SCHOOL OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL STUDIES

 

MISSION STATEMENT

The Mission of the Department of General Studies is to provide an integrated, comprehensive program designed to strengthen the student’s academic skills, build self-esteem and citizenship, move students through the core curriculum to program level courses, and enhance student ability to complete a degree program.

 

GENERAL EDUCATION CURRICULUM

General education refers to a core of required courses which will provide common academic experiences for all students enrolled in degree programs at the College. The goal of this program of study is to provide the skill and knowledge base that will enable students to become liberally educated individuals capable of functioning in an ever-changing society.

ASSOCIATE OF ARTS DEGREE IN GENERAL STUDIES

An Associate of Arts Degree in General Studies is an option for students who want a broad, classic education. General studies degrees usually include a balanced curriculum, with coursework in the humanities (such as English and comparative literature), social sciences (such as psychology, history and sociology), natural sciences (such as biology, chemistry and physics), and mathematics.  The Associate of Arts Degree in General Studies requires 61 credit hours.


ARKANSAS BAPTIST COLLEGE

DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL STUDIES

MODEL PLAN OF STUDY

ASSOCIATE OF ARTS /GENERAL STUDIES – 61 CREDIT HOURS

 

FRESHMAN YEAR
  Fall Semester – 16 hours     Spring Semester – 15 hours  
_____ ENG 131 English Composition I 3 _____ ENG 132 English Composition II 3
_____ BIO 144 Principles of Biology/Lab 4 _____ BIO 145 Physical Science/Lab 4
_____ Humanities/ Fine Arts Elective 3 _____ MAT 142 College Algebra 3
_____ FYE 101 Life Skills I** 2 _____ FYE 102 Life Skills II** 2
_____ KIN 130 Health & Safety 3 _____ MIS 110 Intro to Computers 3
_____ AAL 111 Financial Literacy** 1    
    16    

15

SOPHOMORE YEAR

  Fall Semester – 15 hours     Spring Semester – 15 hours  
_____ PSY 152 General Psychology 3 _____ ENG 233/234 World Literature I or II 3
_____ Humanities/ Fine Arts Elective 3 _____ Humanities/ Fine Arts Elective 3
_____ HIS 255/256 Western Civilization I or II 3 _____ REL106 Intro. Bible** 3
_____ SPC 239 Oral Communication 3 _____ POL 257 U.S. Government* 3
_____ HIS 357 or 358 US History I or II 3 _____ Health/PE elective 3
   

15

    15

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*State of Arkansas Requirement

**Institutional Requirement

ARKANSAS BAPTIST COLLEGE

GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

 

Name: ________________________________________                        Date: _________________________________________________

 

Id: ___________________________________________                      Dept: _________________________________________________

 

Advisor: ______________________________________                    Major: ________________________________________________

 

Date Entered ABC: _____________________________                       Minor: _______________________________________________

 

  1. English Composition (9 Cr. Hrs.)

Must pass English with a grade of C or better.

Course Hrs. Grade Notes
ENG 131 Comp. I 3    
ENG 132 Comp. II 3    
SPC 239 Oral Comm. 3    

IV.             Humanities/Fine Arts (9 Cr. Hrs.)

Course Hrs. Grade Notes
ART 136 A/AM Art History 3    
ART 137 Humanities 3    
SPN 153 Spanish I 4    
ENG 203 African Amer. Lit. 3    
ART 231 Art Appreciation 3    
ENG 233 World Literature I 3    
ENG 234 World Literature II 3    
SPN 253 Spanish II 4    
AAL 202 African History 3    
AAL 220 Private Reading 3    
AAL 300 A/AM Cinema, Film, 3    
AAL 312 Sociology of  Whiteness 3    
AAL 400 Urban Comm. Dev. 3    
MUS 107 Music Appreciation 3    
REL  309 Intro to Philosophy 3    

 

  1. Natural Science and Mathematics (14 Cr. Hrs.)

Must pass Math with a grade of C or better.

