ARCT 397 Architectural Theory and Criticism. S, odd years. Core: Integrative Studies. A capstone seminar course for all juniors and seniors enrolled in the pre-architecture program, which re-examines the integral relationship between architectural theories and faith commitments. Special attention will be given to contemporary criticism. Students will address ethical and religious issues as they address various methods of architectural design and practice, in preparation for careers in architecture. Slide lectures and class discussions; a course paper is required. Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing.

ARTS 395 Senior Seminar in Studio Art (3). F and S. Core: Integrative Studies. This is a capstone seminar course for all seniors majoring in studio art, which re-examines the integral relationship between the production of visual images and faith commitments. Students examine contemporary theories and practices in art criticism, while refining their own religious convictions. In addition, students address ethical issues related to art-making as they prepare for professional careers in art-related fields. Prerequisites: senior standing with a major in studio art; Biblical Foundations I or Theological Foundations I, DCM, and Philosophical Foundations.

ARTH 395 Architectural Theory and Criticism (3). S, odd years. Core: Integrative Studies. This is a capstone seminar course for all juniors and seniors enrolled in the pre-architecture program, which re-examines the integral relationship between architectural theories and faith commitments. Special attention is given to contemporary criticism. Students address ethical and religious issues as they address various methods of architectural design and practice in preparation for careers in architecture. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing; Biblical Foundations I or Theological Foundations I, DCM, and Philosophical Foundations.

ARTH 397 Methods in Art Historiography (3). S, odd years. Core: Integrative Studies. This is a capstone seminar course for all juniors and seniors majoring in art history, which re-examines the integral relationship between art historiography and faith commitments. Students address ethical and religious issues as they address various methods of art historiography in preparation for careers in art history. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing; Biblical Foundations I or Theological Foundations I, DCM, and Philosophical Foundations.

BIOL 394 Perspectives in Biotechnology (3). S. Core: Integrative Studies. This course explores, within a reformed Christian framework, the historical and philosophical perspectives pertaining to the science and practice of biotechnology. Students explore the underlying assumptions of current biotechnology research as well as its social, ethical, and legal implications. They address governmental regulations affecting laboratory safety, biohazards, and containment of genetically modified organisms and patenting. Prerequisites: senior status in the biotechnology program of concentration; Biblical Foundations I or Theological Foundations I, DCM, and Philosophical Foundations.

BIOL 395 Perspectives in Biology (3). F. Core: Integrative Studies. This course examines ways in which biology has developed through conceptual and technological innovations, ways in which worldviews have informed biological concepts, the inherent limitations of the scientific enterprise, and philosophic viewpoints held by contemporary biologists. The course also examines how a biblically-informed worldview contributes to an understanding of living systems and to the application of such understanding to societal issues, such as environmental sustainability and appropriate uses of biotechnology. Prerequisites: senior status in the biology major program; Biblical Foundations I or Theological Foundations I, DCM, and Philosophical Foundations.

BIOL 396 Perspectives in Medicine (3). S. Core: Integrative Studies. This course is a critical study of the historical and philosophical perspectives pertaining to the science and practice of medicine with particular emphasis on the methodology, results, and implications of current medical research. Students study the medical literature towards a critical analysis of selected representative societal and ethical issues in medicine. Prerequisites: senior status in biology or biochemistry program or permission of instructor; Biblical Foundations I or Theological Foundations I, DCM, and Philosophical Foundations.

BUS 360 Perspectives on Management (3). S. Core: Integrative Studies. This course attempts to help students develop an integrated understanding of management based on God's revelation in creation and his Word. It develops this understanding through critical engagement with management perspectives of scholars and practitioners writing from both secular and Christian foundations. Prerequisites: Business 160, and Economics 151 or 221. Not open to first-year or sophomore students.

CAS 352 Communication Ethics (3). F and S. Core: Integrative Studies. This course examines the moral dimensions of human communication, exploring dilemmas in interpersonal, group, and mediated communication, with special reference to problems encountered in communications professions. While wrestling with cases and controversies, students also review and apply historic criteria for coming to reasoned moral judgment, including the contemporary voices of feminist, determinist, post-modern, and naturalist ethicists. Major Christian positions are reviewed and applied. Case studies are the focus of the class, with a variety of learning opportunities and encouragement for students to pursue personal learning objectives. Prerequisites: Biblical Foundations I or Theological Foundations I, DCM, and Philosophical Foundations.

