HUM 101     Reformed Perspectives on Calling and Culture (3)

ENG 101      Composition: Writing and Research (3)

ENG 201      Introductory Studies in Literature (3)

COM 101     Introduction to Communication (3)

PHL 101       Perspectives in Philosophy (3)

 

BTS 111       O.T. Studies I: Pentateuch and Historical Books (3)                

BTS 112       O.T. Studies II: Psalms, Wisdom Literature, and Prophets (3)

BTS 211       N.T. Studies I: Gospels and Acts (3)

BTS 212       N.T. Studies II: Epistles and Revelation (3)

BTS 320       Reformed Doctrine (3)

 

HUM 111     Civilization and Culture I:  Ancient societies to the 16th cent. (3)

HUM 112     Civilization and Culture II:  From the 16th cent. to the present (3)   

HIS 211        American Civilization: Early Encounters to 1865 (3)

HIS 212        American Civilization: 1865 to Present (3)

HPE 101-110 Personal Health Fitness course (1) 

HPE 111-122 Leisure and Lifetime course (1)

 

PSY 101          General Psychology                                                                 

EDU 201         Psychology of Lifespan Development*                                                 

SOC 101         Principles of Sociology                                                 

ECO 211         Microeconomics                                                                      

ECO 212         Macroeconomics                                                                     

POL 201          American Government and Politics*                                         

 

Pre-requisite: Demonstrated mastery of high school Algebra II (a C+ or higher) and a passing score on a designated entrance test in mathematics or completion of MAT 100 at Providence.

 

  Mathematics: One higher level mathematics course: (3-4)

MAT 102, 131, 161, 162, 243, 255, or 321.

OR

Achieving an ACT score of 28 or SAT score of 640.

OR

Successful completion of an approved high school AP Calculus class.

 

  Science: Choose one class from each of the following categories:

 

Life Sciences  (4)

BIO 111       Principles of Human Biology             

BIO 112       Principles of Biological Systems 

CHM 121     General Chemistry I 

CHM 122     General Chemistry II         

PHY 121      General Physics I 

PHY 122      General Physics II             

SCI 113        Concepts of Physical Science    

SCI 114        Concepts of Earth Science  

1.  The Core Curriculum comprises about half of the credits required for graduation. This commitment to a broad liberal arts core reflects Providence’s belief that education is not the mere transference of specialized skills, but a rich and integrated intellectual, relational, and spiritual experience. Christian education in a liberal arts context equips students to fulfill their call to act as prophets, priests, and kings in service to Christ and his Kingdom. 

 

2.  As a Christian college within the Reformed tradition, Providence Christian College acknowledges the foundational and presuppositional role of the Scriptures for all aspects of education. As God’s special revelation, Scripture does not serve as a substitute for inquiry, but as the “light” by which general education is seen, or as the “eyeglasses” through which we bring our understanding into focus. As the final authority for all teaching and learning, it is imperative that students at Providence are biblically literate, capable of “rightly handling the word of truth” (2^nd Timothy 2:15, 3:14-17). Sound doctrine, also, is viewed as foundational for all educational thought and practice. Consequently, Providence students read and study through the entire Bible over a two-year period, and they examine the doctrines of the Christian faith as expressed by the Reformed Standards.

 

3.  The Core Curriculum at Providence Christian College is covenantal, in that it is organized around the three basic relationships of life: knowing God, knowing ourselves, and knowing creation. These relationships are seen in the primary commands, commissions, and mandates of Scripture that call us as ones bearing the image of God to love God and our neighbor, to disciple the nations, and to exercise dominion over creation. God is a relational God, and he has revealed himself and his truth relationally, in keeping with his nature. The revealed truth posited in each of these relationships calls for obedient responses, for all relationships involve responsibilities.

 

The words “to know” in Scripture (represented by the Hebrew word yada) mean much more than simply cognitive or rational thought. Biblical knowing is holistic and all-comprehensive. It involves one’s entire being, one’s heart, mind, and strength. God’s truth, and all truth is God’s truth, always calls for an obedient response. One must be both a hearer of the Word and a doer of the Word. Consequently, students at Providence are not only challenged to understand with their minds the truth they are taught, but they are also challenged to commit to the truth with their hearts and to obey the truth with their entire beings.

