Spring Online Courses

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If you have any questions, please contact your enrollment advisor.

Winter Term – Starting January 4, 2021

(ending January 22, 2021)

Instructor: Ken Schenck, asynchronous

Survey of the types of literature found in the Bible. Considers the origin of the biblical texts and canon, basic issues of interpretation (hermeneutics), and an outline of the history of Israel and of the New Testament church as a backdrop for the message. Literary, historical and theological aspects of selected texts are explored.

Instructor: Änna Pettway, asynchronous

Scientific study of thinking, emotion and behavior. Surveys theories, issues and concepts of psychology. May include research participation requirements.

Instructor: Hannah Kim, asynchronous

Concepts and principles, theories, and research methods associated with the development of the individual from conception through old age.

Instructor: Laurie Dashnau, some one-on-one sessions

Workshop-oriented course giving students practice in writing the kind of documents one might write in a professional setting, such as fundraising letters, press releases, social media posts and reports.

Starting January 19, 2021

(ending March 14, 2021)

General Education/Liberal Arts

Instructor: Cynthia Symons

Adult students learn and apply strategies for success in their return to college and lifelong learning. Major topics include setting academic, career and personal goals; stress management; time management; critical thinking and problem-solving; learning styles; and best practices. Also introduces students to Houghton College, our online platform, and program policies and procedures.

Instructor: Denise Reichard

Principles and application of interpersonal skills in the context of friendships and families. Includes personal and relational awareness, person perception, verbal and nonverbal communication, relational development, and gender communication. Liberal Arts.

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This course introduces the student to the fundamentals of coding. Basic concepts like data types, variables, and functions are presented, as well as the fundamental elements underlying webpages. Object-oriented programming is also introduced.

Instructor: Brandon Bate

Instructor: Jason Davis

Allows students to explore the role and importance of artist managers, what they do and how they impact the careers of artists and their brands. Covers why an artist needs a manager, the keys to finding the right artist(s) and the key roles the manager as developer plays in an artist’s career. Also explores a typical management contract and develops artist career planning, money management and what to do when things go wrong. Students examine the principles of leadership dynamics and motivation in order to focus and empower current and potential managers.

Instructor: David Clem

An examination of the history of the commercial music industry in America from the start of the commercial music industry to the industry of today, including the musical influence of the commercial song. Beginning with the birth of American popular music in the U.S., explores the development of ragtime, blues, jazz, the crooners, American musical theater, country, Latin, rock and roll, rock, rap, and contemporary Christian music. Liberal Arts

Instructor: Armenio Suzano

Introduction to the study and enjoyment of classical masterpieces in music: recordings, outside biographical readings, reports on current musical events. Fulfills General Education Art & Music requirement. Liberal Arts

Instructor: Ken Schenck

Critical analysis of the contours of a world- and life-view coupled with more detailed critical analysis of perennial and foundational issues in epistemology (the nature of truth and knowledge), metaphysics (the nature of reality: persons, the world and God) and ethics (the nature of goodness and the process of ethical decision-making with close attention to character—virtue and vice—and the foundations of morality). Liberal Arts.

Instructor: Änna Pettway

Scientific study of thinking, emotion and behavior. Surveys theories, issues and concepts of psychology. May include research participation requirements. Fulfills half of General Education Social Sciences requirement. Liberal Arts.

Instructor: Julian Cook

Race and American Christianity explores the complex role of American Protestant Christianity in the construction of historic and contemporary notions of race and U.S. systems of racial hierarchy. The course gives sustained attention to the sociopolitical dimensions of race in shaping American Christian identities, practices, and ideology. THEL 295 centers an interdisciplinary pedagogy that weaves theology, ethics, critical race theory, history, anti-racist activism, African-American and gender studies. Students are encouraged and equipped to critically reflect on and interrogate the role of race and faith in the formation of their own and others’ values, spiritual practices, lifeworlds, churches and local communities. Special attention will be given to topics such as: anti-black violence, mass incarceration, whiteness studies, Black feminist resources in anti-racist activism, reparations and racial reconciliation. Scholars to be read and engaged include: Kelly Brown Douglas, George Yancy, James Cone, Jennifer Harvey and Ibram Kendi. Liberal Arts

Instructor: Jason Stupp

Theme-based seminar course in close reading, critical thinking and the process of engaged writing. Techniques of expression, analysis and response. Fulfills General Education WRIT 101 requirement. Liberal Arts.