CAS 399 Senior CAS Seminar (3). Core: Integrative Studies. This capstone course examines the application of a Reformed worldview to understanding communication and culture, especially communication-related vocations. It concentrates on the relationships between the Christian faith and professional communication and focuses on the ways in which communication-related professions define professional activity and on the responsibilities that Christians have to work in and through professions. It also examines a Christian view of success, the importance of understanding one's gifts, finding and using mentors, committing to a location, mastering persuasive but honest interviewing and resume-writing, networking with reciprocity, overcoming Christian tribalism in a world economy, and being patiently flexible in the face of economic and cultural changes. Prerequisites: Biblical Foundations I or Theological Foundations I, DCM, and Philosophical Foundations.

CS 384 Perspectives on Computing (3). S. Core: Integrative Studies. This course addresses social, ethical, legal, and professional issues that arise in computer science from a Reformed, Christian perspective. Social issues concerning the computerization of society include privacy, security, the digital divide, and changes in the way we receive information the way we relate with others. Ethical discussion starts with a survey of ethical theories and covers professional, ethical, and legal issues in areas including intellectual property, privacy, liability, and professional codes of conduct. In addition, some foundational issues are covered, including materialist vs. Christian views of what it means to be a person. Prerequisite: last year of a computing-related program. Meets the core Integrative Studies requirement.

ECON 395 Economics Seminar (3). S. Core: Integrative Studies. This course includes a study of the methodological underpinnings of distinct schools of thought in economics. The course first examines these schools on their own terms, then considers them in the light of reflections by Christian philosophers on social science methodology, and finally evaluates them on the basis of the work and thought of contemporary Christian economists. Prerequisite: senior economics major status; Biblical Foundations I or Theological Foundations I, DCM, and Philosophical Foundations.

EDUC 398 Integrative Seminar: Intellectual Foundations of Education (3). Core: Integrative Studies. In this course students examine education in its context as a life practice. It involves inquiry into and critique of the philosophical assumptions, historical developments and social settings that shape the beliefs and practices informing schools as social institutions and education as cultural practice. Throughout the course students are completing their own faith-based philosophy of education. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing; EDUC 301-303; Biblical Foundations I or Theological Foundations I, DCM, and Philosophical Foundations.

ENGL 395 Senior English Seminar (3). Core: Integrative Studies. As the capstone course in the English departmental major, this senior seminar is designed to nurture Christian reflection on issues related to language and literary studies such as the significance of story and literary expression, the relationship of language and meaning, and the ethical implications of language and story. Students also consider vocational opportunities for those who love words. These contemporary literary and linguistic issues are framed by readings from within the tradition of Christian aesthetic reflection as well as from Reformed cultural criticism and theology. Prerequisites: Biblical Foundations I or Theological Foundations I, DCM, and Philosophical Foundations.

ENGR 339 Senior Design Project (2). F. Core: Integrative Studies with ENGR 340. This is the first course in the senior design project sequence. Emphasis is placed on design team formation, project identification, and production of a feasibility study. Students focus on the development of task specifications in light of the norms for design and preliminary validation of the design by means of basic analysis and appropriate prototyping. Lectures focus on integration of the design process with a reformed Christian worldview, team building, and state-of-the art technical aspects of design. Interdisciplinary projects are encouraged. Prerequisites: concurrent registration in the seventh semester of the model program for a particular concentration or permission of the instructors; Biblical Foundations I or Theological Foundations I, DCM, and Philosophical Foundations.

ENGR 340 Senior Design Project (4). S. Core: Integrative Studies with ENGR 339. This is the second course in the senior design project sequence. Emphasis is placed on the completion of a major design project initiated in 339. This project should entail task specifications in light of the norms for design by means of engineering analysis and an appropriate prototype focused on primary functionality. A final presentation is given at the May senior design project banquet. Lectures continue to focus on integration of the design process with a reformed Christian worldview, team activity, and state-of-the art technical aspects of design. Prerequisites: ENGR 339, Biblical Foundations I or Theological Foundations I, DCM, and Philosophical Foundations.

ENST 395 History and Philosophy of Environmental Thought (3). S. Core: Integrative Studies. This course aims to develop a Christian philosophy of the environment and environmental management. Issues, problems, and controversies in environmental ethics are explored. Environmental thought is explored historically, through the perspectives of contemporary environmental movements, and finally from a Reformed, Christian perspective. Prerequisites: ENST 201 and 302 or permission of the instructor; Biblical Foundations I or Theological Foundations I, DCM, and Philosophical Foundations.

GEOG 380 Seminar in the History and Philosophy of Geography (3). S, alternate years. Core: Integrative Studies. This course includes a study of significant episodes and crucial issues in the history and philosophy of geography with an emphasis on present-day human geography. The philosophical underpinnings of geography's domains and paradigms are critically examined. This seminar requires geography majors to reflect on integrating their geographical knowledge and fitting this into a Reformed worldview. Prerequisite: junior or senior standing in the geography program; Biblical Foundations I or Theological Foundations I, DCM, and Philosophical Foundations.

