Sophomore Honors Summer Academy Courses
Completed Sophomore Year Spring 2021
Select two courses from two different subject areas!
History of the Bible
Bible
Dr. Grant Testut. Introduction to the fascinating and complex set of processes and technologies that have led to the various modern translations of the Bible; consider (among other things) how the Bible was written and distributed, the decisions that went into determining which books to include in the Bible, and why there are so many translations.
Introduction to Engineering II
Professional Studies
Professor Kevin Plumlee. This course is designed to introduce you to electrical, computer and mechanical engineering studies through lectures, problem solving, and an applied lab experiences. You will study the various approaches to engineering using the lab as an illustration of how engineers develop and implement solutions in their fields.
The undergraduate Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering degree programs are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org.
Introduction to the Teaching Profession
Professional Studies
Professor Allison Cassady. This course is designed to be an introductory overview to the field of education. You will see the many roles and contributions of education in a democratic society. You will explore and develop your own philosophies of education. You will get hands on experience with the role of the teacher and the student. And, you will investigate the primary elements of education: students, management, pedagogy, curriculum, and mission.
The 3D Coloring Book: Video Game Assets
Professional Studies
Professor Skyler Thomas. A spatial and theoretical approach to digitally painting in 3D. This course is designed to allow students an understanding of the principles and concepts of creating textures for assets and characters in video game development internationally. Students will also explore various aesthetics of games including indie and AAA, and others outside the popular norm to gain a more diverse perspective to inform their personal game design decisions. No previous software knowledge required
Introduction to Tolkien: Sub-creation and Creativity
Humanities
Dr. Cami Agan. Explore J. R. R. Tolkien’s views of creation, drawn from the material collected in The Silmarillion and other works. Discussion is grounded in Tolkien's own term "sub-creation", or human creativity as a worshipful offering to the Creator. Familiarity with Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Hobbit are helpful but not required for this class.
Introduction to Musical Understanding and Creativity
Humanities
Dr. John Fletcher. A primer of musical understanding and a launching point for each student's musical creativity for music readers and non-readers.
Debate: How to Argue Social Issues from a Christian Perspective without Being a Jerk
Humanities
Dr. Brian Simmons. Christians in today’s American culture often find themselves in situations where they are discussing social issues with people who don’t share a Christian worldview—or with those who do but disagree with you. Too often in such situations, Christians become “jerks” practicing uncivil discourse and damaging the name of Christ. Therefore, this course is designed to equip you with rudimentary argumentation techniques and civil discourse practices.
How We Got To Now? Introduction to the History of Science
Humanities
Dr. Len Feuerhelm. Are science and faith at war with each other? Why do so many people think they are? How did we get to now? Physics professor and former CIA rocket scientist Len Feuerhelm will lead you through a look at the way science and religion have related to each other down through the ages. And, you will tour one of the best history of science collections in the US.
Introduction to Cell Biology (course is full for 2021)
Science
Dr. Eric Phelps. Features lab culturing of HeLa Cells. Explore the significance of how one woman’s cancer and one scientist’s dream revolutionized Cellular Biology. Learn the fundamentals of how normal human cells are transformed into cancer cells; become familiar with laboratory sterile cell culture techniques; be responsible for maintaining proper growth conditions for a plate of human cancer cells.
Introduction to Computer Science: Can Computers Think Like a Person?
Science
Professor Don Leftwich. Concepts related to automatic processing of information. The course will examine problems that may or may not be solvable using computer technology. You will learn some of the basic concepts related to the design and programming of a digital computer.
Introduction to Cyber Security: Cyber Sleuthing
Science
Professor Curtis Coleman. In this course, you will learn and immediately begin to use some of the tools of digital forensics, data reconnaissance and open source intelligence techniques. Great if you're interested in STEM, law, law enforcement and computer science.