4. DIVISION OF GENERAL EDUCATION

Summit Pacific College offers a variety of General Education courses. The core courses in English, Philosophy, History and Social Sciences are taught by Trinity Western University [TWU]. Additionally, a number of other courses that qualify as general education are taught by SPC. Approximately 24 courses in the curriculum at SPC is course work that is general in nature and covers a number of disciplines which are indicated below.

Each course covers a broad core of content but some general studies disciplines are extended to a second and third level. Courses that may qualify for General Studies are:

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

HIST 172 History of the Pentecostal Church in Canada - S
3 sem. hrs.
This course provides a survey of the growth of the Pentecostal Movement, particularly in Canada. It will introduce the movement in its broader context within the Protestant church, and will focus upon leaders, churches, movements, and theological issues which have impacted the Canadian context over the last 90 years.

RELS 236 Intercultural Communication - S
3 sem. hrs.
This course is an introduction to matters of intercultural communication. It helps us to identify our own cultural perspectives and facilitates learning about interpersonal relationships with people of other cultures. Various principles and tools for communicating the gospel to people in a different environment from our own familiar culture are considered. Cultural attitudes, values, and ways of life are presented and compared. Important issues like communication skills, culture, reaching people within a different context, diverse ways of thinking and expressing, and variegated behaviour patterns will be discussed.

PSYC 242 Developmental Psychology – S
3 sem. hrs.
This course will study human development from infancy to old age, with attention given to the key physical, intellectual, emotional, moral and social characteristics of each developmental stage. Students will gain a working understanding of human development as the course investigates the impact of family, community, society and church influences in ones life. Throughout this course students will be challenged in their own personal reflection and understanding in order that they would gain a better understanding of self and others.

RELS 332 Christianity and Culture - S
3 sem. hrs.
A study of the place of Christianity in the secular, multicultural, “post-modern” world of North America. This course discusses the contemporary North American culture and general worldview. It explores dimensions of this culture that Christians should repudiate, and aspects Christians should affirm. This course examines how the entertainment media, fashion industry, sports, and news media, function as the cultural conditioners of our society and seeks to affirm a positive Christian worldview.

COUN 344 Marriage and Family Counselling - S
3 sem. hrs.
A study of premarital, marital and family issues with an emphasis on counselling within the family system. The course teaches the basic skills that will guide the student in counselling premarital, marital and family related concerns.

RELS 437 Comparative Religions and Cults [F 2012 / 2014]
3 sem. hrs.
This course explores the basic beliefs and practices of some of the non-Christian religions of the world. Christian views are compared with other perspectives in order to provide a better understanding and knowledge of other faiths. In addition to considering other belief systems, we will discover ways of sharing biblical truth with people who according to the Bible are blind, deceived, or idolatrous. Also, some of the major cults will be considered in order to describe their tenets, practices, and proselytizing methods. This course endeavours to provide the basic tools required to interact with people of other faiths.

PSYC 445 Statistics & Social Science[S 2012 / 2014]
3 sem. hrs.
This course introduces basic statistical concepts and methods, with emphasis on sound understanding and quantitative problem-solving and decision-making. Coverage includes: descriptive statistics, probability, normal distributions, estimation, hypothesis testing and bivariate analysis (including correlation and regression). Special topics include: surveys, random sampling, sample size, reliability and validity, questionnaire design, non-parametric tests, and „how to lie with statistics.. Practical examples of statistics will be drawn from everyday life, especially from social science (psychology & behavioural research).

HIST 462 History of the Ancient Near East [F 2011 / 2013]
3 sem. hrs.
This course provides an introduction to the main civilizations of the Near East, including Canaan, Egypt, Mesopotamia and Persia. Historic developments from the invention of writing to the conquest of Alexander of Macedon in 332 B.C. are discussed. Emphasis is placed on the political, cultural and religious history of the Near East and its influence on the people of Israel.

MUSI 452 History of Music – [F 2012 /2014]
3 sem. hrs.
An overview of the history of music in western culture. Emphasis is placed on the development of music and its diverse expressions in society and in the Christian Church from Biblical times to the present.

ENGL 474 Modern Christian Literature - Q
3 sem. hrs.
An introduction to contemporary Christian English literature. This survey is intended to give some impression of the significant works, styles and influences of Christian writers such as G.K. Chesterton, C.S. Lewis and Dorothy L. Sayers. It is organized on the basis of the first appearance of the author, and will include the literary essay, the novel, poetry, drama and fantasy stories within its compass.

SCIE 447 Natural Science Survey [S 2013 / 2015]
3 sem. hrs.
This general survey of the natural sciences spans topics and disciplines of life sciences (such as biology, genetics, biochemistry, homology, anthropology), earth sciences (geology, paleontology, geophysics, hydrology, meteorology), astronomical and physical sciences (astronomy, cosmology, thermodynamics, chemistry, physics). Coverage introduces basic concepts and ideas that govern the principles of the natural world and provides a new way of thinking about the physical environment. Students will learn how science works, how scientists approach problems, and why science is constantly adapting in its search for understanding.