Introduction to the principles and practice of effective oral communication. Through formal and informal speaking activities, students develop skills at framing and articulating ideas through speech. Students learn strategies for speaking extemporaneously, preparing and delivering presentations, formulating persuasive arguments, refining critical clarity of thought, and enhancing general facility and confidence at oral expression. Students gain practice in various speech types�including expositive and informative forms.

Exploration of the language and media of art and a brief survey of the history of art. Students learn to describe art, to understand the purpose of a work, and to recognize the broad historical and cultural context of art. Upon completion, students should be able to identify and analyze a variety of artistic styles, periods and media.

Explores the development of a Christian worldview and philosophy of life. Studies some alternative worldviews from a Christian worldview perspective. Investigates the sacredness of all spheres of human life and the relevance of a Christian worldview to all spheres of human life and action through the works of some of Christianity�s leading thinkers and writers.

Investigation of the spatial distribution of cultures and regions. Emphasis on defining key geographical concepts, identifying major political boundaries, illustrating current and recent national and ethnic conflicts, exploring economic and social processes that are leading to increasing global interaction, examining the variation religious practices and beliefs and assessing the basis for international disparities in economic development.

Students develop listening skills that will enable them to appreciate music from different historical periods and cultures, involving important musical attributes including melody, harmony and rhythm. Students explore simple forms, textures, vocal and instrumental music, and the instruments of the orchestra as expressions of creativity.

Introduction to philosophy as developed in the European tradition, with attention given to significant philosophical insights borne out of different cultural legacies. Consideration of seminal philosophical questions in epistemology, metaphysics, and axiology. Both historical and thematic approaches will be utilized, with emphasis on students' personal philosophical development.

Examination of the relationship of communication to critical thinking with an emphasis on valid reasoning and the obstacles to its mastery. Emphasis on students' development of skills in logical processes and argumentation as well as applying these skills to the practical problems of everyday life.

Study and development of skills in planning, writing, and revising the expository essay, with attention given to developing a thesis, providing adequate support, and developing paragraphs with clear introductions and conclusions. This course should be taken in the first year.

An introduction to research skills and academic writing. Students learn and practice the common steps and formats in writing a university-level research paper, such as writing and submitting proposals, writing literature reviews, following general research paper formats, and using an annotated bibliography.

Prerequisites:Grade of C- or better in ENGL 101

Introduction to the scientific method, cell structure and function, DNA and heredity, cell division species diversity and history tissue and organ systems, nutrition, reproduction, and the environment. The relationship between Christianity and science will be examined. A virtual lab component facilitates experiments and data collection to illustrate biological concepts.

Study of the structure and functioning of the human body including cell structure, cell function and the physiology of digestion, circulation, excretion, reproduction, and coordination in normal and disease states. The course emphasizes the interrelationships among the systems of the human body. Each topic will be considered from a Christian perspective. An online lab component is included in this course.

Introduction to Earth science, including the sciences that explore Earth and its space environment. Units within the course will include Earth structure, tectonics, rocks and minerals, geologic history, water resources, oceans, climate and weather, and astronomy. Specifically, our planet as an integrated system, with emphasis on dynamic processes, including earthquakes, volcanism, glaciations, air and water flow, erosion, and coastal dynamics. Earth in its solar system and cosmic context will also be presented. Students will engage in field exercises and simulated trips via guided analysis of imagery of natural phenomena, and self-guided field observational data collection and analysis. Laboratory exercises will involve the hands-on use of maps, identification of rocks and minerals, recognition of geologic structures, and weather prediction, as well as work in coastal waves, solar dynamics, and local erosion. Specifically, labs include local field exercises, a lab kit, and media materials. A lab fee in addition to tuition is required.

Study of several different fields of mathematics and their applications for liberal arts students. Through the process of discovery with everyday applications, students consider the beauty and elegance of mathematics as they improve their critical thinking and analysis skills. Topics include set theory, inductive and deductive reasoning, basic probability and statistics, number theory, algebraic modeling, basic geometry and trigonometry, and finance applications.

Study of linear equations, systems of equations, inequalities, polynomials, rational expressions, quadratic functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, and conic sections. Emphasis on understanding and applying concepts in real-life settings.

Introductory study of basic descriptive and inferential statistics with an emphasis on real-world applications and the use of current technology. Topics include sampling, random variables, probability distributions, measures of central tendency and variation, and testing of hypotheses.

Investigation of the nature, contents, and history of the Old Testament with attention to its background and key themes. Students examine themes within their contexts and from the perspective of their New Testament fulfillment.

A study of the nature, contents, and history of the New Testament, with background study in the inter-testamental period.

Students learn how to assess cultural influences on human experiences, behavior, and belief systems and develop heightened empathy and respect for individuals from cultures different from their own. They learn how to identify the major components of a worldview as well as the differences between dominant philosophical worldviews.

Survey of economic concepts and systems, including both micro- and macro-economics. Students examine the American economic system while exploring the impact of the international market. Topics include markets and competition, price, supply and demand, aggregate performance, fiscal policy, and international trade and finance. This course is not open to business majors.

Designed for non-theatre majors seeking an introduction to basic acting technique. Students learn how to develop and apply acting objectives to the performance of theatrical characterizations. Emphasis is placed on beat analysis, concentration, imagination, improvisation, skills of observation and how to score a role for stage performance. Students perform monologue and/or scene work from major stage plays.

Explores a Christian worldview framework for leadership and studies the lives of exemplary Christian and non-Christian leaders from a global context and a wide spectrum of disciplines and professions. Advisor approval required. Pre-requisite: Sophomore Standing. Cross-listed with GENE 402.

Explores a Christian worldview framework for leadership and studies the lives of exemplary Christian and non-Christian leaders from a global context and a wide spectrum of disciplines and professions. Students participate in a 10 hour service-learning leadership experience. Advisor approval required. Pre-requisite: Senior Standing; IDS majors: Junior Standing. Cross-listed with GENE 202.

Provides a broad overview of the historic roots and development of Christian thought. Identifies and describes historical Christian doctrines, the basics of theological reasoning, significant Christian thinkers, and contemporary global trends and issues.