Oberlin Center for Convergence (StudiOC) brings together the college and conservatory to address the complex, seemingly intractable challenges of our era. StudiOC theme-based learning communities are multidisciplinary, which allows students to make connections across disciplines and develop meaningful interactions with their peers and with faculty.
StudiOC is both a modern and flexible educational space and a new method for faculty to pursue multidisciplinary collaboration. StudiOC is designed to refine the art of creative and integrative multidisciplinary inquiry in students as a means for them to interpret and address social, cultural, artistic, political, and scientific questions.
Learning communities provide two or three courses from different academic departments. Faculty and students within a learning community work together at key points throughout the semester for multidisciplinary discussion, shared assignments, and programming.
StudiOC learning communities are available to all students. Register for one of the theme-based courses by August 30.
StudiOC contacts:
- Students: Trecia Pottinger , associate dean for academic advising/registrar
- Faculty: Laura Baudot , director, StudiOC
- Scheduling Contact: Chelsey Felty , administrative assistant
Plan your Schedule
Plan your schedule by using Banner Self Service accessible through OberView to check your course schedule, your academic records, financial aid award (if any), and other details related to your academic program and academic standing.
Browse 2020/2021 Learning Communities
StudiOC offers up to six semester-long learning communities each academic year. Learning communities within the college or the conservatory are comprised of three individually instructed courses from different academic departments clustered around a common theme and with shared programming. Learning communities from both divisions feature two individually instructed courses.
Review the learning community that interests you for enrollment requirements.
Spring 2021 Offerings
Recent Learning Communities
These learning communities held in fall 2020 explored racial and environmental disparities in public and global health; how art, music, politics, and religion influence political campaigns' and the challenges and promise of DNA technology.
Premier Location
Classes meet in the Peter B. Lewis Gateway Center, a four-story, mixed-use building. Some classes may convene remotely due to the coronavirus pandemic. StudiOC is on the upper level of the College of Arts and Sciences Office of Admissions building and adjacent to the Hotel at Oberlin.
StudiOC Facilities
StudiOC learning communities typically meet in a modern, flexible, and active learning space that features large picture windows, ample classroom space, and a common area. It is part of the Peter B. Lewis Gateway Center. Classes may meet remotely due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Planning Committee
Fourteen faculty and staff members comprise the StudiOC Planning Committee. The group reviews and approves applications for course clusters as proposed by faculty from the college and conservatory. Faculty and other administrators have access to a conference room to review proposals, curriculum, and other related projects.