GEOL 386 Seminar in Geology (3). S. Core: Integrative Studies. This course surveys the historical development of geology as a science and examines the principles and practices of geology from a Reformed perspective. Prerequisite: senior status in the major concentration in geology or permission of the instructor; Biblical Foundations I or Theological Foundations I, DCM, and Philosophical Foundations.

HIST 395 Historiographical Perspectives (3). Core: Integrative Studies. As the capstone in the history major, this course examines the history of history writing in the Western tradition, with a view toward articulating the relationship between critical Christian perspectives and wider debates in the discipline. It emphasizes reading and discussing significant authors, issues, and conflicts in Western historiography, particularly American work. Students reflect critically on historical texts and current epistemological, methodological, and political issues. In addition, students analyze diverse Christian perspectives. In the end, students articulate their own historical worldview. Prerequisites: Biblical Foundations I or Theological Foundations I, DCM, and Philosophical Foundations.

IDIS 310 History of Physical Science (3). Core: Integrative Studies. An examination of natural philosophy in the 17th century and of major developments since then in the physical sciences (predominantly physics and chemistry). Particular attention is given to the philosophical and religious background of scientific ideas and the institutional context in which science develops. A central theme of this capstone course will be the investigation of the interaction of science and religion with a view toward articulating a critical reformed Christian perspective on this historical development. Some primary texts will be considered. Prerequisites: DCM, HIST 151 or 152, PHIL 153, REL 121 or 131, junior/senior standing, and a declared major in the sciences (or approval of the instructor).

MATH 380 Perspectives on Modern Mathematics (3). Core: Integrative Studies. This course explores the historical development of some of the basic concepts of modern mathematics. It includes an examination of significant issues and controversies, philosophical perspectives, and problems on which mathematicians have focused throughout history. Prerequisites: Math 361, Biblical Foundations I or Theological Foundations I, DCM, and Philosophical Foundations.

MUSC 308 Order, Meaning, and Function (3). Core: Integrative Studies. This course serves to integrate that which was learned in the music history and music theory sequences and to nurture Christian reflection on aesthetic and social issues in music. The first part of the course focuses on musical structure and the composer's activity of finding order in the world of sound and of the responsibility we all have as stewards of the gift of sound. The second part of the course turns attention to meaning in music, its functions in societies past and present, and questions concerning the nature and extent of its influence on people. In both parts of the course specific pieces of music are studied in some detail. Prerequisites: Music 208 and Music 305

NURS 380 Critical Reflections (3). Core: Integrative Studies. (capstone course). This reflective course will lead the student into inquiry about the relationship between Christian faith and professional nursing. It will consider professional nursing issues in the light of a Reformed Christian worldview.

PE 332 Philosophy of Physical Education and Sport (3). Core: Integrative Studies. This course provides students with a survey of philosophical inquiry about sport and physical education. Topics include the nature of play and sport, sport as meaningful experiences, ethics in sport and physical activity, and contemporary issues such as drugs, violence, and gender. Throughout the course, students are confronted with issues from a Christian and Reformed perspective in order to develop their own Christian perspectives. Prerequisites: Biblical Foundations I or Theological Foundations I, DCM, and Philosophical Foundations.

PHIL 201 Philosophy of Social Science (3). Core: Integrative Studies. A study of philosophical problems arising out of the methods and results of the social sciences.

PHIL 202 Philosophy of Law (3). Core: Integrative Studies. A consideration of such topics as: the nature and types of law; sources of law; and the basis of a legal system, of legal and political authority, of obedience to law, and of human rights.

PHIL 203 Philosophy of Physical Science (3). Core: Integrative Studies. A study of philosophical problems arising out of the methods and results of the physical sciences.

PHIL 204 Philosophy of Religion (3). Core: Integrative Studies. A study of some philosophical questions arising from religious belief.

PHIL 205 Ethics (3). Core: Integrative Studies.. A course designed to deal both historically and situationally with the persistent problems of the moral life.

PHIL 207 Political and Social Philosophy (3). Core: Integrative Studies.. A historically-oriented study of the problems of social and political thought, with emphasis on political and social ideals such as justice; equality and the law; the basis of authority; and rights and obligations.

PHIL 208 Aesthetics (3). Core: Integrative Studies. A study of the nature of art and aesthetic judgments.

PHIL 209 Philosophy of Education (3). Core: Integrative Studies. A study of the nature, aims, and principles of education.

