Overview

This Handbook seeks to aid students and faculty participating in the Learning Cluster (LC) program at Soka University of America. It is revised annually to inform students and faculty about LC evolving policies. For the sake of convenience, it contains links to various forms and policies; of course, links may change, and faculty should be familiar with many policy documents found via Portal.

Learning Clusters are a signature feature of the SUA curriculum. Offered annually during the January Winter Block, LCs are intensive 4-credit courses held over the 3.5-week January block. All students must complete two LCs; one in their first year and one in their second year, with some students completing an additional LC in their third year, depending on Study Abroad and personal preference. LC courses are small, providing a rich, responsive learning environment. Currently, all on-campus LCs are capped at 11 students and all NFF grant classes must have 12. Faculty may not increase enrollment caps to accommodate waitlisted students.

Guided by a faculty member, LCs are intended to tackle real-world issues in creative ways. Rather than traditional catalogue courses, most LCs are created anew each year through faculty-student collaboration. LCs are immersive, with daily contact. Students are enrolled in only one class, enabling work beyond traditional classroom environments, including regional and global travel. LCs speak to SUA’s mission “to foster a steady stream of global citizens committed to living a contributive life.”

LC Learning Objectives
In taking Learning Cluster courses, students will:

• Develop critical, analytical, and investigative skills to formulate educated responses to a specific problem or question
• Develop personal and leadership skills to work collaboratively toward the completion of a common project
• Develop skills and awareness as concerned and engaged global citizens