Curriculum and Courses

This course is designed to help students develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of the visual arts by bringing together art theory, practice, and history. A historical perspective on the development of the visual arts in contemporary and past cultures, study of the elements, and consideration of major styles and media are explored. Emphasis is placed on characteristics of different styles of art and on the artists that helped them evolve into the art of today. A trip to an art museum is required.

A survey of the background, events, people and theology of the Old Testament with reflection on connections to the New Testament and application to Christian faith and life.

This course provides a general survey of the New Testament. Special emphasis is placed on the historical background of the New Testament, the beginning of Christianity and the development of the apostolic church.

This course is a general survey of biological principles for nonscience majors. Students will study ecology and environmental stewardship, origins, nutrition, structure and function of the human body, disease, genetics and biotechnology. Christian perspectives on these topics and applications to everyday life are emphasized. Laboratory is included.

This course is a brief introduction to nutrition for adult learners. Students will learn the biological importance of eating and examine the importance of healthy food choices. They will also learn what the different food components are and why they are needed in the diet. Healthy weight management in adulthood will also be considered.

An introduction to digital film making tools, techniques, and basic housekeeping skills needed for animators to work in a digital environment. This is a hand-on course designed to give students immediate access to basic film editing, as well as project and media management techniques that are relevant and foundational for subsequent creative digital media projects.

An introduction to digital filmmaking tools and production techniques. Students shoot moving images, record sound, manipulate images with industry standard software tools, and practice non-linear editing techniques to tell stories. Students conceive and structure projects, organize source materials, and export digital film elements in preparation for more complex projects in later courses. Student will earn credit working on upper-level films and other multi-media projects.

Proper voice recording, sound effects, microphone, and Foley pit techniques along with field and studio lighting are addressed. This course further refines audio and digital media techniques both in the field and studio environment. Students will earn credit working on upper division films and other assigned multi-media projects.

Students are exposed to a variety of concepts needed for basic motion design and compositing. Hands-on assignments will cover a broad spectrum of topics, including motion design basics, typography, green screen removal, color correction, and special effects.

An introduction to the 3D graphic production environment. This course provides students with the basic tools they can use to explore 3D animation software interface and give them opportunity to practice the techniques of modeling, texturing, lighting, rigging, and animating to execute a range of simple to moderately complex 3D scenes.

Students will learn the basics in assembling media and material from their work for the construction of an Animation or Film/TV portfolio. Attention will be given to create a personalized digital online presence.

Storyboard and Concept Design are central to the art form and industry of animation. Many of these processes cross over into comics, graphic novels, game design, and even live-action filmmaking. In this class, we will explore the principles of designing strong characters and telling rich stories through the lens of an animation camera. By the end of the semester, each student will have a sketchbook full of story ideas and at least one fully developed concept that could serve as the basis for a short-animated film.

The art of assembling images and sound to tell compelling stories for film and television will be explored in this course. Students further develop skills and vocabulary in editing with the latest industry software. Basic 2D motion graphics for video editors is introduced as students create titles, credits, compositing, animation of still images and graphic elements, and basic colorization.

This course offers students an opportunity to study the roots and evolution of the detective novel. Students will learn classical rules of detection, the origins of the solitary detective and modern changes to the classic form. Students will read, analyze, discuss and write about the detective stories assigned in class and will learn to appreciate the detective story as a unique genre of literature.

Students are instructed in basic modes of composition. They will study professional articles; write a variety of personal and professional essays; evaluate other students' writing as well as the work of professional writers; and learn to evaluate, revise and edit their own work. Instruction in grammatical principles as related to writing is included in the course.

A study of selected writing of the major authors of world literature. This course will include information on form, genre and literary history as reflected in national, regional and minority group literature. Emphasis will be placed on the development of interpretive skills as demonstrated through class discussion and writing.

Students survey the origins, development and meaning of American history and heritage from the earliest European discovery and the birth of the United States to the Civil War and Reconstruction.

