CORE 110 Communication Foundations (3 credits)
Examines the ways in which communication is used in the public sphere to create, maintain, and change culture. Students apply understandings of the concepts of culture and communication to a range of contemporary social issues, cultural texts, and communication practices. Emphasis is given to public speaking, to listening skills, and to rhetorical methods for analyzing and constructing oral and written arguments. Students also work cooperatively on researching and designing larger class presentations.
CORE 120 English Composition (3 credits)
Students will write several essays and a research paper. As they work on these, they will become aware of writing as a process and develop skills in generating ideas, revising, and editing. They will also review traditional grammar and principles of usage and style.
CORE 130 Health, Sport, and the Body (1.5 credits)
A study of the concept of fitness and health from a Christian view of humankind. Designed to help students evaluate their own physical needs and strengths. This course assists students in developing their personal exercise and activity program.
CORE 140 Roots of Western Culture and Worldviews (3 credits)
A study of the roots and formation of Western culture from ancient times to the early modern period, in the light of a biblical view of history. Special attention is given to the synthesis of and tensions between classical, Christian, and Germanic worldviews and cultures.
CORE 145 Western Culture in Global Context (3 credits)
Continuation of CORE 140. A study of the emergence of modern and contemporary Western culture in its increasingly global context.
Prerequisite: CORE 140; or permission of instructor.
CORE 150 Biblical Foundations (3 credits)
A survey of biblical revelation in its progressive unfolding of key ideas and institutions against their cultural-historical background and within their covenant setting. Emphasis is placed on the normativity of Scripture that reaches its fullness and fulfillment in Christ for all academic work.
CORE 160 Introduction to the Arts (3 credits)
Students choose from a variety of sub-courses in art, drama, film, and music topics that are of interest to them. Students also fulfill requirements by attending special arts events and lectures.
CORE 180 Responding to Literature (3 credits)
This course asks students to respond to poems, essays, stories, plays, a novel, and perhaps a film. Its purpose is to teach students how to understand these various forms and how to evaluate the moral vision when the imaginative world intersects with their own lives.
CORE 211 Creation Care and the Environment (4 credits)
An introduction to contemporary environmental studies and creation care, with emphasis on class discussion of relationships between human population and resource use in light of biblical teaching about environmental stewardship. Particular attention is given to the biotic and ecological dimensions of creation stewardship and planetary distress.
CORE 260 Personal Financial Management and Stewardship (3 credits)
Prepares students for the many financial decisions that they will be making during their lives in light of a Biblical and reformed view of stewardship