Past Learning Communities

At the Movies
This living and learning community will focus on how cinema can enrich our lives, both as an object of study and as entertainment. Students will be enrolled together in English 257: Fiction Into Film, an EL-On course that satisfies both a Compass requirement in the Humanities and the College's core requirement in literature. We'll explore how stories are told differently when they move from the printed page to the silver screen, and student will make their own short film as part of the course's experiential component. Outside of class, students will have the opportunity to become involved in the H-SC Film and Television Club, in which they'll help plan club activities and meet upperclassmen interested in film. The group will also participate in other extra-curricular film activities such as on-campus screenings and lectures/discussions and take some field trips off campus to see new releases in the theater or to attend film events in the surrounding area.

Games: Modeling the Universe
This community is for students who like games - and are curious about how they "work." Board games, RPGs, FPSs, LARPs, CCGs and strategy games all seek to simplify complex things. How do game designers do this? How do their "rules systems" work? What are they trying to do, and how do their creators try to appeal to us - or to fool us into thinking certain things are "fairer" or "more fun"? You'll explore these ideas in a one-credit course taught by Dr. James Frusetta - a faculty member who not only enjoys playing games, but who has published scenarios and even a gaming book. But we'll also connect to gaming opportunities on the campus including game nights, the gaming clubs, tournaments, and off-campus. If you like playing games - and especially if you like spading out how games work - this Community is for you.

Hunting & Fishing in Virginia
Are you a hunter? Are you interested in learning about the sport, discussing the ethics and principles of hunting, or in making friends on campus that share your interest? If you answered “yes” to any of those questions this Living & Learning community is for you. Discussions will revolve around ducks, deer, and everything in between, as well as recent news related to hunting in Virginia and beyond. We’ll also have a catered film night! Students in this community will be enrolled in Dr. Hulbert’s HIST111: America to 1865 (fulfilling a general education requirement), which will involve its own fair share of the outdoors and an on-screen encounter starring Leonardo DiCaprio and one very annoyed grizzly bear.

Medicine: the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
What does it mean to practice medicine? There is much more to the study and practice of medicine than basic science, and this Community invites students of all interests to consider medicine from a variety of different perspectives. Students will enroll in two linked classes: the first course, “Bioethics” with Dr. Michael Wolyniak, considers the many difficult choices that need to be made by doctors every day and takes a historical perspective to see how society has dealt with such diverse issues as eugenics, genetic engineering, and equitable treatment of patients. The second course, “Literature and Medicine” with Dr. Sarah Hardy, examines medicine from a Humanities perspective and reveals how we can learn about the ways in which medicine was perceived in different cultures and societies over time through contemporary writing. The two classes will be organized such that class discussions and assignments will overlap each other, and students will satisfy both the Literature requirement and a science requirement towards graduation.

Revolution! Ideas, Movements, and Leaders
“Revolutions are the only political events which confront us directly and inevitably with the problem of beginning,” Hannah Arendt wrote. If you are excited by politics, history, and debate over new beginnings, heed the call and join this group! We will consider revolutions across time and space, asking what makes something or someone revolutionary, how revolutions succeed or fail, and what role individual leaders play in revolutions. We will watch movies, share meals, and engage in occasional role play as we think about leadership and the ideas that spark deep historical change. Students in this group will enroll in HIST 209, fulfilling a general education requirement in international studies or in social sciences.

Truth and Lies
Distinguishing the line between truth and lies is often not as simple as it seems on the surface. When a person is deciding whether they should tell the truth or tell a lie, they usually contemplate how each outcome could affect them. Notably, exploring the intention behind telling a lie will help to determine whether the lie is acceptable or “bad”. Challenging terms, investigating definitions, and considering societal influence can disrupt what we know and understand about deception. This group will explore truth, lies and deception together.

Whitewater Canoeing and Astronomy
Are you interested in exploring lakes and rivers by canoe, and want to learn how to navigate mild rapids? If so, then this learning community is for you! We will paddle nearby waterways while the weather is warm. Meanwhile, you will be enrolled in Introduction to Astronomy with Laboratory, which fulfills the College;s laboratory science core requirement. No prior experiences in astronomy or paddling is required.

US Military & National Security
This community is exclusively for those in the Wilson Leadership Fellows Program. While you may register for this community, only those who apply and are accepted to the Wilson Leadership Fellows program or who are participating in the Army ROTC or Marine PLC Prorgrams will be eligible for final acceptance. This Community is for the student who wants to learn more about the US military and its evolution from its founding to its role in today’s national security. Students in this Community will be enrolled together in a seminar, “US Military and American Society: Ideals, Institutions, and Issues.” In class students will analyze the evolution of warfare and the US Military; study the expansion of the tools of national power; and examine the current issues impacting the national security of the United States. Outside of class, students will participate in several exercises and attend events on topics dealing with national security. If you are interested in pursuing possible careers in the national security arena in fields such as diplomacy, intelligence, military, law enforcement, homeland security, or emergency management, this is the community for you.

Zombies
This living and learning community is for students who marvel at how the Zombie Craze continues to sweep the world like a juggernaut. What accounts for our fascination with these brain-dead, flesh-eating monsters and the worlds they inhabit? Why does the mere mention of the Zombie Apocalypse trigger the emotions it does (and they can be different for each person)? What mythic truths do zombie scenarios explore? And what makes the undead unique even among other monsters? Are they a metaphor for something else, or is sometimes a zombie just a zombie? What do Zombie Virus Outbreak movies teach us about what it means to be human, and how we might need to evolve to face such a new world order? Are peri- and post-Covid zombie apocalypse productions different from those that pre-date Covid? Do they somehow reflect our recent pandemic lockdowns, anxieties, and sense of loss? Students in this community will be enrolled together in a one-credit hour seminar where we will watch a number of zombie-themed films and television shows produced by a variety of cultures and countries, and perhaps also play video games, read fiction and graphic novels, and consider scholars’ opinions on the topic. Extra-curricular events may include hosting a costumed event on campus and participating in a 5K Zombie Run or Zombie Mud Run.

