General Studies Courses
Please note that the frequency of course offerings below is subject to change without notice, because of changes in faculty availability, sabbaticals and leaves, and other circumstances. Please consult the latest Schedule of Classes (and supplement), myBerea, revisions to online Catalog & Student Handbook, and/or the Program Coordinator to determine if a course will be offered during a certain term or year, especially if Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is a factor.
GSTR Courses
GSTR 110
Writing Sem I:Critical Think
Offered: Typically Fall and Spring terms
This course is designed to help students with transitions from their past experiences to the challenges of College academic life and culture, also emphasizing writing, reasoning, and learning as foundations for continuing academic success in General Education and beyond. Each section of the course involves explicit, continuing attention to writing, reasoning, research, and reflective engagement with various texts, written and non-written. All sections initially address with students questions about the nature of education, liberal-arts education, and links to lifelong learning and living. Offered in multiple sections each year; taken in one’s first regular term. NOTE: Effective Fall 2010, transfer students who meet certain criteria may waive this requirement. See General Education Program for details.
This course is designed to help students with transitions from their past experiences to the challenges of College academic life and culture, also emphasizing writing, reasoning, and learning as foundations for continuing academic success in General Education and beyond. Each section of the course involves explicit, continuing attention to writing, reasoning, research, and reflective engagement with various texts, written and non-written. All sections initially address with students questions about the nature of education, liberal-arts education, and links to lifelong learning and living. Offered in multiple sections each year; taken in one’s first regular term. NOTE: Effective Fall 2010, transfer students who meet certain criteria may waive this requirement. See General Education Program for details.
1 Course Credit
GSTR 210
Writing Sem II:Ident&Diversity
Prerequisite: GSTR 110 (or waiver)
Offered: Typically Fall and Spring Terms
This course is designed to develop and build upon the reasoning, writing, research, and learning emphases of GSTR 110, while engaging all students on issues close to the historic mission of the College--race, gender, Appalachia, and class. Initially, each section explores the story of Berea, including as it relates to the unifying themes of GSTR 210. Each section of the course involves explicit, continuing attention to writing, reasoning, research, and reflective engagement with various texts, including instruction in the processes of producing a research paper. Taken in one’s second regular term.
Offered: Typically Fall and Spring Terms
This course is designed to develop and build upon the reasoning, writing, research, and learning emphases of GSTR 110, while engaging all students on issues close to the historic mission of the College--race, gender, Appalachia, and class. Initially, each section explores the story of Berea, including as it relates to the unifying themes of GSTR 210. Each section of the course involves explicit, continuing attention to writing, reasoning, research, and reflective engagement with various texts, including instruction in the processes of producing a research paper. Taken in one’s second regular term.
1 Course Credit
GSTR 310
Understandings of Christianity
Prerequisites: GSTR 210 and sophomore standing
Offered: Typically Fall and Spring terms
This course invites students to imagine and consider Christianity from stances both inside and outside the faith, from the vantage of various disciplines, as an instance of the general phenomenon of religion, and as a way of understanding life's purpose and meaning that remains important for many around the world. The course considers Christianity from historical, theological, and contemporary perspectives. Each section applies and builds on the reasoning, research, and writing emphases of GSTR 110 and 210.
Offered: Typically Fall and Spring terms
This course invites students to imagine and consider Christianity from stances both inside and outside the faith, from the vantage of various disciplines, as an instance of the general phenomenon of religion, and as a way of understanding life's purpose and meaning that remains important for many around the world. The course considers Christianity from historical, theological, and contemporary perspectives. Each section applies and builds on the reasoning, research, and writing emphases of GSTR 110 and 210.
1 Course Credit
GSTR 332
Scientific Knowledge& Inquiry
Prerequisites: Practical Reasoning with Quantitative Emphasis (PRQ) and sophomore standing
Offered: Typically Fall and Spring terms
This course invites students to explore a variety of scientific disciplines in order to understand what science is, does, and tells us about the natural world around us. Employing an integrative approach to the natural sciences, the course emphasizes the historical development of laws, models, and theories, as well as basic scientific literacy important to contemporary concerns. Each section of the course includes inquiry-based learning (laboratory) experiences. NOTE: See the “General Education Program” section of this publication for an alternate way to meet this requirement by taking two approved courses, at least one of which must be a laboratory course.
