Interdisciplinary Studies (INST)

INST 100  Introduction to Online Learning Justice: Non-Residential and Virtual Community Students  3  

This course is designed to prepare students for the technological and academic expectations of a university environment. Students will learn basic computer and online learning skills, along with strategies for academic reading and time management. With an introduction to the rhetorical expectations and technology requirements of higher education, students will be asked to think critically about both practical and socio-cultural norms for college students. Students who have requisite computer skills and academic experience may test out of this course, which is designed to make sure that all students entering the program are prepared to succeed.

INST 105  College and Career Success  3  

This course is designed to assist students in their transition to college. Students learn proven skills and strategies for creating greater academic, professional, and social success. Emphasis is placed on becoming an active learner, accepting personal responsibility, discovering self-motivation, mastering self-management, employing interdependence, gaining self-awareness, adopting lifelong learning, and developing emotional intelligence. In addition, students will learn basic study skills and about resources available to them at the college and community to support their success

INST 130  Special Topics  1-3  
INST 135  Goode Scholar Success Seminar  1  

Required as part of the Goode Scholars Program, this course helps students develop personal leadership and strategic planning skills through connections to the campus community, goal-setting, and collaboration.

INST 140  Introduction to Faith, Reason, and Justice: Non-Residential and Virtual Community Students  3  

This course introduces students to the mission and values of Eastern University by exposing them to the three major commitments of the University; faith, reason, and justice, as well as to the related themes of community, scholarship, service, and church. Designed for a non-residential or virtual community environment. Required of all non-traditional undergraduate students.

INST 150  Introduction to Faith, Reason, and Justice  3  

The purpose of INST 150 is to introduce students to Eastern University and equip them to succeed in college and beyond. Within the context of a welcoming and supportive community of learners, the course utilizes curricular and co-curricular activities to promote the personal, intellectual, and spiritual development of students while nurturing their sense of well-being and belonging at Eastern.

INST 151  Introduction to Faith, Reason and Justice - Transfer Students  1  

This course introduces transfer students to the mission and values of Eastern University by exposing them to the three major commitments of the University. Required of all students who transfer with 24 or more semester hours of college credit(excluding dual enrollment, AP or CLEP credit); to be taken in the first semester on campus or as soon as offered. This course is for traditional undergraduate transfer students.

INST 161  Heritage of Western Thought and Civilization - Modern  3  

This course will survey 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 will ask, from both Christian and competing perspectives, how modern Western civilization has incorporated the industrial, intellectual, scientific and political revolutions of the 19th and 20th centuries, and how they have challenged the Christian faith. The class is organized around a core of readings in primary sources.

INST 170  Diversity Equity and Belonging  3  

The purpose of this course is to enable students to engage deeply in examining the workings of American society and to wrestle with the question of what it means to belong, participate, and flourish within it. Drawing on Christian history and theology, along with other relevant sources, diversity of race, ethnicity, class, gender, sexuality, immigration status, and religion are examined, and the value of cross-boundary empathy, communication, and efforts toward structural change and justice are promoted. Understanding the challenge as well as the promise of diversity, equity, and belonging is thus essential not only to a well-rounded education but to productive citizenship, responsible social action, and to appropriate expression of Christian faith through the church and beyond. The course will include an experiential learning component intended to provide students with meaningful direct exposure to, and engagement in, the issues and dynamics under consideration in the classroom.

Core Category: Social Justice  
Prerequisites: INST 150  
INST 213  Heritage of India  3  

This is a course in the history, literature, philosophy, and values of India. The Indian civilization covers a 4,000-year span and includes influences from the Middle East, China, and Europe; yet it has had a consistent tradition of its own. We will examine the Indian perspective through its current social structure, religion, literature and the arts, and by archeology and writings of past centuries. Throughout, we will give Christian critique as well as appreciation for the thoughts and practices that this civilization has produced.

Core Category: Cultural Perspectives  
INST 214  Africa's Triple Heritage and the Modern World  3  

This course explores the nature and impact of the modernization process and modernity on the African continent. A review of the history of the Triple Heritage (African indigenous, Islamic and Western Christendom) will acquaint the student with the primary ideas and traditions that shape the African outlook. A model of modernity as it has developed most fully in the West will be elaborated and a critical exploration of its applicability to African experience will be probed. Biblical and theological questions and resources will be explored in order to construct a Christian worldview in Africa.

Core Category: Cultural Perspectives  
INST 215  Heritage of Native North American Peoples  3  

This course will cover origins of the earliest Americans and the subsequent development of culturally distinct areas across North America, and will identify and explore historical and cultural contributions. Specific contemporary problems and issues, the current status of Indians' struggle for survival, and implications for the future and ongoing contributions of the American Indians to the greater American culture will be investigated.