An Introduction to Modern American Leadership
Advisor: Dr. Ryan Pemberton '00, Director of the Wilson Center for Leadership
This community is exclusively for those in the Wilson Leadership Fellows Program. While you may register for this community, only those who apply and are accepted to the Wilson Leadership Fellows program will be eligible for final acceptance.
This Community is ideal for any student who wants to learn more about impactful leaders in order to use that knowledge to improve his leadership skills at the College. Students will be enrolled in a three-hour seminar exploring leadership traits, characteristics, processes and styles. Leaders in the business, education, military, government, education and non-profit sectors will be studied. This community includes a class that fulfills a requirement for those pursuing the Leadership in the Public Interest minor. Outside of class, students in this Community will become involved in campus organizations, will have opportunities to meet with campus and community leaders, and will have special opportunities to be involved with events hosted by the Wilson Center. If you want to learn more about interesting leaders while doing good with and for others, this Community is for you.

Argumentation and the Law
Advisor: Dr. Christopher McMillion, Department of Government and Foreign Affairs
Are you planning to go to law school? Have your exasperated friends and family members told you to be a lawyer because you are good at arguing? (That’s not how being a lawyer works, by the way, but it’s a fine starting point.) Are you just interested in seeing how logic and argumentation affect our legal system? This Living and Learning Community will foster your skills in debate and legal argumentation in dynamic ways. Students will enroll in a one-hour Moot Court course with Dr. McMillion, building a legal brief and arguing their case in a simulated appellate-court oral argument. You will also attend and participate in debates, relax for law-related movie nights, and enjoy game nights that challenge you to think logically and act quickly.

Astronomy, Disk Golf, and the Great Outdoors
Advisor: Dr. Jonathan Keohane, Department of Astronomy and Physics, and Scott Schmolesky, Director of High Adventure
Would you prefer your classroom be the great outdoors? Do you like to play disc golf, or always wanted to learn the game? Are you interested in exploring local lakes, rivers, and streams by kayak or canoe? Do you wonder about our place in the universe? If you answered yes to any or all of these questions, then this living/learning community is for you! We’ll have some outings to play disk golf in the woods around Tadpole hole, kayak and canoe in nearby rivers, and stargaze at H-SC’s observatory. You will be enrolled in Introduction to Astronomy with Laboratory, which fulfills the College's laboratory science core requirement. No prior experiences in astronomy, disc golf, or paddling is required.

Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Advisor: Dr. Andrew King, Director of the Fleming Center
Explore the art of acting entrepreneurially from your first semester with this community. You’ll embark on an entrepreneurial pathway your first semester with a one-credit course focused on creating opportunities to deliver novel value to society — the foundations of creating a business or non-profit. We’ll go beyond the classroom to engage with alumni who founded companies and non-profits. We’ll visit small businesses. And we’ll attend brainstorming gatherings. Enrolling in this program puts you in the best position to take full advantage of the entire entrepreneurial curriculum at Hampden-Sydney College. You only need the excitement to learn the art of entrepreneurial action — no business ideas required.

The Environment and the Great Outdoors!
Advisor: Dr. Scott Starr, Department of Biology
Are you interested in environmental issues? Do you enjoy spending time outdoors? Are you interested in completing the environmental studies minor? Are you interested in exploring the woods, rivers, and lakes surrounding campus and throughout Virginia? If you answered yes to any or all of these questions, then this is the living & learning community for you! Group activities will include hiking, kayaking, environmental movie night, and other activities. You will be enrolled in Dr. Starr’s BIOL 108: Environmental Biology course, which is one of the introductory courses for the environmental studies minor and also fulfills a class for the college’s core natural sciences and mathematics requirement.

Foodways: Exploring the World through Snacks
Advisor: Dr. Tara Stephan, Department of History
Have you ever wondered what kind of snacks people eat for fun in different parts of the world? Can food give us different insights into other cultures than can a class reading? If you’re interested in exploring the world or simply like to eat, this Community is for you. We will explore snacks and foods as a gateway to different societies. In addition, students will be enrolled in a section of Western Culture in the fall and Dr. Stephan’s Global Cultures in the spring (required courses in the core curriculum), allowing for academic study of diverse societies and experiences alongside the culinary explorations of this Community. Activities will include trying snacks from snack boxes, watching films related to food and culture, and other activities throughout the year. Join Dr. Stephan, professor of Middle Eastern history, and try some snacks!

For the Love of the Game
Advisor: Dean Jason Ferguson '96
This Living and Learning Community is for baseball players and fans - for those who are coming to H-SC to play or just those who enjoy hanging out and watching a game with friends. The Community is coordinated by “Ferg,” a former Tiger ballplayer and a long-time youth Coach in the town of Farmville. Students in this Community will have the chance to work with the local youth league, attend local and regional games, and share their love of baseball. Students in this community will also be enrolled together in a section of Introduction to Psychology, which satisfies one of the College's core requirements.

Hunting & Fishing in Virginia
Advisor: Dr. Matthew Hulbert, Department of History
Are you a hunter? Are you interested in learning about the sport, discussing the ethics and principles of hunting, or in making friends on campus that share your interest? If you answered “yes” to any of those questions this Living & Learning community is for you. Discussions will revolve around ducks, deer, and everything in between, as well as recent news related to hunting in Virginia and beyond. We’ll also have a catered film night! Students in this community will be enrolled in Dr. Hulbert’s HIST111: America to 1865, which will involve its own fair share of the outdoors and an on-screen encounter starring Leonardo DiCaprio and one very annoyed grizzly bear.

Playing and Making Games
Advisor: Dr. Jacob Euteneuer, Department of Rhetoric
Who invented the game of Tag? Or Tic-Tac-Toe? What's the difference between playing football and playing a game of Madden? Or playing pick-up hoops versus playing NBA 2K? These are just some of the questions we will explore as we play and make games, real and virtual, across Hampden-Sydney's beautiful campus. Whether it is Pokémon GO, Exploding Kittens, or Super Smash Bros., this community will get together throughout the semester to play games, chat about game design, and we will even end up making a few new games ourselves. Students will be enrolled together in RHET 101 as we explore how writing and language shape how we talk and think about play, culture, and society. Together, the hope is that we will be able to learn and have some fun. Some might even say that's the whole point of life.

