Geography course descriptions
Geog-101 Introduction to Geography (3)
This course provides an introduction to the basic concepts, technology, and methodology used in the study of geography. Using lecture, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), GIS, field work, and multi-media, students learn to think spatially about their surroundings.
Geog-102 World Regional Geography (3)
This course is designed to provide a broad overview of the major regions of the world with emphasis on the increasing interconnectedness of people and places due to the influence of globalization on world trade, travel, communication, culture, and the natural environment.
Geog-281 Physical Geography and Geology (4)
Lecture 3, Lab. 2 - Introduction to the climactic and physical processes shaping the Earth’s crust and the interrelationship between humans and the natural environment. Students will learn through the interpretation of maps and remotely sensed imagery, laboratory activities, and a multi-day field trip. Same as ESci-281 and Sci-281.Course Fee.
Geog-311 Geography of North America (3)
A systematic analysis of major themes of North American geography with emphasis on problems such as energy and environment. Includes regional analyses of the United States and Canada that carefully examines their physical background and cultural trends. Prerequisite: Geog-101 or 102, or permission of instructor.
Geog-315 Environmental Science (3)
This course provides a broad introduction to the field of environmental science. Topics include global warming, energy issues, food and agriculture, biofuels, pollution, wildlife management and conservation, human population, and natural systems. Same as ESci-315 and Sci-315.
Geog-320 Natural Resource Management and Conservation in the National Parks (3)
Course provides students with a practical, field-based experience with contemporary resource management and conservation issues in units of the National Park Service. Topics include historical development of individual parks and the entire NPS, visitor impacts, park planning, resource policy, exotic plant and animal species, wildlife management, in-park transportation concerns, public safety, and wilderness management. Students will visit and camp in selected national parks. Same as ESci-320.
Geog-331 Geography of Europe (3)
This course provides a detailed examination of the historic and contemporary geography of Europe. Special focus is placed upon contemporary issues relating to the formation and governance of the European Union, immigration, world trade, geopolitics, environmentalism, and foreign relations.
Geog-341 Geography of Asia (3)
This course provides a contemporary examination of the geography of Eastern and Southern Asia. Through the use of current events, readings, and multi-media, students examine the rising influence of this region on world trade, commerce, globalization, foreign relations, geopolitics, and the natural environment.
Geog-345 Geography and Archaeology of the Holy Land (3)
Provides an introduction to the archaeology of Syria-Palestine, the interaction between human occupation and geography, and the importance of archaeological research in understanding the Bible through detailed study of primary and secondary sources.
Geog-361 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (3)
Lec. 1, Lab 2. This course provides in introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology through the use of ESRIs ArcGIS software. Students gain a working knowledge of GIS software and how it is used in various disciplines via laboratory exercises, lecture, guest speakers, and a class project. Same as ESci-361.
Geog-371 Economic Geography (3)
Spatial characteristics of people and their economic activities. Both historical-inductive and theoretical-deductive explanations are given for spatial location of primary, secondary and tertiary activities. Recommended: prior economics or geography.
Geog-381 Meteorology and Oceanography (3)
An introduction to the properties and processes of the atmosphere and the world ocean. In addition, emphasis will be placed on the application of recent scientific advances in these related fields and how they affect the world we live in. Same as Sci-381.
Geog-385 Field Techniques and Geodata Collection (3)
Course provides students with the opportunity to conduct original field research in geography. Students will use a variety of methods, including surveys, GPS units, GIS, digital photography, interviews, Internet mapping websites, and archival research to complete a series of field projects. Same as Sci-385.
Geog-391 Urban Geography (3)
The spatial evaluation of cities; including the history, site and situation, external relations, internal characteristics, the rise of urban centers, comparative aspects of cities, their present development and urban problems are examined. Prerequisite: Geog-101 or 102, or permission of instructor.
Geog-461 Advanced Geographic Information Systems (3)
See ESci-461.
History course descriptions
Hist-115 American Civilization (3)
Examines the nature of history as a discipline and its role in understanding the human experience. A study of major changes in the
American economy, in the role of government, and in the place of the U.S. in world affairs since the Civil War, along with an analysis
of social change and the experience of minority groups in American society.
