SPS Core
Core requirements
The SPS Core is a set of three courses designed to prepare incoming students with additional instruction in writing, oral communication, information technology, and mathematical skills. Students are required to complete the core sequence prior to enrolling in their major courses of study.
Course requirements
The SPS core is made up of the following:
| GS 2050 | Strategies for Professional Development Professional Development | 4 |
| GS 2080 | Writing for the Disciplines | 4 |
| GS 4000 | Professional Development Seminar | 0 |
GS 4000: Is a capstone seminar required for all SPS students and is to be taken in the semester prior to graduation.
GESAL Designates a course that fulfills all or part of a General Education (G.E.) requirement for the B.A. degree; see the General Education section of the School of Professional Studies for more information.
GS 1000 College Composition (4 sh) GESAL
The goal of the course is competent writing, critical reading, responsible thinking, and applied understanding of the rhetorical range of the English language. Weekly essay and research paper. Enrollment by placement. In order to pass, students must earn a grade of C- (70%) or higher.
GS 1010 Spanish I (4 sh) GESAL
Introduction to contemporary Spanish through materials relating to culture and civilization, with equal emphasis on listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Coordinated laboratory work.
GS 1020 Spanish II (4 sh) GESAL
Introduction to contemporary Spanish through materials relating to culture and civilization, with equal emphasis on listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Coordinated laboratory work. No credit for Spanish/French/German/Swedish/Norwegian will be granted to students who have more than two years of high school Spanish, etc. or the equivalent within the last five years. Prerequisite: GS 1010.
GS 1030 Mathematical Concepts and Structures (4 sh) GESAL
Topics such as symbolic logic, set theory, axiomatic systems, non-Euclidean geometry, probability, and basic computer concepts will be covered. Prerequisite: GS 1015.
GS 1040 Chemistry in Our World (2 sh) GESAL
Fundamental concepts in chemistry are presented, with specific emphasis given to environmental issues, including the chemistries of air, water, climate, and energy sources, among other topics. Designed for non-physical science majors. Does not fulfill chemistry requirements for biology majors or the pre- requisites for medical schools. Lecture and laboratory included.
GS 1050 Introduction to Psychology (4 sh) GESAL
An introduction to the methodology and the major content areas of psychology.
GS 1100 Conceptual Physics (2 sh) GESAL
An introductory algebra-based course in physical science, this course will cover selected topics in physics and astronomy with some introduction to geology and meteorology as they pertain to planetary evolution and environments. Emphasis will be placed on the role of technology in society, physics as a human endeavor, and the present and future status of space exploration. Lab is included in this course. Prerequisite: GS 1015 or by math placement.
GS 1160 Astronomy (4 sh) GESAL
An introduction to basic principles and issues in astronomy. Topics include celestial observations, planetary mechanics, comparative planetology, star evolutions, galaxies, the earth- moon system, and the solar system. Students will also develop important insights into scientific inquiry through use of a variety of data sources. Lab is included in this course.
GS 1200 Natural History of Illinois (4 sh) GESAL
A survey of the natural history of Illinois. Introduces basic concepts of natural history and environmental science.
Develops the ability to think critically about scientific problems and concepts. Includes laboratory and field experiences.
GS 1250 Nutrition (2 sh) GESAL
A general course in nutrition that will evaluate the eating habits of the student and suggest how to improve their diet. The digestive process, the role of macronutrients and micronutrients, and weight control will be explored. Nutrition will be examined from pregnancy through the elderly years. Eating disorders, food safety and the general problem of malnutrition throughout our world will be addressed. Independent laboratory activities will be assigned weekly to supplement lecture presentations.
GS 1400 Personal Development (2 sh) GESAL
Examination of the traditional domains of mind, body and spirit, while exploring a holistic approach to the integration of those domains. This course will help students create a personal framework, which will serve them for life. Familiar habits that may lead to ill health will be challenged. Attitudes that respect the wisdom of the body will be cultivated. The interactions among the body, mind, and spirit will be explored. Contemporary interpretations of what contributes to wellness will be examined and applied in the service of identifying and implementing lasting lifestyle changes.
GS 1450 Adult Fitness and Wellness (2 sh) GESAL
Comprehensive instruction in adult fitness and wellness strategies and activities. Particular attention will be paid to practical applications of fitness theories, appropriate nutritional behaviors, and examinations of commonly encountered health and wellness challenges encountered by adults. Includes applied exercise and activity components to assure comprehensive learning and fullness of appreciation for achieving personal fitness and wellness goals.