Business Undergrad

Instructor: Ken Bates

Familiarizes students with the knowledge, roles, responsibilities and skills required of new managers. Special attention given to managerial decision-making, problem-solving, information and human resources issues.

Instructor: Cynthia Symons

Descriptive and inferential statistics: measures of central tendency and variability, discrete and continuous probability functions, sampling, estimation, hypothesis testing, correlation, regression, chi-square and ANOVA. Liberal Arts.

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Study of the techniques used in collection and analysis of secondary and primary data and use of that format for decision-making in marketing environment. Student teams work on real business marketing research projects. Prerequisite: ECON 201 (or permission), BADM/COMM 218

Instructor: Matthew Webb

Study of the principles of leadership found in biblical leaders, throughout history and in our own lives. Designed as an interdisciplinary course specifically to help guide personal understanding of leadership responsibilities and abilities. Intended not only for individuals who aspire to positions of leadership or those who think they have what are normally considered “leadership” abilities but for anyone seeking to understand how to better be able to influence others for good, regardless of their profession, position, gifts or calling. Fulfills requirements for majors in BADM and SRWM departments. Liberal Arts.

Instructor: Philip Toner

Explores the concept of total rewards along with its fundamental elements and strategic prevalence in attracting, motivating and retaining valued employees. Additional focus allocated to compensation and benefits, relevant philosophies, designs and best practices, incorporating latest issues/trends along with their potential implications. Students participate in strategic goal and program development, examining how total rewards, compensation and benefit designs impact individual/organization performance and contribute to defining organization culture. Prerequisites: BADM 314 or permission

Criminal Justice

Instructor: Suzanne Beardsley

Survey of causes and consequences of crime and the social responses in the legal system: policing, the courts, the varieties of sentencing options and outcomes, and routes to restoration. Liberal Arts.

Psychology

Instructor: Änna Pettway

Etiology, dynamics, assessment and treatment of psychopathology. Liberal Arts. Prerequisite: 6 hours in psychology

Instructor: Cynthia Symons

Instructor: Alison Young Reusser

Experimental and other quantitative methods used in the study of thinking and behavior. Applied statistical analysis, laboratory experiences and research writing. Liberal Arts. Prerequisite: PSY 309

Instructor: Hannah Kim

Informed discussion of significant and contemporary concepts and issues. Includes development of an individual research or group project on some aspect of the discipline. Required of all senior majors. Liberal Arts. Prerequisites: PSY 309, 310, 21 credits of psychology.

AAS in Christian Ministries

Instructor: Dan Jones

Investigation of the biblical, historical and practical foundations for ministry as essential components of Christian vocation. Lay and professional aspects of ministry explored in the context of the vocational call. A broad overview of ministry-related fields including parish, educational, cross-cultural and parachurch ministries. Recommended for anyone interested in any form of full-time ministry.

Instructor: Ken Schenck

Instructor: Julian Cook

Starting March 15, 2021

(ending May 7, 2021)

General Education/Liberal Arts

Instructor: Ken Schecnk

Instructor: Dave Huth

This is a creative project-based course intended to guide students in reflective expression of their perspective on any narrative aspect of human experience. Using readings, tutorials, practice exercises, and project assignments, students will learn how visual communication can deliver themes and stories that combine thoughts, words, concepts, experiences, and pictures in a narrative framework. A personal narrative is a particular kind of story. It’s a way of linking ideas and events together to form a new whole, giving insight or expression to an individual’s unique perspective. Topics covered will be the emotional strength of images, the power of stories, the value of personal identities and points of view, and other aspects of communication. Liberal Arts.

Instructor:Seth Tayloir

This course introduces fundamental security concepts for cybersecurity, including threat actors, procedures, organizational security, risk management, and incident response. Foundations of networking are also covered, including protocols and network support.

