AA Curriculum
Completion of the AA Degree requires the accumulation of a minimum of 61 credits with the last 32 credits being earned at Eastern, completion of the General Education requirements and a 2.0 GPA. The AA Curriculum provides a broad background in general education and incorporates the University's mission specific General Education distinctive courses, in academic sessions 7 and 8. The courses provide content which is Christ centered and informed by the Christian faith.
Academic Session 1
- INST 110: Learning in Virtual Community
- CSC 210: Contemporary Applications in Computers
- ENG 164: Contemporary Grammar
- ENG 163: Rhetorical Patterns in Writing
- COM 120: Public Speaking
- MATH 103: Mathematical Ideas
- SOC 105: Contemporary Social Problems
- INST 161: Heritage of Western Thought and Civilization
- HSCI 200: Health Promotion and Empowerment
- FA 110: Introduction to Music
- BIO 103: General Biology: Earthkeeping
- OM 370: Cross Cultural Studies
- BIB 100: Biblical Literature in Contemporary Context
- THEO 210: Foundations of Christian Spirituality
- INST 270: Justice in a Pluralistic Society
- COM 222: Analysis of Argument/Discourse
Course Descriptions
| INST 110 | Learning in Virtual Community (3 credits) This course serves as the introductory course for the degree. It introduces students to the unique context and skill sets of the accelerated adult online environment, including experiential learning and writing, as well as an orientation to learning within a cohort or community-based model. |
| CSC 210 | Contemporary Applications in Computers (3 credits) This course is an overview of contemporary computer issues as it applies to current business procedures. The course emphasizes hands-on experience with commonly desktop and Internet-based software for creating technology-enhanced projects. Using advanced Internet search techniques and evaluation of sources will also be a component. An important theme of this course also considers the ethical implications of technology’s usage, and how technology relates to a Christian worldview. |
| ENG 164 | Contemporary Grammar (3 credits) This course is designed to give students an understanding of the mechanics and structure of contemporary grammar and punctuation. Course content includes parts of speech, sentence structure, phrases, clauses, punctuation, and common grammatical errors. Students are encouraged to ask questions and to bring real writing samples for review and correction. |
| ENG 163 |
Rhetorical Patterns in Writing (3 credits) This course is designed to help students effectively organize thoughts into clear, coherent essays. Understanding of different rhetorical patterns: narration, description, process analysis, cause and effect, compare and contrast, persuasion, and argument will be gained. Course content includes the writing process, essay structure, audience-centered writing, rhetorical patterns, correct writing and revising strategies. |
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COM120
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Public Speaking (3 credits) This course introduces students to the theory and practice of public speaking. Students are encouraged to think critically about situation and audience analysis, methods of speech organization, the uses of different types of supporting material and the effective use of visual aids. Students will learn how to write and deliver effective, informative, persuasive and ceremonial speeches. |
| MATH 103 |
Mathematical Ideas (3 credits) The objectives of this course are to develop an appreciation for mathematics, to provide an insight into the methods of reasoning used by mathematicians, and to discuss its historical development. It is intended for the liberal arts student who has had little contact with mathematics. |
| SOC 105 | Contemporary Social Problems (3 credits) Selected social problems such as poverty, ethnic relations, the population explosion and pollution are examined. How sociological insights can inform Christian value judgments concerning social structural conditions will be emphasized. |
| INST 161 | Heritage of Western Thought and Civilization (3 credits) This course surveys the emergence of modern Western civilization to global stature through its literature, philosophy and history—from the French Revolution through the end of the Cold War. It asks how modern Western civilization has incorporated the industrial, intellectual, scientific, and political revolutions of the 19th and 20th centuries. The class is organized around a core of readings in primary sources. |
| HSCI 200 |
Health Promotion and Empowerment (3 credits) This course includes attitudes and life-style practices as they influence healthy lifestyles. Personal health issues, such as personal health practices, fitness, nutrition, safety and emergency measures, mental health, sexuality and family living, will be addressed. Also, aging and wellness will be included. |
| FA 110 | Introduction to Music (3 credits) This course traces the evolution of musical style through history. It includes the basic elements of music, the instruments of the orchestra, important forms and types of music and representative works of great composers. The course is designed to promote greater enjoyment in music listening. |
| BIO 103 | General Biology: Earthkeeping (4 credits) Basic concepts of ecology are presented in sufficient detail to allow anexamination of our environmental problems within an ecological worldview. There is an emphasis on developing stewardship lifestyles. |
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OM 370
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Cross Cultural Studies (3 credits) Managing diversity is the major theme of this course with emphasis on cultural sensitivity and empowerment of people to reach their full potential. Readings and interviews are used to explore the values, customs, and perceptions of various racial and ethnic groups and the impact on social and economic life. |
| BIB100 |
Biblical Literature in Contemporary Contex(3 credits) This course will introduce the student to the entire biblical story of the people of God. The main components of the program will be: the Creation Theology (discussing the meaning of Genesis and the Wisdom literature), the Covenantal People (featuring Exodus and the Sinai events), Prophetic Theology (analyzing the socio-political significance of the prophets), the message of Jesus (discussing the Gospels and the developing church), the theology of Paul and the developing Christian tradition (thinking through Paul and the other New Testament documents which conclude the biblical story). |
| THEO 210 | Foundations of Christian Spirituality (3 credits) This course studies the six major Christian traditions of spirituality: Contemplative, Holiness, Charismatic, Social Justice, Evangelical, and Incarnational. Key biblical texts and selected classical writings of the church fathers and mothers will be analyzed and discussed, for the purpose of identifying the variety of ways and means for spiritual formation. Students will be encouraged to practice many of the disciplines and report on their experiences. |
| INST 270 | Justice in a Pluralistic Society (3 credits) This interdisciplinary course uses both biblical and philosophical frameworks to examine the complexities of social justice in a pluralistic society. The focus is on the United States, with connections to the global community. Principles of social justice are used to explore issues of race, gender and class. Emphasis is placed on the student understanding her/his own identity and life situation, including what values, attitudes and knowledge have shaped her/his own worldview. Attention is given to students developing skills in interacting with people from diverse groups and in bringing about social justice in the larger society. |
| COM 222 | Analysis of Argument/Discourse (3 credits) The study of argumentation as applied to public and mediated discourse. Topics include: patterns of reasoning, identification and analysis of fallacies, types of supporting evidence, presentation and refutation of cases. Specific topics for analysis will be taken from contemporary discussions of political, social, and economic issues. |
For more information about our specialization in Addiction Studies please use the following link:
For more information about the Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts, please call 1-800-732-7669 or 610-341-1700 or request information.
For information on programs in Harrisburg, Lancaster, or York, call Pete Berol at 484-581-1272 or email pjberol@eastern.edu.
For information on programs in Philadelphia, call Christian Hicks at 215-200-1901 or chicks3@eastern.edu.
For information on People for People Programs, call Tracey Johnson at 610-225-5525 or gjohnso3@eastern.edu.
For more information on programs at Palmer Seminary, please contact Maurice Miller at mmiller5@eastern.edu or 610-341-1568.