Hist-131 World Civilization I (3)
Assesses the development of the basic political, philosophical, and cultural patterns of the ancient, near eastern, Asian, Greco-
Roman, medieval and early modern European societies.
Hist-132 World Civilization II (3)
Special emphasis on major political, philosophical, cultural and economic trends in the modern world (since c. 1700) and the
emergence of the world community. (May be taken independently of Hist-131.)
Hist-306 Colonial and Revolutionary American (3)
European background and its relationship to the exploration, settlement, and development of the American colonies, with particular
emphasis on English North America; economic, social, political, and cultural aspects of colonial life; the causes, course, and
consequences of the American Revolution.
Hist-307 The Early American Nation: 1789–1865 (3)
The forces and institutions which shaped the development of the U.S. from 1789 to 1865: political parties and issues; economic
change; religion, thought and reform; race and slavery; women and families in U.S. society, foreign relations, expansionism; the
causes and course of the Civil War.
Hist-308 The Rise of Modern America: 1865–1918 (3)
National reconstruction after the Civil War with emphasis on the place of Black Americans; industrialization and reform; the American
position in world affairs through World War I.
Hist-309 Recent History of the United States: 1919–1960 (3)
Reviews the social and economic conditions of the United States between the world wars and in the post World War II period.
Surveys the extent and degree of American involvement in world affairs.
Hist-311 American Foreign Relations (3)
An analysis of U.S. foreign policy from the early national era to the present, with emphasis on the 20th century and Cold War years.
Focuses on major theme — the impact of idealism, territorial and commercial expansion, American exceptionalism. Variant
interpretations of U.S. diplomacy are studied critically.
Hist-313 Religion and Society in the United States (3)
A historical analysis of the interaction between religion and society in the United States from pre-colonial to contemporary times;
emphasis on themes such as Puritanism, revivalism, social reform, religious pluralism, civil religion, and on-going theological issues.
Attention is given to the development of Lutheranism in the American setting.
Hist-314 History of the American Presidency (3)
The history of the American Presidency as well as the forty-two men who have served in that office. It begins with the origin of the
office itself in the US Constitution and examines the changes it has gone through in 200 plus years.
Hist-334 Early and Medieval Christianity (3)
This course surveys the early and medieval history of Christianity and the Church. Attention is given to the development of theological
thought, ecclesiastical structures, and the various relationships between the Church and the “world” during this period of time.
Hist-335 The Renaissance and the Reformation (3)
The beginning period of the modern world. The three main divisions: Renaissance, the Reformation, and the Catholic Reform.
Hist-339 Europe since 1914 (3)
European thought and institutions in the twentieth century. The impact of total war and totalitarianism on contemporary Europe and
the world; the development of a mass society; attempts at international organization; and the relative decline of European influence in
the world. Prerequisite: Hist-132, or the permission of instructor.
Hist-341 Modern England (3)
A survey from the accession of the Tudors to the present day. Institutional developments and political theory, technological innovation
and social change, and the impact of Britain in European, American and world affairs.
Hist-381 Baseball in American History (3)
This course will examine the relationships between our National Pastime and those forces that have significantly affected American
society. (Summer Term)
Hist-410 Contemporary American History (3)
A study of the social, economic, political, legal, cultural, and foreign policy issues before the American people since 1960.
Hist-417 African-American History (3)
Surveys the positions and conditions of Afro-Americans in various aspects of life in the United States. The problems and progress of
blacks forced from Africa to present situations are included. Same as Soc-417.
Hist-421 Latin America (3)
Emphasis is placed on major forces and institutions shaping Latin America: Pre-Columbian cultures, Iberian heritage, economic
development and dependence, social and political change after independence, relations with the U.S., study of selected nations.
Hist-451 Russia, the Soviet Union, and After (3)
A survey of Russian and Soviet history from early beginnings with special emphasis on political, social, economic, religious and
cultural developments of modern Russia and the Soviet Union.
