Classes below are specifically designed to have limited financial barriers for students. This includes zero cost textbooks and materials
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.
Meet the Professors
Professor 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 blend psychology with academic writing to deepen understanding of human behavior.
Professor Sravani Banerjee teaches English composition and literature at Evergreen Valley College. 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.
Schedule
Student Schedule
Semester Dates: August 24, 2026 – December 10, 2026
In this learning community, you'll be exploring ideas in 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). Remember, to be a part of this unique opportunity, you must register for ENGL C1000, ENGL 105, and PSYC C1000 concurrently.
FALL 2026 CLASS SCHEDULE. TAKE ONE OF TWO OPTIONS
Option A:
ENGL C1000 (3 Units)
TTH 10:45 a.m. to 12:05 p.m.
ENGL 105 (1 Unit)
TTH 9:15 a.m. to 10:35 a.m.
PSYC C1000 (3 Units)
MW 10:45 a.m. to 12:05 p.m.
Option B:
ENGL C1000 (3 Units)
TTH 10:45 a.m. to 12:05 p.m.
ENGL 105 (1 Unit)
TTH 12:15 p.m. to 1:35 p.m.
PSYC C1000 (3 Units)
MW 10:45 a.m. to 12:05 p.m.
These courses are transferable to CSU and UC and also count toward our Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Science (AS) degrees.
ENGL C1000 fulfills the 1A (Area 1) Cal-GETC requirement for CSU and UC transfer and satisfies Area 1A (English Composition) for EVC's AA and AS degrees.
PSYC C1000 fulfills the 4 (Area 4) Cal-GETC requirement for CSU and UC transfer and satisfies Area 4 (Social and Behavioral Sciences) for EVC's AA and AS degrees.
Meet the Professors
Meet the Professors
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 blend psychology with academic writing to deepen understanding of human behavior.
Professor Sravani Banerjee teaches English composition and literature at Evergreen Valley College. 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
With step-by-step guidance from faculty, librarians, and tutors, students will write a 7–8-page research-based academic paper that analyzes a current social justice issues using key concepts and theories from social psychology. Through the psychology class, students will be exposed to principles such as conformity, prejudice, group dynamics, social influence, and how prosocial behavior can help explain the causes and consequences of inequities affecting marginalized or underserved communities. By completing this assignment, students will develop skills that will connect their psychological understanding to real-world advocacy, illustrating how insights from social psychology can inform efforts to promote empathy, inclusion, and social change.
Resources
- Embedded Tutors
- We bring the tutors into your classroom. They know the assignment because they are right there with you.
- Dedicated Counseling
- You get a specific counselor assigned to your class. They help you map out your Student Education Plan, transfer/career goals, and handle life’s hurdles.
- $0 Textbook Cost (OER)
- No need to worry about expensive codes and books. All required instructional materials for these courses are completely free or supported with grant funds.
- Your Personal Success Team
- We use an "individualized student-centered" approach. That means if you fall behind, we reach out to help you catch up.