The Strategy Life of Gamers
Advisor: Thompson Professor Dr. Marc Hight, Department of Philosophy
This community gives preference to those in the Wilson Leadership Fellows Program. While anyone may register for this community, those who apply and are accepted to the Wilson Leadership Fellows program will be prioritized for final acceptance. If you love games, are serious about gaming (especially strategy games), and believe that gaming can inform a well-led life, then consider this living and learning community and spend some time with like-minded individuals. Over the semester we will play some games—including some unusual ones—have some fun, and reflect about the role games can have in life. Some emphasis will be placed on the impact gaming has on leadership and life issues. You will be enrolled in an Introduction to Philosophy course together (where we will do some philosophy of gaming and philosophy of leadership). No prior experience required, just a love for living the gaming life and a commitment to your own education.

US Military & National Security
Advisor: Lt. Col. Rucker Snead '81, Department of Government & Foreign Affairs
This community is exclusively for those in the Wilson Leadership Fellows Program. While you may register for this community, only those who apply and are accepted to the Wilson Leadership Fellows program or who are participating in the Army ROTC or Marine PLC Prorgrams will be eligible for final acceptance. This Community is for the student who wants to learn more about the US military and its evolution from its founding to its role in today’s national security. Students in this Community will be enrolled together in a seminar, “US Military and American Society: Ideals, Institutions, and Issues.” In class students will analyze the evolution of warfare and the US Military; study the expansion of the tools of national power; and examine the current issues impacting the national security of the United States. Outside of class, students will participate in several exercises and attend events on topics dealing with national security. If you are interested in pursuing possible careers in the national security arena in fields such as diplomacy, intelligence, military, law enforcement, homeland security, or emergency management, this is the community for you.

An Introduction to Modern American Leaders
Advisor: Dr. Ryan Pemberton '00, Director of the Wilson Center for Leadership
This program is closed except for those accepted to the Wilson Leadership Fellows Program
This Community is ideal for any student who wants to learn more about impactful leaders in order to use that knowledge to improve his leadership skills at the College. Students will be enrolled in a three-hour seminar exploring leadership traits, characteristics, processes and styles. Leaders in the business, education, military, government, education and non-profit sectors will be studied. This community includes a class that fulfills a requirement for those pursuing the Leadership in the Public Interest minor. Outside of class, students in this Community will become involved in campus organizations, will have opportunities to meet with campus and community leaders, and will have special opportunities to be involved with events hosted by the Wilson Center. If you want to learn more about interesting leaders while doing good with and for others, this Community is for you.

Astronomy, Disc Golf, and the Great Outdoors
Advisor: Dr. Jonathan Keohane and Scott Schmolesky
Would you prefer your classroom be the great outdoors? Do you like to play disc golf, or always wanted to learn the game? Are you interested in exploring local lakes, rivers, and streams by kayak or canoe? Do you wonder about our place in the universe? If you answered yes to any or all of these questions, then this living/learning community is for you! We’ll have some outings to play disk golf in the woods around Tadpole hole, kayak and canoe in nearby rivers, and stargaze at H-SC’s observatory. You will be enrolled in Introduction to Astronomy with Laboratory, which fulfills the College's laboratory science core requirement. No prior experiences in astronomy, disc golf, or paddling is required.

For the Love of the Game
Advisor: Dean Jason Ferguson '96
This Living and Learning Community is for baseball players and fans - for those who are coming to H-SC to play or just those who enjoy hanging out and watching a game with friends. The Community is coordinated by “Ferg,” a former Tiger ballplayer and a long-time youth Coach in the town of Farmville. Students in this Community will have the chance to work with the local youth league, attend local and regional games, and share their love of baseball. Students in this community will also be enrolled together in a section of Introduction to Psychology, which satisfies one of the College's core requirements.

Food adventures Latin American and Spanish Style
Advisor: Dr. Julia Palmer, Department of Modern Languages
Did you know that Argentina has awesome and authentic pizza? In this community of learners you are invited to explore some of the vastly ranging and delicious food cultures of Latin America and Spain in a one-credit seminar. As you learn about the typical dishes and beverages of different countries and regions, you’ll also embark on a journey of cultural discovery in which we’ll not only talk about food but the cultural significance of the different dishes, and how food is related to agriculture, economics, and sustainability. (Argentine pizza? This is because of the large number of Italian immigrants who settled there in the late nineteenth century.) In this community, we will specifically highlight food in Argentina, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, and Spain. Activities include readings and watching a film or two related to food and culture, preparing and tasting different dishes, and dining at restaurants that serve traditional platos from a particular country or regions. Students studying Spanish and prepared for SPAN 201 will be co-enrolled.

Gaming and Storytelling
Advisor: Ms. Maryska Connolly-Brown
From early man telling tales of hunting prowess around the campfire to watercooler talk about the epic MMORPG raid over the weekend, storytelling has always been a defining part of the human experience. This community seeks to explore the concept of narrative gaming through discussing, exploring, and participating in story-driven, table-top roleplaying games (TTRPGs). You’ll have the opportunity to participate in Extra Life (a 24-hour gaming marathon benefiting the Children’s Miracle Network), quest for adventure in Dungeons & Dragons, face eldritch terrors in Call of Cthulhu, travel through the stars in Starfinder or Burn Bryte, and try out a variety of storytelling themes and platforms. Participate as a player or try your hand as the Game Master. You will also be enrolled in Western Cultures 101 with Dr. Mike Utzinger. This class satisfies a core requirement and gives you a chance to work side by side with your Living & Learning Community. Adventurers of all experience levels welcome. https://youtu.be/fPDTvJkVqwo

Guerilla Warfare
Advisor: Dr. James Frusetta, Department of History
Are you curious to learn about guerrilla warfare? Do you want to develop the dirty tricks and strategies you need to succeed? Do you like the idea of watching your professors navigate the paintball minefield that you've just set in the woods? You've found the right community. Students in this group will be enrolled together in a one-credit seminar that completes a general education requirement, discussing partisan warfare in the Second World War with a weekly practical laboratory in the woods at Hampden-Sydney — learn to camouflage, set ambushes, and gauge the most efficient patrol routes. We’ll hack the H-SC Escape Room and learn practical tricks on how to get information out of your professors. This Community is for those interested in applying theory to real life when it comes to insurgency and counter-insurgency. Leave your jacket and tie in the dorm for this class, ghillie suits optional.

