THE ACADEMIC PROGRAM

The 4-1-4 Calendar

Huntington University has operated on the 4-1-4 calendar since 1969. This calendar consists of two 15-week semesters and a three-week January Term. The fall semester ends before Christmas and the spring semester ends in May.

Students are required to complete a minimum of 128 credit hours for baccalaureate programs or 64 credit hours for associate programs. Some bachelor programs or combinations of programs may require more than 128, and students are advised to plan carefully. During the fall and spring semesters, students normally take 15 semester hours. By taking 15 to 16 hours per semester and two hours in January, most students can complete course requirements for graduation within the four-year period.

The January Term

January Term is an integral part of the 4-1-4 calendar. Courses offered in January encourage creative imagination and independent inquiry. January Term frees both student and faculty from demands of other courses and programs, providing opportunity for uninterrupted and intensive investigation.

Bachelor degree students are required to take three January Term courses, including those of the freshman and sophomore years. Freshmen generally take on-campus courses. Transfer students may be exempted from up to two January Terms, one January Term for each 30 semester hours of transfer credit. Students must complete January Term courses from at least two departments.

January Term is designed to provide a unique educational experience for students and faculty by encouraging curricular flexibility, innovation, experimentation, creativity and fresh, stimulating approaches to topics of study. It is an exciting and important change of pace during the academic year.

The 13-day term allows rigorous and concentrated study in one subject area chosen from special courses which are very different from regular catalog courses. This concentrated study allows students time to explore new disciplines outside their major fields that they might not be able to do otherwise. The time may also allow students to focus in depth in intense study or research on a particular topic within their majors. This freedom to focus efforts in one area of study carries the expectation that students be intensely involved in that study and apply a high quality of effort and academic seriousness to this unique opportunity.

Students are especially invited to consider learning experiences that take them away from campus during January. Most are available at very low cost compared to individually-arranged travel. Combining a trip with an academic course offers unique opportunities for cultural, intellectual and spiritual growth.

Summer Sessions

Several regular courses are offered each summer in sessions that begin in mid May. Since some courses end by early June, it is possible to take a course and still have most of the summer for work or other opportunities.

Most summer courses are from the Core Curriculum program. A minimum enrollment of ten students is needed to ensure that a course may be taught.

Summer courses may be especially helpful to students wanting to accelerate their programs, take lighter loads during the semesters or pursue additional course work in areas other than their major fields. Students who are home for the summer from other institutions may wish to take classes at Huntington University as transient students and transfer the credit to their home institutions.

Enterprise Resource Center

The Huntington University Enterprise Resource Center identifies, implements and evaluates experiential learning opportunities in the community. The ERC acts as a liaison between the University and area businesses, not-for-profit organizations, social service agencies, churches and local governments to provide meaningful “real-world” experiences for Huntington University students with a wide range of majors and interests. The ERC staff helps students arrange for internships and practica, works with students and faculty to determine and achieve desired outcomes and documents and assesses experiential learning.

A Global Classroom: Off-Campus Programs

Opportunities abound for students to experience a different setting or a different culture as part of their education at Huntington University. Such experiences are a significant highlight and can be a life-changing experience for the under-graduate.

Students may take January Term courses abroad or in different settings within the United States, often at very low cost, as well as full semester or summer experiences off campus. Other enrichment opportunities such as spring break mission trips are arranged as part of outreach ministries.

Huntington University has recently partnered with Food for the Hungry to offer a semester abroad in Africa. This program is described in the section under Huntington University Africa Studies Program. Huntington University also partners with Jerusalem University College, and it maintains affiliation with the AuSable Institute, Focus on the Family and Semester in Spain. These programs are described in the section under Affiliated Off-Campus Programs. Students should contact the Office of Off-Campus and International Studies for further information on these programs.

