Courses

The course will establish a base of design concepts and knowledge with an introduction to references and ideas to foster independent inquiry. The course will introduce graphic communications through a series of two dimensional exercises; developing foundational skills.

The course will establish a base of design concepts and knowledge with an introduction to references and ideas to foster independent inquiry. The course will develop foundational appreciation and skills for effective three-dimensional (3D) visual expression through graphic representation.

The studio explores and develops conceptual strategies for basic formal and spatial design, emphasizing the role of ordering principles and of fundamental architectonic elements in the implementation of design intentions. Students also will be introduced to foundational processes for developing design projects through the application of formal analytical vocabulary, diagramming, drawing methods and conventions, and three-dimensional modeling.

The studio focuses on conceptualization and implementation of architectural ideas in response to environment, landscape, site and enclosure, as applied to a specific program and building type. Students will continue to develop the foundational design processes introduced in previous studios, and will be introduced to the role of rigorous precedent analysis in the generation of architectural ideas.

The course will be an advanced course to develop an awareness and understanding of the role of Building Information Modeling in the student's ability to study design ideas and present those ideas in the various design disciplines. Emphasis will be on the relationship of computer graphics with the design process.

The course will cover formal, theoretical, material, pragmatic and conceptual aspects of architecture, cities and art, examined in relation to their cultural contexts, from pre-history to circa 1400.

The course will cover formal, theoretical, material, pragmatic and conceptual aspects of architecture, cities and art, examined in relation to their cultural contexts, from circa 1400 to the present.

Introduction to materials and methods of the construction of buildings emphasizing the integration of design and technology. Includes comprehensive introduction to the construction of buildings and their systems, materials and methods, and their implications on building sustainability and design decision-making. Common construction methods and details are introduced. Material applications in structural and non-structural building components are explored. CAD and BIM systems are used to develop construction documents for a case study building. Skills developed include analysis of building form and function, understanding design and material selection interrelationships, and communication of ideas through drawing.

This course provides an introduction to creativity through discussion and project-based learning. The course provides overview and practice of creative processes (e.g. ideation, research, empathy, proto-typing, etc), in-depth discussion of the theological foundations for creativity, and practice for developing creative habits.

A one-semester physics survey course for science-related and technical majors including a study of mathematical methods of physics, kinematics, forces, Newton's Laws, earthquakes, fluids, work, energy, power, momentum, heat and thermodynamics, electricity, waves, light, sound, and nuclear physics. NOTE: This course does not meet the prerequisite for PHY 224. Students who need a two-semester physics sequence should take PHY 214 and 224 or PHY 201 and PHY 203.

Basic concepts of analytical geometry, limits and derivatives, differentials and rates, integration, definite and indefinite integrals, differentiation of logarithmic and exponential functions.

A calculus-based course including an introduction to derivatives and integrals, dimensional analysis, analytical geometry, trigonometry, vectors, experimental error and other topics to provide a mathematical foundation for natural science majors.

The studio focuses on conceptualization and implementation of architectural ideas throughout the process of pre-design, programmatic development, site design, and building design. Emphasis will be placed on architectural design as an interpretation and accommodation of various human activities through the exploration of program, perception, scale, proportion, life-safety code and accessibility requirements. Students will continue to develop the design processes introduced in previous studios.

The studio draws upon the three previous courses in the studio sequence, emphasizing the integrative nature of architectural design. Students will develop and demonstrate their abilities to conceptualize and implement building designs that bring together basic design principles, structural and envelope systems, environmental systems, programmatic and building service systems and egress, through the design of housing.

The purpose of this course is to enable students to understand the formation and context of various architectural ideas. This course on architectural theory provides students with a means to propose and navigate architectural discourse as a part of their development as architects.

Professional Preparation provides an introduction to the profession of architecture through 1) exploration of the structures of practice including how an office functions and expectations of internship experience; 2) exploration of a critical position of the student in relationship to their design work resulting in the craft of portfolio production; 3) development of professional skills and documents required to obtain a job in professional practice setting; and 4) examination of leadership skills as applied within an architectural practice setting.

This course deals with the thermal and environmental processes which effect buildings and how the designer responds to or manipulates the thermal environment. It is necessary for the architect to understand those processes, the human response to them and the impact of them. The class will be organized around the why, what and how of these issues and processes.

