Division of General Studies
The Division of General Studies is a support division for the degree granting programs. Committees involved in designing each degree program offered by the college have thoughtfully selected each of these courses. They are selected in the light of the overall objectives. They are discussed and approved by Department Chairmen and the Academic Dean.
The Division of General Studies is subdivided into three departments: Communication, Languages and Natural and Social Science. These subdivisions clearly state the purpose for the course offerings in this area of study and show how these courses directly contribute to the goals and objectives of the college.
Students who come to prepare for Christian ministry need to acquire certain skills such as writing and speaking. They also need to have a broad understanding of the people to whom they will minister. Courses such as British Literature, US History and Psychology help to develop better understanding. Being able to evaluate our world and the world of the Bible in perspective is important. For this reason, courses in Church History and Western Civilization are offered.
Each degree-granting program was carefully evaluated in regard to what was needed to adequately prepare students for their specific ministries. For example, US History was considered important for the Pastors major, but not for Missions majors. The rationale was that we do not want our missionaries to be ethno-centered, but to have a broader understanding of the many cultures of the world. On the other hand, Missions majors are required to take Argumentation and Debate because the development of critical and analytical thinking is important for missionaries as well as Pastors and other areas of ministry.
Some courses in General Studies prepare the student for a healthy well-balanced life. Health Maintenance is such a course. Other courses, like Math, provide needed practical skills. In some cases, courses have been offered to meet more narrow needs, such as Creation Science.
Regardless of the degree sought, all students entering the ministry need to have a well-rounded education which teaches them basic skills, historical perspective and an understanding and appreciation of the world about them. We believe that such knowledge and understanding is in harmony with biblical teaching and better prepares the students for effective ministries.
Sections
General Studies - Communication - EnglishGeneral Studies - Communication - Speech
General Studies - Languages - Biblical
General Studies - Languages - Spanish
General Studies - Linguistic - Studies
General Studies - Natural and Social Sciences
General Studies - Social Science - Biblical Counseling
General Studies - Social Science - Biblical Psychology
General Studies - Social Science - Geography
General Studies - Social Science - History
General Studies - Natural Science - Math
General Studies - Social Science - Orientation
General Studies - Social-Science - Physical Education
General Studies - Social-Science - Political Science
General Studies - Natural Science - Science
General Studies - Communication - English
The requirements of the Communication-English Division of the Communication Department may be partially or completely met by the equivalent college transfer hours or by the student’s proficiency in the subject. Please see the admissions section of this catalog for further information.
The primary objective of the English Division is to train students in effective communication and to teach the value of literature. It offers different courses from basic grammar and composition to literature.
Upon completion of the curriculum, students should be able to:
- Speak and write the English language effectively through the use of refined communication skills and correct grammar.
- Write structured compositions
- Understand and appreciate the content and the rich heritage of literature relative to the Christian experience and evaluate the merit of such literature as it relates to Christian values
The English division of the communication department offers a TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) minor in order to prepare students who are anticipating working among non-English speakers, whether it be within the U.S. or abroad. This minor includes practical, inclass experience. It is versatile, enabling students to prepare a curriculum from scratch or work within a system that is already in place.
