Accelerated Individual Courses

2008-2009

Join a group of other adult learners in accelerated courses that emphasize the application of theory to practice. Incorporate your own rich experience with stimulating group interaction under the leadership of knowledgeable faculty. Bethel offers a dynamic environment characterized by academic excellence and a distinctive integration of Christian faith with learning.

Academic Research Writing (GENS220) • 3 credits
Focus on the higher order skills needed for writing in the context of formal research including: critical thinking, logic, and the skills associated with research writing; long document skills; and formal citation formats. Review of general writing skills such as planning, drafting, revising, editing, and citing material initially covered in other courses.
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Accounting for Managers (BUSN400) • 2 credits
Introduction to the language of accounting to aid in understanding what the numbers mean and to provide a general overview of how to use accounting numbers for financial decision making. While not needing the knowledge of a CPA, all managers must have a basic understanding of how money is tracked and accounted for in an organization.
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Advanced Family Communication (COMM441P) • 3 credits
Study of communication patterns that help or hinder relationships within the family system. Functioning in simulated family groups, learners research and develop personal roles. Consideration of various approaches to conflict, power, stress, intimacy, and family health in light of Christian attitudes and life patterns.
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Advertising and Public Relations (COMM440) • 3 credits
Examination of advertising and public relations communication strategies and ethical selling techniques. Consideration of target audience, advertising communication objectives, and unique selling propositions. Development and analysis of ad and promotional layouts, copy, PR writing, and news releases, budgets, and media coordination.
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Business and Society (BUSN104) • 3 credits
Learners will develop an understanding of the relationship between business, government, and nonprofits (NGOs). They will have the opportunity to explore issues of globalization, corporate social responsibility, and how faith impacts each of these sectors.
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Basic Communication Skills (COMM160) • 3 credits
Examination of the fundamentals of the communication process with an interactive emphasis on interpersonal, groups/teams, and public speaking; integrating these three specific components and concentrating on how meaning is created, communicated, and transformed within the social/social diversity and human contexts.
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Christianity and Civilizations (GENS240) • 3 credits
Survey of the mutual influence of the Christian church and the civilizations that arose from the Roman Empire. Learners will consult historical documents, literary and philosophical texts, video and audio clips, and artistic images. Includes reflection on how the past shapes and informs the present.
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Communication in World Entertainment (COMM445) • 3 credits
Trans-global analysis of theatre, film, and television communication.
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Computer Mediated Communication (COMM444 ) • 3 credits
Focus is on the practical and theoretical concepts of computer-mediated communications and the styles used in personal, social, and professional environments. Learners will evaluate CMC theory, practices, and processes as applied to new electronic media in relation to interpersonal relationships, developing group communication, and supporting public communication both locally and globally. A portion of this course is online.
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Concepts and Skills of Parish Nursing (NURS342) • 1 credit
Skills and knowledge specific to parish nursing are explored. Topics include roles of the parish nurse, aggregate clients, ethical/legal aspects of the role, record keeping, and personal spiritual growth. Prerequisites: R.N., NURS341.
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Cross-Cultural Communication (COMM340E) • 3 credits
Examination of the influence of cultural values on human verbal and nonverbal interactions. Analysis of theories of intercultural communication and principles of effective cross-cultural process. A portion of this course is online.
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Discovering Our Surrounding World (GENS275V) • 3 credits
Application of core concepts and methodologies from a scientific discipline to explore an aspect of the learner’s world by formulating a hypothesis, gathering and interpreting data to test the hypothesis, and reflecting critically on the scientific method and its role in contemporary society.
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End of Life Nursing Care: Evidence Based Practice (NURS340) • 1 credit
Exploration of evidence-based practices in end of life nursing care: pain management, symptom management, last hours of life, and cultural and spiritual considerations. Based on curriculum developed by the End of Life Nursing Education Consortium (ELNEC). Prerequisite: R.N. Course is online.
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End of Life Nursing Care: Promoting Quality Care (NURS344) • 1 credit
Exploration of strategies for improving quality of care at the end of life: facilitation of grief, effective communication, ethical issues, and improving end of life care in health systems. Based on curriculum developed by the End of Life Nursing Education Consortium (ELNEC). Prerequisite: R.N. Course is online.
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Engineering, Ethics, and Environment (ENVS280T) • 3 credits
Introduction to engineering as a social and ethical practice. Consideration of the
ethical aspects of engineering decisions, and environmental and social impact of the
application of new technology to our world. Exploration of the concepts of sustainability, resource allocation, economic and ecological viability, and environmental responsibility. Application of the concepts to real-world engineering models.
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Engineering Everyday Life (GENS271V) • 3 credits
Focus is on understanding the material properties of metals and plastics and
their use in the design and development process. Overview of industrial design
concepts and selected manufacturing technologies. Typical household products are assessed for form, fit, function, and cost.
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Film as Modern Myth (ENGL214) • 3 credits
Consideration of how filmmakers have appropriated mythic structures and archetypes to create meaningful narratives of human experience.
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Gender Communication (COMM342) • 3 credits
Consideration of gender differences and similarities, both verbal and nonverbal. A portion of this course will be online.
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Global Speechmaking (COMM344) • 3 credits
Global speechmaking in its historical-cultural context with emphasis on the reciprocal effects of speechmaking; specified countries chosen each semester. Topics may include religion, reform movements, and politics.
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Introduction to Statistics (PSYC335M) • 3 credits
Basic descriptive, correlational, and inferential statistics will be covered. As time permits, more advanced topics of ANOVA, multiple regression, ANCOVA, metaanalysis, and factor analysis will be introduced. Learners will perform analyses using a computerized statistical package, and primary emphasis will be placed upon understanding the concepts and interpreting results correctly. Meets Math (M) general education requirement and master’s degree Statistics prerequisite.
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It's All in Your Head: Neurology and Psychology for Everyone (GENS270V) • 3 credits
Introduction to the biological bases of behavior, basic anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and pathology of the nervous system. Using Oliver Sack’s The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat, focus is on the bio-psycho-social and spiritual issues.
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Leadership in the 21st Century (ORGL101) • 3 credits
Overview of the scope of leadership necessary for effective outcomes. Course design is real-world specific to generate immediate understanding, awareness, and application for both marketplace and personal application. Learners will identify, interpret, and analyze their individual leadership attitudes, abilities, styles, and strengths.