 

The theme of “knowing through relationship” is central to a Providence Christian College education. Consequently, the Core Curriculum reflects both relationships and the responsibilities inherent in each. Providence seeks to educate in a manner that guides its students toward “knowing fully even as they are fully known” (1^st Corinthians 13:12).

 

4.  Certain Core courses are designed to assist students in thinking deeply and christianly about the world and their place in it. Both the Reformed and liberal arts traditions emphasize the importance of foundational, presuppositional thinking. Students are assisted in the development of their worldviews, and they are equipped to discern the worldviews of the people and their products that they are studying. The Core courses dealing specifically with perspective are HUM 101---Reformed Perspectives on Calling and Culture, COM 101---Introduction to Communication, PHL 101---Perspectives in Philosophy, and ENG 101---Composition: Writing and Research.

 

5.  Other Core courses are designed to reflect the wholeness and unity of God’s creation found in Christ, in whom “all things hold together” (Colossians 1:17). While all courses at Providence are integrated vertically (i.e., transformed by the light of God’s Word), horizontal integration across the disciplines is also sought when feasible. One set of courses specially designed with this form of integration in mind is HUM 111-112--- Civilization and Culture and HIS 211-212---American Civilization. This 12-credit, four-semester series of courses approaches the study of World, Western, and American civilization from a humanities perspective, demonstrating the wholeness of cultures that are, indeed, unified expressions of their religious visions. In addition to examining the religion, history, and philosophy of each culture, its art, music, and literature are studied as well. God’s Covenant faithfulness to his Church within each cultural setting is also recognized and acknowledged.

 

6.  A Christian Core Curriculum within the liberal arts tradition seeks to provide educational experiences that, in Christ, are both broadening and liberating, designed to free students to be all that God has created them to be. Such a curriculum allows students to explore the nooks and crannies of God’s good creation, often for the first time. The fullness of God’s earth becomes a rich reservoir for delight and praise. Certain Core courses, then, are “general education” requirements that are drawn from across the disciplines. They provide both breadth and balance to a Providence degree, contributing toward the development of a fully educated person. 

HUM 101 Reformed Perspectives on Calling and Culture
This course is designed to introduce newly enrolled students to the Reformed context that underlies a Providence Christian College education. Students will survey the thought of several major thinkers in the Reformed tradition with special attention to how a Reformed Christian perspective shapes our understanding of creation, learning and culture. It will examine the doctrine of calling, or vocation, with reference to the calling of a student as well as preparation for future callings. (3 credits)

ENG 101 Composition: Writing and Research
In this course, students learn to communicate in the college setting through written rhetoric in various forms: narrative, descriptive, analytical and persuasive writing, which then culminates with a formal research paper. The course includes a review of grammatical and usage skills as well as providing students with a variety of readings within which to consider broader issues of perspective, worldview and social responsibility. Prerequisite: Scores on the ACT of 18 or higher in English or 460 in the Verbal section of the SAT I; alternately three or more years of college preparatory English with grades of a C+ or above, or a grade of C or above in English 100 (3 credits).

ENG 201 Introductory Studies in Literature
This course involves a study of selected literary works with an emphasis on the fundamental elements of literature and methods of reading. Discussion topics include the genres of literature and their conventions, the tools authors use to create meaning and effect, the ways readers can interpret and respond to texts, and the roles of imaginative literature in shaping and reflecting culture. (3 credits)

COM 101 Introduction to Communication
Before students can engage people and culture for Christ, they must understand people and culture. This course deals with understanding people, cultures, and the media through the use of visual and auditory perception. Active listening skills are taught as initial steps in a personal evangelism process. Cross-cultural ministry provides the context for understanding other cultures in relation to one’s own. Worldview discernment is taught through an examination of film and music media. (3 credits)

PHL 101 Perspectives in Philosophy
This course introduces central themes of a Christian worldview and how such a worldview informs one’s perspective of reality, knowing, and ethics. Past and present philosophical positions are examined in this light. (3 credits)

