Online Programs at Calvin College

Courses:

Astronomy 110: Planets, Stars and Galaxies -- Andrew Vanden Heuvel, Online Instructor
(4 semester hours; for the Summer 2013 semester, this course will run from May 22 - August 9.)

A survey of the major astronomical objects, including planets, stars, and galaxies; a study of their characteristics and their organization into a dynamic, structured universe; an investigation of the processes now occurring in the universe and the methods used to study them; a presentation of the history and development of the universe. The course examines scientific perspectives on the natural world, various relationships between science and culture, the role of Christianity in the development of science, and relationships between Christianity and current scientific findings.

NOTE: Andrew Vanden Heuvel teaches physics and astronomy at Calvin. He also teaches physics online via the Michigan Virtual School. This Michigan Online Teacher of the Year was recently selected (in April 2013) to be one of the few Google Glass Explorers. Because of his background in online learning and STEM education, Google offered him a truly exceptional opportunity to visit the Large Hadron Collider at CERN and to share the experience with Physics students back in America using his new Google Glass device. Google documented the experience in this video.

Also see:

• Calvin online teacher is first educator to test Google Glass -- from Calvin.edu
• The incredible way a Michigan Physics teacher uses Google Glass -- from edudemic.com
• Google Glass: Vision for future of learning? -- from blogs.kqed.org
• Field trips with Google Glass -- from quib.ly
  
  

Communications Arts & Sciences 140: Communication and Culture -- Associate Professor Chris Smit (also see Smitwork.com)
(3 semester hours; for the Summer 2013 semester, this course will run from May 20 - July 19.)

This course examines the ways in which communication is used to create, maintain, and change culture. Students have the opportunity to apply a basic understanding of the concepts of communication and culture to a range of contemporary social issues, cultural texts, and communication practices. Emphasis is given to rhetorical and discussion methods to help students learn about analyzing and constructing oral and written arguments and to work cooperatively doing a research project for class presentation.

Computer Science 108: Introduction to Computing -- Professor Keith Vander Linden
(4 semester hours; for the Summer 2013 semester, this course will run from May 22 - July 31.)

An introduction to computing as a problem-solving discipline. A primary emphasis is on programming as a methodology for problem solving, including: the precise specification of a problem, the design of its solution, the encoding of that solution, and the testing, debugging and maintenance of programs. The Java programming language will be used. A secondary emphasis is the discussion of topics from the breadth of computing including historical, theoretical, ethical and biblical perspectives on computing as a discipline.

English 230: Understanding Literature -- Associate Professor Chad Engbers
(3 semester hours; for the Summer 2013 semester, this course will run from May 22 - July 17.)

A survey of selected literary works with an emphasis on the fundamental elements of literature and methods of reading. Discussion topics may include the genres of literature and their conventions, the means by which texts create meaning and wield influence, the ways readers can interpret and respond to texts, and the roles of imaginative literature in shaping and reflecting culture. An abiding concern will be how Christians might take a distinctive approach to this area of human culture.

History 152: History of the West and the World -- Professor Daniel Miller
(For the Summer 2013 semester, this course will run from May 28 - July 29.)

NOTE: On April 2, 2012, The Princeton Review released The Best 300 Professors, a book that profiles the top faculty at 122 U.S. colleges and universities. Professor Daniel Miller was one of those top 300 professors (see here, here, and here).

The history of modern human societies including coverage of the scientific revolution and the European Enlightenment tradition; key political, economic, social, and religious developments in the West, including the non-Western world's contribution and reaction to them; and events of global significance through the latter half of the twentieth century, such as the industrial evolution, the world wars, and decolonization.
 
Latin 101: Elementary Latin I -- Associate Professor David Noe
(4 semester hours; for the Summer 2013 session, this course will run from June 10 through August 10.)

For students who have had only one unit of high school Latin or no Latin at all. Emphasis is placed on the essentials of grammar and a basic vocabulary
with constant comparison to English. Sententiae from the principal Latin authors will be read.

Philosophy 153: Fundamental Questions in Philosophy -- Associate Professor Kevin Corcoran
(3 semester hours; for the Summer 2013 semester, this course will run from May 22 - July 17.)

An introduction to fundamental questions about God, the world, and human life and how we know about them. These questions are addressed through the study of historically significant texts, primarily from the Western philosophical tradition. An emphasis is placed on philosophical reflection and discussion, constructing and evaluating arguments, reading and interpreting philosophical texts, writing clear expository prose, and engaging in faith-oriented and faith based inquiry. The course aims to help students use philosophy to respond to central issues in human life and in contemporary society.

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