Instructor: Brian Webb

Focuses on how faith, politics, and psychology influence our perceptions of, and engagement with, the global challenge of climate change. Key topics include the basics of climate science, climate solutions, creation care theology, the politics of global warming, climate justice, and socio-cultural influence on climate beliefs. This course integrates a variety of disciplines in order to fully explore the topic of climate change from a Christian worldview within the American cultural context. Liberal Arts.

Instructor: Cynthia Symons

Instructor: Karen Daugherty

Introduction to the sociological perspective and sociology program emphasis. Explore environment, development, social work and marriage–family topics and issues. Understand social and cultural influences on human action, relationship between our personal lifestyles and society, and how to address challenges facing communities. Fulfills half of General Education Social Sciences requirement. Liberal Arts.

Instructor: Richard Eckley

Introductory survey of the main beliefs and practices that constitute the Christian tradition. Christianity is approached in a way that overcomes the traditional division between doctrine and practice. Explores the biblical, theological, historical, ethical and spiritually formative aspects of the Christian faith. Aims to help students develop a personal theology and life perspective informed by Christian faith and Christian spirituality. Liberal Arts. Prerequisite for all other THEL courses. IS–Faith Foundation: Theology. Fulfills General Education THEL 209 requirement. Prerequisite: BIBL 101

Business Undergrad

Instructor: Elianna McHenry

Introduction to the accounting and finance concepts used most often by managers including understanding and analysis of financial statements, budgeting, working capital management, and financing alternatives.

Instructor: Cynthia Symons

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An historic and present-day overview of the American advertising business and its effectiveness in creating consumer demand for products and services using print, broadcast and Internet-based media. Examines and critiques creative executions targeted at key audience segments. Typically includes a group advertising project.

Instructor: Shane Fraser

A study of the development, implementation and management of professional public relations programs designed to create, enhance or protect the reputations of businesses or organizations. Explores the roots of public relations and proceeds to analyze communication strategies and relationship-building efforts with publics critical to the organization’s success in the marketplace.

Prerequisite: BADM/COMM 218

Instructor: Cynthia Symons

Focus on dynamic processes affecting task-oriented work groups, including formation, development, maturity and effectiveness. Addresses goals, interactions, problem recognition, interventions and team meetings

Instructor: Jonathan Hilsher

Examination of recruiting, selection and performance appraisal and an understanding of all facets of performance management including training and development, developing reward systems, performance measurement, equal employment practices, counseling, and promotion processes. Discussions also include strategies to recruit, retain and develop a diverse workforce. Prerequisite: BADM 314 or permission

Instructor: Philip Toner

Development of theory and innovative practice relevant to leadership and organizational change. Major topics include change processes within organizations; intervention strategies in organizations to improve effectiveness; studies of such interventions; the roles of change agents; and problems of self-awareness, responsibility and the political consequences of organizational development theory and practice. Prerequisite: BADM 210 or BADM 212 or permission

Psychology

Instructor: Hannah Kim

Concepts and principles, theories, and research methods associated with the development of the individual from early adolescence to young adulthood. Liberal Arts.

Instructor: Cynthia Symons

Instructor: Alison Young Reusser

Experimental and other quantitative methods used in the study of thinking and behavior. Applied statistical analysis, laboratory experiences and research writing. Liberal Arts. Prerequisite: PSY 309

Instructor: Änna Pettway

The etiology, dynamics and treatment of psychopathology in children. The main objective is to think developmentally about psychopathology as it unfolds from childhood through adolescence. Liberal Arts.

Instructor: Änna Pettway

Examines sexuality as a component of our personalities, an aspect of our behavior and an element in our environment. Considers how sexuality develops and interacts with other aspects of our thought and behavior. Liberal Arts.

Criminal Justice

Instructor: Suzanne Beardsley

Surveys the historical development of law enforcement. Examines levels and methods of policing. Analyzes roles, functions, selection, training and accountability of police officers. Liberal Arts.

AAS in Christian Ministries

Instructor: Ken Schecnk

Instructor: Michael Jordan

Focus is on the preparation and delivery of sermons. Combines the theory of organizational structure with the tools and techniques for biblically based preaching. Includes practice in preparing and preaching various types of expository sermons. Prerequisite: COMM 101 or permission

Instructor: Richard Eckley