AC1305 Basic Biblical Hebrew (Fall) (3 undergraduate credits)

This course introduces students to the basics of Biblical Hebrew, focusing on reading, writing, and vocabulary. Identifying key verses from the lectionary cycle helps students navigate scripture as displayed in a Torah scroll. To practice skills, students will work with partners. Together the class will develop a variety of activities to stimulate interest in Hebrew learning.

IS1321 Introduction to Ethnopsychology (Fall) (3 undergraduate credits)

At our core, do all individuals think, feel, and behave in the same ways? How do psychology and culture interact? In this course, we will look at several major concepts in traditional psychology and consider the extent to which they may apply across cultures.

IS1361 Introduction to Statistics (Fall) (3 undergraduate credits)

This course is designed to introduce undergraduate students to statistics.  Mathematical concepts basic to an understanding of statistics will be reviewed. Descriptive and inferential statistics and their application to social sciences research will be introduced.

AC2305 The Art of Hebrew Cantillation (Spring) (3 undergraduate credits)

This course introduces students to the Hebrew trope marks used to identify accented syllables, pauses and phrasing, punctuation, and the application of cantillation melodies for public reading of the Torah.

AC3305 Foundations of Torah (Spring) (3 undergraduate credits)

This course relates study of the first five books of the Bible to the traditional Jewish lectionary cycle. Weekly portion names serve to organize the narrative storyline of Genesis-Deuteronomy so that today’s readers may join the ancient conversation of the wider global community.

AC4311-OL Communication and Service in Muslim Contexts (Online) (Spring) (3 undergraduate credits)

In light of scriptural and anthropological principles, this course explores the nature, dynamics, scope, challenges, and approaches in appropriate and effective service in Muslim contexts.

AL5329 Readings in Biblical Texts & Translation Practicum: Hebrew Poetry (Spring) (3 graduate credits)

Students develop their language skills by reading extended passages of Old Testament texts of different genres in Hebrew. In this particular class students will focus developing their skills in analyzing complete poems in Hebrew in order to explain the functional meaning and pragmatic effect of the Hebrew text. Completion of this course will include translating a text from the Hebrew Bible, writing explanatory notes highlighting points of interest in the exegesis and translation process, and transforming the passage into an artistic product suitable for another linguistic and cultural environment.

IS2312-OL Ancient Near Eastern Civilizations (Spring) (3 undergraduate credits)

This course is a comparative study of parallels between Ancient Near Eastern civilizations, their texts and the Hebrew Bible. Students will explore non-biblical sources that contribute to understanding the linguistic, historical, socio-cultural, political, and religious contexts of the ancient Old Testament. Specific focus is given to epic, social, and religious language sources from civilizations of the Ancient Near Eastern world, particularly those of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Canaan, and Israel.

IS2322 Psychology of Suffering and Resilience (Spring) (3 undergraduate credits)

Grief and trauma are part of the human condition.  In this course, students will study the psychological impact of suffering and begin to develop their own personal theology of suffering.  They will also discuss the importance of resilience as a building block of successful cross-cultural service.

IS2323-IN Introduction to Coaching (Intensive) (Spring) (3 undergraduate credits)

Five coaching skills framing the COACH model in the discipline of coaching are at the center of this course. The course offers an overview of the eleven coaching competencies of the International Coach Federation. Consideration of spiritual and cultural aspects of coaching are also discussed.

IS3356 Introduction to Orality and Storying (Spring) (3 undergraduate credits)

Craft and tell culturally appropriate stories!

IS4646 Chinese 2 & 3 (Spring) (6 undergraduate credits)

Students will achieve a basic level of competence in Mandarin conversation, reading, and writing, and will build a solid foundation for continued acquisition of the complex writing system.

IS1301-IN Popular Culture (Intensive) (Summer) (3 undergraduate credits)

This course asks, What role does popular culture play in our lives? What role do we play in the formation and maintenance of popular culture? We will explore these questions by examining popular culture particularly in the 21^st century with reference to cross-cultural and historical examples. Students will consider the development of popular culture in the digital age. Topics include advertising, music, film and media, and digital devices and software. Students will learn to identify and explain the nature of cultural values manifested in popular culture.

IS1311-IN Biblical Cultural Studies (Intensive) (Summer) (3 undergraduate credits)

The focus of the Biblical Cultural Studies course is basic knowledge of the people and events of the Bible in their geographical, historical, and cultural contexts. From the Ancient Near Eastern perspective, students will be able to explain biblical descriptions of the biblical God. Guidelines for reading different types of biblical literature will also be considered and acquired by students.

IS1363 Introduction to Health & First Aid Practices (Summer) (3 undergraduate credits)

Every person needs basic knowledge on factors affecting their personal health. This course teaches students to evaluate significant topics in their own health paradigm. Students are introduced to key principles of First Aid, the sequence of steps to respond to emergencies, and the steps for patient assessment. Key aspects of CPR are learned along with wound care, musculoskeletal injuries, and first aid for poisoning, bites, and stings. Attention is given to first aid for injuries in remote locations.