This course offers a survey of modern United States history from 1945 to the very recent past. It examines the major events that shape contemporary American social, political and cultural life and explores the interpretive problems that historians face in understanding these events. It also encourages students to examine the problems of American social, political and cultural life from a Christian perspective.

Training and staff development from a human resource perspective will be addressed. Employee orientation, career planning and development, cross training, management development, and succession planning are covered. This course also addresses learning styles, technical needs assessment, selecting facilitators/instructors, selecting appropriate modality, determining and setting training outcomes and goals, evaluating effectiveness, and achieved outcomes.

Contemporary beliefs and practices of the Christian faith will be examined in light of foundational biblical concepts and themes. Students will reflect upon the role of Scripture and biblical concepts that have historically defined the Christian faith and the differences in Christian heritage so as to value both the fundamental unity of Christianity, as well as the diversity within Christianity and their personal experiences and assumptions about their faith, in order to understand better what they believe about Christianity.

This course will examine natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes, hurricanes, floods and tornadoes. The science behind these disasters will be discussed as well as the impact they have had on the people living nearby.

This course is intended to introduce the general arguments concerning the origins of the universe, life and the subsequent diversity of that life. Some of the topics will include Big Bang cosmology, Superstring theory, evolution and intelligent design.

A study of basic mathematical concepts and their applications to business is the purpose of this course. Topics include markups, comparative analyses of income statements, depreciation methods, allocation of expenses, simple and compound interest, present value and depreciation.

A study of culture and how it affects an organization, including the behavior of employees and those the organization serves. This course will discuss the components of a healthy organizational culture as well as toxic culture, including what actions and behaviors can help in ensuring a healthy culture exist and what steps can be taken to reverse a toxic culture within an organization.

An introduction to research and its tools provides students with specific emphasis upon helping the student complete business research and understand managerial decision-making. Content will include statistical methods, database development, research methods and analysis of a problem or opportunity suitable for a business research topic.
Prerequisite: OM 116 or its equivalent

This course surveys ethical issues confronting business in the context of personal worldview. Students are asked to examine personal values and formulate strategies to improve management accountability, respect for human rights and how to lead a responsible lifestyle in today's world.

A survey of the principles, methods and findings in various areas of psychology. Specific topics include development, socialization, consciousness, personality, motivation and emotion, learning and memory, physiology, neuroscience, stress and coping, and psychopathology.

This course focuses on development from conception through adolescence. Physical, cognitive, psychosocial and moral development during this period are covered. Special emphasis is placed on the dynamics of parent-child interaction and practical methods of enhancing the healthy growth of children.
Prerequisite: PYX 111

This course focuses on development dynamics from early adulthood through old age. Adult life stages are examined in terms of physical, cognitive, moral and psychosocial factors to gain understanding of the specific tasks and the potential problems involved in each of the developmental stages, both from an individual and a relational perspective.
Prerequisite: PYX 111

This course focuses on the basic processes of cognitive, moral, physical and psychosocial development from conception through death. Attention is given to both theories and research regarding the stages and transitions encountered by persons over the lifespan. Special attention is given to the relationship between physical and psychological problems during development.
Prerequisite: PYX 111

This course examines the dynamics of effective interpersonal relationships and how those dynamics are applied within the counseling field. Topics include personal factors that influence relationships, verbal and nonverbal behavior, barriers to effective communication and conflict, contextualized to basic counseling concepts and skills. Practical exercises and group work to develop those basic skills are an integral part of the course.
Prerequisite: PYX 111

This course examines health and wellness psychology and looks at the efforts people make in promoting good health, how effectively people cope with and reduce stress and pain, and the recovery, rehabilitation, and psychosocial adjustment of patients with serious health problems. Topics include factors that are related to health habits and lifestyles, methods to enhance health behavior and prevent illness, and stress and stress management. Practical exercises and group work to develop those basic skills are an integral part of the course.
Prerequisites: PYX 111 and sophomore standing at time of registration

A study of how the thoughts, feelings and behavior of individuals are influenced by others. Topics include attitude formation and change, prejudice, conformity, leadership, interpersonal attraction, prosocial behavior and cooperation/competition.
Prerequisite: PYX 111