This course covers the basic principles of English emphasizing the following: parts of speech, mechanics, grammar, syntax and spelling. This course provides practice in writing various types of essays. 3 hours
Prerequisite: GSCE 141. This course enables students who have completed GSCE 141 to become skilled in writing highly structured compositions. Students consider rhetorical matters and revise and edit to effect a clear, concise style. A satisfactory grade on form and style of the research paper is required for passing the course. 3 hours
Prerequisites: GSCE 141 and 142. This course provides students with experience in writing, producing and promoting different forms of communication for church, school and BBFI related purposes. 3 hours
Prerequisites: GSCE 141 and GSCE 142 with a grade of C or higher in both. This course includes an in-depth study of the correct usage of grammar and the mechanics of the English language. These skills are then applied to writing assignments. This course is presented with an emphasis on the teaching of English. 3 hours
Prerequisites: GSCE 141 and 142. This course is a survey of the major writers and their works from the Colonial period through the Romantic period. Students study the literary masterpieces throughout early American history. This course is a literature elective. 3 hours
Prerequisites: GSCE 141 and 142. This course is a survey of major writers and their works from the Romantic period to the present. Consideration is given to major genres of literature. This course is a literature elective. 3 hours
Prerequisites: GSCE 141 and 142. This course focuses on the development of the uniquely American genre of the short story and on reading poetry written in English. This course is a literature elective. 3 hours
Prerequisites: GSCE 141 and 142. This course is a study of the works of important American novelists. This course is a literature elective. 3 hours
Prerequisites: GSCE 141 and 142. This course is a survey of British literature from the Middle Ages through the 18th century. The course emphasizes the major themes of British literature. This course is a literature elective. 3 hours
Prerequisites: GSCE 141 and 142. This course is a survey of British literature from the late 18th century through the present. The course emphasizes the major themes of British literature. This course is a literature elective. 3 hours
Prerequisites: GSCE 141 and 142. This course is a survey of world literature from the ancient world to the present. This course is a literature elective. 3 hours
Prerequisites: GSCE 141 and 142. This course focuses on the great works of literature /or authors from around the world viewed through a Christian perspective. The content of the course varies and may be repeated for a total of 6 credits. 3 hours
Prerequisites: GSCE 141 and 142. This course focuses on the structure, processes and challenges of writing for the marketplace and the writer’s obligation to the Christian worldview. This course may be repeated for credit when the spotlight is on a different genre for a total of 6 credits. 3 hours
Prerequisites: GSCE 141 and 142. This course is a study of the life and works of Jane Austen. This course is a literature elective. 3 hours
Prerequisites: GSCE 141 and 142. This course is a study of the life and works of Nathaniel Hawthorne. This course is a literature elective. 3 hours
Prerequisites: GSCE 141 and 142. This course is a study of the life and works of Robert Frost. This course is a literature elective. 3 hours
Prerequisites: GSCE 141 and 142. This is a study of the life and works of Emily Dickinson. This course is a literature elective. 3 hours
Prerequisites: GSCE 141 and 142. This course is a study of the life and works of William Shakespeare and it includes a number of his plays along with a selection of his poetry. This course is a literature elective. 3 hours
Prerequisites: GSCE 141 and 142. This course is a study of the life and works of John Milton and includes the reading of his political, religious and personal texts. This course is a literature elective. 3 hours
Prerequisites: GSCE 141 and GSCE 142.This course covers basic concepts of TESOL, the topics of language and language acquisition, as well as current approaches to teaching the English as a second language (ESL) learner. 3 hours
Prerequisite: GSCE 381.This course covers materials in TESOL, assessment of ESL student progress and curriculum development in TESOL. 3 hours
Prerequisite: GSCE 141 and GSCE 142. This course is a study of the relationship between language, culture, and cultural awareness in the learning and teaching of ESL. 3 hours
Prerequisites: GSCE 381 and GSCE 383.This course is based on student observation of participation in ESL classrooms. 3 hours
Prerequisites: GSCE 141, 142 and at least one literature class. This course is intended to create awareness in the students of the world’s view of literature and provide them with a biblical perspective with which to respond. 3 hours
General Studies - Communication - Speech
The role of the Communication-Speech Division is to assist students to improve and enhance their verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
Effective communication is a skill necessary for Christian ministry. Though the medium and form of communication may vary, students need to be able to speak clearly and convincingly before diverse groups and in various situations.