Huntington is also a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, whose programs described in the section under CCCU Off-Campus Programs require participants to be full-time, registered students of a CCCU member institution, such as Huntington University. The CCCU is an association of 100 colleges and universities in the United States and Canada that sponsors semester and summer pro-grams for upperclassmen from its member institutions. The programs offer unique opportunities for students to make the world their classroom, going beyond the confines of the traditional learning experience. Information on CCCU programs is available in the Office of Off-Campus and International Studies and at www.bestsemester.com.

Work completed by Huntington University students through any of these programs is treated as resident credit, and Huntington students enrolled for a term in one of these programs are considered resident students at Huntington during that term. That work can apply toward the residency requirement for a Huntington degree or major. All work completed and grades earned are displayed on the student’s Huntington transcript. If credits and grades awarded by the affiliated program are not in the range awarded by Huntington University, they are translated to the nearest Huntington University equivalent before posting on the Huntington transcript.

To support students who desire to participate in these pro-grams, the University may allow some students to apply institutional aid toward such off-campus opportunities. Out-side grants for which the student is eligible may be used for CCCU and other affiliated programs, but some University scholarships, performance grants, international grants, or tuition remission may not be awarded for off-campus pro-grams. Students considering applying for an off-campus program should consult the Office of Financial Aid for information about eligibility for financial aid.

Huntington University African Studies Program

Go ED. Africa Studies Program

Go ED. Africa, a semester-long program that integrates academic work, service and spiritual formation, is the result of a partnership between Huntington University and Food for the Hungry International. Based out of Uganda, Go ED. academic courses seek to furnish students with the ability to think critically and act realistically within the context of God’s redemptive work in the world. In addition to the courses, participants pursue a four-week service practicum in one of the four participating countries: Uganda, Ethiopia, Rwanda or Kenya. Various field trips, work projects and a two-week home-stay with an African family all contribute to a powerful change in perspective and a greater understanding of how knowledge and service work together. Students can earn up to 16 hours of academic credit by completing GE 206, 240, 311, 340, and one course from GE 250, 327, or 345. Students may take GE 101 as an optional course.

GE 206 Post Colonial African Literature                (3)

This multi-genre literature course will introduce students to major authors of Africa’s literary awakening. Selected readings will broaden students’ conceptual base for understanding what they hear and see during their semester in Africa. (in Uganda)

Fall, Spring

GE 240 Development Economics                          (3)

This course acquaints students with the basics of Development Economics. It is concerned with the application of economics to the problems of developing countries. (in Uganda)

Fall, Spring

GE 250 Culture and History of Ethiopia                  (3)

This course will survey the culture and history of northern Ethiopia. Emphasis will be placed on the role of Christianity and Middle Eastern cultures in the development of Ethiopian civilization past and present. (in Ethiopia)

Fall, Spring

GE 311 Practicum                            (3-6)

Hands on data collection and/or field experience in a Food for the Hungry development project site. (country depends on practicum)

Fall, Spring

GE 327 Ecological Sustainability in Community Development             (3)

This will look at how the environment shapes human communities. Traditional pastoral land use will be studied to better understand ecology of semi-arid northern Kenya and consider how limited resources impact community development, poverty and the environment. (in Kenya)

Fall, Spring

GE 340 African Traditional Culture and Religion                 (3)

This course is an overview of African traditional cultures (Middle Eastern religious influence) and religion as well as the challenges African cultures pose to Christians in Africa. (in Uganda)

Fall, Spring

GE 345 Peacebuilding - Genocide and Religious Diversity              (3)

Students will study the ethnic conflicts of Rwanda as a means of learning issues in the healing of trauma (both personal and social), the processes of building peace and establishing reconciliation. (in Rwanda)

Fall, Spring

Optional Course:

GE 101 Introductory Swahili                          (1-3)

An introduction to the Swahili language. (in Uganda)

Fall, Spring

Affiliated Off-Campus Programs

AuSable Institute of Environmental Studies

The AuSable Institute serves evangelical Christian colleges and universities with environmental studies set in the forests, wetlands, lakes and rivers of northern lower Michigan. January Term, May Term, and summer courses provide academic credit and field experiences in field ecology, field biology, land resources, water resources and environmental studies. The University grants four semester hours credit per course. The Institute has fellowships and grants for qualified students. Tuition is charged at the Huntington University hourly amount and students pay a weekly room and board charge. The Institute grants certificates for environmental analysts, land resource analysts, and naturalists. Further information may be obtained from the Biology Department.