This course focuses on the analytical techniques used in behavioral science research. Topics include the anatomy of the experimental method, characteristics of variables, data analysis techniques, reliability and validity considerations, sources of experimental error, data analysis techniques, APA scholarly writing and ethical issues in research. Students will engage in data collection using multiple research methods, analyses and interpretation. Students will also be introduced to the SPSS statistical program.
Prerequisites: PYX 111, OM 323, and one additional course in psychology

This course focuses on the design, execution and dissemination of behavioral science research. Topics include theory driven generation of hypotheses, literature review and data analysis techniques, operationalization of variables, implication of experimental results and an introduction to APA style. Students will plan, conduct and defend a research project during the course.
Prerequisite: PYX 381

The purpose of this course is to provide an introduction to the counseling process - both cognitively and experientially. Content will include the dynamics of helping interventions and practicing the skills that provide the foundation of effective counseling. The focus of the course will be on the understanding, discussion and use of basic counseling skills. Careful attention will be given to examining the field of counseling/therapy from a Christian perspective.
Prerequisites: PYX 111 and 321

An examination of the symptoms, etiology and treatment of abnormal behavior. Current diagnostic classifications are used as a conceptual framework.
Prerequisite: PYX 111

The purpose of this course is to synthesize and review the various components of the psychology curriculum to which the student has been exposed. Students also contribute to the selection of additional course topics. Students will complete a scholarly faith integration paper. Students will also complete a service-learning experience as part of course work.
Prerequisite: Senior Standing

An introduction and broad overview of the social work profession. Its beginnings and growth to worldwide recognition are traced. Key people, movements and practices are noted. Fields of practice are especially emphasized. Includes concurrent experiential learning through service in the local community. Provides a picture of what it means to have a career in social work.

This course is an overview of the phenomenon of addictions. The course will survey various types of addictions such as alcoholism, drug addiction, internet addictions, eating disorders and hoarding. Consideration will be given to the etiology, symptomatology, prevention, treatment and relapse prevention options in the addictions field. The biological psychological, social and spiritual implications of addiction will be examined.
Prerequisite: PYX 111 or SOX 111

Foundational course of a three-course sequence in preparation for generalist social work practice. Focuses on application of theoretical approaches and interpersonal skills in a problem-solving model. Professional values and ethical decision making are introduced and applied through the use of case studies. Cultural competence and empowerment of client systems are emphasized. Research application to evaluation of practice is included. Concurrent experiential learning component.
Prerequisites: SWX 171 and SOX 111

Second of a three-course sequence in preparation for generalist social work practice. Content learned in the first practice course is applied specifically to families and groups within a life span development approach. Class provides opportunities for practice group membership and leadership skills. Particular emphasis on issues of diversity in families, group stages and group dynamics.
Prerequisites: SWX 325 and PYX 321

Builds upon basic understanding of the political system, economic theories and social welfare institutions in identifying and analyzing current social welfare policies and programs. Current federal and state proposed legislation is identified and followed. Implications for social work practice are noted.
Prerequisite: SOX 333

This course will serve as both a preparation and orientation experience for the Intercultural Immersion Experience as well as a time to reflect upon the experience. Class is coordinated by the Social Work Field Education Director.
Prerequisite: SW 171

Field experience in a cross-cultural setting anywhere in the world. Intended to provide direct experience in living and working in an intercultural setting. Individual experiences must be approved by the department.
Students must complete SW 395 prior to formal acceptance into the Social Work Program.
Prerequisite: Social work major

Final of a three-course sequence in preparation for generalist social work practice. Theoretical concepts, skills, values and ethics are applied to work with communities and organizations. Particular emphasis is placed on community assessment and planning. A grant writing workshop and experiential applications with community social service providers are included.
Prerequisite: SWX 345

This course focuses on the interview process used in professional helping relationships. Each student will be involved in class role plays, taped interview sessions with mock clients and simulated job interviews. Interviews will be videotaped and critiqued within the learning context. Professional documentation skills related to these settings will be developed. Personal resume will be completed for professional use.
Prerequisite: PYX 321