The course deals with those building elements that pertain to the visual and aural conditioning for the purposes of human use and comfort. The basic principles of light (natural and electrical) and acoustical systems, their integration with other building systems and the impact on the aesthetics of design will be stressed. Plumbing and electrical systems also will be presented. The sustainability of various systems will be explored.

Introductory course in statics and strengths of materials for architects. The course provides both qualitative understanding and quantitative understanding, but places a specific focus on the conceptual relationships between structure and form. Topics include static systems, tension and compression, bending and shear stress, combined stresses, strain, cross-sectional considerations, and the physical behavior of structural materials and systems. Additionally, this course integrates the above material with design studio processes via course projects and course format.

This course is an advanced design studio that assumes a high level of proficiency in design process and representation, as well as in other content areas developed in previous studios. This studio focuses on the conceptualization and implementation of comprehensive architectural design. Students will be expected to draw upon all previous coursework in order to thoroughly develop a project from a detailed program.

This is a practice-oriented course covering major facets of small business with special focus on starting, financing, marketing, operating, and leading the people in a small business. Special emphasis is given to entrepreneurship and small business development.

The course offers students an opportunity to learn, discuss, and analyze historical and contemporary architecture theory, criticism, and design principles on location. Raises and addresses architectural questions of composition, society, politics, and environment. Students may only earn credit for either ARC 460 or 561.

The course covers the detailed history of architecture and urban development in the host city, from its founding to the present. Offered only abroad.

The course offers students an opportunity to experience and discuss the development of non-American built environments. Focused on studying architecture in concert with, and through the lens of an allied field of study, the course examines contemporary phenomena in the built environment and its relationship with its inhabitants. Students registered in this section will participate in a global practicum experience during which the skills learned throughout the semester will be applied in an international setting. Offered only abroad.

This course focuses both on general management theory and specific project and team practices useful in the rapidly shifting environment of technology. Particular emphasis is given to the range of diverse techniques required to meet the challenges of managing teams to the successful completion of technology projects in the contemporary workplace. A comprehensive project will be completed in a group setting using Project Management theory and techniques.

This course builds on a foundational understanding of creativity's process and purpose. The aim of the course is for students to apply these foundations to the act of completing interdisciplinary creative projects in context.

This foundational course provides a broad introduction to the field of visual communication by exploring 2D design concepts, processes, techniques, and production methods. Students will gain experience in the ideation, research, execution, and presentation of design related projects.

This course will explore how to develop, conceptualize and craft effective design solutions in the form of a visual identity system. Students will design a variety of branding elements and strategy guidelines to visually communicate a core message across an array of products, services, and environments.

This course builds a foundation for advanced 3D environmental modeling, photorealistic rendering, stylistic shading, and effects processes. Students will build upon fundamental techniques to create professional quality imagery and motion with industry standard software such as Cinema 4D and Element 3D. Working is a typical design studio pipeline, students will work with NURBS modeling and mesh editing for hard surface and organic objects; texture mapping, special effects including effectors, dynamics, and multiple emitters; optimization techniques; and a variety of compositing methods to create both artistic works and commercial products.

This course focuses on advanced 3D concept design, compositing, product design, environmental modeling, photorealistic rendering, stylistic shading, and effects processes. Students will learn advanced techniques for 3D compositing into live action videography that includes a variety of methodologies to create both artistic works and commercial products with industry standard software such as Cinema 4D, After Effects, and Premiere.

With the ubiquity of mobile devices and the mainstream adoption of wearables, there is an additive digital layer of structured data viewable in mixed reality environments such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). This course provides students with an overview of the history and evolution of these technologies, their convergence, and how to build basic mixed reality applications for such domains as the arts, design visualization, architecture, fashion, and other artistic and commercial use cases. Students will use industry standard programs such as Unity 3D and Snapchat Lens.

Introduces students to the various causes of construction accidents and adopted strategies to prevent worksite injuries and illnesses with an emphasis on OSHA standards.

This course provides fundamental knowledge for the documentation, administration, and successful delivery of construction projects through the application of industry standard project delivery methodologies. The course will also introduce students to various aspects of construction contracts in respect to project delivery, construction law and ethics.

This course introduces students to advanced concepts in construction estimating/cost engineering, including but not limited to the creation of estimating spreadsheets and application of labor, material and equipment calculations. The use of cost estimating databases, what distinguishes between direct and indirect construction costs, bid proposal preparation and various computer applications.

