College of Education - Course Descriptions

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Course Catalog

The CCU Catalog is posted online for all prospective students and any interested person.

UNDERGRADUATE COURSES

APO391 Introduction to Islam

This course will introduce the student primarily to the history and theology of the religion of Islam. Special emphasis will be given to topics such as the life of Mohammad, the Qur’an and how the “Golden Age of Islam” (10th-13th centuries). The course will also include introductory information on Christian apologetics to Muslims.

ART101 Visual and Performing Arts

This course provides an integrated overview of historical developments in the arts within Western Civilization (visual arts, music, and theater). Learners identify the major periods in the history of the central art forms and identify major artists and their works. Principles of art appreciation, and arts’ relation to religious, socio-economic, intellectual, and cultural trends are examined. Learners study the creative process underlying art, and articulate the process of creating a work of art. They develop skills in art analysis and consider the function of art and the artist in society.

BC214 Marriage and Family Counseling

Marriage and family problems are present in the majority of counseling cases. This course will give an overview of general marriage and family counseling issues relating to the content and process of counseling. It will then proceed to specifically deal with some of the major difficulties that troubled marriages and families experience from a biblical perspective. Included in the course are discussions of the biblical basis and purposes of marriage, family stages, in-law problems, developing unity, husband/wife roles and responsibilities, correcting communication problems and how to resolve conflicts that arise.

BIB201 Old Testament Survey I

This course provides learners with a comprehensive survey of the Old Testament (part one), emphasizing its contents, major theological and ethical teaching, structure, and historical settings. In addition, students will listen to selected audio studies on the Old Testament by Pastor and teacher Chuck Smith, the founder of the Calvary Chapel Movement.

BIB202 New Testament Survey I

Designed to introduce learners to the New Testament (part 1), this course will emphasize its contents, major theological and ethical teachings, structure, and historical settings. A survey of the inter-testamental period and history will also be reviewed. In addition, students will listen to selected audio studies on the New Testament by Pastor and teacher Chuck Smith, the founder of the Calvary Chapel Movement.

BIB208 Old Testament Survey II

This course provides learners with a comprehensive survey of the Old Testament (part two), emphasizing its contents, major theological and ethical teaching, structure, and historical settings. In addition, students will listen to selected audio studies on the Old Testament by Pastor and teacher Chuck Smith, the founder of the Calvary Chapel Movement.

BIB209 New Testament Survey II

Designed to introduce learners to the New Testament (part 2), this course will emphasize its contents, major theological and ethical teachings, structure, and historical settings. A survey of the inter-testamental period and history will also be reviewed. In addition, students will listen to selected audio studies on the New Testament by Pastor and teacher Chuck Smith, the founder of the Calvary Chapel Movement.

BIB322 Interpersonal Relationships

Knowing God and viewing others as His children encourages healthy and successful relationships with family, employer/employees, fellow workers, and others. This course is designed to examine the important relationships that humans develop throughout their lives. Learners are introduced to principles that foster godly interpersonal relationships and are equipped to make an impact for Christ in their families, workplaces, and upon their culture.

BIO102 Natural Science and Biology

What is science? What do scientists do? How is science done? What do scientists think? These questions, and many more, are practically unknown by Christians; but yet, many Christians add their voices to this debate without knowing what the debate is really about. Evolution. Creationism. Creation Science. Fundamentalism. Traditionalism. Naturalism. Darwinism. Faith. Religion. Worldviews. My hope with this course is that you will learn about what science is and how it interacts with the Christian faith.

CBL202 Introduction to Christian Leadership

This course is designed to help the administrator examine his own personal strengths and weaknesses as a leader. The student is exposed to the fundamental concepts of process, organization, communication, and decision making.

COM101 Speech Communication

This course introduces learners to the art of public speaking. Throughout the course, learners will write, organize, and develop the skills to deliver meaningful speeches, and grow in their ability to communicate effectively.

ED217 Instructional Technology

This course acquaints the student with concepts and application of technology in the education setting. A primary emphasis will be on the uses of new software applications in the educational institution with a focus on using technology in the classroom setting.

ED228 Elementary Curriculum (2021)

This course will expose the student to the principles and reasoning behind the design of the elementary school curriculum. The student will become familiar with the components of backward design. Determining what is worthy of understanding and identifying essential questions is at the core of this course.

ED229 Current Issues in Education

In this course learners will be presented with various issues influencing current thought and practice in elementary and secondary education. The issues will be examined in light of their philosophical roots and their impact on traditional Christian education.

