Academic Catalog 2006-2007

The Curriculum

GENERAL EDUCATION

1. Information Acquisition Skills

Students will:
1. understand the importance and nature of information.
2. analyze information and information systems according to content,
organization and format.
3 .retrieve information using a variety of systems and tools.
4. evaluate information for relevance and reliability.
5. understand how to use information responsibly and ethically.


	CS101 Introduction to Computers	2 credits
	LL101 College Composition I or	3 credits
	LL107 Honors Composition I	3 credits
	LL102 College Composition II or	3 credits
	LL108 Honors Composition II	3 credits

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Students will:
1. develop the ability to think quantitatively, using numerical and symbolic methods of problem solving.

	The successful completion of an approved Math courseOptions include: MA108, MA110, MA150, BS196, RP231 or any math course for which one of the above is a prerequisite. Cannot be fulfilled with MA090, MA105 or ED130.	3-5 credits



2. develop the ability to think critically, analyzing information, organizing it systematically, and evaluating its relevance for answering questions.
3. develop the ability to think creatively, developing original products and processes while exploring problems.
4. develop the ability to think reflectively, thinking about past experiences that relate to their immediate sensory and perceptual state.
5. develop the ability to think synthetically, integrating diverse ways of knowing and perceiving into a coherent whole.
6. develop the ability to think compassionately, holding the general welfare of others as a standard for evaluation.


Thinking skills are necessary in all courses. For these objectives, faculty willensure that requisite skills are taught and evaluated so the combination of general education courses presents experiences to fulfill all five objectives.
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Students will:
1. comprehend the components of proficient communication.
2. express themselves proficiently in written and spoken Standard American English.
3. analyze and evaluate oral, written, and mediated communication as presented by themselves and others.
4. receive and respond to peer and professional evaluations.
5. communicate effectively to a variety of audiences.
6. understand how to use a variety of media technology to communicate.

Common foundations for these skills are presented in the following requirements:

	CS101 Introduction to Computers	2 credits
	LL101 College Composition I or	3 credits
	LL107 Honors Composition I	3 credits
	LL102 College Composition II or	3 credits
	LL108 Honors Composition II	3 credits
	CT101 Public Speaking or	3 credits
	CT130 Oral Interpretation	3 credits

Note: Introduction to Computers and College Composition I and II must be taken in the first year.

Students will gain knowledge and skills necessary for wholeness in and integration among the following areas:
1. physical
2. mental
3. spiritual
4. emotional
5. social



Common foundations for these skills are presented in the following requirements:

	ES101 Concepts in Physical Fitness and Health	2 credits
	Physical Activities Course - any one course required	1 credit
	GD105 Foundations of Servant Leadership	1 credit
	GD130 Human Social Context	3 credits
	GD190 Chapel and Convocation*	0 credits
	GD499 Faith and Life Seminar	2 credits
	Any Literature Course except	3 credits
	LL256 Child & Adolescent Literature or LL254 Film as Literature
	RP137 Basic Philosophical Concepts	3 credits

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* Attendance at 14 chapels and two convocations is required each semester. This is an attendance and response requirement and will not receive academic credit. Students who do not complete this assignment will receive an incomplete (grade of I) in the chapel and convocation class, GD190. See page 36 for a discussion of the grade of incomplete, the methods for removing the incomplete, and the consequences of failing to remove the incomplete.

Note: Foundations of Servant Leadership must be taken in the first semester of the first year.

5. Natural World Experience

Students will:
1. understand that observation is the central method of science for gaining data about the natural world.
2. understand the relationships among empirical data, hypotheses, theory, and laws of nature.
3.understand basic concepts that characterize and explain systematic order in the organic world.
4. understand basic concepts that characterize and explain systematic order in the inorganic world.
5. understand the inter-relatedness of organic and inorganic systems as complex reorganizations of matter dependent on natural processes.
6. appreciate the impact of scientific knowledge on contemporary living and value our responsibility to be wise stewards of the applications of that knowledge..

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	Biological Sciences (Any 100 level course)	4-5 credits
	Physical Activities Course - any one course required	3-5 credits

Note: At least one of these science courses must be a lab course.

6. Human Social Experience

Students will:
1. understand scientific information about historical origins of human
societies.
2. comprehend processes by which the mind interprets and constructs our
social experiences.
3. analyze differences among people’s perceptions that arise from different
experiences, memories, values, and social contexts.
4. comprehend principles of organizing social existence.
5. use social organizational principles as tools to understand a variety of social
systems found throughout the world.
6. evaluate strengths and weaknesses of various patterns of organization based on equity of outcomes across groups.
7. synthesize their reflections into an expanded world view that places their own social and cultural backgrounds into a global context.
8. increasingly value attempts to reconcile conflicting differences among people
and seek equitable and just distribution of resources and power on a global
scale..
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	GD130 Human Social Context	3 credits
	GD499 Faith and Life Seminar	2 credits
	RP137 Basic Philosophical Concepts	3 credits

Note: Human Social Context must be taken in the freshman or sophomore year.

7. Historical Experience

Students will:
1. understand methods of historical interpretation.
2. develop an appreciation of past civilizations.
3. analyze present events based on underlying ideas that have driven similar events in history.
4. evaluate the important ideas, events, texts, movements, and people in world history.

	HG101 History of World Civilization I or	3 credits
	HG102 History of World Civilization II	3 credits
	HG111 History & Government of the United States I or	3 credits
	HG112 History & Government of the United States II	3 credits

8. Aesthetic Experience

Students will:
1. comprehend the history, contexts, and importance of artistic expression in
culture.
2. be conversant with great works of the fine arts.
3. employ principles of form and design to analyze and describe the various
arts.
4. understand the materials, processes, and perspectives of the various forms
of the fine arts.
5. consider and understand basic issues of aesthetics relating to the fine arts.
6. understand the roles and responsibilities of the artist, art critic and historian, and the audience.
7. value creative activity and personal enrichment through the fine arts. Six credits required, three each from approved courses in any two of the three areas of Art, Music, Theatre and Drama.
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1. Art
	AR105 Introduction to Art or	3 credits
	AR150 Color and Design or	3 credits
	AR211 Art History I or	3 credits
	AR212 Art History II or	3 credits
	Any applied Art course(s)	3 credits
2. Music
	MU100 Music Appreciation or MU110 Music Appreciation Live	3 credits
	Any applied music course(s) including private lessons,
	the major instrumental ensembles, Band or Choir	3 credits
3. Theatre and Drama
	CT105 Introduction to the Theatre or	3 credits
	Any applied Theatre course(s)	3 credits

Note: Applied courses may count in only one of the two areas. At least one must
be NON-applied.

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Students will:
1. understand the religious dimensions of human experience.
2. understand the literary content, historical development and theological significance of the Bible.
3. understand the biblical foundation, historical development and contemporary significance of the basic doctrines of Christian theology.
4. appreciate the contributions of past thinkers to current philosophical questions..
5. reflect on foundational questions regarding reality, beauty, truth, morality, freedom, and language.



	GD190 Chapel and Convocation*	0 credits
	RP104 Themes in Biblical History	3 credits
	RP266 Basic Christian Doctrine	3 credits
	RP137 Basic Philosophical Concepts	3 credits

* see note on page 48 on the GD190 requirement

Students will:
1.integrate a Christian world-view and Christian leadership with all aspects of
learning and living.
2. use the resources of scripture, theology, Christian history, and ethics to
reflect and act upon contemporary problems.
3. develop a coherent faith-informed world-view expressed through servant
leadership..



Common experiences for developing these skills are presented in the following requirements:

	GD190 Chapel and Convocation*	0 credits
	GD499 Faith and Life Seminar	2 credits

* see note on page 48 on the GD190 requirement
(Some courses are listed more than once in the above descriptions.)

Below is a list of the courses that satisfy the general education requirements at Sterling College

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Every major is designed to produce in the student:

A. knowledge of the discipline’s content and methods, including:
1. historical and philosophical background
2. range of subject matter
3. central principles
4. generally accepted unifying perspectives (theories, laws, methods,
systems, and models).

B. continuing development of skills related to the discipline’s content, including:

1. acquiring information for producing creative projects
2. analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating primary source material
3. writing and speaking critically and creatively
4. pursuing advanced study and/or a career.

C. values relating the discipline to world-view perspectives, including:

1. relating discipline-specific knowledge to other areas of inquiry
2. applying ethical guidelines to discipline-specific activity
3. relating discipline-specific content to Christian faith.
4. using discipline-related information to provide voluntary service to the
community.

Art & Graphic Design
Athletic Training
Biology
Business Administration
Chemistry
Christian Ministries (See Religion and Philosophy Department)
Communication and Theatre Arts
Culinary Arts
Elementary Education
English (See Language and Literature Department)
Exercise Science
Graphic Design and Effects
History
Independent Interdisciplinary
Mathematics
Music
Music Education
Psychology
Religious and Philosophical Studies

Note: Sterling works to prepare students for careers and/or further advanced study in
many areas. Students should consult their advisors about their career plans. Each
department can recommend course selections for various career/graduate school interests.