CAT Communities
What is a CAT Community?
A group of 22 students enroll in two regular courses taken together and another one-hour opportunity to discover course connections. Students learn together, are taught by an expert faculty member, and a Learning Assistant (an experienced student who has taken the course before) helps throughout the semester.
Some CAT Communities are organized around student interest, which allow students to explore an interdisciplinary area of study while working with an expert professor and undergraduate learning assistant who share similar interests. Other CAT Communities offer discipline specific topics, and these pre-professional CAT Communities allow students with the same major and/or career interest to take courses in their field of study while working with a professor and undergraduate learning assistant in their same discipline.
If you are interested in enrolling in one of the options, you can fill out our interest survey here, and also talk with your advisor during June and August Enrollment to get connected!
Below are the CAT Communities for Fall 2023! Click on the icons for more information about each one.
Animal Agriculture in 2050
Your generation will develop a very different food system than what exists today. We will explore the intersection of agricultural animal production with biology, discuss societal issues related to animal agriculture, and consider the future of foods from animal sources. A background in agricultural animal production will be helpful if you are interested in this CAT Community.
BIOL 198 Principles of Biology
ASI 102 Principles of Animal Science
GENAG 202 Animal Agriculture in 2050
Art and Creativity
Explore what it means to be creative in this interactive learning community. We'll work through the following questions and concepts as they relate to creativity: how can you enhance your ability to make effective work through understanding the creative processes; what are some ways you can engage with the world of art and design; what are your art and design teachers expecting from you; and how can you move beyond creative blocks for more effective work? We'll also learn how professionals discovered their own creative processes and how you can apply them in your own art and designs.
ART 330 Digital Techniques in Visual Art
ENGL 220 Fiction into Film
DAS 195 Art and Creativity
The Art of Healthcare
Join this CAT Community for an introduction to the many dimensions of our life cycle and healthcare. Special attention will be given to life stories, sickness and health, diversity and cultural competencies, differing perspectives on health care and well-being, professionalism, and other topics and insights important to healthcare providers. Healthcare is ultimately about people, both patients and providers, and this will be an opportunity to explore the personal dimensions of healthcare as a field.
BIOL 198 Principles of Biology
ENGL 295 Healthcare and Literature
DAS 195 The Art of Healthcare
Be the Change: Social Justice and Helping Professions
This learning community introduces students to social justice issues and helps them learn how to advocate for social change.
GWSS 105 Introduction to Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies
HDFS 110 Introduction to Human Development
DHE 195 Be the Change
Business and Society
What role does business play in society? How do YOU fit in to the equation? This community is designed for future business leaders who want to lead principled organizations as they compete in increasingly complex environments. As a member of this community, you will have the opportunity to learn how innovative thinking can lead to success in the business world. All majors and degree tracks are welcome!
MANGT 498Topics in Management
ENTRP 340 Introduction to Entrepreneurship
GENBA 195 Business and Society
Comparative Politics in Education
Education is a basic function of government everywhere in the world. Part of the reason, of course, is that all nations want their children to learn how to read, write, and do arithmetic. But there is much more to the story than that. Education systems can serve many other purposes as well—with far-reaching consequences for societies, their citizens, and the governments that operate them. Join us and take a journey on learning more about how politics affect education.
EDCI 110 Foundations of Education
POLSC 145 World Politics
DED 150 Comparative Politics in Education
Create Your Own Story
In this community, we will discover how creativity helps us succeed in college and beyond. Together, we will write and perform a one-act play to understand how to infuse creativity into our daily lives. You do not need to be a theatre major or have experience with theatre to enroll in this community. We welcome all students with an interest and openness to being creative!
ENGL 270 American Literature
THTRE 270 Introduction to Theatre
DAS 195 Create Your Own Story
Esports
Are you interested in not only playing esports, but also in getting in the business of esports with all of the other exciting behind-the-scenes operations of the industry? Join this community to learn about competing, team management, tournament design, announcing, and more.
MKTG 496 Special Topics: Esports
SOCIO 211 Introduction to Sociology
GENBA 195 Esports
Exploring Scientific Research
Learn all about participating in scientific research opportunities as an undergraduate. You will take part in a research project under the guidance of mentor through K-State's "Research for All" program. These research experiences typically will require one to two hours per week outside of class. We'll share our experiences throughout the semester in our community and finish by presenting posters at the Undergraduate Research Symposium.
BIOL 198 Principles of Biology
CHM 210 Chemistry 1
DAS 195 Exploring Scientific Research
Exploring the Health Professions
Are you interested in potentially becoming a healthcare professional? In this CAT Community, you will explore this interest by learning about different health professions, taking part in different experiences and activities that assist you in discerning your interest in them, and understanding the path to becoming a successful a pre-health applicant.
FNDH 115 Introduction to Health and Nutrition Professions
FNDH 132 Basic Nutrition
DHE 195 Exploring the Health Professions
Fashion and the Environment
In our community we will identify how our current fashion system and the clothes we wear impact our land, air, and water. We will then, through hands-on and active learning activities, explore how to foster a sustainable fashion industry through both production and consumption strategies.