BTS 111 Old Testament Studies I: Pentateuch and Historical Books
This course deals with 1) questions of introduction (authorship, canon, inspiration, integrity of the documents, dating, etc.); 2) beginning hermeneutics; 3) the historical framework of the Old Testament with considerable attention given to Old Testament theology and the nature and history of the Covenant. (3 credits)

BTS 112 Old Testament Studies II: Psalms, Wisdom Literature, and Prophets
This course deals with the poetic, wisdom, and prophetic literature of the Old Testament. It begins with an examination of the themes and poetic forms of the Psalms and wisdom literature. The course continues with a study of the books of prophecy, with special attention given to the nature and task of the prophetic office, the manner of interpreting the prophetic books, and their place in and effect upon the history of the Covenant. (3 credits)

BTS 211 New Testament Studies I: Gospels and Acts
This course deals with 1) questions of introduction (authorship, canon, inspiration, integrity of the documents, dating, etc.); 2) hermeneutics; 3) inter-testament history as background to the gospels; 4) a study of the four Gospels and the book of Acts with special emphasis on the message and ministry of Christ and the fulfillment of the New Covenant in Him, the synoptic concept of the Kingdom, the enlargement of the Covenant to include Gentiles, and the growth of the early church. (3 credits)

BTS 212 New Testament Studies II: Epistles and Revelation
This course deals with the Pauline and general Epistles in the New Testament, and culminates with a study of the book of Revelation. Special attention is devoted to significant developments in the Pauline era and to the structure of Pauline theology. (3 credits)

BTS 320 Reformed Doctrine
This course deals with doctrines of the Christian faith on General and Special Revelation, God, Christ and mankind, the Holy Spirit, salvation, the Church, and the last things. The Three Forms of Unity (Belgic Confession of Faith, Canons of Dort, and Heidelberg Catechism) and the Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms serve as guidelines and resources. (3 credits) (Formerly identified as BTS 220.)

HUM 111 Civilization and Culture I: Ancient societies to the 16th century
A survey of the development of Western civilization and culture considered in the broader context of world cultural development. Taught from a humanities perspective, this course stresses the integral nature of culture with emphasis on art, music, literature, religion, and philosophy. Beginning with ancient civilizations and the appearance of cities, the course examines classical civilizations of the Mediterranean world, the origins and growth of Christianity in late antiquity and the Middle Ages, and worldwide implications of the cultural, religious, and economic transformations of the Reformation in the sixteenth century. (3 credits)

HUM 112 Civilization and Culture II: From the 16th century to the present
A survey the development of Western and World civilizations and cultures from the emergence of the colonizing secular state in the sixteenth century to the twenty-first century. Taught from a humanities perspective, this course stresses the integral development of art, music, literature, and philosophy in the broader context of world civilizations. The course will examine the colonial expansion of Europe, the French Revolution, the development of ideologies and their impact on the wider world through revolution and imperialism, the intellectual, cultural, and political conflicts of the twentieth century, and globalization. The interaction of European and non-Western cultures will be emphasized, as well as the integral nature of cultural development. (3 credits)

HIS 211 American Civilization: Early Encounters to 1865
This course surveys the development of American culture from pre-colonization to the Civil War, with an emphasis on political, cultural and religious developments, the development of the Constitution, democratization, the opening of the west, and competing definitions of American identity. (3 credits)

HIS 212 American Civilization: 1865 to Present
This course surveys the development of American culture from Reconstruction to the present, with an emphasis on political, intellectual, and religious developments, ethnic diversity, and the emergence of America as a world power. (3 credits)

HPE 101 Walking/Jogging
This course introduces lifetime physical fitness principles through low-impact walking and an introduction to jogging. Student experience includes both indoor and outdoor walking routines with the inclusion of boxing and kickboxing elements. Course fee: $15.00 (1 credit)

HPE 102 Racquetball
This course introduces lifetime physical fitness principles through the sport of racquetball. Students will learn the fundamental skills and rules of racquetball in a fitness-based setting. Course fee: TBD (1 credit)

HPE 103 Basketball
This course introduces lifetime physical fitness principles through the sport of basketball. Students will learn the fundamental skills and rules of basketball in a fitness-based setting. (1 credit)