Capstone course in human behavior and the social environment utilizing a bio-psycho-social-spiritual perspective. Theoretical perspectives, cultural diversity, oppression and socialization are revisited as various pervasive issues and topics are investigated, discussed and applied to social work practice. Topics covered are chosen from among the following: lifespan development, violence, substance abuse and addictions, disabilities, gender issues, elders and immigrant populations.
Prerequisites: BIX 111, PYX 211, 215, and SOX 321

This course is the culminating experience for the social work major in the form of a block field experience in a professional social work setting under the supervision of a field instructor with an MSW or BSW credential and at least three years of successful practice experience. The actual field placement is preceded by a comprehensive evaluation and orientation to the field placement. Professional seminars will be held throughout the practicum experience with professors and peer students. Required hours in the filed placement is 400 hours. This course is open only to social work majors who have satisfactorily completed all required courses in the social work major.
Prerequisite: Completion of all courses required in the social work major

Basic concepts, theories, methods and principles of sociology. Topics will include social institutions, the dynamics of change and the diverse behavior of people in different parts of the world.

Students will read about, discuss and analyze a variety of social problems (including poverty, race, gender, work, education, the criminal justice system and illness and health care), looking at their descriptions, possible causes and proposed solutions. The general focus will be on problems in American society, but global concerns will be included as well. Students will concern themselves with how Christian faith and biblical perspective should affect both their thinking about a given problem and any proposed solutions.

This course will explore the social aspects of aging. Role changes associated with aging, the impact of those changes, social responses to the elderly and issues of death and dying will be considered.
Prerequisite: SOX 111

The focus of this course is intergroup relations of a dominant minority character. The majority-minority relations in many societies are examined with emphasis on American patterns. The goal is to identify the universal behavior patterns and basic concepts in the study of majority-minority relations.
Prerequisite: SOX 111

A study of the ideology, function and structure of the public and private auspices by which societies seek to assure the well-being of their members, historically and currently. American society is the primary focus, accompanied by ongoing global comparisons. Key topics include poverty, oppression, health care, education and families.
Prerequisite: SOX 111

This course focuses primarily on presentations frequently used in the business world. The use of effective listening skills and the dynamics of communication within business organizations will be studied. Students will use PowerPoint and other technologies as part of their presentations. Emphasis will be placed upon content, structure and delivery of the presentations, as well as the quality of visual aids.

Students will be introduced to major issues related to Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. Students will examine the process of second language acquisition, acquire instructional skills for teaching ELs (English learners) and explore resources and opportunities.

This course will prepare students to teach aural and oral English language communication. Driven by pragmatics and grounded in the Communicative Approach, this instructional methods course will prepare students with lesson planning strategies, specific language-learning activities for the classroom and access to instructional resources for the EL instructor.
Prerequisite: TEX 233

This course will focus on specific pedagogical issues related to teaching ELs reading and writing. Students will learn different approaches to teaching writing, compare and contrast native English-speaking composition with EL writing, explore the connection between reading and writing, learn specific teaching strategies for classroom implementation and understand techniques for assessment and responding to EL student writing.
Prerequisite: TEX 233

This course explores the pedagogical issues related to teaching ELs vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar. Students will explore different factors, including the influence of first languages, that impact development of vocabulary and pronunciation as well as proper usage of English grammar structures. Students will learn teaching strategies for classroom implementation as well as appropriate forms of assessment for language usage.
Prerequisite: TEX 233

This course explores issues related to the intercultural communication process and considers the important role of context (social, cultural and historical) in intercultural interactions. This course examines the complex relationship between cultures and communication from various perspectives. Special emphasis will be given to managing cross-cultural conflict, cross-cultural teaching and cross-cultural ministry applications.

Students will participate in a 90-hour practicum teaching and working with EL students either in a self-contained EL setting or in an instructional capacity in a regular classroom. Students participating in the TESOL practicum in China will have the additional experience of social and cultural immersion.
Prerequisite: TEX 233