FASH 245 Fashion Industry
GEOG 121 Introduction to Physical Geography*
DHE 195 Fashion and the Environment
*Students are also encouraged, but not required, to enroll in the associated one-credit-hour lab, GEOG 122, at any open and convenient time.
Global Engineers
In an increasingly connected world, it is imperative to engage with other cultures without prejudice or assumption. This is true in engineering as it is in any other field. Companies are seeking not only technically adept, but also culturally aware and broadly knowledgeable engineers for their global endeavors. To collaborate with diverse communities and make a positive impact on society, you must develop a perspective that values people and things around you and strive for what you can offer. Together we will discover how the intercultural, interdisciplinary, and social competence complements your successful student life and future career paths.
ECON 110 Principles of Macroeconomics
LEAD 212 Introduction to Leadership Concepts
DEN 160 Engineering Orientation
Did you know that there are more than 400 international students from 50 different countries that are your fellow classmates and a part of the K-State family? In this CAT Community, you will learn how communication transcends
Honors Community: Breaking the Art/Science Divide
We often think of the arts (for example, literature) as the opposite of science. But what happens if you use literature to understand mental illness or read a medical case file as a work of literature? What if you analyze bio-chemical responses to art? Together we will explore the intersection of the arts and science so we can begin to understand how science shapes our understanding of the arts and the ways in which literature and art teach us about science. This CAT Community is for Honors students in the College of Arts and Sciences.
ENGL 297 Honors Introduction to the Humanities
BIOL 198 Principles of Biology OR PSYCH 110 General Psychology*
UHP 189 Honors First-Year Seminar
*Students interested in the Breaking the Art/Science Divide CAT Community only need to enroll in BIOL 198 or PSYCH 110, not both.
Education is a basic function of government everywhere in the world. Part of the reason, of course, is that all nations want their children to learn how to read, write, and do arithmetic. But there is much more to the story than that. Education systems can serve many other purposes as well—with far-reaching consequences for societies, their citizens, and the governments that operate them. Join us and take a journey on learning more about how politics affect education.
EDCI 110 Foundations of Education
POLSC 145 World Politics
DED 150 Comparative Politics in Education
Identity, Pop Culture, and Performance
Explore identity through cinema, theatre, pop culture, and performance. Together we will attend plays, read comics, and examine films in this exploration.
AMETH 160 Introduction to American Ethnic Studies
THTRE 270 Introduction to Theatre
DAS 195 Identity, Pop Culture, and Performance
International Cats
Discover the world of international opportunities at K-State! This interactive learning community, open to both domestic and international students, will help you explore international educational opportunities and build community with other internationally-minded students. Together we will create connections through exploring the Secondary Major in International and Area Studies, Education Abroad, and the International Buddies program. Check out the flyer (PDF) for additional information!
POLSC 145 World Politics
Any Language Class*
DAS 195 International Cats
*Students interested in International Cats can enroll in any of the language classes offered in Fall 2022, including SPAN 101, 102, 300, 301, 302; ARAB 101 or 300; CHINE 101 or 300; FREN 101, 102, 300, 301; GRMN 101, 102, 300, 301; JAPAN 101 or 300; or LATIN 101 or 301.
Leadership and Service
Mahatma Gandhi said "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." As a CAT community we will identify common interests, develop meaningful service projects, and spend time together learning through service. Nonprofit organizations in and around Manhattan rely on the generosity of volunteers—join us as we seek to develop our own leadership capacity in the service of others.
LEAD 212 Introduction to Leadership Concepts
SOCIO 211 Introduction to Sociology
LEAD 195 Leadership and Service
Lights, Camera, Ag
Do you enjoy watching movies and television shows? Do you also love agriculture or want to learn more about the agriculture industry? In this class we will build our understanding of the agriculture industry while critiquing how agriculture is depicted in visual entertainment. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!
ASI 102 Principles of Animal Science
AGEC 120 Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness
GENAG 201 Lights, Camera, Ag
The Meat We Eat
Curious about the meat industry? Together we'll explore hot topics of the past, current, and future, from the use of the hormone and antibiotics in livestock to cultured meat. This will provide you the opportunity to learn perspectives of the meat industry from both the producers and the consumers’ sides.
ASI 102 Principles of Animal Science
CHM 210 Chemistry 1
GENAG 200 The Meat We Eat
Menard Family Scholars
This community engages outstanding freshman business students in a year-long, cohort-based program designed to foster leadership development, ethical decision making, and innovative thinking, while gaining technical knowledge and skills through rigorous coursework. Through industry learning trips, alumni connections, one-on-one mentoring, and other exclusive experiences, students will explore college leadership opportunities and career pathways in the business sector. Students will also work with top faculty members as they transition to college life, and benefit from early access to the College of Business Career Development Program, specialized advising, and career shadowing experiences. For more information on how to apply, click here.