Hist-455 East Asian Civilizations (3)
Survey of traditional and contemporary social, political, and intellectual patterns of China and Japan. Asia and the West, the challenge
of modernization, and the overturning of traditional social order in the twentieth century.
Hist-499 Honors Course (1) or (2)
Arranged for qualified Seniors.
Political Science course descriptions
PS-111 American Government (3)
An analysis of the U.S. political system and its operation, with emphasis on the national level; constitutional basis of the system, civil
rights and liberties, major branches of government, political parties, interest groups, elections, policies and policy making.
Psychology course descriptions
Psy-101 Introduction to Psychology (3)
The course is a survey of psychology as a natural science and a social science. As a study of human behavior and the mind, the course examines current sub-areas of psychology with attention to neurology, the environment, situation and experience, and the self. Throughout the content, the course also considers how presuppositions in philosophy and theology intersect, integrate, and conflict with views on the human condition.
Psy-210 Educational Psychology (2)
See Educational Psychology - EDPS-210
Psy-211 Child Development and Psychology (2)
An in-depth study of factors influencing the development and behavior of children from conception through adolescence. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.
Psy-212 Child Development and Psychology: Young Children (1)
An intense study of the preschool-age child in twelve key areas of development. Involves weekly observations of a preschool child in a childcare setting. Thirteen hours of field experience is required. Prerequisite: Psy-211, or take simultaneously, and sophomore standing.
Psy-221 Lifespan Development (3)
This course will address the entire range of the human life chronologically from the moment of conception through death focusing on the physical, cognitive, social and personality development of each chronological period. Basic theories, research findings, and practical applications will be discussed.
Psy 241 Child Psychology (3)
This course will address the development of the child from conception to adolescence focusing on the physical, cognitive, social and personality development of childhood. Basic theories, research findings, and practical applications will be discussed.
Psy-290 Health Psychology (3)
See HHP-290.
Psy-306 Introduction to Psychological and Social Research (3)
See Soc-306.
Psy-324 Psychology of Exceptionality (3)
This is a survey course which attempts to develop an understanding and appreciation for students with special needs. Characteristics of those with learning disabilities, physical challenges, behavioral disabilities, developmental delays, hearing and vision impairment, and giftedness are studied. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing. Education: EDPS-210, Psychology majors: Psy-101. 12 hours of field experience is required.
Psy-341 Group Techniques (3)
A seminar-laboratory approach for the study of group work and the group process as they apply to the self, the classroom, youth work, business, and society. Prerequisite: Psy-101.
Psy-385 Psychological and Sociological Analysis of Modern Literature (3)
See Eng-385.
Psy-406 Applied Research (3)
See Soc-406.
Psy-421 Adolescent Psychology and Development (2–3)
The course presents an arranged sequence of psychological and development theories, concepts, and insights designed to inform the practitioner working with adolescents. The content and class interaction cumulatively examine adolescent behavior and belief systems. The aim is to assist the practitioner with grounded yet flexible decision-making when working with young people in the contexts of counseling, teaching, youth ministry, family, and community. Prerequisite: Upper level standing.
Psy-422 Psychology and Development of the Young Adolescent (1)
The course focuses on 10- to 15-year olds as they are beginning the transformation from childhood to adolescence. Targeted developmental areas are physical/sexual, social, spiritual, emotional, and cognitive development. Prerequisite: Psy-211 or Psy-421, or simultaneous enrollment.
Psy-442 Introduction to Counseling (3)
This introductory course is designed to assist the student to 1) reflect upon attitudes as a helping person; 2) increase ability to use a problem management model; 3) acquire the various skills that under gird an effort to effectively listen and respond to another person; and 4) develop a personal philosophy of helping. Prerequisite: Psy-101 and upper level standing.
Psy-445 Abnormal Psychology (3)
Reviews theories and methods which underlie the classification and study of as well as responses to abnormal behavior. Prerequisites: Psy-101 and upper level standing.