Hunting & Fishing in Virginia
Advisor: Dr. Matthew Hulbert, Department of History
Are you a hunter? Are you interested in learning about the sport, discussing the ethics and principles of hunting, or in making friends on campus that share your interest? If you answered “yes” to any of those questions this Living & Learning community is for you. Discussions will revolve around ducks, deer, and everything in between, as well as recent news related to hunting in Virginia and beyond. We’ll also have a catered film night! Students in this community will be enrolled in Dr. Hulbert’s HIST111: America to 1865, which will involve its own fair share of the outdoors and an on-screen encounter starring Leonardo DiCaprio and one very annoyed grizzly bear.

Management and Organizational Behavior
Advisor: Dr. Ivo Gyurovski '09, Department of Psychology
Are you interested in the life of a business leader? Managers set direction, inspire people, plan, and monitor performance — so knowing how people think and relate to one another is important in organizing them. This learning community explores psychological concepts to give insight into practical workplace issues, both in class and outside of it. We’ll also bond together and to the college. If you’re interested in motivating others, understanding their perceptions, and learning how to effectively lead an organization, this learning community is for you. (Enrolls in FRSM 185.04 & PSYC 101.02)

Medicine and the Liberal Arts
Advisor: Dean Sarah Hardy, Department of English
Are you considering a career in a medical field? This Learning Community will give you multiple perspectives on medicine by having you enroll in three courses plus a lab (10 credits in all). In Dr. Sarah Hardy’s Literature and Medicine (ENGL 195) you’ll explore literary representations of medicine and illness (and fulfills a core requirement). In Dr. Michael Wolyniak’s Bioethics course (BIOL 130), you’ll confront the wide variety of moral and ethical issues facing scientists.  The courses and faculty will work together to help you make an interdisciplinary exploration of medicine and society. If you’re looking to benefit from student bonds forged in a set of common classes, this community is for you!

Mosaic
Advised by Dean John Hollemon
Are you looking for a community in which uniqueness of each member shines? Are you interested in dialogues and learning about the many aspects of diversity, equity, and inclusion?  In this community we'll examine our roles in creating a society where everyone feels they belong. We will engage in open and progressive discussions on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, privilege, socioeconomic status, ability, sexual orientation, religion, and various other forms of identity. You'll have opportunities to participate in initiatives to spark innovative change in our community, engage the local Civil Rights history of Farmville/Prince Edward County, have access to a mentor through the Brother 4 Brother Mentorship program, and have unique opportunities to attend exclusive weekend retreats, conferences, and summits. This Community fulfills the mission of the College by preparing you to become leaders who will strive to alleviate social oppression through advocacy for social justice.

Pets, Predators, and Prey
Advisor: Dr. Daniella Widdows, Director of  Global Education and Study Abroad
How did the Romans use elephants in war? Which dogs did the Greeks consider best for hunting? Why do we choose some animals to be pets and not others?  What would a map of animals at H-SC look like? This Living and Learning Community explores various symbolic and physical ways animals are integral to human culture, using ancient Greece and Rome as a starting point.  Animals surround us daily; they feed us, clothe us, help us at work and play, terrify and comfort us, amuse and challenge us.  We define ourselves through our relationships with them and discover the world through them. Join Dr. Widdows, Director of Global Education and Study Abroad, for this one credit course that will cover such topics as hunting, games, pets, and food.

US Military & National Security
Advisor: Lt. Col. Rucker Snead '81, Department of Government & Foreign Affairs
This program is open only to those accepted to the Wilson Leadership Fellows Program or who are participating in the Army ROTC or Marine PLC Programs.
This Community is for the student who wants to learn more about the US military and its evolution from its founding to its role in today’s national security. Students in this Community will be enrolled together in a seminar, “US Military and American Society: Ideals, Institutions, and Issues.” In class students will analyze the evolution of warfare and the US Military; study the expansion of the tools of national power; and examine the current issues impacting the national security of the United States. Outside of class, students will participate in several exercises and attend events on topics dealing with national security. If you are interested in pursuing possible careers in the national security arena in fields such as diplomacy, intelligence, military, law enforcement, homeland security, or emergency management, this is the community for you.

An Introduction to Modern American Leaders
This Community is ideal for any student who wants to learn more about impactful leaders in order to use that knowledge to improve his leadership skills at the College. Students will be enrolled in a three-hour seminar exploring leadership traits, characteristics, processes and styles. Leaders in the business, education, military, government, education and non-profit sectors will be studied. This community includes a class that fulfills a requirement for those pursuing the Leadership in the Public Interest minor. Outside of class, students in this Community will become involved in campus organizations, will have opportunities to meet with campus and community leaders, and will have special opportunities to be involved with events hosted by the Wilson Center. If you want to learn more about interesting leaders while doing good with and for others, this Community is for you.

For the Love of the Game
This Living and Learning Community is for baseball players and fans - for those who are coming to H-SC to play or just those who enjoy hanging out and watching a game with friends. The Community is coordinated by “Ferg,” a former Tiger ballplayer and a long-time youth Coach in the town of Farmville. Students in this Community will have the chance to work with the local youth league, attend local and regional games, and share their love of baseball. Students in this community will also be enrolled together in a section of Introduction to Psychology, which satisfies one of the College's core requirements.

Guerilla Warfare
Are you curious to learn about guerrilla warfare? Do you want to develop the dirty tricks and strategies you need to succeed? Do you like the idea of watching your professors navigate the paintball minefield that you've just set in the woods? Then this Community is for you! Students in this group will be enrolled together in a one-credit seminar discussing partisan warfare in the Second World War with a weekly practical laboratory in the woods at Hampden-Sydney — learn to camouflage, set ambushes, and gauge the most efficient patrol routes. We’ll hack the H-SC Escape Room and learn practical tricks on how to get information out of your professors. This Community is for those interested in applying theory to real life when it comes to insurgency and counter-insurgency. Leave your jacket and tie in the dorm for this class, ghillie suits optional.

Hunting in Virginia and Abroad
Are you a hunter? Are you interested in learning about the sport, discussing the ethics and principles of hunting, or in making friends on campus that share your interest? If you answered “yes” to any of those questions this Living & Learning community is for you. Discussions will revolve around ducks, deer, and everything in between, as well as recent news related to hunting in Virginia and beyond. We’ll also have a catered film night! Students in this community will be enrolled in Dr. Hulbert’s HIST111: America to 1865, which will involve its own fair share of the outdoors and an on-screen encounter starring Leonardo DiCaprio and one very annoyed grizzly bear.

