What are Learning Where You Live courses?
An initiative of the Office of the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education, Learning Where You Live (LWYL) courses are specially designed courses taught on North Campus and West Campus. They are small, seminar-style classes that are offered for one credit and graded on an S/U basis. They focus on building relationships with faculty, innovative teaching, and fascinating topics. All LWYL courses are grouped under the subject code UNILWYL.
Some recently offered courses:
North Campus
- Wonder Women
- Toni Morrison’s Song of Solomon
- Using the Power of Food to Confront Climate Change
- Nature and Your Wellbeing
West Campus
- Socially Just Leadership Development
- Bethe Ansatz: What Makes a Fulfilled Life?
- Cook Conversations: Bridging Self, Community, and World
- Dialogue Across Political Difference
You will love the classes
“I loved the intimate and welcoming feel of the course. The smaller class size and having discussions over dinner was incredible and this was my favorite class that I have experienced at Cornell so far.”
You can explore an interesting subject outside of your intended field of study
“It provided me with the opportunity to learn about a topic that interested me that was outside of my major. It was also a low stress environment where we could comfortably learn without it negatively impacting the amount of time I put into my other classes.”
You will be able to develop strong relationships with faculty and peers
“It was a lot more personal and it is the closest I have gotten to a professor. We had dinner every class, which was very comfortable and welcoming. It didn’t feel like a class.”
LWYL courses are designed to create meaningful and enjoyable learning
“It was more discussion based and relaxed – it was much better than other courses. I wanted to learn more for myself and not a grade.”
LWYL courses reinforce Cornell’s commitment to intellectual exchange, curiosity, and exploration
“I valued the fact that it wasn’t simply a lecture or lesson from the professor, but rather an intellectual exchange among the students. We all had the ability to form and express our own opinions, and as a result got to hear and consider many viewpoints.”
Course Spotlight
Wednesdays, 7:00-8:00pm
North Campus, Low Rises 7, 7307
EVERYDAY ECONOMICS
Taught by Stephanie Thomas, Economics, Low Rises FIR
In this course, students will explore the surprising ways economics can shed light on the contemporary challenges we, as humans, face. There is no math in this course and no prior economics experience is needed – just come with curiosity and an open mind! TED talks/videos and the framework of economics will be used to discuss questions ranging from how our minds work, to how we interact with others and the world around us.
Mondays 7:00-8:00PM, plus four election-related events
North Campus, Donlon Hall
ELECTIONS 2024: FINDING YOUR VOICE
Taught by Jed Sparks, Evolutionary Biology and Donlon FIR; Stephanie Thomas, Economics and Low Rises FIR; Kristen Underhill, Law and Ruth Bader Ginsburg FIR
The US Presidential Election Process is a disconcerting time for everyone. This course is designed to demystify the election, to inform about key policy implications, and to empower students to understand the process and make informed decisions. This course combines small group discussion with North Campus-wide events, and it will help students build skills in public speaking and communicating about difficult topics.
MONDAYS, 5:00-6:45PM, 7W1
West Campus, Becker Hall G32
USING THE POWER OF FOOD TO CONFRONT CLIMATE CHANGE
Taught by Michael Hoffmann, Entomology
This course will help students use the power of food to help make climate change relevant to others. We all eat, it’s all changing and research shows that people want to know more about climate change impacts on their food. The course includes an overview of climate change science, the food system, the many ways our food is changing, how to communicate about climate change and change behaviors, a climate change dining experience, and what needs to be done to keep our favorite foods on the menu. And coincidentally, help keep our planet livable.
Frequently Asked
Can I take a LWYL course even if it is not in my department or college?
Yes! These courses are designed to be general interest courses available to all undergraduates, although some do reserve some seats for specific class years or residences.
What is the workload in a typical LWYL course?
These courses have been specifically designed to be highly interactive learning experiences. Common assignments include readings in the popular press and reflections, although individual assignments vary by course.
What if I have questions about a specific LWYL course?
You are strongly encouraged to reach out to the faculty directly. They are ready and excited to communicate with you about the course and answer any specific questions you may have.
Still have questions?
Feel free to contact Stacy Kesselring (sk866) or Ethan Stephenson (evs24)