Offered: Typically Fall and Spring terms
This course invites students to explore a variety of scientific disciplines in order to understand what science is, does, and tells us about the natural world around us. Employing an integrative approach to the natural sciences, the course emphasizes the historical development of laws, models, and theories, as well as basic scientific literacy important to contemporary concerns. Each section of the course includes inquiry-based learning (laboratory) experiences. NOTE: See the “General Education Program” section of this publication for an alternate way to meet this requirement by taking two approved courses, at least one of which must be a laboratory course.
1 Course Credit
GSTR 410
Sem-Contemporary Global Issues
Prerequisites: Wellness, Practical Reasoning, GSTR 310, GSTR 332, International Perspective, 2 of the 5 remaining General Education Perspectives
Offered: Typically Fall and Spring terms
As a capstone experience for General Education, this course invites students to synthesize and integrate their learning by using their developing abilities to reason, research, and communicate to investigate aspects of a significant issue for the world today. Each section explores a topic determined by the instructors, and is structured to model broadly multi-disciplinary approaches needed to understand complex problems. Each section involves faculty working their students closely to complete a substantive research project which may take a variety of forms (e.g., essay, documentary, musical composition, performance, etc.) NOTE: Students in the Applied Science and Mathematics major's 3-2 Engineering Program should take this course before transferring to an engineering school.
*NOTE: Students in the Applied Science and Mathematics major¿s 3-2 Engineering Program should take this course before transferring to engineering school.
Offered: Typically Fall and Spring terms
As a capstone experience for General Education, this course invites students to synthesize and integrate their learning by using their developing abilities to reason, research, and communicate to investigate aspects of a significant issue for the world today. Each section explores a topic determined by the instructors, and is structured to model broadly multi-disciplinary approaches needed to understand complex problems. Each section involves faculty working their students closely to complete a substantive research project which may take a variety of forms (e.g., essay, documentary, musical composition, performance, etc.) NOTE: Students in the Applied Science and Mathematics major's 3-2 Engineering Program should take this course before transferring to an engineering school.
*NOTE: Students in the Applied Science and Mathematics major¿s 3-2 Engineering Program should take this course before transferring to engineering school.
1 Course Credit
GST Courses
Strategies - Academic Success
Offered: Typically Fall and Spring terms
A course designed to provide students with the necessary academic skills to achieve success in their academic career. Course requirements will be determined by the course coordinator.
A course designed to provide students with the necessary academic skills to achieve success in their academic career. Course requirements will be determined by the course coordinator.
1/4 Course Credit
Christmas Country Dance (PED)
Offered: Typically annually
An intensive experience designed to increase skills and understanding in the teaching of Appalachian, English, Danish, and American dance and song. One week of full-time instruction and practice. Meets one 200-level 1/4 course credit PED Activity Course requirement. NOTE: This course may be repeated for credit.
An intensive experience designed to increase skills and understanding in the teaching of Appalachian, English, Danish, and American dance and song. One week of full-time instruction and practice. Meets one 200-level 1/4 course credit PED Activity Course requirement. NOTE: This course may be repeated for credit.
1/4 Course Credit
College Composition
Offered: Typically Fall and Spring terms
This course is an intensive study and practice of forms, conventions, and processes of academic discourse, with particular attention to critical thinking; analytic and argumentative writing; research and source use; and effective language use. This course is designed for students who need more focused instruction in writing in order to meet the expectation of academic assignments.
This course is an intensive study and practice of forms, conventions, and processes of academic discourse, with particular attention to critical thinking; analytic and argumentative writing; research and source use; and effective language use. This course is designed for students who need more focused instruction in writing in order to meet the expectation of academic assignments.
1 Course Credit
Special Topics
Prerequisites: Determined by instructor
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course designed to meet the particular interests of student and faculty. Topics vary from year to year. See course description in the "Schedule of Classes."
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course designed to meet the particular interests of student and faculty. Topics vary from year to year. See course description in the "Schedule of Classes."
1/2 to 1 Course Credit
Intro to Behavioral Sciences
Prerequisite: GSTR 110 (or waiver)
Offered: Typically every Spring Term
An introduction to the application of the scientific method to the realm of human behavior at all levels. Students will learn about general frameworks for understanding and examining the distinctive approaches of the disciplines of psychology, sociology, and anthropology. The course will emphasize active inquiry and help students to become familiar with the methods characteristic of each of these particular disciplines. Social Science Perspective and Practical Reasoning (PR).
Offered: Typically every Spring Term
An introduction to the application of the scientific method to the realm of human behavior at all levels. Students will learn about general frameworks for understanding and examining the distinctive approaches of the disciplines of psychology, sociology, and anthropology. The course will emphasize active inquiry and help students to become familiar with the methods characteristic of each of these particular disciplines. Social Science Perspective and Practical Reasoning (PR).
