Missions

Students who choose the missions emphasis will complete courses in agriculture, chemistry, and theology in addition to completing the general requirements for an agriculture degree. As a part of this, students will get to choose nine credits worth of courses from a selection agriculture courses and one course from a selection of old testament and new testament courses. Additionally, students will complete at least three credit hours of lab work.

• General Chemistry: A first course in the fundamental principles of chemistry for students in all science disciplines. Topics include measurement, the mole and reaction stoichiometry, atomic and molecular structure and bonding, intermolecular forces, gases, types of reactions, and energy in chemical reactions. An introduction to laboratory safety and chemical hygiene is included in the laboratory. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory period per week.
• Principles of Chemistry: A study of the fundamental principles of chemistry and an introduction to foundational issues in science. Topics include atomic and molecular structure, chemical equilibria, chemical kinetics, chemical thermodynamics, and electrochemistry. An introduction to laboratory safety and chemical hygiene is included in the laboratory. This is the first course in chemistry for majors in the physical and life sciences. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory period per week.
• Nature and Properties of Soils: A comprehensive introduction to the field of soil science with an emphasis on scientific principles and their application in solutions to practical soil management problems. Two lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week.
• International Business Strategies in Agriculture: An examination of core concepts and techniques for entering the international marketplace. Emphasis is on the effect of sociocultural, demographic, economic technological, and political-legal factors in the foreign trade environment associated with trade in food and agricultural products between countries. The course will include trade development to assist development in lesser developed countries.
• Feeds and Feeding: The evaluation, composition, and values of feedstuffs as they relate to animal nutrient requirements will be considered. The basics of ration formulation and feeding management will be covered for the major livestock species. Two lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week.
• Principles of Dairy Science: Dairy reproduction, physiology, lactation, breeding, nutrition, and genetics will be discussed with an emphasis on scientific principles and their application to dairy science. Two lectures and one three-hour laboratory period per week.
• Principles of Animal Health: Animal care and facility sanitation will be discussed, focusing on care, disease prevention, disease detection, animal treatment, pharmacology, and health programs. Three lectures per week.
• Principles of Swine Science: A study of swine care and management, physiology, diseases, equipment, reproduction, and nutrition. Two lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week.
• Beef and Sheep Science: A study of beef and sheep management, production, physiology, nutrition, reproduction, diseases, equipment, facilities, and care. Two lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week.
• Horticultural Plants: The study of greenhouse, vegetable, and ornamental plants. The aesthetics, culture, physiology, and propagation of horticultural plants will be examined. Two lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week.
• Forage Crop Management: The production and management of crops for livestock feed are considered, and the establishment, growth, harvesting, preservation, and quality of these crops are examined. Primary emphasis is given to the value of major temperate region grasses and legumes as livestock feed, and the energy, protein, and other nutritional components they supply. The identification of common and alternative forage species is an important component of the course. Two lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week.
• Soil Fertility: Even An integrated discussion of soil-crop yields relationships with emphasis on the soil as a source of mineral nutrients for crops and the role of fertilizers and manure in crop production. Three lectures per week.
• Field Crop Production and Management: Grain and forage production in the North Central Region of the U.S. is investigated using lectures, group projects, field trips, and production and research experiences at the ASC. The role of grains in world food production is examined, and students are challenged to find solutions to the problems frequently associated with grain production. Students collect and analyze field crop data and explore sustainable crop production methods and systems. The investigation of new and innovative crop production strategies is an important component of the course. Two lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week.
• Foundations of Mission and Ministry: A study of the Bible’s teaching about the mission of the people of God and how the Christian Church understands mission and ministry. The course also explores the contextualization of the gospel in the Western and global Church.
• Christian Mind and Heart: In conversation with great thinkers of the past, we will discuss the biblical foundation for Reformed thinking, the responsibility of humans to fulfill our mission as image-bearers in God’s world, and the development of a Reformed world and life view for actual Christian thinking and living. Students will explore significant issues of Christian life through personal and group projects that engage particular aspects of their major studies or life vision.
