Spring Sessions at Kuyper College

Eight weeks. Two Sessions. Extremely educational.

Kuyper College is now offering two intensive sessions in Spring 2010. Spring Session I and II will offer a great opportunity to shift gears and focus on in-depth study of just one subject.

Session I, May 3 -21, will offer seven classes that meet on campus and one that will be held in the Dominican Republic.  Session II, May 25-June 25, will offer four on-campus classes and one that takes students to Yellowstone National Park.  Some courses will generally meet on campus but include trips to Colorado, Springfield, or local ecosystems. 

Spring Sessions I and II are a great bargain for students, since these classes are offered at a reduced tuition rate--only $565 per credit hour.  In addition, four-year students at Kuyper receive two Spring Tuition grants worth the entire cost of tuition for a class.   Room and board will be available for the three weeks at a cost of $150 per week.  Federal Pell Grants are now available for these courses, up to $2,006 in aid.

All students registering for an off-campus class will be responsible for paying their own travel costs as well as room and board costs. (The off-campus courses are not mission trips. Hence, students will not do fund-raising. Donors will not be issued tax-deductible gift receipts.)

Students are urged to discuss the course options with their academic advisor before registering. Students can register for Spring Sessions online through the student portal during registration for Fall semester registration in March. After online registration is closed, students need to register in person at the Academic Office.

Students are not required to take classes during Spring Sessions. However, some students may be able to complete their education earlier with Spring Session courses. It’s a way to catch up for students who fall behind in their program. Spring Session also offers students the chance to venture beyond the classroom for learning way beyond the ordinary. 

SPRING SESSION I COURSES: MAY 3 -21

BI 454  Revelation
Dr. Daniel Kroeze, Professor of Biblical Studies • 3 credit hours
Meets M-F 8:00 am - 11:00 am

This course interprets the New Testament apocalypse, Revelation, examining a variety of interpretations of the book. It explains the purpose and structure of the book and discusses and applies its major themes from a historical, expositional, and theological perspective for today’s church and culture. This course fulfills an Old Testament elective.

TH 358 Christian Ethics
Dr. Douglas Felch, Professor of Theological Studies • 3 credit hours
Meets M-F 8:00 - 11:00 am

This course examines the philosophical and theological foundations of a variety of ethical theories and practices with a  view toward gaining skill in ethical decision making from a Christian perspective. The course focuses on the ethical perspectives found in the decalogue for developing a comprehensive model for Christian ethics. This course fulfills a theology elective.

CO 234 Principles of Speech
Melissa Okenka, Adjunct Instructor of Communications  •  3 credit hours
Meets M-F 8:00 am - 11:00 am  

This course involves the study of basic principles in introductory public speaking, emphasizing thesis, speaking modes and occasions, organization strategies, and audience considerations.  The ethics of speaking will be discussed.  Students will practice their speaking, presentation, listening and evaluation skills and appropriate use of visual aids. This course fulfills a literature requirement or a general elective.

CO 335  Willa Cather Through the Letters
Dr. Lisa Garvelink, Associate Professor of English • 3 credit hours
Meets M-F 8:00 am - 11:00 am

This course includes a critical study of several representative Willa Cather novels and short stories from early to late in her career.  Probable titles include The Song of the Lark, My Antonia, A Lost Lady, The Professor’s House, Saphirra and the Slave Girl, “Neighbor Rosicky”,  and “Old Mrs. Harris.” Students will explore thematic and stylistic dimensions of Cather’s work through the in-class use of Cather’s unpublishable letters and some critical writings about the importance of these letters in ascertaining the origins of the novels and short stories.  Prerequisite: CO 210 or permission from the professor.  This class fulfills a literature or general elective course requirement.

HI 311 The Life and Legacy of Abraham Lincoln
Dr. Paul Bremer, Emeritus Professor of Biblical Studies and Greek Language  •  3 credit hours
Meets M-F 8:00 am - 11:00 am, and trip to Springfield IL
Lab fee is $230

This course will study the life of Abraham Lincoln, the role he played as President during America’s Civil War, and the lasting contributions he made to the United States.  The course will identify the forces that caused the Civil War, controversial issues in the war and differing perspectives on the achievements of Lincoln. Special attention will be given to his religious convictions. The bicentennial of Lincoln’s birth was celebrated in 2009 and there has been a steady flow of new books and insights about Lincoln. The course will include a bus trip to the Lincoln Presidential Museum in Springfield, Illinois and some other Lincoln sites in the Springfield area. Dr. Bremer has studied Abraham Lincoln for many years, and over the years has acquired an extensive collection of books and articles about Lincoln.  His professional connections in the field will make the museum visit a truly exceptional one! This course fulfills the history requirement or a general elective requirement. Note: a lab fee will be associated with this course for the trip to Illinois. 