1 Course Credit
The Wonders of Paris
¿If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then whenever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast.¿
-Ernest Hemingway to a friend (1950)
Paris is known as the capital of the arts. It is a cosmopolitan city that possesses a formidable cultural heritage¿made apparent in its monuments, its museums, its great buildings, and its plethora of enriching opportunities. Paris delights the senses with its concerts, stage performances, food, street life, ethnic neighborhoods, and art.
During an intensive 22-day stay in Paris, students will explore three broad concentrations:
¿ Art and architecture
¿ History
¿ Performing arts
Over the course of the term prior to departure, students will become familiar with the basic history that shaped the city of Paris; this will provide students with the foundation necessary to better appreciate and understand their cultural experience. A short introduction to the basics of daily language will be provided for the students with no previous experience.
-Ernest Hemingway to a friend (1950)
Paris is known as the capital of the arts. It is a cosmopolitan city that possesses a formidable cultural heritage¿made apparent in its monuments, its museums, its great buildings, and its plethora of enriching opportunities. Paris delights the senses with its concerts, stage performances, food, street life, ethnic neighborhoods, and art.
During an intensive 22-day stay in Paris, students will explore three broad concentrations:
¿ Art and architecture
¿ History
¿ Performing arts
Over the course of the term prior to departure, students will become familiar with the basic history that shaped the city of Paris; this will provide students with the foundation necessary to better appreciate and understand their cultural experience. A short introduction to the basics of daily language will be provided for the students with no previous experience.
1 Course Credit
Special Topics
Prerequisites: Determined by instructor
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course designed to meet the particular interests of student and faculty. Topics vary from year to year. See course description in the "Schedule of Classes."
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course designed to meet the particular interests of student and faculty. Topics vary from year to year. See course description in the "Schedule of Classes."
1/2 to 1 Course Credit
Special Topics
Prerequisites: Determined by instructor
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course designed to meet the particular interests of student and faculty. Topics vary from year to year. See course description in the "Schedule of Classes."
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course designed to meet the particular interests of student and faculty. Topics vary from year to year. See course description in the "Schedule of Classes."
1/2 to 1 Course Credit
Independent Study
Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 390; senior standing for 490
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student and the faculty sponsor. Course proposals must meet the guidelines and approval of the Academic Department or Interdisciplinary Program in which the study will be conducted. A detailed information sheet is available in the Student Self-Service room (101 Lincoln), which includes the form to complete if seeking Active Learning Experience (ALE) credit. A course syllabus must be submitted with the Chairperson or Director’s approval before the course can be registered. Those approved as ALE will be registered as 390/490A; others will be 390/490B.
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student and the faculty sponsor. Course proposals must meet the guidelines and approval of the Academic Department or Interdisciplinary Program in which the study will be conducted. A detailed information sheet is available in the Student Self-Service room (101 Lincoln), which includes the form to complete if seeking Active Learning Experience (ALE) credit. A course syllabus must be submitted with the Chairperson or Director’s approval before the course can be registered. Those approved as ALE will be registered as 390/490A; others will be 390/490B.
1 Course Credit
Independent Study w/o ALE
Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 390; senior standing for 490
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student and the faculty sponsor. Course proposals must meet the guidelines and approval of the Academic Department or Interdisciplinary Program in which the study will be conducted. A detailed information sheet is available in the Student Self-Service room (101 Lincoln), which includes the form to complete if seeking Active Learning Experience (ALE) credit. A course syllabus must be submitted with the Chairperson or Director’s approval before the course can be registered. Those approved as ALE will be registered as 390/490A; others will be 390/490B.
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student and the faculty sponsor. Course proposals must meet the guidelines and approval of the Academic Department or Interdisciplinary Program in which the study will be conducted. A detailed information sheet is available in the Student Self-Service room (101 Lincoln), which includes the form to complete if seeking Active Learning Experience (ALE) credit. A course syllabus must be submitted with the Chairperson or Director’s approval before the course can be registered. Those approved as ALE will be registered as 390/490A; others will be 390/490B.
1 Course Credit
Internship
Prerequisite: Sophomore, junior, or senior standing
Offered: Typically every term
An experiential learning experience individually designed for students with a special academic interest requiring integration of classroom learning with practical experience. Includes on-campus seminars with academic sponsors, as well as non-classroom experience. One to 3 course credits in one regular term; 1.5 course credits in Summer One Term; or 1 to 2 course credits in Summer Two Term may be taken in Internships. Requires the approval of two faculty sponsors and the Program assumes the responsibility for determining credit allowance. The Coordinator of Internships gives final approval for Internship proposals. All Internships meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) requirement.