Upon completion of the curriculum, students should be able to:
- Recognize and employ effective verbal and nonverbal communication skills in a variety of contexts
- Utilize critical thinking and listening skills in order to analyze verbal communication
- Select, organize and present information effectively
- Apply appropriate communication techniques and concepts to ministry-related endeavors
- Communicate accurately and capably God’s Word in a clear, interesting and compelling manner
This course develops confidence and competence in public speaking by showing students how to select speech topics, find substantive content, effectively organize speeches, gain and hold attention, and use verbal and nonverbal techniques to enhance the overall effect of the speech. The student learns by a “hands on” approach in giving and evaluating speeches in class. 3 hours
A Study of Persuasion Prerequisite: GSCS 200. This course includes the preparation and presentation of a number of persuasive speeches. It enhances and augments the skills acquired in the basic Public Speaking class. Students are encouraged to utilize critical thinking skills by learning to recognize and analyze various types of reasoning and methods of persuasion in public speeches. 3 hours
This course examines the influence of public speech upon human events via the examination and analysis of historical and contemporary public oratory. It also studies the link between historical and oratory events in a pragmatic, academic way. Students are exposed to and expected to evaluate, significant momentous speeches from history and contemporary society. 3 hours
Prerequisite: GSCS 200. This course presents the oral communication of literature by enabling the student to obtain a thorough understanding of literature and teaching the student effective techniques to communicate orally. This course involves the consideration of prose, poetry and biblical literature. 3 hours
Prerequisite: GSCS 200. Lectures, demonstrations, assignments and laboratory experience teach the student the basic theories and techniques of oral reading. The readers communicate the best of classical and Christian literature from manuscript to an audience through oral interpretation. 3 hours
This course examines the development of concepts, characterization and staging for theatrical presentations in the church. 3 hours
This course includes principles for design and execution of the technical aspects of play production. Scenes, lighting, costuming and makeup techniques as applied to church presentations are discussed. 3 hours
This course provides practical experience in production and stage performance. Students will prepare, rehearse and travel with the Baptist Bible College Drama Tour production(s) during the semester. Enrollment in this course is only by permission of the professor. 1 hour
This course is an introduction to the theory and practice of broadcasting (including its history, programming, law and ethics), as well as to the process of writing commercial, PSA and/or program scripts. 2 hours
This course is designed to give the student hands-on experience preparing a variety of digital media products (such as digital video and podcasts). 3 hours
Prerequisites: GSCS 200 or by special permission. This course includes the fundamentals of logical analysis. Special attention is given to the Toulmin Model. Application of the model prepares students to evaluate and prepare written argument. 3 hours
Prerequisites: GSCS 200 or by special permission. This course includes the study of the fundamentals of logical analysis, evidence, arrangement of ideas and methods of attack and defense. Student skill is developed by participation in classroom debate. 3 hours
This course provides practical experience via intercollegiate academic debate competition. Students will research and prepare an affirmative case and negative positions on a given resolution. Students will travel and compete as part of the Baptist Bible College Debate Squad. Enrollment in this course is by permission only. 1 hour
Prerequisites: GSCS 321 and GSCS 322.This course includes practical experience in actual on-the-air operation of BBC’s 100,000 watt, non-commercial, educational FM radio broadcasting station, including announcing, control board operation and newscasting. This course may be repeated for a total of up to six hours. 1 hour
Prerequisites: GSCS 200, GSCS 411, GSCS 211, PSBU 312 and PSBU 422. This will be a supervised independent study in which the proposed communication-related subject area and/or projects will be determined via a consultation between the student and the professor. Course work could consist of research paper(s), creative projects and/or readings and/or other projects/ assignments. Prior approval by the professor is required before the student may register for this course. This course is repeatable (for a total of six hours). 3 hours
Prerequisites: GSCS 200,GSCS 221,GSCS 342,GSCS 411, PSBU 312 and PSBU 422. This course involves an internship in which the student would gain practical communication-related experience at an approved radio station, television station and/ or other cooperating local media outlet. Prior approval by the professor is required before the student may register for the course. This course is repeatable (for a total of six hours). 3 hours
General Studies - Languages - Biblical Languages
These courses are preparatory to GSBL 421, 422. In these courses, the student is introduced to vocabulary, syntax and grammatical forms of the Greek language and he/she applies these skills in translating specific New Testament passages, especially I John. 2 semesters - 6 hours
A study of the essential of biblical Hebrew grammar. The intent of this course is to focus on the basic principles of Hebrew phonology, morphology, syntax and vocabulary with emphasis being placed on reading selected portions of the Hebrew Bible. 2 semesters, 6 hours
Prerequisites: GSBL 311, 312. The student learns additional vocabulary, learns the principles of Greek exegesis and reviews grammatical forms. Traditional methods and up-to-date computer programs are used to incorporate Greek exegesis into Bible study for the development of sermons and lessons. 2 semesters - 6 hours
General Studies - Languages - Spanish Language
This course is a beginning study of the Spanish language. It develops listening, writing and speaking comprehension of the Spanish language. The study does not substitute for an English course. 3 hours
Prerequisite: GSSL 361 or equivalents. This course is a continuation of Spanish I and continues the development of a listening, writing and speaking comprehension of the Spanish language. The study does not substitute for an English course. 3 hours
Prerequisite: GSSL 361 and 362 or equivalents. This course is a continuation of Spanish II and continues the development of a listening, writing and speaking comprehension of the Spanish language. The study does not substitute for an English course. 3 hours
Prerequisite: GSSL 361,362 and 363 or equivalents. This course is a continuation of Spanish III and continues the development of a listening, writing and speaking comprehension of the Spanish language. The study does not substitute for an English course. 3 hours
General Studies - Linguistic Studies
Upon completion of the curriculum, students should be able to:
- Organize the sound system of languages by identifying phonemes, allophones and natural processes that cause variation
- Compose a simple grammar by organizing the morphemes and words and writing lexical, grammatical and semantic rules
- Validate the grammar by appealing to the principles and structure of universal grammar
Students are introduced to the sound system of human language. Special attention is given to the linguistic principles, which underlie the sound system. (Odd years) 3 hours
Students are introduced to the sentence level structure of human languages. Special attention is given to the universal structure and principles which underlie the sentence. (Even years) 3 hours
Prerequisite: GSLS 311.Students are introduced to the universal and specific properties of the sound structure of human language. Special attention is given to problem solving. (Even years) 3 hours
Prerequisite: GSLS 321. Students solve language problems. Special attention is given to a formalized explanation. (Odd years) 3 hours
General Studies - Natural and Social Sciences
The Natural and Social Sciences Department exists to provide students a breadth of education through the core curriculum. The department serves all college programs by providing students with a strong foundation for learning. General education courses are integrated with biblical principles allowing students to view knowledge from a holistic theistic worldview.
