Independent Study

The college offers students the opportunity to take a limited number of credits outside the traditional course structure as Independent Study, designated by the course number "81XX." Students registering for such courses undertake a prescribed program of individual and/or group research and may attend seminars or workshops dealing with their field of study. All work will be conducted under the supervision of the assigned instructor and will be evaluated and graded by the instructor.

Successful completion of the "81XX" courses generally requires from one (1) to three (3) hours per week and earns from one (1) to three (3) credits per term. These courses are open ONLY to upper freshmen and sophomore students who have an overall "B" average (3.00 grade point average) in the subject area, with departmental approval. Students will be permitted to take no more than six (6) credits of Independent Study in any one area and no more than 12 credits toward the degree.

Learning Communities

Learning Communities, cohorts of 25 or fewer students, enroll during a term in anywhere from two to five courses that are linked together. These courses are linked around a common theme and students are encouraged to think in an integrative way. Faculty teaching these courses collaborate with each other, as well as with advisors, librarians, and tutors, in order to offer students additional support.

Research has shown that students who participate in learning communities are more successful in completing courses and obtaining their degrees, and students report better connections to faculty and with each other. Kingsborough offers a variety of learning communities, which may include a Freshman Year Seminar (SD 1000 ) or an Integrative Seminar. For English as a Second Language (ESL) students, the accelerated College English program (ACE) offers students a year-long learning community experience in which students can earn eight (8) credits in the first session.

Topical and Pilot Courses

In addition to the courses described in the catalog, the college offers a group of courses that meet the immediate needs and interests of various members of the student population or gauge the appropriateness or popularity of new subject areas. These topical and pilot courses are designated by the course number "82XX." These courses appear as listed in CUNYfirst for the term in which they are offered.