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The Art of Attention: A Cornerstone Learning Community
The Art of Attention: A Cornerstone Learning Community
College isn't just about what you learn - it's about how you think, create, connect, and focus in a world full of distractions.
The Art of Attention: A Cornerstone Learning Community is a residential experience for first-year students who want to scroll less and engage more with Purdue University. By taking classes in philosophy, art, literature, and design, students will complete core University Gen Ed requirements while developing skills to build clarity and confidence to navigate the challenges of the 21st century.
This learning community is for students who:
- Build strong community in non-digital spaces
- Care about creativity and big ideas
- Want stronger focus and confidence
- Are curious about art, philosophy, and how the mind works
- Want to build a tech-free foundation for college life
For specific questions regarding the Art of Attention LC, please email Will Sartore at wsartore@purdue.edu. This is a collaboration between the Cornerstone Integrated Liberal Arts, the Patti & Rusty Rueff School of Design, Art, and Performance, and the Department of Philosophy.
Eligibility
- Open to all first-year students in any major across all colleges, including those outside the College of Liberal Arts.
Residential Component
- Students will indicate interest in Learning Communities (LCs) and apply during their housing application process. Students will be informed of the status of their LC application in mid-May.
- Roommate selection will occur after LC decisions have been made. If admitted to an LC, students will need to match with other student(s) admitted to the same LC. If not selected for an LC, the student's original housing preferences will be considered during general housing placement and the student will be able to roommate match with other general housing students.
- The location of LC housing will be determined based on the incoming class size and the needs of the learning community.
- For specific question regarding learning communities, email learningcommunities@purdue.edu.
- If you have questions about housing, contact University Residences (https://www.housing.purdue.edu/) at housing@purdue.edu.
Duration
Full Academic Year
Associated Courses and Information
Fall Courses:
SCLA 10100 - Transformative Texts, Critical Thinking and Communication I (3 CR)
AD 25500 - Art Appreciation (3 CR)
PHIL 29300 - The Art of Attention (1 CR)
Spring Courses:
SCLA 10200 - Transformative Texts, Critical Thinking and Communication II (3 CR)
THTR 13300 - Acting I (3 CR) OR AD 10500 - Design I (3 CR)
PHIL 29300 - The Art of Attention (1 CR)
Every fee eligible student involved with a learning community (LC) at Purdue will be assessed the $200 LC fee to their university account. These funds support activities and travel, signature LC events, housing assignments and/or course registration and instructor stipends.
Events and Activities Included:
- Live together in a first-year residential cohort
- Receive a Brick device to help reduce digital distractions and build healthy tech habits
- A research experience with a faculty mentor on issues related to attention, cognition, and mindfulness
- Guided tours of Purdue's many art galleries
- Theatre and art-inspired performances
- Digital detox challenges and post-challenge celebrations with food
- Opportunity to attend meals with various Purdue faculty and staff
- Mindfulness and focus sessions through Purdue Recreation and Wellness
- Opportunity to attend an excursion with Learning Communities to Exploration Acres corn maze
Information above is subject to change. If you are placed in the LC, the associated courses will be on your schedule prior to you registering for the rest of your courses.