ED241 Philosophy of Christian Education (2021)

In this course learners are introduced to a brief overview of the historical and philosophical events and ideas that contributed to the development of present-day American education. The course also examines the present religious state of public education and the Christian school as the right alternative.

ED242 Cultural Diversity in Education

This course will examine and analyze current research and theories concerning the nature of culture and its relationship to the language development, cognition, learning, and academic achievement of the diverse student population in many of today’s schools.

ED243 Elementary Reading Instruction

This course will provide the student with the principles and concepts for teaching-intensive phonics while exploring the components of balanced comprehensive English Language Arts instruction that includes reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students will be introduced to ways to support the use of the Common Core Standards in the classroom. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of various strategies for literacy instruction. These include organized, systematic, and explicit plans in a literature-rich environment, which promote fluent reading and writing based on the progressive development of the following: phonemic awareness, direct systematic and explicit phonics, decoding skills, letter names and shapes, sound symbols, relationships, and syllabic knowledge.

ED245 Principles of Instruction & Methods

This course is designed to expose the Christian educator to a variety of successful instructional techniques and methods. Emphasis is placed on the practical application of proven methods of traditional Christian education.

ED248 Classroom Management

ED251 Elementary Math Instruction

This course is designed to give an overview of the mathematical concepts taught in the traditional Christian elementary school. Emphasis is placed on learning strategies for the successful teaching of these concepts. In addition, the student will research current trends in the learning and teaching of mathematics in the elementary grades.

ED255 Elementary Science Instruction

Elementary Science Instruction acquaints students with the concepts and teaching methods involved instructing elementary students. The key concepts highlighted in this course are: Biblical worldview, philosophy of science instruction, instructional methodology and project-based learning.

ED258 Elementary Language Instruction

This course, ED258 Elementary Language Instruction, will expose the student to the comprehensive aspects of the reading and writing processes. The six areas of language arts: listening, talking, reading, writing, viewing, and visually representing will be explored. The student will become familiar with numerous teaching techniques, projects, and activities. This practical course will provide clear instruction on how to create language rich environments, implement effective authentic assessment procedures, and utilize learning tools. The overall goal of this course is to equip future educators on how to assist elementary age students develop efficiency and competency in the areas of language arts.

ED261 Elementary History Instruction

Using a Christian approach to history, this course emphasizes teaching ancient history, United States history, and government to elementary students. Its specific purpose is to give necessary foundational skills for teaching history in the elementary grades.

ED262 Teaching Methods I

This course develops an understanding of the basic principles and techniques of effective instruction in the various subject areas taught and activities conducted by the elementary classroom teacher. Emphasis will be given to the practical implementation of sound educational practices in classroom materials, methods, and management in a traditional, Christian elementary classroom.

ED271 Secondary English Instruction

This course will provide the student with the principles and concepts for teaching secondary English while exploring the components of a balanced, comprehensive literacy curriculum and methodology.

ED272 Physical Education Instruction

This course is designed to equip students with practical ideas, concepts, and strategies that will enable them to manage and instruct a quality physical education program with a distinctly Christian perspective. This course will address the purpose of physical education, various content in physical education, general misconceptions about physical education, the role of physical education in schools, what a quality physical education program is, how to develop a quality physical education program, and ways to instill godly principles into the curriculum.

ED273 Secondary History Instruction

Teaching history from a Biblical worldview is primary for the Christian School history teacher. This course emphasizes the creation of history lessons that incorporate a Biblical worldview as well as other primary components of a sound history lesson. The components that are covered in this course are: Biblical worldview, primary resources, literature connections, art connections, propaganda, and educational technology.

ED274 Classroom Assessment (2021)

This course will present students with the best current practices and principles of assessment across the curriculum. The characteristics and uses of both formal and informal assessment instruments and procedures will be studied with emphasis on formative assessment and principles and practices for effective standards-based instruction. Students will also learn how to design, administer, and interpret a variety of assessment measures.

ED275 Secondary Education Curriculum (2021)

This course deals with epistemology as it relates to learning and exposes the student to the sequential design of the high school curriculum. The student examines from a Christian perspective the philosophy, content, structure, and sequence of curriculum within each of the disciplines.

ED276 Secondary Mathematics Instruction

The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics is consistent with the Teachers College’s Conceptual Framework, as some of the goals are to be problem-solvers, flexible, confident, adjustable decision makers applying mathematical knowledge to be good consumers and informed citizens in our global high-tech society. As a reflective decision-maker the student will make informed decisions, exhibit ethical, Christian behavior, and provide evidence of being a capable professional by documenting emergent numeracy development, developing lesson plans that demonstrate respect for the developmental characteristics of young people and needs of ELL students, and demonstrating the capability to teach and respect all young people.