LEAD 212 Introduction to Leadership Concepts
ENTRP 340 Entrepreneurial Mindset
GENBA 195 CAT Community Connections
Name-Image-Likeness
The world of college athletics is changing including the ability for student-athletes to now profit from their name, image, and likeness. This community provides access to key tools and resources that student-athletes can use to monetize their personal brand.
PFP 105 Introduction to Personal Financial Planning
ENTRP 340 Entrepreneurial Mindset
GENBA 195 Name-Image-Likeness
Next Gen Farmers and Ranchers
Is a farm or ranch in your future? Then this community is for you! Together we will learn how to approach the next four years to gain the knowledge needed to become a next generation farm or ranch owner and operator.
ASI 102 Principles of Animal Science
AGEC 120 Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness
GENAG 200 Next Gen Farmers and Ranchers
Nutrition and the Health Professions
We’ve all heard the saying “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” In this CAT Community, you and other pre-health students will explore the implications behind this saying and gain an understanding of how nutrition is important to promoting the optimal health and wellness of patients. You will also learn about different health care practitioner occupations.
FNDH 132 Basic Nutrition
CHM 210 Chemistry 1
DHE 195 Nutrition and the Health Professions
Pre-Law: Law and Society
This CAT Community explores issues concerning the nature and special status of law and the connections between law, society, and morality. Law is a complex social institution that influences our culture and is itself shaped by society. Law is also an institution that is deeply connected with morality. We think of law as obligating us independently of the threat of punishment. We also think the content of law should reflect some basic set of moral values and that law is defective and loses its authority to the extent it fails to reflect our own values. However, the nature of law and of legal reasoning, and the ways society and morality influence law are complex and sometimes controversial matters.
We will discuss the nature and functions of law and explore the links between political change and legal reform, and between law and morality. The course will also include interaction with the Pre-Law advisor and discussion of the many career paths available to students interested in the law.
PHILO 160 Introduction to Philosophy of Law
POLSC 115 U.S. Politics
DAS 195 The Law and Society
Pre-Physical Therapy
Learn the physical and behavioral attributes of physical fitness, health and movement in this CAT Community. You will develop an understanding of the physical therapy profession, examination requirements, education, and opportunities.
KIN 220 Biobehavioral Bases of Physical Activity
FNDH 132 Basic Nutrition
DHE 195 Pre-Physical Therapy
Psychology of Money
Why is managing money so hard? Why are we often our own worst enemy when it comes to saving? Explore the intersection of psychology and money to gain insight into how our perceptions and beliefs around money shape our day-to-day financial behavior.
PFP 105 Introduction to Personal Financial Planning
PSYCH 110 General Psychology
DAS 195 Psychology of Money
Sales Expert in Progress
Funded by Tony Dosien & family, this classroom setting allows you to see the business world through the eyes of a salesperson. Together we will explore the sales profession, including how to effectively create value for customers throughout the sales process. Coupled with mock sales role-plays to gain real-world experience, at the end of the course students will have demonstrated the ability to have an initial sales conversation by understanding how to ask effective questions and utilizing their active listening skills.
MKTG 400 Introduction to Marketing
SALES 542 Fundamentals of Professional Selling
GENBA 195 CAT Community Connections
Speak the Language - An Accounting Journey
Get up close and personal with business and accounting in a classroom like no other! Let's take an exciting journey where you will discover the language of business and yourself. With a culminating business and culture experience to Washington DC, see first-hand the impact YOU can make in the business world.
ACCTG 231 Accounting for Business Operations
MKTG 400 Introduction to Marketing
GENBA 195 CAT Community Connections
Sports in America
Sports as entertainment and lifestyle have have been a dominant force in the United States both economically and in the public consciousness. In this CAT Community, students will take a look at the impact the industry has one all aspects of life in the United States, as it has become almost a religious experience for many. You will trace the rise and fall of a variety of American sports, discuss current-day trends, and engage in activities geared toward understanding the role of sports in the fabric of society.
MC 160 Principles of Journalism
HIST 252 History of the U.S. Since 1877
DAS 195 Sports in America
A WellCAT State of Mind
Regardless of your field of study, your well-being and the well-being of others is essential to driving purpose, belonging, and performance. This CAT Community will focus on the social and emotional pillars of well-being to help you THRIVE!
LEAD 212 Introduction to Leadership Studies
PSYCH 110 General Psychology
LEAD 195 A WellCAT State of Mind
Writing Life
Do you appreciate the knowledge and perspective gained from reading, reflecting, conversing with peers, and sharing your thoughts through writing? In this CAT Community, you will improve your writing through practice, feedback, and revision while learning about yourself and the world around you. You will also have the opportunity to strengthen skills and habits that are crucial to success in college while developing meaningful relationships with other first-year students.
ENGL 100 Expository Writing 1
SOCIO 211 Introduction to Sociology
DAS 195 Writing Life
If you have any additional questions, please e-mail us at kstatefirst@k-state.edu.