Course Descriptions

View course titles below for descriptions of core curriculum courses in the RN-to-BSN degree-completion program.

For a complete list of all North Park’s programs and course offerings, review the University Catalog.

GS 1000 – College Composition
The goal of the course is competent writing, critical reading, responsible thinking, and applied understanding of the rhetorical range of the English language. Weekly essay and research paper. Enrollment by placement. In order to pass, students must earn a grade of C- (70%) or higher.

GS 1010 – Spanish I
Introduction to contemporary Spanish through materials relating to culture and civilization, with equal emphasis on listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Coordinated laboratory work.

GS 1020 – Spanish II
Introduction to contemporary Spanish through materials relating to culture and civilization, with equal emphasis on listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Coordinated laboratory work. No credit for Spanish/French/German/Swedish/ Norwegian will be granted to students who have more than two years of high school Spanish, etc. or the equivalent within the last five years.

GS 1400 – Personal Development
Examination of the traditional domains of mind, body and spirit, while exploring a holistic approach to the integration of those domains. This course will help students create a personal framework, which will serve them for life. Familiar habits that may lead to ill health will be challenged. Attitudes that respect the wisdom of the body will be cultivated. The interactions among the body, mind, and spirit will be explored. Contemporary interpretations of what contributes to wellness will be examined and applied in the service of identifying and implementing lasting lifestyle changes.

GS 1450 – Adult Fitness and Wellness
Comprehensive instruction in adult fitness and wellness strategies and activities. Particular attention will be paid to practical applications of fitness theories, appropriate nutritional behaviors, and examinations of commonly encountered health and wellness challenges encountered by adults. Includes applied exercise and activity components to assure comprehensive learning and fullness of appreciation for achieving personal fitness and wellness goals.

GS 1750 – Studies in Literature
Reading and analysis of the major forms of literary expression. This course is designed to acquaint the student with principles of aesthetic criticism applied to significant works of world literature.

GS 1850 – Introduction to Biblical Studies
An introductory survey of the history and theology of the Biblical narrative as it informs Christian faith today. Particular emphasis on the theological unity of the Bible’s message.

GS 2030 – Musical Connections: The Classical Tradition and American Jazz
This course is an introduction to the basic elements of music common to all periods and styles of music. Melody, harmony, and form will be defined as variables that create unique and recognizable musical styles. These styles will be illustrated with lectures and guided listening. The development of American Jazz as it emerged alongside the Western Classical Tradition will be a significant component. A sampling of major composers and their words from both traditions will be covered.

GS 2210 – Jesus of Nazareth
The life and teachings of Jesus studied with reference to current research. Explores the quest for the historical Jesus, the historicity of the gospels, and the method and message of Jesus’ teachings.

GS 2250 – Film Studies
An exploration of relationships between film and society through the study of film aesthetics, film history, and film criticism. Emphasis will be placed on the criticism of narrative films. Critical skills will be developed through discussion, assigned readings, research, and writing.

GS 2300 – Faith and Business
The course will foster student understanding of the interplay between Christianity and business and encourage students to consider the issues related to individual Christians as entrepreneurs, employees, leaders and observers of business. It will also examine Christian approaches to business such as Kingdom Business, Christ-centered, marketing and management, and Biblical and moral principles for the work place. The purpose of the course is to encourage students to discover how faith and business can co-exist and to construct a theology of Christian business that will guide them in their career.

GS 2550 – Christian Ethics
A study of the moral implications of the Christian faith, with emphasis on their integration into personal belief.

GS 2600 – Comparative Politics
An introductory comparative study of the political institutions of the nations of Europe and selected nations of the Middle East, Latin America, Asia, and Africa. Political parties, ideologies, military, social revolution, and modernization will be considered.

GS 3150 – Global Themes in History
An introduction to the cultures, historical developments and global interactions of the world history through an intense examination of one of its significant themes.

GS 3520 – Christian Spirituality
An examination of the nature of Christian spirituality with emphasis on spiritual development and maturity. Relevant literature of a variety of approaches to spirituality will be introduced and evaluated.

GS 3620 – World Religions
Study of the common features and distinctive motifs that characterize some of the main religious traditions; Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and others. Emphasis on development of a methodology for reading and interpreting the world’s religions.

BADM 3700 – International Business
This is a course designed to introduce students to international business and the role of multinational corporations (MNC) in today’s global economy. The course will address international business issues that need to be understood by managers of organizations with worldwide operations and/or plans to commence foreign operations. The course focuses on, international business issues such as; political, cultural, social, legal, economic, financial, trade and investment, regional trading blocks, role of nation state, and multi-national institutions. By the end of the course, students should gain a global perspective and be aware of the potential of international business in today’s fast changing competitive business environment.

CPSY 3800 – Principles of Counseling Diverse Populations
Application of principles and methods which address social issues and problems related to diverse populations. Topics addressed may include law and justice, health and health care, education, and inter-group relations. Engages the student in the applications of principles and methods of counseling and social services. The student develops abilities in the areas prevention and social level interventions. Systemic and ecological theories of human behavior as they pertain to the individual and community will be discussed. The student will develop skills in interviewing, assessment, and evaluation with diverse populations.