Course Hrs. Grade Notes
MAT 142 Col Algebra 3    
Natural Science elective w/lab 4    
Natural Science elective w/lab 4    
MIS 110 Intro/Computers 3    

 

 

III.         Social and Behavioral Sciences (6 Cr. Hrs.)                                 V.   First Year Seminar (11 Cr. Hrs.)**

Course Hrs. Grade Notes
PSY 152 Gen. Psychology 3    
HIS 255 Western Civilization I 3    
HIS 256 Western Civilization II 3    
POL 257 U.S. Government* 3    
GEO 258 World Geography 3    
HIS 357 U.S. History I 3    
HIS 358 U.S. History II 3    
BAD 113 Intro to Business 3    
BAD 213 Prin. Of Econ. I 3    
BAD 223 Prin. Of Econ II 3    
CRJ  250 Intro to Criminal Justice 3    
HSH 250 Intro to Sociology 3    
HSH 252 Intro to Human Services 3    
PAD 114 Intro to Public Admin. 3    

 

Course Hrs. Grade Notes
AAL 111 Financial Literacy 1    
HSH 101 Life Skills 2    
FYE 101 Life Skills I 2    
FYE 102 Life Skills II 2    
REL 106 Intro to the Bible*** 3    
KIN 130 Health and Safety 3    
KIN 139 Physical Education 3    
KIN 131 First Aid 3    

*Required Course

**Institutional Requirement

*** Intro to the Bible is an institutional requirement. Religious Studies majors have the option of substituting an alternative religious studies course for Intro to the Bible.

 

 

GENERAL EDUCATION COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

 

African American Community Leadership

 

AAL 202 African History

This course examines the history of Africa from its encounter with colonialism to the era of independence and neo-colonialism. Coverage includes colonial systems of governance, African resistance and nationalism, the independence movement, and the struggle for liberation in Southern Africa.  Three credit hours

 

AAL 220 Private Reading

This course is a self-paced course based on selected reading in books, magazines, and newspapers on Africa American issues. This course is open to any student who is interested in undertaking a Private Reading course with a member of the department.  Three credit hours

 

AAL 300 African American Cinema, Film and Hip-Hop

This course intensively focuses on more recent films with Black subjectivity in both dominant and independent cinema.  The course examines the legacy of both “Blaxploitation” and the radical film movement of the early 1970’s on artists of the 1980’s and 90’s. It will also examine the effect of the Hip-Hop culture on Black America. The class correlates the climate and cultural history with various genres of music that led to Hip-Hop music. Individual artists are studied not in isolation but as part of the larger cultural context.  Three credit hours

 

AAL 312 The Sociology of Whiteness

This course is intended to use the subject matter of Whiteness to enhance literacy, critical thinking, social awareness, and mastery of some of the skills related to general education. It seeks to assist the student in making a better presentation of self in everyday life, as well as enhancing an understanding of other cultures and values.  Three credit hours

 

AAL 400 Urban Community Development

This course provides an introduction to the need and strategies for building community within an urban setting. Comprehensive analysis of leadership skills and development form an Afrocentric perspective applied historically for social change; how these strategies are enacted for empowerment within contemporary society.  Three credit hours

APS 343 Human Anatomy and Physiology I

This course is covered during a two-semester span. The structure and functions of the organ systems of the human body and how they work together to maintain homeostasis are explored.  This course is designed for majors in health profession programs. Concurrent registration in the lab is required. For transferability, Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II, or equivalent must be taken at the same institution. Four credit hours

APS 344 Human Anatomy and Physiology II

This course is the second semester of a two semester sequence course emphasizing the anatomy and physiology of the human organism. This study of major organ systems of the human body will focus on gross anatomy to include developmental and systematic anatomy, and on microscopic anatomy, including cytology and histology. Concurrent registration in the laboratory is required. Four credit hours

 

Business Administration

 

BAD 113 Introduction to Business

This course is a survey of the various fields of business, basic business problems and procedures, the opportunities open to college graduates in business, and the vocabulary of business. Three credit hours

BAD 213 Principles of Economics I

Prerequisite: MAT 239.  This macroeconomics course studies the overview of the American Market Economy and the various economic units in the society.  This course deals with the economic growth, employment and unemployment levels, inflation, market supply and demand, economic efficiency, national income measurements, and monetary/banking system.  Three credit hours

BAD 223 Principles of Economics II

Prerequisite: BAD 213. This course examines macroeconomic principles and analysis of income, employment, price levels, business lactations, and the impact of international trade. The course includes a survey of contemporary economic issues includes such subjects as inflation, unemployment, capitalism vs. socialism, and regulation of the economy by the government.  Three credit hours