HPE 104 Fitness & Wellness
This course introduces lifetime physical fitness and wellness principles through a combination of lecture and physical activity. Students will examine the Seven Dimensions of Wellness in an effort to make healthy lifestyle choices. (1 credit)

HPE 105 Cycling
TBD

HPE 106 Aerobic Exercise
This course introduces lifetime physical fitness principles through the activity of aerobics. Students will learn fundamental movement skills and flexibility and strength training concepts in a fitness-based setting. (1 credit)

HPE 107 Weight training
TBD

HPE 108 Lap swimming
TBD

HPE 109 In-line skating
TBD

HPE 111 Badminton
This course introduces the leisure and lifetime concept through the sport of badminton. Students learn the fundamental skills and rules necessary to participate in badminton at the recreational level. (1 credit)

HPE 112 Tennis
This course introduces the leisure and lifetime concept through the sport of tennis. Students learn the fundamental skills and rules necessary to participate in tennis at the recreational level. (1 credit)

HPE 113 Bowling
This course introduces the leisure and lifetime concept through the sport of bowling. Students learn the fundamental skills and rules necessary to participate in bowling at the recreational level. Course fee: TBD (1 credit)

HPE 114 Golf
This course introduces the leisure and lifetime concept through the sport of golf. Students learn the fundamental skills and rules necessary to participate in golf at the recreational level. Course fee: TBD (1 credit)

HPE 115 Volleyball
This course introduces lifetime physical fitness principles through the sport of volleyball. Students will learn the fundamental skills and rules of volleyball in a fitness-based setting. Course fee: TBD (1 credit)

HPE 116 Outdoor Adventure: Hiking & Backpacking
This course is designed to give the student a general overview of and experience in hiking and backpacking. With these skills the student will be able to spend time in the backcountry in appreciation and exploration of God’s wonderful creation. Through a series of lectures, class activities, day hikes, and overnight outings, the student will develop hands on understanding of how to efficiently and safely experience backcountry travel. Throughout the course, the student will learn how to: travel and camp comfortably, deal with injuries, cook in the outdoors and simultaneously appreciate and protect the environment. Course fee: TBD (1 credit)

HPE 117 Skiing
TBD

HPE 118 Sailing
TBD

HPE 120 Soccer
TBD

HPE 121 Baseball
TBD

HPE 122 Softball
TBD

PSY 101 General Psychology
This course includes an overview of human development, personality, mental abilities, motivation and emotion, psychological disorders and treatment, and health psychology. These issues are viewed in the light of a biblical view of humans. (3 credits)

EDU 201 Psychology of Lifespan Development
This course provides an opportunity for the student to explore and evaluate both secular and Christian theories related to the study of human development and the self. The course will examine biological, cognitive, spiritual, and psychosocial perspectives of our growth and maturation from conception to old age. The student will utilize research, observation, interviews, field work, and self-evaluation to gain a more comprehensive understanding of their own experience as a person in relationship with God, others, and creation. (3 credits) (Cross-listed as PSY 201)

SOC 101 Principles of Sociology
This course focuses on the importance of Christian involvement in sociology and how this relates to the three major areas of the field: social interaction, social concerns, and social institutions. In-class and out-of-class research projects are included in order to provide the beginning student exposure to important methodological tools. (3 credits)

ECO 211 Microeconomics
This course is the study of allocation of scarce resources at the level of the individual, the household, and the firm. Included are human motivation and preferences, the market, the function of prices, supply, demand, perfect and imperfect competition, and selected policy questions. Christian perspectives on the nature of mankind, market outcomes, the role of government, and the presuppositions of modern economic analysis are explored. (3 credits)

ECO 212 Macroeconomics
This course is an introduction to the major problems facing national economies: inflation, unemployment, growth, and poverty. The role of fiscal, monetary, and other government policies is examined. Christian perspectives on mankind’s stewardship responsibilities are explored. (3 credits)

POL 201 American Government and Politics
This is a course in the organization and processes of American national government. It examines the contemporary socio-political culture, constitutional foundations, and major institutions and processes of American politics. (3 credits)