Labor Camps, Crime, and Leadership in the Soviet Union
Fast cars, luxurious houses, wild parties, deadly weapons, massive bank accounts, and bodies covered in tattoos… After the fall of the Soviet Union Russian organized crime and the life of the ‘thieves in law’ have become a subject of immense interest to both Russians and Westerners — and a threat to public safety throughout the world. This class will familiarize you with Russian organized crime while exploring the ideas of leadership and citizenship from two different perspectives—the leader as a powerful political figure and the leader as a survivor and a messenger. Class concepts will connect to program sessions in the Wilson Leadership Fellows Program. Outside of class, students in this Community will become involved in campus organizations, will have opportunities to meet with campus and community leaders, and will have special opportunities to be involved with events hosted by the Wilson Center.

Seeing the World
This is a Community for students interested in exploring the world - through classes at Hampden-Sydney, through future study-abroad programs, or simply an interest in new perspectives. You'll enroll in a Global Cultures course (part of the required core of the College), where you'll engage foreign histories, cultures, and experiences. But you'll also engage the world outside of the classroom through opportunities to view films, eat international cuisine and join campus activities. If you're thinking of studying or working abroad, this Community will connect you to campus networks like the Office of Global Education and Study Abroad and Dr. Dinmore, the community leader who has worked and lived in Japan. If you’re someone interested in traveling, studying, or working in another country, this Community is for you.

Self and Society
This community considers what it means to be human. The quest for understanding the nature of the self and the relationship an individual has to society and the wider universe has long preoccupied philosophers, artists, writers, poets, musicians, theologians, and scientists, to name a few. Students in this community will enroll in a one-credit seminar that will discussing "big ideas," music, film, technology, and current events. We will also visit museums, engage the local community, and, of course, eat together. Join this community if you are interested in further reflecting on who you are in relation to the social and natural worlds.

Taste of China
Are you a foodie? Do you want to explore Chinese cuisine and the rich culinary culture behind it? Then this community is right for you!! You will be enrolled in a one-credit seminar with Professor Ying, and exploring Chinese cuisine through unconventional hands-on activities, such as making Chinese food, eating in a Chinese restaurant, celebrating traditional Chinese festivals, etc. You will build up a refreshing understanding of the relationship between food and human beings, learn some recipes of simple Chinese dishes, and, most importantly, have an unforgettable and fun time with people who share the same interest as you!

US Military & National Security
This Community is for the student who wants to learn more about the US military and its evolution from its founding to its role in today’s national security. Students in this Community will be enrolled together in a seminar, “US Military and American Society: Ideals, Institutions, and Issues.” In class students will analyze the evolution of warfare and the US Military; study the expansion of the tools of national power; and examine the current issues impacting the national security of the United States. Outside of class, students will participate in several exercises and attend events on topics dealing with national security. If you are interested in pursuing possible careers in the national security arena in fields such as diplomacy, intelligence, military, law enforcement, homeland security, or emergency management, this is the community for you.

A Bite of China
Advisor: Prof. Mengfan Ying
This Living and Learning Community will explore Chinese food and the culinary culture that accompanies it. If you enroll this one-credit seminar with Professor Ying, you’ll learn the rich history, culture, and philosophy behind Chinese cuisine. You’ll deepen your understanding of one of the world’s oldest enduring culinary traditions. You’ll read relevant texts, watch movies, and interact with Chinese people. Activities will include trips to local Chinese restaurants, as well as making (and eating) Chinese food together. If you love Chinese food, then this community is right for you! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61efFXdVcCU&feature=youtu.be

The Call to Adventure
Advisor: Dr. Steven Florczyk
Who are you and why are you here? In this Living and Learning Community, we’ll consider answers to those questions in a seminar through classic literary metaphors for life, such as Joseph Campbell’s “call to adventure,” as prompts to reflect on your new experiences at Hampden-Sydney. We’ll orient ourselves with the college’s mission statement and think through how it relates to your personal mission. We’ll look at the various academic disciplines at the college and the kinds of projects that professors and students do in each. We’ll chart out courses to navigate through the core curriculum. And we’ll discover extracurricular activities, on and off campus, that will also enrich you along the way. If you’d like to explore how to make the most out of college life and beyond, this community is for you.

For the Love of the Game
Advisor: Mr. Jason Ferguson (H-SC Class of 1996)
This Living and Learning Community is for baseball players and fans - for those who are coming to H-SC to play or just those who enjoy hanging out and watching a game with friends. The Community is coordinated by “Ferg,” a former Tiger ballplayer and a long-time youth Coach in the town of Farmville. Students in this Community will have the chance to work with the local youth league, attend local and regional games, and share their love of baseball. Students in this community will also be enrolled together in a section of Introduction to Psychology, which satisfies one of the College's core requirements.

Gaming and Storytelling
Advisor: Ms. Maryska Connolly-Brown
From early man telling tales of their hunting prowess around the campfire to watercooler talk about the epic MMORPG raid over the weekend, storytelling has always been a defining part of the human experience. This community seeks to explore the concept of narrative gaming through discussing, exploring, and participating in story-driven games. You’ll tackle the Hampden-Sydney Escape Room, have the opportunity to participate in Extra Life (a 24-hour gaming marathon benefiting the Children’s Miracle Network), quest for adventure in Dungeons & Dragons, and be a guest at a themed murder mystery evening at the library. You’ll also enroll in Global Cultures 103 with Dr. Eric Dinmore, a class that both satisfies a core requirement and which includes a “Reacting to the Past” game. Adventurers of all experience levels welcome. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKheO04OAec&feature=youtu.be

Gods and Heroes
Advisor: Dr. Viktoria Basham
Do you like folklore and mythology? Are you fascinated by ancient stories about brave and strong heroes, evil and bloodthirsty monsters, wise wizards, and breath-taking quests? Then this Living and Learning Community is the one for you! The students in this community will be placed in Dr. Basham's Global Cultures 103 class which fulfills a core curriculum requirement. In this class we will learn more about folklore and mythology and we will look at stories, legends, and fairy tales from different cultures and time periods. Outside of class we will bond as a community through fun activities such as lunches, dinners, movie nights on campus and field trips. If you want to be a Hero and participate in this Quest for knowledge and fun, you will be rewarded! Being a part of this community will help you immensely with your understanding of and transition to college life, finding new friends, and forming a long-lasting bond with a faculty member.