Institute for Family Studies

The Institute for Family Studies, affiliated with Focus on the Family in Colorado Springs, Colorado, provides a personalized program that crosses academic and professional disciplines to address issues facing today’s families from a distinctively Christian base with modern cultural relevancy and practical application.

The semester-long program is tailored to the student’s interests and academic, professional and life goals. The Institute offers students unique opportunities to interact with various national and international religious, educational, political and pro-family leaders.

Jerusalem University College

Jerusalem University College is a nondenominational center in Jerusalem, Israel, which offers undergraduate and graduate courses in archeology, history, geography, languages and literature relating to both ancient and modern cultures in the area. Huntington is a member and accepts credits earned at J.U.C. Students majoring in Bible and religion are provided the option of including a semester of study in Israel in either the junior or senior year. Further information may be obtained from the Bible and Religion Department.

Semester in Spain

The Semester in Spain program enables students to study in Spain while earning credits toward a Spanish major or minor. The program combines challenging Spanish language study (beginning, intermediate and advanced levels) and a rich cultural experience in Seville, Spain, a modern city with a rich history. Students have constant opportunities to practice the language skills they are learning. Faculty members use a global approach, concentrating on developing and enhancing listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Students develop confidence and fluency in Spanish by improving their command of Spanish grammar and vocabulary. Courses are available during fall, January, spring and summer terms.

Students in the Spanish or Spanish education major or the Spanish minor may choose to participate in the Semester in Spain program. Prior to the Semester in Spain, students must receive credit for SN 221 Intermediate Spanish II (or equivalent credit through CLEP or AP examinations). Students will normally complete 16 hours in the Semester in Spain program. These hours will be substituted in the major or counted as 16 hours in the minor. Students are placed in courses on the basis of testing at the beginning of the experience.

Council for Christian Colleges and Universities Off-Campus Programs

American Studies Program

The American Studies Program of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities provides internship and study opportunities in Washington, DC. Students serve as interns in a variety of governmental and non-governmental agencies and participate in an interdisciplinary academic seminar program for a semester or summer. This Washington campus of the Council brings together capable students from several colleges and universities to live together in a small Christian community; to be challenged to integrate faith, learning and living; and to consider career choices, public policy issues and personal relationships in response to one’s Christian commitment. Students may earn 16 semester hours of credit during a semester of study.

Australian Studies Centre

The Australian Studies Centre allows students to study an array of performing arts courses as they live with an Australian family in Sydney. Students attend Wesley Institute, a diverse evangelical Christian community of people, and may choose
to study a selection of courses, including music, ethnomusicology, theatre and dance. Courses in theology are also avail-able. Each student is required to take Australian History, Culture and Society, which cultivates a thorough appreciation of the Australian setting. A total of 15-18 credit hours may be earned during the semester.

China Studies Program

The China Studies Program of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities provides Huntington students the opportunity to engage this large and intriguing country from the inside. The semester includes study of standard Chinese language, geography and history, religion and culture and China’s modern development. Participants travel throughout China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Xiamen and the Hong Kong region. This interdisciplinary program is designed to help students understand the complex history, culture and current issues facing China; to provide an opportunity to learn through travel and interaction with the people; and to equip students to develop a Christ-centered worldview of China. Students may earn 16 semester hours of credit during a semester of study.