ED277 Secondary Science Instruction

Secondary Science Instruction acquaints students with the concepts and teaching methods involved in instructing middle school and high school students. The key concepts highlighted in this course are: Biblical worldview, philosophy of science instruction, instructional methodology and project-based learning.

ED278 Teaching Exceptional Students

This is a course which will offer an opportunity for learners to become more informed on what special education is and the issues pertaining to special education as it applies to our society today. Special focus will be given on understanding the varying exceptionalities of students. Learners will be able to identify different techniques currently utilized in servicing the special needs student population. This course will also challenge learners on how to tap even deeper on finding ways in which this special student population can better be served.

ED279 Educational Psychology (2021)

The purpose of this course is to engage students in a distinctly Christian, comprehensive examination of educational psychology. There is emphasis upon the practical application in a Christian educational setting. Principles of teaching, theories of learning, concepts of motivational psychology, and use of instructional objectives are presented. The book of Philippians is examined for its approach to psychology’s fundamental problems.

ENG101 Writing & Research

English 101 is designed to strengthen college-level writing skills, with particular attention to audience, purpose, and rhetorical situation. Students receive instruction in planning, drafting, and revising essays. Research is introduced as a means by which students can extend their understanding using outside resources. Additionally, critical reading and thinking strategies are developed.

HIS201 American History

Did Columbus believe that God called him west to undiscovered lands? Does American democracy owe its inception to the handful of Pilgrims that settled at Plymouth? If, indeed, there was a specific, divine call upon this nation, is it still valid today? The American History course answers these questions and many more for history buffs. As students look at their nation’s history from God’s point of view, they will begin to have an idea of how much we owe to a very few–and how much is still at stake.

HIS202 American Government

The purpose of this course is to learn about the structure of the U.S. government, the democratic process, and the issues surrounding us as U.S. and global citizens. Students will discover how the framers of our great nation developed their ideas about government.

MAT111 College Mathematics

This online course develops a strong business math foundation. Students learn and apply the following skills to a variety of business-related tasks: computation, fractions, decimals, percentages, bank transactions, trade/cash discounts, markup and markdowns, business statistics, payroll calculations, interest, notes, and present value calculations.

MIN212 Calvary Chapel Philosophy of Ministry

In this course we will provide an overview of the Calvary Chapel Distinctives and the Calvary Chapel Philosophy of Ministry. By the end of this course, the student will have a comprehension about what makes Calvary Chapel unique among the Family of God.

PHIL101 Philosophy

If we love wisdom and search for truth, the study of philosophy is essential. This course deals with the basics of philosophy from a Christian perspective and gives many opportunities to apply biblical truth to the realities of Christian life and ministry. It deals with areas of logic, knowledge, truth, God and the supernatural, and ethics.

PRA288 Student Teaching Practicum I

PRA288 Practicum provides a classroom experience in a public or parochial school setting. Students work closely with a classroom teacher to develop a greater understanding of teaching and the skills necessary to become an effective teacher and classroom manager.

PRA386 Student Teaching

PRA386 Student teaching is the culmination of four (4) years or 120 credits of preparation for teaching at Calvary Chapel University. Student teachers will apply principles of academic instruction, classroom management, and Biblical integration to a K-12 Christian school classroom setting appropriate to the endorsement area of the teacher candidate. Students in training will work closely with a classroom teacher in order to develop a greater understanding of the teaching profession and apply knowledge learned throughout the program to students in the k-12 classroom.

PRA388 Student Teaching Practicum II

PRA388 Practicum provides classroom experience in a public or parochial school classroom. Students work closely with a classroom teacher in order to develop a greater understanding of teaching and the skills necessary to become an effective teacher and classroom manager.

PRA488 Student Teaching Practicum III

PRA488 Student Teaching is the culmination of four (4) years or 120 credits of preparation for teaching at Calvary Chapel University. Student teachers will apply principles of academic instruction, classroom management, and Biblical integration to a K-12 Christian school classroom setting appropriate to the endorsement area of the teacher candidate. Students in training will work closely with a classroom teacher to develop a greater understanding of the teaching profession and apply knowledge learned throughout the program to students in the K-12 classroom.

THE220 Christian Ethics

This course provides an examination and evaluation of ethical theories and systems with special attention directed to discovering a biblical view of morality. Such topics as homosexuality, abortion, euthanasia, civil disobedience, capital punishment, bioethics, personhood and more will be discussed.