An Introduction to Modern American Leaders
Advisor: Dr. Ryan Pemberton (H-SC Class of 2000)
This Community is ideal for any student who wants to learn more about current leaders in order to use that knowledge to improve his leadership skills at the College. Students will be enrolled in a one- hour seminar exploring the traits, characteristics, and lives of current leaders in the business, education, military, government, and athletic sectors. This class will be taught by Dr. Pemberton ’00. Outside of class, students in this Community will become involved in campus organizations, will have opportunities to meet with campus and community leaders, and will have special opportunities to be involved with events hosted by the Wilson Center. If you want to learn more about interesting leaders while doing good for others, this Community is for you.

Masculinity and the Art of Fly Fishing
Advisors: Mr. Andrew Marshall (H-SC Class of 2017) & Dean Richard Pantele (H-SC Class of 2013)
Young men are increasingly losing touch with the world, the sport, and themselves. Masculinity and the Art of Fly Fishing is designed to help young men inherit a tradition, connect with the outdoors, and reflect on masculinity through adventures on the scenic rivers and streams of Virginia. Members of the community will co-enroll in Western Cultures 101, a core requirement for the college. Learn alongside your new brothers how to be good men and good citizens—moral and environmentally-conscious men, prepared to lead in your households, your communities, and your nation—and land a trophy trout on your way!

Medicine and the Liberal Arts
Advisor: Dr. Sarah Hardy
Are you considering a career in a medical field? This Learning Community will give you multiple perspectives on medicine by having you enroll in three courses plus a lab (10 credits in all).
In Dr. Sarah Hardy’s Literature and Medicine (ENGL 195) you’ll explore literary representations of medicine and illness (and fulfills a core requirement). In Dr. Michael Wolyniak’s Bioethics course (BIOL 130), you’ll confront the wide variety of moral and ethical issues facing scientists. Finally, Dr. Nicholas Deifel’s Techniques in Chemistry lecture and laboratory course (CHEM 110 plus CHEM 151) provide the essential chemistry foundation to several different scientific tracks at Hampden-Sydney and beyond. The courses and faculty will work together to help you make an interdisciplinary exploration of medicine and society. If you’re looking to benefit from student bonds forged in a set of common classes, this community is for you!

Popular Music
Advisor: Dr. Victor Szabo
This community will explore the history, culture, and sounds of popular music, from rock and rap to country and jazz, folk, pop, electronic and more. Students will enroll in Music 212 (fulfilling a core requirement). Outside of class, we will have music listening parties, attend local concerts, and watch music-themed films. Students will also have the opportunity to join Tiger Radio and host their own radio programs, and to collaboratively learn the basics of DJing and music production. If you love music, this Community is for you.

Professional Ethics
Advisor: Dr. Alexander Werth
This freshman Living and Learning one-hour seminar focuses on professional ethics and current ethical concerns in such different careers as business, medicine, law, government, the military, media, clergy, counseling, higher education, research, and sports. We’ll have guest speakers almost every week who bring different perspectives on how they view ethical concerns in their chosen fields — so you’ll learn not only about ethics but also which careers or academic fields you might be interested in pursuing.

Self and Society
Advisor: Dr. Gardner Harris
This community considers what it means to be human. The quest for understanding the nature of the self and the relationship an individual has to society and the wider universe has long preoccupied philosophers, artists, writers, poets, musicians, theologians, and scientists, to name a few. Students in this community will enroll in a one-credit seminar that will discuss "big ideas," music, film, technology, and current events. We will also visit museums, engage the local community, and, of course, eat together. Join this community if you are interested in further reflection on who you are in relation to the social and natural worlds.

US Military & National Security
Advisor: Lieutenant Col. Rucker Snead (H-SC Class of 1981)
This Community is for the student who wants to learn more about the US military and its evolution from its founding to its role in today’s national security. Students in this Community will be enrolled together in a seminar, “US Military and American Society: Ideals, Institutions, and Issues.” In class students will analyze the evolution of warfare and the US Military; study the expansion of the tools of national power; and examine the current issues impacting the national security of the United States. Outside of class, students will participate in several exercises and attend events on topics dealing with national security. If you are interested in pursuing possible careers in the national security arena in fields such as diplomacy, intelligence, military, law enforcement, homeland security, or emergency management, this is the community for you.

Bioethics
This Living and Learning Community is designed specifically for those students who are interested in science, ethics, medicine, or any combination of the three.  The students in this community will be enrolled together in a Bioethics course that will be taught by Dr. Wolyniak (and fulfills a degree requirement). In class, students will grapple with ethical issues being confronted by doctors and scientists as we move further into the new century-whether stem cell research, human cloning or the value of data obtained at the expense of human life. Outside of class, students in this Community will be given special opportunities to meet with alumni who work in the biomedical fields and to attend colloquia that focus on basic and applied research in these areas. If you are a student interested in engaging some of the biggest questions facing modern society, this Community will be a fun experience for you!
Coordinator and Academic Advisor:  Dr. Michael Wolyniak, Elliott Associate Professor of  Biology

For the Love of the Game
This Living and Learning Community is for baseball players and fans - for those who are coming to HSC to play or just those who enjoy hanging out and watching a game with friends. The Community is coordinated by Mr. Ferguson, who is a former Tiger ballplayer and a long-time youth Coach in the town of Farmville. Students in this Community will have the chance to work with the local youth league, attend local and regional games, and share their love of baseball. Students in this community will also be enrolled together in a section of Introduction to Psychology, which satisfies one of the College's core requirements.
Coordinator and Academic Advisor: Mr. Jason Ferguson '96, Director of  Admissions

Games: Modeling the Universe
This community is for students who like games - and are curious about how they "work."  Board games, RPGs, FPSs, LARPs, CCGs and strategy games all seek to simplify complex things. How do game designers do this? How do their "rules systems" work? What are they trying to do, and how do their creators try to appeal to us - or to fool us into thinking certain things are "fairer" or "more fun"?  You'll explore these ideas in a one-credit course taught by Dr. James Frusetta  - a faculty member who not only enjoys playing games, but who has published scenarios and even a gaming book. But we'll also connect to gaming opportunities on the campus including game nights, the gaming clubs, tournaments, and the College's annual 24-hour charity gaming marathon. If you like playing games - and especially if you like spading out how games work - this Community is for you.
Coordinator and Academic Advisor:  Dr. James Frusetta, Associate Professor of History