PHIL 212 Philosophy of Medical Ethics (3). Core: Integrative Studies. This course focuses on the study of ethical issues that arise in the context of contemporary health care and related practices. Ethical issues such as abortion, euthanasia, informed consent, and health care allocation will be examined from a perspective afforded by current philosophical debates in ethical theory.

PHIL 215 Business Ethics (3). Core: Integrative Studies. A systematic examination of ethical concepts as they relate to business conduct, designed to be of interest to all students who are concerned about justice and fairness in the marketplace. Issues such as discrimination and affirmative action, the ethics of advertising, protection of the environment, responsibilities of employees to the firm and the firm to employees, and the rights of other stakeholder groups will be examined in the light of current debates in ethical theory.

POLS 399 The Christian Faith and Public Life (3). S. Core: Integrative Studies. This capstone course examines the relationship between the Christian faith and public life. The first half of the course reviews and addresses what our public responsibilities are as Christians generally, and Reformed Christians more specifically, and how such responsibilities may relate to life in our contemporary pluralistic, democratic context, and to the state within the context of the broader international order. The second half of the course permits students to engage in a major research project of their choosing that focuses on the relationship between their Christian faith and some particular aspect of public life. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing; Biblical Foundations I or Theological Foundations I, DCM, and Philosophical Foundations.

PSYC 399 Psychology and Religion (3). Core: Integrative Studies. This capstone course examines relationships between psychology and religion. It includes discussions of how several major psychologists have attempted to explain religious faith and practice. The course examines conceptual frameworks that have been proposed for relating Christian beliefs about persons and psychological explanations. Consideration is given to how these frameworks have influenced recent investigations of areas related to the practice of Christian faith (e.g. perception, emotion, psychotherapy). Prerequisite: PSYC 151 and three additional psychology courses or permission of the instructor; Biblical Foundations I or Theological Foundations I, DCM, and Philosophical Foundations.

REC 310 Theory and Philosophy of Leisure (3). Core: Integrative Studies. This seminar course reviews the theories and philosophies of work, play, and leisure and their influence on contemporary culture. Discussions on selected readings help develop an understanding of the political, sociological, psychological, economic and theological aspects of work, play and leisure in contemporary society. Emphasis is placed on the development of a Reformed Christian perspective and its implications for personal life and professional practice. Prerequisites: Biblical Foundations I or Theological Foundations I, DCM, and Philosophical Foundations.

REL 301 Christianity and Culture (3). Core: Integrative Studies. This course is a critical survey of models by which God's people have defined their relationship to the world, from Biblical times to the present, with a particular emphasis on the Reformed tradition. Special attention is given to the contemporary relevance of this discussion, both in terms of ways in which different models are visible in today's world and in terms of ways that the Reformed model can be applied to present concerns. Prerequisite: PHIL 153, Biblical Foundations I or Theological Foundations I, and DCM. This course is not open to first-year students, except by permission of the instructor.

SOC 395 Sociology Integrative Seminar (3). S. Core: Integrative Studies. This course provides students with an opportunity to re-visit, at a more advanced level, the basic assumptions and concepts of the discipline of sociology; to explore the bearing of Christian faith, in particular a Reformed perspective, on the shaping of scholarly research; to consider what it means to practice sociology; and, in addition, students are challenged to synthesize, integrate, and assess what they have learned in sociology and to reflect on the role and contributions of the discipline in understanding current social issues in American culture. Prerequisites: Biblical Foundations I or Theological Foundations I, Developing a Christian Mind, and Philosophical Foundations.

SOWK 381 Social Work Integrative Seminar (4: 2 hours during Interim AND either 1 hour in Fall and Spring for concurrent placements OR 2 hours Fall or Spring for block placements). Core: Integrative Studies. This course, taught concurrently with SOWK 380, requires students to integrate the content of courses in the social work major and the practicum experience. Students draw on core concepts and principles from the profession and from the Christian faith as they discuss issues associated with professional role and identity. Concurrent enrollment in SOWK 380 is required. Prerequisites: previous or concurrent enrollment in 371, 372, and 373, admission to the B.S.W. program, and satisfactory completion of the practicum admission process; Biblical Foundations I or Theological Foundations I, DCM, and Philosophical Foundations.

TWDS 395 Seminar in Third World Development Studies (3). Core: Integrative Studies. This course is a study of some of the major current problems and issues in development. It has three main objectives: 1) to acquaint students with the current state of the debate on development; 2) to analyze the ethical foundations of the various prominent voices in the debate; and 3) to cultivate Christian thinking on development questions. Prerequisites: senior Third World Development Studies minor status; Biblical Foundations I or Theological Foundations I, DCM, and Philosophical Foundations.

Last updated Tuesday, July 22, 2008