Core Category: Cultural Perspectives  
INST 217  Poverty, Oppression and Development in Africa  3  

The course deals with why Africa, particularly sub-Saharan Africa, is mired in poverty, oppression, and underdevelopment, and discusses the alternative development approaches and strategies sub-Sahara African communities could follow.

INST 218  Heritage of Islam  3  

This course will explore the history of Islam, and the beliefs, practices, institutions, and social lives of Muslims. The course will stress appreciation and understanding of Islam and will include critique from a Christian perspective. We will learn the Arabic names for various aspects of faith and piety. We will consider the Qur'anic references to Jesus and Christians, various Islamic interpretations of these passages, and possible responses. We will examine the conflicting faces of contemporary Islam throughout the world, its varied political expressions, and its answers to contemporary social issues. The course will seek to prepare students form informed interaction, cooperation, and dialogue with - and Christian witness to - the Muslim community.

Core Category: Cultural Perspectives  
INST 219  Heritage of Brazil  3  

This course will examine the history, culture, literature, and religions of Brazil. Three land masses and three people groups make up this huge diverse nation. Native American, Portuguese and African blending created Brazil's rich, fascinating identity and heritage. We will survey Brazilian civilization over a 500 year span beginning with its Indigenous people and moving to first contact, slavery, colonization and independence up to today. Throughout, we will engage a Christian worldview and appreciation for the thoughts and practices that Brazilian people have produced, and their significant presence on the world stage.

Core Category: Cultural Perspectives  
INST 222  Foundations of Critical Thinking  3  

This course assists students in developing the ability to reason logically and assess the value and validity of persuasive communication. Topics include components of sound argument, quality of arguments, ambiguity in communication, standards of thinking, identification of assumptions, and examining supportive evidence. This is a foundational course drawing on the disciplines of philosophy and other disciplines.

INST 225  Community Development Seminar  3  
INST 230  Special Topics  1-3  
INST 270  Justice in a Pluralistic Society  3  

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.

Core Category: Social Justice  
INST 271  Justice in Caring for Vulnerable Populations  3  

This is an interdisciplinary course that employs biblical and philosophical frameworks to examine the complexities of social justice within the United States health care system. Principles of social justice will be identified as issues of ethnic group membership, gender, and class. Participants in the course will explore these issues as they occur within the context of health care for vulnerable populations, health disparities, and health literacy. This course fulfills the breadth core requirement of Knowledgeable in Doing Justice.

Core Category: Social Justice  
INST 275  Cross Cultural Studies  3  

Cross cultural competency is the major theme of this course. Emphasis is placed on empowering students to engage with different cultures and diverse groups in their everyday lives while promoting an understanding and openness to diversity in their spheres of influence. Readings, quizzes, fieldwork, journals, and written assignments are used to explore the student's own unique cultural identity and the diverse cultural groups and opportunities that surround them in various contexts. This course provides students with practical experience in varied social environments while challenging them to apply principles learned in their encounters to their personal and professional lives.

Core Category: Cultural Perspectives  
INST 300  Leadership Development: Practicum for Current Student Leaders  1  

A practicum for students holding leadership positions in campus groups. Participants will consider different leadership styles, the functions of a leader, group dynamics and communication skills, while identifying and exercising their own individual leadership styles. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. Grading is P/F.

Course is Pass/Fail  
INST 310  The Twenty-First Century World  3  

This serves as an introduction to discussions and assignments for technologically enhanced and distance-learning formats. The students and instructor establish a community of learners.

INST 330  Special Topics  1-3  
INST 350  Judeo-Christian Perspectives on Leadership  3  

Examples of Old and New Testament leadership are studied in the context of God's relationship with humankind throughout the Bible narrative. Application of contemporary leadership theories will be emphasized. Students compare and contrast leaders in the Bible with examples of leadership in their professional and personal lives.

INST 395  Field Experience  1-3  
Course is Pass/Fail  
INST 430  Special Topics  3  
INST 480N  Christian Marriage  3  

In this course, students will have an opportunity to reflect christianly on the institution of marriage. This will include examining how attitudes toward marriage are shaped by our upbringing in our families, in the church, and in society; thinking and talking in detail about Christian scripture and tradition as they relate to marriage; and considering a variety of aspects of and challenges to marriage that confront people who are married or who may be considering marriage. We hope that this will help those of our students who are unmarried to make wise decisions about whether and whom to marry,will help those who are married, and those who may eventually marry, to live out their marriages faithfully and well, and will help all our students to mature in ways that will enable them better to live out their Christian vocations in either the married or the single state.

INST 495  Internship  2-12  

A supervised internship in an off-campus organization, in the United States or abroad, that is language and missions focused. Student must provide his/her own transportation and report to an on-site supervisor. A plan of work must be submitted before internship is approved and appropriate documentation must be filed with student's advisor.

INST 498  Teaching Assistant  1-3  
INST 499  Research Assistant  1-3  
INST 600  Off Campus Study  3-12