Overview
MindCraft is a unique learning opportunity that links an academic reading and writing class with a general psychology class to deepen students' understanding of human behavior while developing their academic writing skills. Assignments are designed to enable the exploration of psychological concepts and research (i.e., the Mind) through writing assignments that emphasize analysis, argumentation, and critical thinking (i.e., the Craft). By integrating content and skills from both disciplines, the program fosters a more meaningful and connected learning experience for participants.
Schedule
Intersession Schedule - 01/26/26 - 05/22/26
Units: 1
Room: LA363
| Reg ID |
Section | Subj | Crse No. |
Short Title | Last Name | First Name | Day of Week |
Start Time |
End Time |
| 128650 | 205 | ENGL | 105 | English Support Course | Banerjee | Sravani | TTH | 09:15 AM | 10:35 AM |
| 128651 | 206 | ENGL | 105 | English Support Course | Banerjee | Sravani | TTH | 12:15 PM | 01:35 PM |
| 128614 | 203 | ENGL | C1000 | Academic Reading and Writing | Banerjee | Sravani | TTH | 10:45 AM | 12:05 PM |
| 129780 | 201 | PSYC | C1000 | Introduction to Psychology | Estrada | Grace | MW | 10:45 AM | 12:05 PM |
| Class notation that will appear for each section in the schedule: In this learning community, you’ll explore psychology while developing your reading, writing, and research skills in a set of linked courses: Introduction to Psychology (PSYC C1000) and Academic Reading & Writing (ENGL C1000). Additional support if offered in English 105 which is also a requirement of this learning community. Students in this learning community are required to take PSYC C1000 (Reg ID 129780), ENGL C1000 (128614), and one of the following support courses: ENGL 105 (Reg ID 128650) or (Reg ID 128651). For registration instruction and information, go to www.evc.edu/learningcommunity. | |||||||||
Meet the Professors
Dr. Grace Estrada holds a doctorate in Developmental Psychology and is a proud alum of Evergreen Valley College. She is dedicated to helping students connect psychological concepts to real-world experiences through engaging, inclusive, and research-informed teaching. Passionate about student success and interdisciplinary learning, she develops innovative programs like MindCraft that integrate psychology with academic writing to deepen understanding of human behavior.leads innovative programs like MindCraft, which blend psychology and academic writing to deepen understanding of human behavior.
Sravani Banerjee teaches English composition and literature at Evergreen Valley College. She also teaches in the ASPIRE program, catering to the needs of the Asian and South Pacific Islander students. Passionate about teaching and traveling, she participated in the Salzburg Global Seminar for educators. Her research is focused on project-based learning, globalizing her curriculum, and celebrating diversity in the classroom. During her 2020-2021 sabbatical, Banerjee was an EPIC fellow with the Stanford Global Studies Program where her project was focused on incorporating social justice and global issues in freshman composition.
Class Assignment
Students will write a 7–8 page research-based academic paper that analyzes a current social justice issue using key concepts and theories from social psychology. The paper should demonstrate how principles such as conformity, prejudice, group dynamics, social influence, or prosocial behavior can help explain the causes and consequences of inequities affecting marginalized or underserved communities. The goal is to connect psychological understanding to real-world advocacy, illustrating how insights from social psychology can inform efforts to promote empathy, inclusion, and social change.