Offered: Typically every term
An experiential learning experience individually designed for students with a special academic interest requiring integration of classroom learning with practical experience. Includes on-campus seminars with academic sponsors, as well as non-classroom experience. One to 3 course credits in one regular term; 1.5 course credits in Summer One Term; or 1 to 2 course credits in Summer Two Term may be taken in Internships. Requires the approval of two faculty sponsors and the Program assumes the responsibility for determining credit allowance. The Coordinator of Internships gives final approval for Internship proposals. All Internships meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) requirement.
1 to 3 Course Credits
Team Initiated Study
Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 397; senior standing for 497
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student and the faculty sponsor. Course proposals must meet the guidelines and approval of the Academic Department or Interdisciplinary Program in which the study will be conducted. A detailed information sheet is available in the Student Self-Service room (101 Lincoln), which includes the form to complete if seeking Active Learning Experience (ALE) credit. A course syllabus must be submitted with the Chairperson or Director’s approval before the course can be registered. Those approved as ALE will be registered as 397/497A; others will be 397/497B.
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student and the faculty sponsor. Course proposals must meet the guidelines and approval of the Academic Department or Interdisciplinary Program in which the study will be conducted. A detailed information sheet is available in the Student Self-Service room (101 Lincoln), which includes the form to complete if seeking Active Learning Experience (ALE) credit. A course syllabus must be submitted with the Chairperson or Director’s approval before the course can be registered. Those approved as ALE will be registered as 397/497A; others will be 397/497B.
1 Course Credit
Team Initiated Study w/o ALE
Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 397; senior standing for 497
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student and the faculty sponsor. Course proposals must meet the guidelines and approval of the Academic Department or Interdisciplinary Program in which the study will be conducted. A detailed information sheet is available in the Student Self-Service room (101 Lincoln), which includes the form to complete if seeking Active Learning Experience (ALE) credit. A course syllabus must be submitted with the Chairperson or Director’s approval before the course can be registered. Those approved as ALE will be registered as 397/497A; others will be 397/497B.
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student and the faculty sponsor. Course proposals must meet the guidelines and approval of the Academic Department or Interdisciplinary Program in which the study will be conducted. A detailed information sheet is available in the Student Self-Service room (101 Lincoln), which includes the form to complete if seeking Active Learning Experience (ALE) credit. A course syllabus must be submitted with the Chairperson or Director’s approval before the course can be registered. Those approved as ALE will be registered as 397/497A; others will be 397/497B.
1 Course Credit
Directed Study
Prerequisites: Will vary, but always will include permission of instructor
Offered: Typically on a limited basis as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course organized and directed by faculty and approved by the Program Director or Department Chairperson to meet the particular interests and/or needs of specific students.
Offered: Typically on a limited basis as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course organized and directed by faculty and approved by the Program Director or Department Chairperson to meet the particular interests and/or needs of specific students.
1 Course Credit
Special Topics
Prerequisites: Determined by instructor
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course designed to meet the particular interests of student and faculty. Topics vary from year to year. See course description in the "Schedule of Classes."
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course designed to meet the particular interests of student and faculty. Topics vary from year to year. See course description in the "Schedule of Classes."
1/2 to 1 Course Credit
Independent Study
Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 390; senior standing for 490
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student and the faculty sponsor. Course proposals must meet the guidelines and approval of the Academic Department or Interdisciplinary Program in which the study will be conducted. A detailed information sheet is available in the Student Self-Service room (101 Lincoln), which includes the form to complete if seeking Active Learning Experience (ALE) credit. A course syllabus must be submitted with the Chairperson or Director’s approval before the course can be registered. Those approved as ALE will be registered as 390/490A; others will be 390/490B.
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student and the faculty sponsor. Course proposals must meet the guidelines and approval of the Academic Department or Interdisciplinary Program in which the study will be conducted. A detailed information sheet is available in the Student Self-Service room (101 Lincoln), which includes the form to complete if seeking Active Learning Experience (ALE) credit. A course syllabus must be submitted with the Chairperson or Director’s approval before the course can be registered. Those approved as ALE will be registered as 390/490A; others will be 390/490B.