Upon completion of the curriculum, students should be able to:
- Integrate biblical principles with general education by Spirit-led thinking, analysis, and evaluation by:
- viewing ideas from a biblical standpoint
- viewing all knowledge from a holistic theistic worldview
- integrating scientific truth with a theistic worldview
- understanding and applying principles of mathematics and relating these principles to God’s order in the universe
- surveying and analyzing history and its impact on civilization
- surveying and analyzing the historical influence of the church and the Baptist movement on society
- Develop a biblical value system integrated into personal, family, social and ministerial life by:
- recognizing and applying a biblical value system to any life situation
- demonstrating academic competency
- developing a healthy lifestyle
- applying Christian counseling techniques to life situations
- analyzing psychological theories from a biblical perspective; and integrating Baptist distinctives into church and personal practice
General Studies - Social Science - Biblical Counseling
This course acquaints the student with a brief history of the family, the impact of the family on contemporary culture, the dangers facing the home, and the social and family concerns of aging. 2 hours
Prerequisite: GSBP 212. This course is a study of how to make counseling a vital and natural part of the local church, emphasizing the development of preventive programs. This course is intended to give a survey of counseling principles and needs. It will lay a foundation to help the student better understand the issues he/she will face and how to use God's Word to bring help to those who struggle with these issues. This will not be accomplished without careful self-examination; thus, the student will be encouraged to do self-counsel, learning how to take the Scriptures and bringing change to specific areas of need in one's life. (Same as BSPT 462) 3 hours
Prerequisite: GSBP 331. This course examines the methods and techniques of counseling young people from a biblical perspective. It further provides the practical application of counseling to the problems particular to young people. 2 hours
General Studies - Social Science - Biblical Psychology
This course provides opportunities for the student to improve specific academic skills, interpersonal abilities and Christian character. Specifically, three subject areas are addressed:
- academic skills which enable the student to use proven study methods to effectively meet and exceed college requirements
- interpersonal skills which enable the student to build and maintain effective relationships
- Christian character which enables the student to further grow as a maturing Christian. 2 hours
This course is a study of child growth, development and behavior. It provides an overview of the cognitive, motor and socio -emotional development of children. Emphasis is placed upon the responsibilities of parents and teachers in helping children to develop physically, socially, emotionally, intellectually and spiritually. 3 hours
This course introduces the study of human behavior by examining its history, types of research, definitions of the elements of human development. It also studies principles of emotion, learning, motivation and perception. 3 hours
This course examines the maturational and environmental factors influencing growth in the adolescent stage of human development. It includes such topics as physical, cognitive, moral, personality and social development aspects. Application to diagnosis and intervention, with respect to developmentally based disorders are discussed. 3 hours
This course examines the problems facing youth transitioning from childhood to adult life. Emphasis is placed on problems relating to self-esteem, puberty, peer influence and interpersonal relationships. Prevention and management strategies for normal adolescent conflict resolution are proposed from a biblical perspective. 2 hours
General Studies - Social Science - Geography
This course is a basic study of world geography. The regional geography of the United States is also discussed. 3 hours
General Studies - Social Science - History
This course studies the Colonial period to the Civil War. It surveys the process of colonization, the American Revolution, formation of the federal government, Jeffersonian Democracy, Jacksonian Democracy, the westward movement and the Civil War. 3 hours
This course surveys history as it impacts the development of Western civilization. Special emphasis is given to the study of historical methods. Primary emphasis is given to the cultural and religious influences that shaped ancient history as well as the development of modern history. Careful efforts are made to expose and apply biblical truth throughout this historical reconstruction. 3 hours
The time period from the beginning of the Civil War to the present is studied including reconstruction, industrialization, imperialism, World War I, the New Deal and World War II along with its aftermath. 3 hours