Going Old School
This Living and Learning community explores the history of Hampden-Sydney. One of the oldest colleges in the nation, it included among its earliest founders some of the most famous Virginians of the era, including James Madison and Patrick Henry - while Thomas Jefferson was among its earliest opponents!  Join Dr. Caroline Emmons of the Department of History as we explore the origins of the College through visits to local museums, historical sites, and battlefields - and consider it in the context of broader American history, enrolling in History 112 (which fulfills a degree requirement). As we consider these sites, we will think about the legacy of the College founders, including their role in helping shape the nation's founding principles, the slave society in which these men participated, and the ways in which their legacies still influence contemporary America. Afterwards, we'll gather for discussion - and maybe a little debate as we learn more about the College's historic origins.
Coordinator and Academic Advisor:  Dr. Caroline Emmons, Elliott Professor of History   

Heroes and Villains
"You either die a  hero, or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain," states Harvey Dent shortly before his transformation into Two Face in the 2008 Batman movie  The  Dark Knight. Being able to differentiate between 'good' and 'bad' and to tell a 'hero' from a 'villain' has become a challenging and complex task in the world that we live in. This Living and Learning community will trace the development of the terms 'hero' and 'villain' and discuss interesting shifts in society's perceptions of certain literary and film characters over time through texts, films, museum visits, field trips, and interactions with the Hampden-Sydney community. If you would like to improve your critical thinking and analytical skills and to develop a deeper and more sophisticated understanding of the nuanced perception of 'good' and 'bad' while learning about intriguing heroes and villains, this Living and Learning Community is for you! 
Coordinator and Academic Advisor: Dr. Viktoria Basham, Visiting Instructor of Modern Languages

The History of German Soccer
This community will examine the origin and history of German soccer. It will also study the German style of soccer and how the Bundesliga (Federal League) has become one of the strongest and well-known soccer leagues in the world. To better understand soccer and how the Germans play it, we'll watch historic games, films, and attend games at H-SC and DC United - and study teams from the first league together in a one credit seminar. If you play soccer, like soccer or are interested in German culture, then this Community is for you.
Coordinator and Academic Advisor: Dr.  Joseph Rockelmann, Visiting Assistant Professor of  Modern Languages

Leadership
This Community is ideal for the student who was a leader at his high school and who wishes to continue to develop his leadership skills while at College. Students in this Community will be enrolled together in a seminar exploring leadership taught by Colonel Snead. In class, students will read case studies and biographies of successful leaders and will learn how to identify the qualities and practices of these individuals. Outside of class, students in this Community will become involved in campus organizations, will have opportunities to meet with campus and community leaders, and will have special opportunities to be involved with events hosted by the Wilson Center. If you see yourself as a future HSC leader-perhaps a student body president or Student Court Chair or ROTC Battalion Commander-then this Community is for you.
Coordinator and Academic Advisor: Col.  Rucker Snead, Director of the Wilson Center for Leadership

Pets, Predators, and Prey
This Living and Learning Community explores various symbolic and physical ways animals are integral to human culture, using ancient Greece and Rome as a starting point.  Animals surround us daily; they feed us, clothe us, help us at work and play, terrify and comfort us, amuse and challenge us.  We define ourselves through our relationships with them and discover the world through them. Join Dr. Widdows, Director of Global Education and Study Abroad, for this one credit course that will cover such topics as animal sacrifice, hunting, games, pets, and magical rites. 
Coordinator and Academic Advisor: Dr. Daniella Widdows, Director of  Global Education and Study Abroad

Self and Society
This community considers what it means to be human. The quest for understanding the nature of the self and the relationship an individual has to society and the wider universe has long preoccupied philosophers, artists, writers, poets, musicians, theologians, and scientists, to name a few. Students in this community will enroll in a one-credit seminar that will discussing "big ideas," music, film, technology, and current events. We will also visit museums, engage the local community, and, of course, eat together. Join this community if you are interested in further reflecting on who you are in relation to the social and natural worlds.   
Coordinator and Academic Advisor: Dr. Gardner Harris, Assistant Professor of Religion

Whodunit?
Calling all mystery lovers - this living and learning community is for you! Students in this community will participate in a murder mystery dinner in the library. Each of us will playact a specific role as we try to figure who committed the crime. We'll also enjoy mystery movie nights and other events like dinners and tailgates.  All students will be enrolled in a four credit principles of biology course with laboratory (BIOL 110/151) that fulfills your core requirements for your degree. If figuring out whodunit excites you, come join this mystery solving community.
Coordinator and Academic Advisor: Dr. Kristin Fischer, Assistant Professor of Biology  

Words and the World
This Living and Learning Community explores the relationship between a thing in the world and the word we use to describe it. How does the language we use influence how we think? How might our understanding of common life experiences be informed by the way we talk about them? In this Community - and the one-credit seminar students will enroll in - we will investigate these questions through the sustained reflection of words central to the individual interests of each student, to the College community as a whole, and to the greater world around us. And as we consider words, we'll explore the world around us - through hikes, campus tours, trips to town, and shared meals. If you're interested in language, writing or how we define the world around us, this is a community for you.
Coordinator and Academic Advisor: Dr. Robert Irons '00, Assistant Professor of Classics

Assembling your Scholarly Toolbox: How to Succeed in College
Coordinator and Academic Advisor: Dr. Michael Wolyniak, Elliot Associate Professor of Biology
This community enrolls students in Dr. Wolyniak's Western Culture 101 course and Dr. Cristine Varholy's Rhetoric 101 course. Both required courses are great places to build the skills necessary to transition from high school to college courses. In these classes, students will consider the roots of Western civilization through examination of works and texts, using these to engage in discussion, writing, and research to develop the critical thinking and rhetorical skills essential for success in college-level scholarship. As a main project, students will develop questions about the time period under study and engage in a semester-long research project that will be presented publicly to the College community. This Community is suited to any student who is looking to gain experience in the research and communication skills that will get them up to speed for success at Hampden-Sydney!

