lobbied for access and opportunity. This course meets the Historical & Philosophical Perspectives GCL 185, “Health, Wellness, & the Black Experience” explores the impact of health disparities in black communities. It fulfills both Social Sciences and US Minority Cultures. GCL 186d, “Health & Society: Death and Dying” will help students develop a higher comfort level with those who are terminal and those who are grieving loss through working with guest speaks, interactive activities, and field trips to mortuaries and cemeteries. GCL 186 fulfils the Social Science
GCL 143 “Mapping Inequalities,” which fulfils Social Science, US Minority Cultures, and Quantitative Reasoning II by having students contribute to the coding of “The Illinois Map,” an open-ended, virtual learning environment that uses empathy and immersion to explore the racial history of Illinois.
Finally, we will also be offering all three of our 200-level Critical Frameworks classes, which bring together 5 faculty members from across campus in each course to address issues of sustainability, health and wellness, and inequality from a multi-disciplinary perspective. Please note that this year we are not offering any Advanced Composition sections in Critical Frameworks.