Psy-451 Personality Theory (3)
A study of the dynamic organizations within the human organism of those psychophysical systems that determine the individual’s unique adjustments to his/her environment. Empirical and speculatory viewpoints are studied with careful differentiation between surface and depth factors. A variety of personality theories are explored for direct applicability to the work of teacher, counselor and enabler. Prerequisites: Psy-101 and upper level standing.
Psy-481 Practicum in Psychology (3)
The practicum in psychology is a planned and supervised educational experience which integrates the knowledge and theory of psychology gained through course work with field experience. Students reflectively observe professionals in the field and participate in meaningful and appropriate ways in the work at hand. Prerequisite: advisor’s recommendation. Upper level standing. Students should contact the Office of Career Services to obtain the undergraduate internship/practicum packet and review the required process.
Psy-499 Psychology Honors (1)
Arranged for qualified students to conduct research, present research or to assist faculty in psychology related endeavors.
Sociology course descriptions
Soc-101 Introduction to Sociology (3)
Systematic analysis of culture, society, socialization, social control, social processes, and social institutions.
Soc-201 Cultural Anthropology (3)
A survey of cultural anthropology with emphasis on culture, cultural diversity, social structure, social system components, language
and communication, socio-linguistics, social control, and cultural change.
Soc-221 Social Problems (3)
Examines major social issues in America society, problems of the young and the elderly, alienation, deviant behavior, ecological
problems, bureaucratic structure vis-a-vis individual freedom, and social disorganization. Prerequisite: Soc-101.
Soc-306 Introduction to Psychological and Social Research (3)
This course is an introduction to the philosophy, values, methodology, and objectives of psychological and social research. The main
objective of this course is for the student to successfully complete a viable research proposal. Considerable emphasis is given to the
following: use of the scientific method in social research; selection of a research problem; review of related literature and theories;
structure of a research proposal; descriptive methods; instrument development; experimental methods; and applied research.
Prerequisite: Soc-101 or Psy-101; Math-122; Junior standing. Same as Psy-306.
Soc-312 Urban Sociology (3)
The structure, functioning, and traits of urban society. Urban growth, ecology, culture problems and planning. Prerequisite: Soc-101.
Soc-321 Criminology (3)
This course examines the theories, causes and different responses to crime. It examines crime in the U.S. and other countries from juvenile to adult crime and differences between males and females in addition to what is even considered crime. Prerequisite: Soc-101
Soc-331 The Family (3)
The family as a basic social institution with special references to changing family structure and function. Special attention is given to
changing social roles of family members and their impact upon other institutions such as the school and the church. Sem. II only.
Prerequisite: Soc-101.
Soc-333 Social Gerontology (3)
This course is a basic introduction of social issues and theories of the aging process. Emphasis is given to the biological and
psychological aspects as well as self-awareness of aging. Prerequisite: Soc-101
Soc-335 Sociology of Religion (3)
Analyzes sociological theories pertaining to religion. Studies research data regarding the structure of and function of religious
practices and institutions, including the influences of cultural factors upon religious systems. Prerequisite: Soc-101 or permission of
instructor.
Soc-345 Social Psychology (3)
Social influences on the social and psychological development of the individual; the interaction process, role relationships,
development of beliefs and attitudes, dynamics of social groups. Prerequisite: Soc-101 or Psy-101.
Soc-361 Social Theory (3)
An intensive examination of selected major social theories and theorists and an introduction to the fundamentals of theory building
and the evaluation of theories in the social sciences. Prerequisite: Soc-101.
Soc-406 Applied Research (3)
This seminar is designed to integrate the student’s past course work in psychology and sociology in an effort to focus specifically on a
current social problem or issue. The main objective of this course is for the student to successfully complete a research project based
on the research proposal developed in Psy/Soc-306. Considerable emphasis is given to the following: structure of a research report;
data collection; data analysis; data interpretation; contribution to or support of related literature and theories; and presentation and
publication of findings. Prerequisite: Psychology and/or Behavioral Science Major; successful completion (grade of C or higher) of
Psy/Soc-306. Same as Psy-406.
Soc-417 Afro-American History (3)
May be taken as a sociology elective. See Hist-417.
Soc-499 Honors Course
Arranged for qualified seniors.