Caesar and Alexander
Coordinator and Academic Advisor: Dr. James Arieti, Thompson Professor of Classics 
This community explores the careers of Alexander and Julius Caesar, the two most successful generals in antiquity, brilliant military strategists and phenomenally successful rousers of political loyalty. Find out how they managed these feats in a 1-credit course, "Alexander and Caesar" (FRSM 185). We'll examine their public and private lives-their triumphs and their failings. The course will meet one day a week over lunch. If you are fascinated by the unchanging nature of worldly success and its reverse and eager to discuss the ethical, psychological, and historical issues in creating and remembering such figures, this community is for you!

Developing Leaders   
Coordinator and Academic Advisor: Col. Rucker Snead, Director of the Wilson Center for Leadership in the Public Interest  
This Community is ideal for the student who was a leader at his high school and who wishes to continue to develop his leadership skills while at College. Students in this community will be enrolled together in a seminar exploring leadership taught by Colonel Snead. In class, students will read case studies and biographies of successful leaders and will learn how to identify the qualities and practices of these individuals. Outside of class, students in this Community will become involved in campus organizations, will have opportunities to meet with campus and community leaders, and will have special opportunities to be involved with events hosted by the Wilson Center. If you see yourself as a future HSC leader-perhaps a student body president or Student Court Chair or ROTC Battalion Commander-then this Community is for you.

Everything's Better with Music
Coordinator and Academic Advisor: Dr. Helena von Rueden, Assistant Professor of Fine Arts  
If you are passionate about music - whether it is listening, playing, singing, or writing - but haven't taken much professional training, consider this Living and Learning Community. We will actively engage in the musical world through activities such as film screenings, workshops, performances, and special access to and training in the Electronic Music lab in the new Viar-Christ Center for the Fine Arts. As part of the community, you will enroll in a special section of Music Fundamentals (fulfilling a general education requirement) that explores the concepts of rhythm and melody, develops your ability to read music, and includes experiences in performance and composition. If you love music, this is a community for you.     

Gaming through Stories
Coordinator and Academic Advisor: Ms. Maryska Connolly-Brown, Technical Services Librarian   
This community explores the concept of narrative gaming through discussing, exploring, and participating in story-driven games - ranging from PC and console games to board games to live-action games. Students who join this community will begin their college quest by challenging themselves to solve the Hampden-Sydney Escape Room and will enroll in one of the college's required courses, WCUL 101, with Dr. James Frusetta. We'll spend time out of class exploring gaming opportunities on the campus and in the surrounding community, including possible trips to gaming stores and gaming-related events, as well as participating in the campus' 24-hour gaming marathon for Extra Life and a murder mystery evening at the library. If you like playing games, this Community is for you!   

Guerilla Warfare
Coordinator and Academic Advisor: Dr. James Frusetta, Associate Professor of History
Are you curious to learn about guerrilla warfare? Do you want to develop the dirty tricks and strategies you need to succeed in college? Do you like the idea of watching your professors navigate the paintball minefield that you've just set in the woods? Then this Community is for you! Students in this group will be enrolled together in a one-credit seminar discussing partisan warfare in the Second World War plus a weekly laboratory in the woods at Hampden-Sydney. This Community is for those interested in applying theory to practice when it comes to insurgency and counter-insurgency. Bring your ghillie suit!    Picture: The Communications office should have images taken in FRSM 185 in Fall 2016 - the Community was called "Partisan Warfare" that time.  

For the Love of the Game
Coordinator and Academic Advisor: Mr. Jason Ferguson '96, Director of Admissions   
This Living and Learning Community is for baseball players and fans - for those who are coming to HSC to play or just those who enjoy hanging out and watching a game with friends. The Community is coordinated by Mr. Ferguson, who is a former Tiger ballplayer and a long-time youth Coach in the town of Farmville. Students in this Community will have the chance to work with the local youth league, attend local and regional games, and share their love of baseball. Students in this community will also be enrolled together in a section of Introduction to Psychology, which satisfies one of the College's core requirements 

Propaganda: Perception and Marketing
Coordinator: Prof. Viktoria Basham, Lecturer in Modern Languages Academic Advisor: Dr. Ed Lowry, Assistant Professor of Biology   
Do you know how to identify "Fake News"? Are you interested in the ideas and mechanisms behind one of the most powerful weapons of all times - propaganda? Do you want to know the history of propaganda's use and abuse, as well as its relationship to marketing, advertising, communications, and branding? Then this Community is for you! You'll enroll in a seminar course, "Propaganda: Perception and Marketing," where we'll explore propaganda's history, some of the most popular propaganda mechanisms, and its relationship to marketing. Outside of class we'll explore different dimensions of propaganda through field trips, conducting experiments and interacting with visiting experts in the field. Studying propaganda helps develop creativity and communication skills, crucial for educating independent and critical thinkers. If you are interested in jobs in journalism, communications, marketing, and advertising, this is the Community for you!

Seeing the World
Coordinator and Academic Advisor: Dr. Eric Dinmore, Associate Professor of History   
This is a Community for students interested in exploring the world - through classes at Hampden-Sydney, through future study-abroad programs, or simply an interest in new perspectives. You'll enroll in a Global Cultures course (part of the required core of the College), where you'll engage foreign histories, cultures, and experiences. But you'll also engage the world outside of the classroom through opportunities to view films, eat international cuisine and join campus activities.  If you're thinking of studying or working abroad, this Community will connect you to campus networks - and good advice, since Dr. Eric Dinmore, the community leader, has worked and lived in Japan. If you see yourself as someone interested in traveling, studying, or working in another country, this Community is for you.   

The Skills and Literature of Fly Fishing
Coordinator and Academic Advisor: Dr. Lee King '94, Vice President for Institutional Advancement   
This Community is meant for students who have a strong interest in fly-fishing and a desire to explore further their interests through practice and reading. Students in this community will be enrolled together in a one-credit hour seminar where they will read relevant selections ranging from Hemingway's "Big Two-Hearted River" to Norman Maclean's A River Runs Through It to modern fly-fishing journalism. Outside of class, students will have the chance to share knowledge, and take trips to fish in diverse habitats-from small mountain streams to large rivers. Students enrolling in this Community should be prepared to take occasional weekend trips, be willing to camp when needed, and be prepared to bring all necessary fishing-related equipment to Hampden-Sydney.