This course surveys Baptist history with its major emphasis on the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Historic Baptist distinctives are reviewed in detail and Baptist church polity is examined. The latter portion of the course explains the roots, growth, purpose and place in the BBFI. 2 hours
This course is a survey of the growth and development of Christianity, beginning in the first century and continuing into the modern period. The growth of the new institutions of Christianity is a major emphasis, as is the historical development and articulation of the fundamental doctrines. Historical beginnings and growth of modern denominationalism is the concluding unit. 3 hours
This course encourages the student to recognize the importance of maintaining a consistent biblical worldview in spite of contrary philosophical and cultural influences in the 21st century. The student is encouraged to develop a deeper understanding of the role of a Christian perspective in evaluating philosophical perspectives in a postmodern age. 3 hours
General Studies - Natural Science - Math
Topics of this study include addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of whole numbers, fractions, ratios, proportions, decimals, graphs, elementary statistics and measurement. Operations involving integers will also be introduced. This course does not satisfy any general education or program requirement for graduation. 3 hours
Prerequisites: ACT Math > 18 or SAT Math > 420 or a C or better in GSNM 101.Topics of study include the real number system, linear equations and in equalities, systems of equations, polynomials, factoring, graphing and solving linear equations and systems of equations, exponents, roots and radicals. This course does not satisfy any general education or program requirement for graduation. 3 hours
Prerequisites: ACT Math > 22 or SAT > 480 or a C or better in GSNM 102. Major topics of study include problem solving, set concepts, number theory, properties and operations within the real number system, measurement systems, algebraic reasoning and introductory topics in geometry. This course will satisfy the general education requirement and any program requirement for mathematics. 3 hours
Prerequisites: C or better in GSNM 121.This course is a continuation of Survey of Mathematics I. Major topics of study include a review of problem solving techniques, geometric figures, including transformations, symmetries, tilings, congruence, similarity and selected topics in probability and statistics. 3 hours
General Studies - Social Science - New Student Orientation
This course is a requirement for all incoming freshmen and transfer students. It helps new students make a comfortable transition to college life. Specific topics are examined which give practical assistance to new students. The class suggests Bible study techniques, study habits, cultural development, orientation to the library and thorough indoctrination to college policies and procedures. This course is offered in a concentrated seminar format. 1 hour
General Studies - Social Science - Physical Education
The following courses prepare students to assist in the instruction and implementation of physical education programs and the coaching of athletics in Christian schools. These courses are open to all majors as electives.
This course gives the student a balanced knowledge of maintaining life-long physical fitness. The course covers such areas as nutrition, weight control and the biblical basis for good health. The student is shown how to develop a physical exercise routine suited to his/her need. 1 hour
The student is required to develop and maintain a graduated physical exercise routine for twelve weeks. The program begins and ends with physical fitness assessments. 1 hour
General Studies - Social Science - Political Science
This course studies the philosophy, structure and operation of American government from a national, state and local perspective. 2 hours
General Studies - Natural Science - Science
This introductory science course examines the two primary models of origins; evolution and creation. Topics from various fields of study including physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy and earth science will be presented as comparisons are made between the two models. This course will satisfy the general education requirement for non-laboratory science course. 3 hours
This course presents an overview of the basic concepts and principles of physics, chemistry, earth science and astronomy and shows how they are related to common everyday experiences. The methods of science, the standards of science and the fundamental laws that govern the universe are also discussed. Laboratory exercises demonstrate some of these concepts. 4 hours (3 lecture –1 lab)
This course explores the basic principles of life for students who, as informed individuals, need to be aware of the biological aspects of personal and social choices. Cellular biology, together with molecular genetics and molecular biology, are fundamentals of this course. The morphology of plants and animals, their physiology, development and behavior are addressed. Biology as it relates to the population, community, ecosystem and biosphere is also discussed. Laboratory exercises demonstrate some of these principles. 4 hours (3 lecture – 1 lab)