GS 1490 Statistics in Practice (4 sh) GESAL
This course introduces students to modern statistical practice, focusing on the analysis of data. The most commonly used descriptive and inferential methods are covered. Students develop analytic skills for working with data to gain understanding of real-world problems in a variety of fields, and critical thinking skills regarding the role of statistics in the modern world.
GS 1750 Studies in Literature (2 sh) GESAL
Reading and analysis of the major forms of literary expression. This course is designed to acquaint the student with principles of aesthetic criticism applied to significant works of world literature.
GS 1850 Introduction to Biblical Studies (4 sh) GESAL
An introductory survey of the history and theology of the Biblical narrative as it informs Christian faith today. Particular emphasis on the theological unity of the Bible’s message.
GS 1910 U.S. History to 1877 (3 sh) GESAL
Development of a Western civilization on the American seaboard from colonial beginnings to 1877; emphasis on the colonial experience, Revolution, Constitution, evolution of institutions, division, and reunion.
GS 1920 U.S. History Since 1877 (3 sh) GESAL
Development of an industrial and urban society and its political, economic, social, and intellectual significance; emergence as a world power.
GS 1930 Introduction to Sociology (4 sh) GESAL
Problems, fields, and methods of sociology. Emphasis on a theoretical frame of reference to explain basic social process, the role of culture in social behavior, the nature of social organization, and social and cultural change. Intensive reading in descriptive studies from a wide range of societies.
GS 1940 American Government (3 sh) GESAL
This course will provide a general survey of American politics and government. The purpose is to explain, analyze, and increase your understanding of the processes and institutions by which our nation makes political decisions.
GS 2030 Musical Connections: The Classical Tradition and American Jazz (3 sh) GESAL
This course is an introduction to the basic elements of music common to all periods and styles of music. Melody, harmony, and form will be defined as variables that create unique and recognizable musical styles. These styles will be illustrated with lectures and guided listening. The development of American Jazz as it emerged alongside the Western Classical Tradition will be a significant component. A sampling of major composers and their words from both traditions will be covered.
GS 2040 Women in U.S. History (3 sh) GESAL
Intensive exploration of the history of work as exemplified by women in the United States. Emphasis on developing the requisite skills for historical inquiry. Opportunity for independent inquiry within the overall theme of the course.
GS 2050 Strategies for Professional Development (4 sh)
Students will develop transferable skills for academic and professional success, including collaboration, written and oral communication, critical thinking, leadership, self-direction and self-reflection, use of technology, and lifelong learning as they explore the classic philosophical question, “Who am I?” Students will assess their own learning practices and experiences, reflect on personal and professional goals, and develop strategies for achieving those goals. In addition, this course serves as an orientation to expectations of baccalaureate education in general, School of Professional Studies in particular, and North Park learning resources. This is a required course for all incoming School of Professional Studies students. Student must pass the course with a minimum grade of C- to successfully fulfill this requirement.
GS 2070 Fluency with Information Technology (4 sh)
This course will develop proficiency with contemporary word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, e-mail, and browser application. The course will also introduce fundamental knowledge underlying information technology including how computers work, how information is represented digitally, modeling and abstraction, and algorithm discovery. Finally, this course will facilitate development of higher-level thinking processes necessary for exploiting IT: problem solving, reasoning, managing complexity, and troubleshooting. Limitations and social implications of technology will also be addressed. Second course in SAL Core sequence.
GS 2080 Writing for the Disciplines (4 sh) GESAL
The focus of this course is helping students develop effective written communication skills, both academic and professional. The course provides instruction and practice in writing as a process, writing to learn methods, audience analysis, argumentation, clear and concise expression of ideas, and library research so that students develop information literacy and appropriate methods of documentation. Students are provided with resources, strategies, and opportunities to develop the critical thinking, rhetorical analysis, and revision skills necessary to write complex arguments. Student must pass the course with a minimum grade of C- to successfully fulfill this requirement.
GS 2085 Research Skills for the Disciplines (0 sh)
Research for the Disciplines introduces students to a variety of strategies for conducting quality academic research. In addition, it reinforces appropriate academic-integrity etiquette, including proper citation and formatting for integrating outside sources into a student’s own writing or other projects requiring research. This zero-credit, Pass/Fail course is a requirement for any SPS undergraduate student who has successfully tested out of GS 2080: Writing for the Disciplines. Either a passing grade for GS 2080 or a grade of P in GS 2085 or is required to fulfill an SPS student’s Research Writing GE requirement.
