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 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 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 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 2050 Strategies for Professional Development (4 sh)

The primary goal of this course is to provide students with a foundation for directing their own learning, developing vocational awareness, and establishing a career plan that aligns with their personal characteristics. Students will identify appropriate academic majors, occupational and employment opportunities, and evaluate career options through research to achieve academic and professional goals. The course emphasizes the ongoing nature of career development and aims to help students build a fulfilling work life as part of their overall plan for personal development. Students will gain the necessary skills to navigate the challenges of making career choices in a complex, global economy, and design learning plans that align with their personal and professional aspirations. 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 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.

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 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 2550 Christian Ethics (4 sh) GESAL

A study of the moral implications of the Christian faith, with emphasis on their integration into personal belief.

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. 

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.