• Engaging World Religions: An in-depth study of the contemporary issues that the Church faces in understanding and carrying out its mission and ministry in the 21st century and a global context. The course identifies issues such as contextualization and the relation of verbal proclamation to social involvement. It engages practical, biblical, and theological responses in mission and ministry at a personal and communal level.
• Old Testament: Pentateuch: This course will introduce students to detailed study of the content, themes, and purposes of the Torah (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy), as well as to the scholarly tools commonly used to interpret them. Students will practice close readings of portions of the Pentateuch and discuss the ways that the varied contexts in which these texts are read (e.g., canonical, theological) inform meaningful interpretation within the context of a historical-redemptive approach to scripture.
• Old Testament: Prophets: This course will introduce students to detailed study of the content, themes, and purposes of the Prophetic books (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, and the Book of the Twelve), as well as to the scholarly tools commonly used to interpret them. Students will practice close readings of portions of the Prophets and discuss the ways that the varied contexts in which these texts are read (e.g., canonical, theological) inform meaningful interpretation within the context of a historical-redemptive approach to scripture.
• Old Testament: Wisdom and Writings: This course will introduce students to detailed study of the content, themes, and purposes of the Wisdom books and Writings (Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Song of Songs, Ruth, Ecclesiastes, Lamentations, and Esther), as well as to the scholarly tools commonly used to interpret them. Students will practice close readings of portions of these writings and discuss the ways that the varied contexts in which these texts are read (e.g., canonical, theological) inform meaningful interpretation within the context of a historical-redemptive approach to scripture.
• Old Testament: Historical Books: This course will introduce students to detailed study of the content, themes, and purposes of the Historical Books (Joshua, Judges, 1-2 Samuel, 1-2 Kings, 1-2 Chronicles, Ezra, and Nehemiah; as well as 1-2 Maccabees), as well as to the scholarly tools commonly used to interpret them. Students will practice close readings of portions of these books and discuss the ways that the varied contexts in which these texts are read (e.g., canonical, theological) inform meaningful interpretation within the context of a historical-redemptive approach to scripture.
• New Testament: Gospels: This course will introduce students to detailed study of the content, themes, and purposes of each of the four canonical Gospels, as well as to the scholarly tools commonly used to interpret them. Students will practice close readings of portions of the Gospels and discuss the ways that the varied contexts in which these texts are read (e.g., canonical, theological) inform meaningful interpretation within the context of a historical-redemptive approach to scripture.
• New Testament: Epistles: This course will introduce students to detailed study of the content, themes, and purposes of Paul’s letters (Romans, 1-2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1-2 Thessalonians, 1-2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon) and the General Epistles (Hebrews, James, 1-2 Peter, 1-2-3 John, Jude), as well as to the scholarly tools commonly used to interpret them. Students will practice close readings of portions of the letters and discuss the ways that the varied contexts in which these texts are read (e.g., canonical, theological) inform meaningful interpretation within the context of a historical-redemptive approach to scripture.
• New Testament: Acts, Revelation: This course will introduce students to detailed study of the content, themes, and purposes of Acts and Revelation, as well as to the scholarly tools commonly used to interpret them. Students will practice close readings of portions of Acts and Revelation and discuss the ways that the varied contexts in which these texts are read (e.g., canonical, theological) inform meaningful interpretation within the context of a historical-redemptive approach to scripture.
• Cross-Cultural Communication: This course explores a variety of cross-cultural and intercultural communication experiences. We will explore the concept of culture and examine the relationship of culture and communication to build a framework for studying cross-cultural communication patterns from a variety of representative cultures (including North American culture). Special emphasis will be given to the influence of worldview, ethnic identity, and socialization on the process of communication. Overall, this course is designed to help you appreciate and understand different forms of communication and begin to develop a Christian perspective for the differences and relationships between cultures.