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Mathematics in Real Life (MATH180M) • 3 credits
Intermediate-level study of mathematical procedures: algebra, equation solving, statistical reasoning, mathematics of finance, coordinates and graphs, and inequalities. These procedures will be applied as analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving models to real life problems.
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Media Communication (COMM214) • 3 credits
Survey of the historical genres of mass media including print, broadcasting, cable, film, telephony, and the internet. Exploration of the historical functions and impacts of media on society. Provides experiences that develop and demonstrate media literacy, including the ability to think critically and ethically about the various media genres.
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Media Law (COMM345) • 3 credits
Examination of the legal framework that shapes print and electronic media in both commerce and religious institutions. Covers a portrait of legal topics that impact profit and nonprofit professionals alike – includes copyright, defamation, First Amendment rights, obscenity, and trademarks. Introduction to basic legal research of landmark court decisions. A portion of this course is online.
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Music in World Cultures (MUSC264E) • 3 credits
Online introductory study of cultural traditions, belief systems, and practices
of world cultures as approached through the study and analysis of the music of
ethnic groups.
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Oral Communication of Narratives (COMM341) • 3 credits
Focus is on the creative process involved in the performance of prose, poetry, and drama. Exploration of and practice in methods and techniques for selecting, analyzing, understanding, and adapting literature for oral performance.
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Orientation to Prior Learning (GENS111) • 1 credit
Introduction to a conceptual analysis of prior learning and how to demonstrate in writing the theoretical and experiential knowledge gained from prior learning that occurred outside the classroom. Emphasis is on expository writing. Course is required before learners may submit prior learning essays for evaluation for credit. Graded on an S/U basis.
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Personal Mission and Leadership Development (ORGL120) • 3 credits
Development of an understanding of personal mission and a study of the application of that mission to leadership roles. Emphasis is on identifying personal talents and gifts, and developing leadership skills for interdependent realities.
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Personality Theories (PSYC311) • 3 credits
Study of various theoretical approaches to personality. Emphasis is given to the assumptions and research associated with each approach. Major contributors to each view are discussed. Prerequisites: none. Introduction to Psychology is highly recommended.
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Physical Wellness for Life (HEPE260Q) • 3 credits
Focus is on helping learners live healthier, more active lives by understanding and practicing healthy exercise and nutritional habits. Examination of the use/non-use of tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs in healthy, Christian living, as well as strategies to practice regular physical activity and healthy eating.
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Presentation Methods and Popular Culture (COMM347) • 3 credits
Focus is on disseminating communication messages influenced by popular culture. Opportunity to prepare and deliver speeches that enable learners to be change agents in their communities, supportive members in churches, and exemplary workers in the global marketplace. A portion of this course is online.
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Production of Digital Content (COMM346) • 3 credits
Examination of concepts and techniques for creating digital content, and experiencing personal applications for electronic media using a variety of multimedia hardware and software. A portion of this course is online.
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Reading and Researching the American Experience (GENS210R) • 3 credits
Learners will research a sharply focused aspect of their American experience from a historical perspective, drawing on primary, secondary, and scholarly sources to answer questions, test hypotheses, and compare contrasting theories and viewpoints.
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Reading and Responding to the Arts (GENS150) • 3 credits
Cultivation of reading and writing skills through an examination of literary works, many inspired by artistic expressions found in classical, traditional, and popular forms. Learners attend at least one live creative performance, write short responses to weekly reading assignments and a final synthesizing essay exploring 'What is art?' and 'What role does art play in society, culture, and religious worship?'
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Religious Communication and American Cinema (COMM443) • 3 credits
Examination of religion’s relationship with Hollywood. Focus is on analysis of the communication of established religions (e.g., Judeo-Christian); expressions of religious duty; and religious ideals of good and evil, heaven and hell, and of immortality, as expressed by the guild of artists and their media critics who navigate these challenges in a post-modern society. Communication may include such films as The Passion of the Christ, The Apostle, Dead Man Walking, City of Angels, Saved, and additional appropriate global films. A portion of this course is online.
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Spiritual Quest (CHMN140) • 3 credits
Exploration of a Christian model of spirituality. Hermeneutical and exegetical skills will guide learners as they examine this concept in biblical and extra-biblical contexts. Though asked to explore spirituality from a Christian perspective, learners will be free to decide how they wish to define it.
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(GENS285T) • 3 credits
Critical exploration of and reflection on the historical origins of a technology within scientific disciplines, and its application to and impact on our social, economic, and environmental world.
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Studies in the American Mosaic (GENS255E) • 3 credits
Learners will explore and reflect critically on diversity and/or gender within American culture in a specific social context such as the arts, the workplace, religion, education, residential life, the government (criminal justice, social services, the military) or the like.
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Studies in Work and Family Dynamics (GENS175W) • 3 credits
Learners will explore a dimension of their lives involving work, family, religion, or community from the perspective of a social science, applying the discipline’s theories and quantitative research methods to social dynamics that affect them and their families.
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Succeeding in College (GENS110) • 3 credits
Introduction to foundational strategies and resources for effective studying, writing, and researching; the principles of a Christian liberal arts education at Bethel; relationships between college, family, and career; and Blackboard.
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Successful Writing (GENS130) • 3 credits
Development of skills necessary for expressing oneself competently through writing. Emphasis will be on the writing process (invention and organization), revision (with peer and instructor feedback), sensitivity to audience, and core documentation skills and responsibilities.
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The Bible in Real Life (BIBL230) • 3 credits
Learners will engage key portions of the Bible and explore the connections between its story and message with challenges in their own lives. They will trace the journey of God’s people from Abraham and Sarah through the New Testament church, highlighting the unifying self-disclosure of God in the various cultures and types of writing of the Old and New Testaments.
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The Church as a Place of Healing (NURS341) • 1 credit
Focus is on the theological and scriptural foundations of church health ministries. Topics include faith/health integration, the healing ministry of Jesus, varied health ministries of the church, and the nature of healing Christian communities.