1 Course Credit
Independent Study w/o ALE
Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 390; senior standing for 490
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student and the faculty sponsor. Course proposals must meet the guidelines and approval of the Academic Department or Interdisciplinary Program in which the study will be conducted. A detailed information sheet is available in the Student Self-Service room (101 Lincoln), which includes the form to complete if seeking Active Learning Experience (ALE) credit. A course syllabus must be submitted with the Chairperson or Director’s approval before the course can be registered. Those approved as ALE will be registered as 390/490A; others will be 390/490B.
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student and the faculty sponsor. Course proposals must meet the guidelines and approval of the Academic Department or Interdisciplinary Program in which the study will be conducted. A detailed information sheet is available in the Student Self-Service room (101 Lincoln), which includes the form to complete if seeking Active Learning Experience (ALE) credit. A course syllabus must be submitted with the Chairperson or Director’s approval before the course can be registered. Those approved as ALE will be registered as 390/490A; others will be 390/490B.
1 Course Credit
Internship
Prerequisite: Sophomore, junior, or senior standing
Offered: Typically every term
An experiential learning experience individually designed for students with a special academic interest requiring integration of classroom learning with practical experience. Includes on-campus seminars with academic sponsors, as well as non-classroom experience. One to 3 course credits in one regular term; 1.5 course credits in Summer One Term; or 1 to 2 course credits in Summer Two Term may be taken in Internships. Requires the approval of two faculty sponsors and the Program assumes the responsibility for determining credit allowance. The Coordinator of Internships gives final approval for Internship proposals. All Internships meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) requirement.
Offered: Typically every term
An experiential learning experience individually designed for students with a special academic interest requiring integration of classroom learning with practical experience. Includes on-campus seminars with academic sponsors, as well as non-classroom experience. One to 3 course credits in one regular term; 1.5 course credits in Summer One Term; or 1 to 2 course credits in Summer Two Term may be taken in Internships. Requires the approval of two faculty sponsors and the Program assumes the responsibility for determining credit allowance. The Coordinator of Internships gives final approval for Internship proposals. All Internships meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) requirement.
1/2 to 3 Course Credits
Team Initiated Study
Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 397; senior standing for 497
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student and the faculty sponsor. Course proposals must meet the guidelines and approval of the Academic Department or Interdisciplinary Program in which the study will be conducted. A detailed information sheet is available in the Student Self-Service room (101 Lincoln), which includes the form to complete if seeking Active Learning Experience (ALE) credit. A course syllabus must be submitted with the Chairperson or Director’s approval before the course can be registered. Those approved as ALE will be registered as 397/497A; others will be 397/497B.
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student and the faculty sponsor. Course proposals must meet the guidelines and approval of the Academic Department or Interdisciplinary Program in which the study will be conducted. A detailed information sheet is available in the Student Self-Service room (101 Lincoln), which includes the form to complete if seeking Active Learning Experience (ALE) credit. A course syllabus must be submitted with the Chairperson or Director’s approval before the course can be registered. Those approved as ALE will be registered as 397/497A; others will be 397/497B.
1 Course Credit
Team Initiated Study w/o ALE
Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 397; senior standing for 497
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student and the faculty sponsor. Course proposals must meet the guidelines and approval of the Academic Department or Interdisciplinary Program in which the study will be conducted. A detailed information sheet is available in the Student Self-Service room (101 Lincoln), which includes the form to complete if seeking Active Learning Experience (ALE) credit. A course syllabus must be submitted with the Chairperson or Director’s approval before the course can be registered. Those approved as ALE will be registered as 397/497A; others will be 397/497B.
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student and the faculty sponsor. Course proposals must meet the guidelines and approval of the Academic Department or Interdisciplinary Program in which the study will be conducted. A detailed information sheet is available in the Student Self-Service room (101 Lincoln), which includes the form to complete if seeking Active Learning Experience (ALE) credit. A course syllabus must be submitted with the Chairperson or Director’s approval before the course can be registered. Those approved as ALE will be registered as 397/497A; others will be 397/497B.
1 Course Credit
Directed Study
Prerequisites: Will vary, but always will include permission of instructor
Offered: Typically on a limited basis as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course organized and directed by faculty and approved by the Program Director or Department Chairperson to meet the particular interests and/or needs of specific students.
Offered: Typically on a limited basis as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course organized and directed by faculty and approved by the Program Director or Department Chairperson to meet the particular interests and/or needs of specific students.
1 Course Credit
Notice and Disclaimer
This online publication is the official text of the Berea College Catalog & Student Handbook. Berea College reserves the right to amend, revise, or modify content within this publication at any time.