Contemporary Music Program

The Contemporary Music Program provides students the opportunity to live and work in a community while seeking to understand how God will have them integrate music, faith and business. The program offers two tracks: the Artist Track and the Executive Track. The Artist Track is tailored to students who are considering careers as performers, producers or recording engineers. The Executive Track is designed for students interested in business careers related to the entertainment industry. Students experience a uniquely Christian perspective on creativity and the marketplace while working together to create and market an original music recording. Students may earn 16 semester hours of credit during a semester of study.

Latin American Studies Program

The Latin American Studies Program of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities provides a study of language and culture in San Jose, Costa Rica. Students study politics, history, economics, ecology and religion of the region while living with a Costa Rican family. Students participate in a service opportunity and travel for three weeks to surrounding countries. Two specialized tracks, in international business and management and in tropical sciences and sustainability, are available. Students may earn 16 semester hours of credit during a semester of study.

Los Angeles Film Studies Program

The Los Angeles Film Studies Program of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities enables students to apply professional skills and Christian integrity in various aspects of the film industry. Located in the Los Angeles area near major production studios, the semester program combines seminar courses with internships in various segments of the film industry, providing the opportunity to explore the film industry within a Christian context and from a liberal arts perspective. Students may earn 16 semester hours of credit during a semester of study. (See the Department of Communication for more information on the Los Angeles Film Studies Program.)

Middle East Studies Program

The Middle East Studies Program of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities is located in Cairo, Egypt, and provides an opportunity to study Middle Eastern cultures, religions and conflicts within this diverse and strategic region. Students participate in interdisciplinary seminar classes and receive Arabic language instruction. Students are equipped to relate to the Muslim world in an informed and constructive manner. Trips to Israel, Palestine and Jordan are included. Students may earn 16 semester hours of credit during a semester of study.

Scholars' Semester in Oxford

Honors students have the opportunity to study in England through an interdisciplinary semester at Oxford University. As members of Wycliffe Hall, the visiting students participate in a rigorous academic program aimed at increasing critical thinking skills and scholarship from a Christian perspective. The Semester in Oxford allows participants to choose from a wide variety of tutorial study programs in several concentrations, including the classics, English literature, theology, philosophy and history. In addition to two Oxford tutorials, students participate in a seminar and an integrative course through which they produce a scholarly project or term paper. Field trips provide opportunities for experiential learning in England’s rich historical setting. The Scholars’ Semester in Oxford offers a total of 17 credit hours.

Oxford Summer Programme

Students may take a six-week summer term as members of Wycliffe Hall at Oxford University, studying the relationship between Christianity and culture from historical roots to the present era. In addition to the core seminar, students may choose from a variety of theological topics. A total of six to nine credits may be earned.

Russian Studies Program

The Russian Studies Program of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities provides an opportunity to study the Russian language and attend courses in Russian culture, literature, history and current political and economic issues. Participants experience a variety of Russian environments, living for 12 weeks in Nizhni Novgorod and visiting Moscow and St. Petersburg. After six weeks of language study, students live with Russian families for the remainder of their time in Nizhni Novgorod. Students may earn 16 semester hours of credit during a semester of study.

Uganda Studies Program

The Uganda Studies Program provides students with the opportunity to study East Africa through an effective cross-cultural experience. The students reside with the UCU Honours College, and each individual joins a campus group that allows him or her to meet Ugandans from a specific area of the country. Core courses focus on the religion, culture, literature and history of Africa, while elective courses permit the students to explore relevant areas of interest. Group travel, service projects and participation in the faith and worship of Global South Christianity immerse the students in African life as they study. A total of 16 credits may be earned during the semester.

Washington Journalism Center

The Washington Journalism Center is a semester-long study program in Washington, DC, created for students interested in the field of journalism. Students will take classes focusing on the history and future of the media and how it relates to the public as well as to their personal writing skills. These classes – Foundations for Media Involvement; Reporting in Washington; and Washington, News and Public Discourse – combined with an internship at a top news publication will help students learn to integrate their faith into a journalism career. Students will also participate in service learning opportunities as well as live with families in home stays as part of the WJC experience.