This course is open to adult learners from any discipline. It explores church health ministries from the perspective of several disciplines. It offers the nurse interested in church health ministries an integrative theological, Scriptural, and multidisciplinary perspective on the ministry opportunity, although no certificate in parish nursing is offered.
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Topics in Political Communication (COMM343) • 3 credits
Analysis of political processes as public discourse and mass media. Examination of recent American and global political campaigns. Course is online.
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Understanding and Managing Conflict (PSYC170W) • 3 credits
Learners will gain understanding into the systems dynamics of conflict to help them analyze and respond to various conflicts. Analysis of conflicts in friendships, marriages, parent/child relationships, workplaces, churches, etc. Analysis of conflict as it is portrayed in the media, including conflicts currently making headlines. Focus is on gaining insights into their own interpersonal conflicts and learning emotionally intelligent responses to those conflicts.
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Workplace Writing (GENS135) • 3 credits
Writing responsibilities in the workplace require skills that differ from those appropriate for writing in the academic community. Learners will explore the communication dynamics of the workplace and develop strategies and methods for
writing memos, emails, letters, and resumes. Prerequisite: GENS130.
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Bethel University reserves the right to cancel any course if minimum enrollment has not been met. Should Bethel cancel a scheduled course, you will receive a full refund. If you withdraw within 10 business days of course start date, only 50% of tuition will be refunded.

Bethel admits qualified students regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, gender, or disability.