Grand Challenge Learning
Grow. Connect. Learn.

Dear Students,

Hope you’re enjoying spring!

I'm writing to tell you about the next stage in Grand Challenge Learning, the campus’s new approach to General Education. In Fall 2016, the campus is introducing our new 200-level Critical Frameworks courses, each of which meets at least two Gen Ed requirements. These courses are open to all undergraduates and have no prerequisites.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work with several professors from all over campus who care passionately about topics like Health, Inequality, or Sustainability? Students like you told us about these interests. We’ve reached out to some of the most talented teachers on campus to create three unique Critical Frameworks courses—each of which takes you a step closer to completing a Grand Challenge pathway while earning General Education credit.

The Frameworks courses will put you in conversation with award-winning faculty in the arts, sciences, social sciences, humanities, business, and engineering. 

Each Frameworks course meets twice per week: first for a lecture that gathers all students and faculty, and next in small seminars. Through this innovative structure, you’ll benefit from the expertise of several faculty while working closely with your professor and a network of peers. You’ll meet interesting students, hear great lectures, and participate in group projects that you can publish on your own electronic portfolio.

Click on the below links to Course Explorer and see which Frameworks course fits your interests and schedule! You can also watch our short video, visit our webpage, talk to your advisor, or email lgoodad@illinois.edu.

GCL 200/201*: Frameworks for Inequality & Cultural Understanding
2 Gen Eds: Humanities & the Arts/US Minority Cultures
(*GCL 201 also meets Advanced Composition)

GCL 210: Frameworks for Sustainability, Energy & the Environment
2 Gen Eds: Humanities & the Arts/Cultural Studies

GCL 220: Frameworks for Building Healthy Communities
2 Gen Eds: Humanities & the Arts/Cultural Studies

Best wishes for a successful spring semester.

Chuck

Charles L. Tucker III
Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education and Innovation