MAT 102 College Algebra
This course reviews equations and inequalities, and then focuses on functions and graphs: linear, quadratic, inverse, exponential, and logarithmic. Finally, basic trigonometry is surveyed, and systems of equations are studied. Students who pass with at least a “C” meet the graduation requirement. Prerequisite: A math score of 18 on the ACT or 460 on the SAT, or three years of college preparatory mathematics in high school with grades of C+ or above, or a grade of C or above in MAT 100. (3 credits)

MAT 131 Pre-calculus Mathematics
This is a course in elementary functions designed to fulfill the core requirement in mathematics and/or prepare students for the calculus sequence. Topics include the properties of the real number system, inequalities and absolute values, functions and their graphs, solutions of equations, polynomial functions, trigonometric functions, exponential functions, and logarithm functions. Prerequisite: MAT 102, or a math score of 28 on the ACT or 640 on the SAT, or by permission of instructor. (3 credits)

MAT 161 Calculus I
This course is a study of analytic geometry, functions and limits, the derivative and its applications, transcendental functions, the definite integral and its applications, and methods of integration. Prerequisite: MAT 131 or by permission of instructor. (4 credits)

MAT 162 Calculus II
This course is a continuation of MAT 161. Prerequisite: MAT 161. (4 credits)

MAT 243 Statistics
This course is an introduction to statistical techniques and methods and their application to a variety of fields. Topics include data analysis, design of experiments, and statistical inference including confidence intervals and hypothesis testing. Knowledge of spreadsheets is recommended. (4 credits)

MAT 255 Linear Algebra
This course is an introductory study of vector spaces, linear transformations, matrices, and determinants, with particular emphasis on solving systems of linear equations. Prerequisite: MAT 162. (4 credits)

MAT 321 Foundations of Geometry
This course is a study of geometric transformations, advanced Euclidean geometry, non-Euclidean geometries, projective geometry, and foundations of geometry. Prerequisite: MAT 161. (4 credits)

BIO 111 Principles of Human Biology
This course is a study of the major theories of biology as applied to humans. The student is introduced to the concepts of cell, fundamental biochemistry, genetics, and protein synthesis. Students study the structure and function of the major organ systems of the human body. Lectures and laboratory. (4 credits)

BIO 112 Principles of Biological Systems
This course is an introduction to the major principles of biological systems of plants and animals, with an emphasis on integrated organization. The understanding of this organization will be approached by studying structure, function, classification, growth, development, reproduction, and organization of organisms and their environment into ecosystems. Practical and ethical issues of biodiversity, mankind’s impact on the environment, and the use of certain plants and animals for medical and social purposes will be explored. Lectures and laboratory. (4 credits)

CHM 121 General Chemistry I
This course is an introduction to the basic laws and theories of modern chemistry, including atomic and molecular structure, bonding, solids, liquids, gases and solutions, stoichiometry, and thermodynamics. Lectures and laboratory. (4 credits)

CHM 122 General Chemistry II
A continuation of Chemistry 121. Topics covered include equilibrium, electrochemistry, kinetics, and the descriptive chemistry of the elements. Lectures and laboratory. Prerequisite: Chemistry 121. (4 credits)

PHY 121 General Physics I
This course is an introduction to the study of the physical aspect of reality. Topics covered include mechanics, kinetic theory, heat, thermodynamics, waves, and sound. Lectures and laboratory. (4 credits)

PHY 122 General Physics II
A continuation of Physics 121. Topics covered include light, electricity and magnetism, quantum theory, relativity, and physics of the atomic nucleus. Lectures and laboratory. Prerequisite: Physics 121. (4 credits)

SCI 113 Concepts of Physical Science
This course provides an introductory survey of the physical sciences with particular emphasis on topics from chemistry and physics. The history of and methods used in the physical sciences are studied. Lectures and laboratory. Prerequisite: Mathematics 102 or a higher-level mathematics course. Not open to majors requiring courses in chemistry or physics. (4 credits)

SCI 114 Concepts of Earth Science
This course is a survey of minerals, rocks, historical geology, landforms, weather patterns and climates, freshwater systems and oceanography, the solar system and galaxies. Emphasis is placed on the stewardship and development of creation resources. Field trips. Lectures and laboratory. (4 credits)