Associate of Liberal Arts

FYE 1010 Freshman Foundations: This is a practical, academic course which is intended to prepare new students to engage in three key areas of their first-year transition into college: Understanding who we are, understanding who they are, and understanding our call. This course is designed to make their years at Grace the best experience possible. This course will help students discover their God-given strengths, navigate through current college issues, and help the student better understand what makes a Christian liberal arts education valuable. It will also introduce students to the value of service in the local community and introduce students to prospective departments and faculty within the institution, assisting in the selection process of choosing a major and a career. Three hours.

The principles involved in writing clear expository, persuasive, and researched papers are studied and practiced. In addition, the English language is examined from a linguistic perspective. Three hours.

This course provides a survey of the biblical story in its progressive unfolding of the history of redemption within the framework of creation, fall, redemption, consummation. Attention is given to the literary, historical, cultural, and theological dimensions of Scripture as it offers a metanarrative or “worldview-story.” Emphasis is placed on the unity of Scripture as it reaches its fullness and fulfillment in Christ.

A study of communication theory as applicable to public speaking. Students explore the components of an effective speech, as well as current applications of speaking skills. Emphasis will be placed on practicing and displaying these skills in various settings. Three hours..

Foundational principles of effective Bible study will be applied for personal study and small group Bible study leadership. Observational skills of the English text will be developed through hands-on activities and assignments. Hermeneutical principles will be applied to various biblical genres with the goal of equipping the learner to interpret the text based on its historical/cultural and literary context. Application of the meaning of the text for spiritual formation will be emphasized as well. Three hours.

Topics include algebraic operations, manipulation of functions, polynomial equation solutions, inequalities, logarithms, and exponentials. There will be practice with solving systems of equations, graphing, and algebra applications. Three hours.

The cultural and physical elements of human habitats, the significance of the elements of the earth to humans, and the use of maps and their importance. Three hours.

An introduction to psychology as the study of human behavior. Basic principles of psychology will be explored including the process of learning, memory, perception, sensation, motivation, and emotion. Personal and social aspects of human development will be emphasized. Three hours.

Through a global, thematic approach, this course explores the human phenomenon of creativity. Posing the question “Why creative arts?” this course focuses on exploring how culture and creativity reflect each other within the realm of visual and performing arts. Through themes of survival, religion, the state, and self, this course examines artists’ roles within cultures, the way art is made or performed, how meaning is derived, and how art is used, kept or destroyed. Required experiential activities for engaging in visual and performing arts include such things as attending museum exhibits, concerts or theatrical productions. Three hours.

An introductory study of humans functioning in society. Basic principles of sociology will be experienced including organization, structure, strata, and problems in American society. Emphasis will be placed on observational techniques that will help to develop a spirit of active participation in the world. Three hours.

An examination of the process of communication and interpersonal relationships focusing on the role of the self, people perception, the environment, and the interaction of interpersonal orientations. Personal skills in resolving conflict and stimulating friendships are examined through exposure to theory, practical exercises, and the analysis of experiences in current relationships. Three hours.

PHI 3010 Christianity and Critical Thinking: This course will critically examine the beliefs and presuppositions of philosophers and philosophies over the centuries and their impact on modern Christianity and the Christian Worldview. A critical examination will begin by utilizing the lens of Scripture as the basis of truth in evaluating these beliefs. The application of that examination will be centered on the reasons for God as well as the nature of suffering and evil as learners are encouraged to formulate a biblically sound Christian Worldview. Three hours.

This course is designed to introduce students to some of the programs within the Microsoft Office 2013 Suite and use them to be productive in their classes and future jobs. Introductory to advanced skills will be taught in Word 2013, Excel 2013, and PowerPoint 2013. If the students desire, this class will help prepare them to take the Microsoft Office Specialist Exams. Three hours.

This course deals with human behavior in organizations. Conceptual frameworks, case discussions, and skill-oriented activities are applied to course topics which include: motivation, learning and development, group dynamics, leadership, communication, power and influence, change, diversity, organizational design, and culture. Class sessions and assignments are intended to help participants acquire skills and analytic concepts to improve organizational relationships and effectiveness. The course also examines selected personnel functions in an organization including job analysis, recruitment, and hiring, training, performance appraisal, and compensation. Three hours.

Consumer Economics is a course designed to prepare students to understand the economic system from a Biblical perspective and how it affects individuals as consumers, producers and citizens. Students will integrate knowledge, skills and practices required for management of resources in a technologically expanding global economy. Real world topics covered will include income, money management, spending and credit, as well as saving and investing. Core skills in decision making, problem solving, critical thinking, goal setting, management of multiple roles and using technology are integrated into the course content. Three hours.

This course is a topical approach to the cultural history of the United States from the end of the Second World War to the present, with special emphasis on America’s role in global affairs. Students will not only gain a broad understanding of America’s place in recent world events but also a specialized knowledge of various relevant topics and their historical context. Topics covered in this class have included the Cold War, the 1960s, American evangelicalism, and terrorism. Three hours.

TBD

This course has been designed to expose students to a variety of leadership principles and models used in business, ministries, educational institutions, and other organizations. In this course, students will interact with and engage in the content in order to think critically, apply theory to past, present, and future leadership opportunities, and synthesize a personal, yet research-based, approach to various leadership opportunities.