 
Fine and Performing Arts
 
MUS 107 Music Appreciation

This course is an exploration of the relationship music as an art form has with society and culture.  Students will become acquainted with the major composers and literature of the common practice period, 20th century, and popular genres through research, discussion, listening, and concert attendance.  Three credit hours

 
Public Administration
 
PAD 114 Introduction to Public Administration
This course is an introductory study of the basic structure of American government as it affects the work of public managers in national, state, and local governments.  The course will explore the evolution and management issues within the field; topics covered are ethics, social equity, e-government, personnel management and labor relations, organizational behavior, policy making, intergovernmental relations, international affairs, leadership, strategic management, management issues, and the practical application of the public administration field.  Three credit hours   
 
 
 
 
 
Religious Studies
 
REL 106 Introduction to the Bible

This course explores the Christian Bible from primarily historical and literary perspectives. The course provides a general overview of the themes, ideas, and structure of the different sections and books of the Bible; understanding as to how the Bible was composed and circulated; and an explanation as to how and why the Bible is considered sacred (or otherwise authoritative) for billions of people. This is a required course for ALL students completing a degree at Arkansas Baptist College. Three credit hours

 
REL 309 Introduction to Philosophy
This course aims at being an introduction to philosophical thinking in general rather than to provide a full survey of philosophical disciplines, their methods, doctrines and leading ideas. Instead of trying to give a comprehensive account of all possible forms philosophy has assumed throughout its long history, the course concentrates on several characteristic examples illustrating how classical and modern thinkers formulate their questions and how they grapple with their issues in contrast to ordinary, religious and scientific consciousness.  Three credit hours
 
Social and Behavioral Sciences
 
CRJ 250 Introduction to Criminal Justice 
This course provides an introduction to the legal and ethical foundations of criminal justice and the major components of the criminal justice system.  Three credit hours

HSH 250 Introduction to Sociology
This course is designed to familiarize students with the nature of human society and its development. Special emphasis is placed on the dynamics of group life; the principle concepts and methods of sociology; group behavior, social institutions, social origins, and interactions.  Three credit hours 
 
HSH 252 Introduction to Human Services
This course is designed to provide students with an overview of the human service field with a connection between theory and practice.  Focus is placed on “real” life experiences encountered by human services professionals and emphasizes the social context for understanding helping behavior in human services professions.  Three credit hours
 
General Studies
 
ART 137 Humanities 
This course focuses on the study and appreciation of representative examples of visual and performing arts, literature, music and religion of various world cultures. The exploration of interrelationships of the arts and their philosophies emphasizes the nature of humankind and the need to create.  Three credit hours
 
 
 
 

FYE 101 Life Skills I

This seminar structured course is designed to equip freshmen and transfer students with the knowledge and skills to persist through the first year and be retained to graduation.  The course will focus on Cultural, Academic, Spiritual and Enrichment Seminars (C.A.S.E.S.).  Students will be required to complete 20 hours of community service. Two credit hours

 
FYE   102       Life Skills II

This course is a continuation of FYE 101 and will provide strategies and techniques for success in college, life, and career. Areas to be covered include memory improvement, reading more effectively, note-taking, test-taking, techniques for self-development, motivation, attitude, time management, managing stress, goal setting, and introduction to college resources to provide ongoing academic support.  Two credit hours

 
MIS 110 Introduction to Computers

This course provides an introduction to computers and their components. Students will learn the basics through advanced computer concepts with an emphasis on both the personal computer and enterprise computing. Topics include hardware, application and system software, the Internet and World Wide Web, communications, e-commerce, societal issues, database management, systems analysis and design, programming, information systems, career opportunities, certifications in the computer field, and computer trends.  Three credit hours

 
KIN 130 Health and Safety

This course is designed to educate students in the basic knowledge of health.

The course will focus on the student engaging in the study of a comprehensive overview to the lifestyle approach of out present society.  Three credit hours

 

ENG 131 English Composition I

Prerequisite: DEV 001 with a C or better, or an appropriate placement score. This course explores the principles and techniques of expository and persuasive composition, analysis of texts with introduction to research methods, and critical thinking will be explored in this course.  Three credit hours

 
ENG 132 English Composition II

Prerequisite: ENG 131 with a grade of C or better. This course covers further study of principles and techniques of expository and persuasive composition, analysis of texts, research methods, and critical thinking.