SC 205 Field Ecology
Ray Gates, Associate Professor of Biology for Cornerstone University • 4 credit hours
Meets M-F 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm and evenings, and field trips
Lab fee is $50

In this class we will explore the ecological gems of Michigan. It will be a hands-on experience into a variety of different ecosystems. Several field trips will be taken to study our streams and wetlands, including a trip to a bog, a forest, and sand dunes. We will focus on the animals and wildflowers that make these places special. We will also look at our role as Christian caretakers of God’s creation. (Note: this class is strongly recommended for students intending to study at Calvin Theological Seminary, since at least one of the two required science courses must have a lab component.  This class fulfills that prerequisite for admission to the seminary.  While this course is open to all students, social work majors should be mindful that this course does NOT fulfill the science requirement for the social work program.) Ray Gates (also known as “Gator”) is Associate Professor of Biology at Cornerstone University.  He has earned his bachelor’s degree in Biology and a master’s degree in Field Biology.

ED/YM 411 Christian Camping, Conference & Retreat Ministries
Brian Telzerow, Associate Professor of Youth Ministry • 3 credit hours
Meets M-F 8:00 am - 11:00 am, and trip to Colorado
Lab fee is $425

A study of the philosophy, principles, administration, and programs of various types of ministries.  Includes exposure to adventure camping in an experiential learning environment.  Consideration is given to the needs of children, youth, and adults.  This course fulfills an elective in the youth ministry major or a general elective.

SW 400 The Dominican Republic: A Cultural Experience
Greg Scott, Professor of Social Work • 3 credit hours
Meets off-campus May 3-19
Lab fee is $1745 

This course will introduce students to the cultural, social, political, economic and spiritual diversity of this vulnerable population.  This course is a concentrated learning experience where students understand and appreciate a culture unlike their own. Generalist social work practice will be utilized with varied and vulnerable populations.  Students will become aware of the particular issues of poverty, gender, AIDS, economic strife, health care and political equality within the social strata of the Dominican Republic. Trips are planned to an orphanage, leper colony, group home, school, hospital, ghetto, street ministry, market and university. Preparation for this trip takes place throughout the school year. The total estimated cost for this course is approximately $2000.  Students interested in this course must fill out an application which can be obtained from Professor Scott.  Enrollment is limited to 12. This course fulfills the Cultural Anthropology requirement for social work majors, Global Awareness requirement or a general elective.

This course provides a basic introduction to the Old Testament.  Emphasis is given to the historical background and content of each Old Testament book.  Students will learn how these books lay the foundation for God's story of salvation history, providing a basis for a biblical worldview.  Attention is also given to the impact of the Old Testament for today and development of a biblically infomred theology that equips one for everday living. 

TH 241  Christian Doctrine I
Jonathan Marko, Adjunct Instructor of Theological Studies • 3 credit hours
Meets M&W 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm

This course examines Christian doctrine within the biblical and theological framework provided by covenant theology.  It concentrates on the biblical teaching about the nature and source of theology (prolegomena), doctrine of God  (theology proper), and doctrine of humanity (biblical anthropology). 

PH 132 Introduction to Philosophy
Branson Parler, Assistant Professor of Theological Studies • 3 credit hours
Meets Tu & Th 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm

An introduction to the nature, task, and skills of philosophy.  Students will engage foundational philosophical issues by critically examining readings by classic and contemporary philosophers. This course includes an assessment of the value of philosophy for Christian life and ministry.

SO 211 Introduction to Sociology
Greg Scott, Professor of Social Work • 3 credit hours
Meets Tu & Th 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm

This course is an introduction to the discipline of sociology, the study of human interaction and social life.  Specific areas of knowledge to explore will include social research, culture, social deviance, social groups, social stratification, family and gender, social inequalities and social movements.  Winter.

Dr. Daniel Kroeze, Professor of Biblical Studies • 3 credit hours
Meets M&W 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm