Arts & Sciences

This course will provide students a working foundation toward understanding global cultures, languages, worldviews and belief systems. Emphasis will be placed on comparing and contrasting these dynamics with an eye toward productive and proactive engagement with people of and in different cultures.

This course will introduce learners to the development of the fine arts, including important artists, works, and genres. Students will learn to critically converse with works of art and the ideas they embody, and will develop a personal philosophy of the arts in order to form a basis for wise and discerning engagement with the arts in personal, family, and community environments.

This course introduces students to the history, elements, and cultural significance of music and visual art. Through listening, analysis, and discussion, students will develop an understanding of key artistic movements, genres, and styles in both music and visual art. The course emphasizes how art and music have evolved over time and how they influence and reflect the societies in which they were created. Students will gain an appreciation for a wide range of artistic expressions and explore connections between music and visual arts.

This course will develop student proficiency in text editing and formatting, spreadsheet and database management, and presentation preparation, with special attention to Microsoft Office products and their practical uses. Further study will cover available operating systems, web resources, security software, as well as other specialized software that is available to the student in the modern open source environment.

This course is designed as a practice-oriented introduction to public speaking, as well as small group, and interpersonal communications skills. Attention is given to the fundamental processing of ideas, organization of materials, and group dynamics, along with the use of the voice, articulation, and body expression. Emphasis will be given to the delivery of prepared messages in various settings, with various audiences, and in various formats.