"The Learning Cluster is a research seminar designed to bridge theory and practice in the investigation of a specific question, and to elicit in the way of a specific product an educated outcome or response. Students work in teams with a faculty instructor to propose, research, and model constructive approaches to local, regional, and/or global issues. The course is designed to help students learn to apply a range of investigative and analytical tools in the discovery and presentation of trends and ideas, including policy recommendations that bear upon the quality of the human condition. Learning Clusters occur in 3.5-week block periods to take full advantage of opportunities, where appropriate, for field and service learning."