Construction Planning and Scheduling introduces students to theory and application of construction scheduling to control the acquisition, movement, storage, utilization of workers, material, and equipment with emphasis given to the Critical Path Method (CPM).

An introduction to professional construction management practice including contracts, addendums, bonds, design-build, bids, specifications, scheduling, and other legal issues.

A general survey of Physical Anthropology, including evolutionary theory, the primate fossil record, primatology, human variability, and genetics. The history, methods, and theories of archaeology are also considered - covering all eras of the human past, from prehistoric to modern times.

This course addresses anthropological theory in a historical context and explores how the discipline has developed over time. Theories of culture are the main focus, though archeological, physical, and linguistic anthropological theories are discussed. Approaches to understanding human behavior from cognitive, material, and behavioral approaches are central.

This course will examine patterns of subsistence (economics) and social organization and control. Focusing on case studies and theoretical perspectives in anthropology regarding economics and political systems, students will explore the meaning and function of various approaches to subsistence and social organization. Using the comparative perspective (ethnology), students will also critically assess democracy as it is contextualized among various people groups to consider various forms of political engagement and shape their own views of how cultural groups employ these patterns of culture.

This course examines the principles of psychological, cognitive, physical, spiritual and social development from conception to adolescence. A Biblical view of growth and change throughout these developmental periods will be addressed.

This course examines the principles of psychological, cognitive, physical, spiritual and social development from late childhood to late adulthood. A Biblical view of growth and change throughout these developmental periods will be addressed.

This course provides an introduction into the structure and processes of the mind, focusing on topics including perception, attention, memory, decision-making, and consciousness. Students will engage with research examining cognition from a behavioral, information-processing, and a physiological perspective. Additionally, students will engage with the philosophical/epistemological assumptions in the study of cognition, with relevant applications in domains such as artificial intelligence, criminal justice, and theology.

This course is a general introduction to the scientific study of sensory processes and perceptual phenomena. The course explores how brain processes facilitate representation for psychological experiences, as well as the impact of multi-modal perceptual processes.

This course is an introduction to the theoretical, behavioral, and physiological aspects of emotion and motivation in humans. The role of motivation and emotion across domains such as health, education and well-being will be considered, with attention to biological, psychological, and social influences.

A study of the nature and meaning of social problems and deviant behavior in American Society. The incidence and characteristics of selected social problems of major public interest will be explored.

The course addresses the sociological and social psychology dimensions of group behavior, the influences on the socialization of the individual, social interaction and impacts on patterned roles and authority structures. Theories will be applied in group experiences, observations, writing, and problem solving.

This course will critically look at aging as a social process in addition to its biological and psychological components. Additionally, it will identify the aging population in our present society, the various social experiences associated with aging as well as the socioeconomic issues related to aging.

This course explores the development, patterns, structures, and consequences of social inequality, with emphasis on social progress, how American institutions are affected, and how social interactions react to institutionalized inequality. Dynamics of resistance and social change are also discussed.

This course examines an anthropological approach to religion and magic, and its relationship to symbolism, myths, sacred spaces, and rituals. This course investigates anthropological theories of religion providing a multicultural analysis of numerous forms of religious expression. Additionally, this course will examine the subject of "religion" as it intersects with economics, politics, gender, secularism, and post-colonialism.

An overview of Christian congregation and community from theological and behavioral science perspectives. Subjects include the function and purpose of Christian Institutions including the household and congregation as a place of discipleship, worship, fellowship and relational reconciliation. Secondary institutions will include Christian media, economics, law and education. The impact of the shift from Christian nationalism to post-Christian America will be addressed.

Examination of the behavioral, cognitive, and affective implications of specific doctrinal beliefs. Systematic theology is interpreted as a basis for understanding human behavior. Subjects include bibliology (Bible), theology (God), soteriology (salvation), hamartiology (sin), ecclesiology (church), and anthropology (man), with particular attention to application in Christian education and counseling.

A survey of the development of the Christian church from the close of the New Testament period to the present time, with special attention to the origin of various denominations. Core requirement for Christian Studies majors and minors.

This course is an introduction to the major religious traditions of the world, particularly Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The historical development and key figures, as well as major doctrines and practices are explored.

This course examines and applies social science theories and perspectives to understanding the human and social construction of religion, including the examination of how religious groups are organized, their cultural settings, political and economic correlates, and capabilities as agents of social change. In addition, the course explores the intersection between the secular social construct of religion, the cultural-Christian expression of religion, and the biblical model of kinship relations and community.