 
ART 136 African American Art History

This course offers students a survey of visual arts produced by people of African descent in the United States. The period covered spans from Colonial times to the present.  Media discussed includes painting, sculpture, photography and textiles, as well as installation, performance and video art.  Three credit hours

 
CHM 137 General Chemistry

Prerequisite: DEV 004 with a grade of C or better or an appropriate placement score. This survey course introduces chemistry as it applies to the real world. The basic topics of scientific method, measurement, states of matter, atomic structure, periodic table, chemical properties, and chemical reactions are explored. This course is appropriate for general education and is not appropriate for science majors. Concurrent registration in the lab is required.  Four credit hours

 

KIN 139 Physical Education

This course is designed for students who wish to improve their personal fitness through a planned program of diet and exercise. Activities in the course will provide the student with the opportunity for limited participation in aerobics, table tennis, badminton, and bowling. A study of the history and principles of physical education is also included.  Three credit hours

 
MAT 142 College Algebra

Prerequisite: DEV 004 with a grade of C or better or an appropriate placement score. College Algebra includes fundamental topics covered in Intermediate Algebra with a more careful look at the mathematical details and a greater emphasis on the concept of function. This course covers quadratic, polynomial, rational, exponential and logarithmic functions, equations and inequalities; the use of matrices and determinants in solving linear systems of equations, solving non-linear systems; and, sequences and series. Three credit hours

 
BIO 144 Biology

This course will consist of a survey of biology to include an introduction to the fundamental principles of living organisms including properties, organization, function, evolutionary adaptation, and classification.  Introductory study of concepts of reproduction, genetics, ecology, and the scientific method are included.  Not appropriate for biology or health science majors.  Concurrent registration the lab is required. Four credit hours

 

PHY 145 Physical Science

Prerequisite: DEV 004 with a grade of C or better or an appropriate placement score. This course is a general survey course of the physical sciences designed for general education.  This course includes topics in physics and chemistry, and may also include other physical science topics. Concurrent registration the lab is required. Four credit hours

 

KIN 131 First Aid

This course teaches the fundamentals, techniques and practices of first aid. Prepares persons to make appropriate decisions and administer emergency first aid to victims of serious injuries until medical service can be secured.  American National Red Cross First Aid Certification may result upon successful completion of the course.  Three credit hours

 
PSY  152 General Psychology

This course gives a broad overview of psychology covering a range of topics including psychological theory, the development of the organism, learning, memory, history of psychology, research methods, social basis of behavior, biological basis of behavior, behavioral disorders, diversity in human intelligence, and individual differences in behavior.  Three credit hours

 

SPN 153 Spanish I

This course is to provide the students with the basic Spanish structures, as well as the necessary vocabulary required to communicate in the new culture. This course will also reinforce and increase conversation skills.   The course will address the needs of those students who are new to the language. The grammar exercises and directed conversations are designed to allow the student to learn the most basic Spanish expressions and constructions. Students will engage in dialogues and practice giving instructions and directions to improve their conversational skills. Four credit hours

 
ART 231 Art Appreciation

This course is to acquaint the student with the visual arts (painting, sculpture, architecture and crafts) through an exploration of their purposes and processes. This course is for non majors and art majors or minors who have little or no background in art.  Three credit hours

 

ENG            203            African American Literature

This course examines the African American literary tradition, covering representative works from the African pre-colonial and modern periods, nineteenth century American, the Harlem Renaissance, to the present.  Included are works by African and African American authors from the oral and written traditions of poetry, drama, and prose. 

 
ENG 233 World Literature I

This course looks at selected significant works of world literature from ancient, medieval, and renaissance periods.  It includes study of movements, schools, and periods.  Three credit hours

 
ENG 234 World Literature II

This course looks at selected significant works of world literature from the Renaissance to the present.  It includes study of movements, schools, and periods.  Three credit hours

 
SPC 239 Oral Communication

This course is designed to educate the student in the art of communication.  The student will be challenged to move beyond merely hearing, which is the biological process that occurs when the brain detects sound waves.  Listening will become the student’s prime focus; the process of receiving, attending to, constructing meaning from, and responding to spoken or nonverbal messages.  Four credit hours

 
SPN 253 Spanish II

Prerequisite: SPN 153. This course is a continuation of SPN 153 Spanish I. It seeks to further develop a basic proficiency in the four skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The instruction is communicatively oriented and emphasizes the everyday life and culture of Spanish speaking people.  Four credit hours

 

HIS 255 Western Civilization I

This course introduces students to the major social, political, economic, cultural, and other trends that created, shaped, and influenced Western Civilization from its beginnings through the seventeenth century.  Emphasis will be placed on the general interaction of all these factors, the problems they posed for modern Europe and the various responses made to them, and how these factors and their interactions formed and still influence the region as well as much of the modern world.  Three credit hours

 
HIS 256 Western Civilization II
This course examines the development of Western Civilization from 1600 to the present.  Three credit hours
 
POL 257 United States Government

This course examines the core principles of the government of the United States and around the world. Some major areas of study will include: the U.S. Constitution, Federalism, Separation of Powers, Limited Government, Checks and Balances, Judicial Review, International Relations, and Local Government.  Three credit hours

 
GEO 258 World Geography
This course is an introduction to spatial relationships among world geographic regions, with focuses on the physical, cultural, political, and economic characteristics within each region and on how geographic regions interact with each other.  These relationships are explored using both current and historical case studies. Three credit hours 
 
HIS 357 United States History I

This course is a survey of United States history and significant ideas, historical figures, cultural movement, conflicts, and institutions of United States history to 1877. Three credit hours

 

HIS  358 United States History II 

This course is to introduce students to the major social, political, economic, cultural and other factors that created, shaped, and influenced the United States.  Three credit hours

 

DEVELOPMENTAL COURSES

 

Developmental courses are required for those students whose placement test scores indicate a need for additional college-preparatory coursework. Instruction and assessment is designed to ensure that students who successfully complete the developmental courses are better prepared to succeed in both the core curriculum and major of choice.  Students enrolled in one or more of these courses are required to attend tutoring, utilize computer-based instruction programs and meet with their advisor on a regular basis.  Students must immediately repeat any developmental course not passed when they register for future ABC courses.

DEVELOPMENTAL COURSES DO NOT COUNT TOWARD DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

DEV 001 Enrichment English

This course is designed to provide students with a review of the fundamentals of English grammar, usage, and writing skills. It includes the basic elements of grammar, spelling, reading comprehension, written expression, and a writing lab. Students who do not receive appropriate scores on the COMPASS exam or have an ACT score below 19 are required to take this course.  Three hours    A grade of “C” is required for passing this course.

DEV 002 Enrichment Reading

This is a laboratory course designed to aid and instruct students on how to understand and interpret the written text. Emphasis is placed on comprehension, critical reading and speed. Students who do not receive an appropriate score on the COMPASS or have an ACT score below 19 are required to take this course.  Three hours A grade of “C” is required for passing this course.

DEV 003 Enrichment Mathematics

This course is designed to provide students with knowledge and application of variable expressions, equations and inequalities, graphs and linear equations, polynomials, factoring, algebraic fractions, radical expressions, and quadratic equations. Students who do not receive an appropriate score on the COMPASS or have an ACT score below 19 are required to take this course.  Three hours A grade of “C” is required to pass this course.

DEV 009    Elementary Algebra

Prerequisite: DEV 003 (with a grade of C or better), appropriate score on the assessment exam or demonstrated competency. This course is intended for students with little or no previous algebra experience. Topics include the real number system, operations with real numbers and algebraic expressions, linear equations and inequalities, polynomials, factoring, and an introduction to quadratic equations. Three hours A grade of “C” is required to pass this course.

 

DEV 004 Intermediate Algebra

Prerequisite: DEV 009 (with a C or better), appropriate score on the assessment exam or demonstrated competency. This course covers the basic tools and fundamentals of algebra. The topics include rational equations, linear equations, systems of equations, inequalities, absolute value, radical expressions and equations, quadratic equations, exponential and logarithmic equations. Three hours A grade of “C” is required to pass this course.