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
- Pioneering Sustainable Change in the Real World
- Exploring Purpose in Life
- Nature Rx
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
Mondays, 4:45-6:00pm
North Campus, RPCC 203
MINDFUL MEDITATION
Taught by Connie Yuan, Communication and Global Development, Dickson FIR
In this course, students will learn a series of meditation routines beginning with breathing techniques for relaxation and increased ability to stay focused. Students will also learn practices that conscientiously cultivate such positive emotions as gratitude, joy, compassion, empathy, equanimity, and forgiveness. Through regular practices students will grow their attentiveness, compassion, and empathy that are vital for effective intercultural and interpersonal communication.
SELECT WEDNESDAYS, alternating 7:00-8:00PM and 6:00-9:00pm, beginning Feb 7
North Campus, McClintock Hall 127
SAUTEED SCIENCE AND EDIBLE ENGINEERING
Taught by Chris Schaffer, Biomedical Engineering and McClintock faculty fellow; Nozomi Nishimura, Biomedical Engineering and McClintock faculty-in-residence
This class will experimentally investigate the science that underlies food preparation techniques and the tastes they produce. Students will read about and discuss the relevant science for different culinary techniques, and then take things into the kitchen for “food labs,” where they will explore how the science and culinary approaches learned about impact how things taste (while preparing a meal to share together). There will be four hour-long meetings and four three-hour food labs over the course of the term.
MONDAYS, 7:00-8:50PM, 7W2
North Campus, 125 Morrison Multipurpose Room
YOU WANNA FLY: TONI MORRISON’S SONG OF SOLOMON
Taught by Anne Adams, Professor Emerita Africana Studies and Morrison faculty fellow; Roger Gilbert, Professor, Literatures in English
“You wanna fly, you got to give up the s—t that weighs you down.” Cornell alumna and Nobel Laureate Toni Morrison invented this aphorism in her third novel, Song of Solomon, to articulate the search for what matters in an individual’s definition of himself and, by extension, of family and community. Students will read and discuss this award-winning novel in the context of Morrison’s life and career, her place in African American, US, and world literature, and her exploration of crucial questions regarding identity, race, gender, history, oppression, and autonomy.
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)