• Puerto Rico: Language, Culture, and Society: Explore the historical roots and influences shaping Puerto Rico while improving your Spanish skills or learning some Spanish for the first time. Emphasis is placed on understanding the challenges and potential of Puerto Rico today. Students will engage in contact with locals through service projects, travel to different historical sights, and explore Puerto Rico’s abundant natural beauty. Daily excursions will supplement onsite instruction and exploration.
• Serving and Learning in Hungary and Transcarpathia, Ukraine: Arrive in Budapest, Hungary and spend time exploring and studying Hungarian culture and history. Then spend two weeks living in Hungarian ethnic communities in rural Transcarpathia, Ukraine. Visit schools in the region and assist in teaching English to middle and high school students and adults. Absorb and experience the local culture and be of service in appropriate ways to people living in the post-communist era. There will be pre-trip orientation and assignments related to history, culture and language of the region.
• Dutch Culture and Reformed Worldview: Study the identity of the Dutch people from prehistoric times to the present while living in the Netherlands for three weeks. Examine the history of the Calvinist heritage from the Synod of Dort through the contributions of Abraham Kuyper and others. Discover how the Reformed worldview has shaped various aspects of Dutch life and society, such as church, politics, trade, and land reclamation. Special attention will be given to events and sites relating to World War II. There are classes in the morning and field trips in the afternoon. Two-day trips to London and Normandy/Paris are part of the program.
• Culture, Missions, and Community Development in Nicaragua: The course will focus on culture, missions, and community development in Nicaragua in cooperation with the Nehemiah Center in Managua, Nicaragua. Through pre-trip orientation and assigned readings and a variety of in-country experiences, students will explore the history, culture, government, and social life of Nicaragua and examine how a variety of mission outreaches and community developments have attempted to offer assistance in Nicaragua. Utilizing representatives from a variety of agencies active in Nicaragua, the students will be involved in discussions about the future of Nicaragua and its relationship to the rest of the world, as well as having an opportunity to learn about the differing philosophies and implementation plans of these different mission agencies and community development organizations. Where possible, students will be given the opportunity to get involved in the day-to-day work of the agencies visited in Nicaragua.
• Korean Culture: Students will stay in Korea for three weeks in urban and rural areas and study its culture through religion and music. Both in a classroom setting and through travels, students will learn about the history and religions of Korea with emphasis on their modern development. They will experience Korean culture and music through personal relationships with Chong-Shin University students while they take lectures, discussions, and excursions together. This course is open to students of any major who have completed at least one year of college.
• Serving and Learning in Southern Africa (Zambia): This course begins as an in-class seminar during spring semester and concludes with a 2-week long trip to Zambia in June. The on-campus component will be preparing students to understand basic principles of natural ecosystems and interactions with agricultural systems. After finishing the classroom part of the course, the class will arrive in Ndola, Zambia and live in the dormitory at Northrise University. During their stay, students will study and analyze at least six agroecosystems in the developing country.
• Encountering the Land of Israel: Travel on location in Israel for a two-week, transformative immersion course covering the land, culture, and story of the Bible. Biblical study takes on new meaning as you relate it directly to your surroundings through activities and experiences that engage all your senses. Assignments include readings and lectures on the history, culture, archaeology, and geography of Israel, all framed within a Reformational perspective on how to read the Bible well and how to engage important political and religious issues that continue today.
• Dante’s Divine Comedy and the Italian Renaissance: This course begins as an in-class seminar during fall semester and concludes with a week-long trip to Italy in January. After spending several of our on-campus weeks on Dante’s Comedy, we will explore the transition between the medieval period and the Italian Renaissance, looking at how politics, art, business, science, and literature developed together under a Catholic worldview in Florence. After finishing the classroom part of the course, we will take a great trip to Florence, where we will see and study the city in person.

See the course catalog for more information.