THE401 Fundamentals of Faith

This course is designed to bring the learners into deeper, more personal, and supernatural faith in Jesus Christ. Learners will define biblical faith. Scriptural faith lessons will be explored at length. The “faith walker” will read about and apply real world faith experiences to their lives.

GRADUATE COURSES

BC522 Interpersonal Relationships

This course is designed to examine the important relationships that humans encounter. All areas of life are touched by the relationships we form. Knowing God and viewing others as His children, encourages healthy and successful relationships.

CBL501 Advanced Christian Studies in Leadership

This course answers theoretical and practical questions by examining the administrative process, including goal setting, organization, delegation, human relations, group dynamics, supervision, and leadership training. Though administration principles are universal, the course focuses on Christian organizations, particularly the local church. The course is designed to help students become more effective church leaders in both theory and practice.

CBL510 - Theology of Leadership

This course involves a careful examination of the theology of leadership. The emphasis is on studying both Old and New Testament leaders and leadership characteristics which not only can be observed, but also applied to one’s philosophy of ministry. This is an intermediate course for those pursuing leadership upon completion of a degree. However, it also meets the needs of many students with other interests, as the course asserts that as Christians, we all share a degree of leadership in various spheres of life.

ED517 Technology in the Classroom

This course is designed to acquaint the graduate student with concepts and applications of computers. The primary emphasis will be upon the uses of data processing in the educational institution.

ED518 School Management

This is a course in which you will read, do assignments on the Internet, take short weekly quizzes, write essays, and take final exams about Christian School management. The intent of the course is to give the graduate student the basic skills necessary for the successful management of the Christian School. Content will center on the aspects of school management such as personnel administration, office procedures, management of student enrollment, food service operations, discipline, and supervision of instruction.

ED529 Current Issues in Education

Exploring the legal, social, academic, and philosophical issues present in the contemporary educational systems, both Christian and secular.

ED532 Guidance and Counseling

This course acquaints the learner with the practical aspects of counseling in the Christian school. The learner is familiarized with the scope of current philosophies of counseling

ED541 History and Philosophy of Education

This course is part of the core curriculum at Calvary Chapel University. Its general purpose is to give an overview of the historical and philosophical events and ideas which contributed to the development of the present day American public system of education. Its specific purpose is to identify those characteristics of American education which have contributed to its success in the past and those trends of educational thought which have served to bring American education down from its zenith. A brief overview of the present religious state of public education and the Christian school as an alternative will be presented.

ED545 Instruction and Methods

ED548 School Culture and Classroom Dynamics

A variety of methods will be used to assist students in the understanding and development of successful classroom management techniques. Instruction will be geared toward the specific area taught by the students. A vital part of the course will be the practical application of classroom management techniques. What strategies are most effective in creating a well-managed classroom that supports the best possible teaching and learning? What rules and procedures should you establish, and what kinds of consequences are appropriate for students who break the rules? How can you foster positive relationships with even the most challenging students? These and many more topics will be reviewed.

ED550 Instructional Design and Technology Theories and Models

This course focuses on pedagogical theories as they relate to instructional design, and on existing and emerging models of instructional design. Topics include major schools of thought on how people learn, instructional and learning theories, and instructional design models and principles.

ED562 Teaching Methods II

This course develops an understanding of the basic principles and techniques of effective instruction in the various subject areas taught and activities conducted by the classroom teacher. Emphasis will be given to the practical implementation of sound educational practices in classroom materials, methods, and management in a traditional, Christian classroom.

ED579 Educational Psychology

ED582 Instructional Design

This course will provide an overview of instructional design, explain the essential principles of instructional design, describe the processes used to put instructional design principles into practice and to provide examples of practical application in a manner that transcends instructional design models and approaches. Additionally, the graduate student will learn about the different learning theories such as behaviorism, cognitive processes, information processing, mastery learning, and developmental learning theories. The student will develop a knowledgeable framework from which to make an application to the Christian perspective of the child’s learning process.

ED620 Digital Literacy and Citizenship

This course challenges students to define digital literacy and digital citizenship in a way that helps them to lead organizations of digital instructors and educators to provide excellence in instructional practice, collaborative inclusion, and safe learning environments for all students. This course also challenges students to think beyond a definition to the practical application of digital literacies and citizenship to organizations/institutions and all their coordinated leaders, employees, students, and other stakeholders.

ED621 Curriculum Design and Development

This course is designed to develop students’ technical skills in curriculum design and development for instructional purposes. Topics include visual design principles, digital graphics, audio, and video.