GS 2210 Jesus of Nazareth (4 sh) GESAL
The life and teachings of Jesus studied with reference to current research. Explores the “quest for the historical Jesus,” the historicity of the gospels, and the method and message of Jesus’ teachings. Prerequisite: GS 1850.
GS 2250 Film Studies (3 sh) GESAL
An exploration of relationships between film and society through the study of film aesthetics, film history, and film criticism. Emphasis will be placed on the criticism of narrative films. Critical skills will be developed through discussion, assigned readings, research, and writing.
GS 2260 The Modern World (4 sh) GESAL
The Modern World is an introduction to the cultures and historical developments of the major world regions and their global interactions in the nineteenth, twentieth, and twenty- first centuries.
GS 2300 Servant Leadership (4 sh) GESAL
This course explores the foundational Biblical tenants and multiple facets of Servant Leadership in theory and in practice. Students will gleam examples from the Bible, Jesus, history and current research to determine the qualities and characteristics of a servant leader and discover how to best integrate these principles in a personal leadership style. Students will explore the six central areas of Servant Leadership which include; love, self-sacrifice, humility empowerment, modeling, and service. They will examine these areas through the lenses of the heart, head, hands and habits of a Servant Leader and learn how to lead like Jesus. Finally, students will be challenged not only to understand the key ideas associated with Servant Leadership but also to assess and apply those ideas to his/her life using a Biblical approach and Servant leadership examples of Jesus, who has over 2.1 billion followers making him the undisputed greatest leader of all time!
GS 2510 African-American History to 1865 (3 sh) GESAL
Explores the history of African Americans beginning with African origins and continuing through the Civil War. Focuses on Black religion, identity formation, participation in plantation society, and contribution to American culture. Emphasizes African-American self-expression through a reading of primary sources, especially slave narratives.
GS 2520 African-American History from 1865 to the Present (3 sh) GESAL
Explores the history of African Americans from the end of the Civil War to the present. Investigates Black identity formation, migration and urbanization, leadership production, protest strategies, and recent political movements. Gives attention to the writings of African-American authors, especially those of the Harlem Renaissance and the Civil Rights Movement.
GS 2550 Christian Ethics (4 sh) GESAL
A study of the moral implications of the Christian faith, with emphasis on their integration into personal belief. Prerequisite: GS 1850.
GS 2560 C.S. Lewis (4 sh) GESAL
A study of the life and thought of C.S. Lewis. Emphasis will be given to his religious ideas, his understanding of the Christian doctrine, and his methods of commending the Christian faith by reason and imagination. Prerequisite: GS 1850.
GS 2600 Comparative Politics (4 sh) GESAL
An introductory comparative study of the political institutions of the nations of Europe and selected nations of the Middle East, Latin America, Asia, and Africa. Political parties, ideologies, military, social revolution, and modernization will be considered.
GS 3150 Global Themes in History (4 sh) GESAL
An introduction to the cultures, historical developments and global interactions of the world history through an intense examination of one of its significant themes.
GS 3520 Christian Spirituality (4 sh) GESAL
An examination of the nature of Christian spirituality with emphasis on spiritual development and maturity. Relevant literature of a variety of approaches to spirituality will be introduced and evaluated.
GS 3620 World Religions (4 sh) GESAL
Study of the common features and distinctive motifs that characterize some of the main religious traditions; Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and others. Emphasis on development of a methodology for reading and interpreting the world’s religions. Prerequisite: GS 1850.
GS 3910 Topics in General Studies (1-4 sh)
An intensive investigation of a selected topic offered from time to time at the discretion of the department.
GS 4000 Professional Development Seminar (0 sh)
This capstone seminar is required for all SPS students and is to be taken in the semester of graduation. Through discussion and synthesis of both general education and major outcomes, participants will reflect on their own learning, assess their academic and professional growth, examine the development of their transferable skills, and complete a professional portfolio. In addition, students will be offered a variety of resources to help them consider ways of continuing their personal and professional growth, as well as ongoing service, as life-long learners. Finally, students will be asked to provide feedback on their major, the SPS program, and various university-wide services that have been part of their experience.
GS 4910 Topics in International Settings (1-4 sh)
The School of Professional Studies encourages adult students to understand the implications of a global community, both theoretically and experientially. Topics within the overall theme of the course will be announced one year prior to offering the exchange. Study will include three to four weeks of in-class preparation, one to two weeks in a foreign country (e.g., Sweden, Mexico), one to two in-class sessions upon return. A journal will be kept throughout the experience.