General Studies
GS 1000: Foundations for Success in College (1-2)
Offerings
Students who succeed in college possess or develop a requisite core set of skills, understandings, and behaviors. This course for entering freshmen focuses on five areas that impact first-year success at the university level and lay a solid foundation for future achievement: time management, goal setting, motivation, self-regulation, and awareness of campus culture. If taken for two credits, the course also includes a writing component focused on development of personal editing abilities and an understanding of college-level writing demands.
Restrictions: Freshman students only.
GS 1001: Success Skills for College (2)
Offerings
Assists students as they develop and expand their understanding and use of time management, note-taking, textbook reading, and exam strategies in order to increase their academic performance in the university setting. Information is included on how to utilize personal learning styles and strengths.
GS 2000: Finding Your Vocation (2)
Offerings
Being a college student raises important questions about who you are and how you sense God's call in your life. In this seminar-style class, you will come to know yourself better and learn to make good decisions by listening to what gives your life a deep sense of meaning and purpose. Learn to use reflective writing and tools for discernment and prayer in your everyday life and for your future.
Equivalents: GS 4000
GS 2001: Major and Career Exploration (2)
Offerings
Choosing a major can be stressful and confusing, especially when it is unclear how your major will translate to a satisfying career. This class will help you focus on who you are (your gifts and talents) and where you want to be (your dreams and calling). Reflect on your skills and strengths and create a working resume. Explore majors and career interests with online resources and informational interviews. Discover which key experiences to have as an undergraduate that will enhance your learning and career development. Find which majors fit and create a plan for future exploration and discovery.
Restrictions: Senior students are excluded.
Fees:
MBTI and Strong Assessment Fee (refundable)
GS 2003: Effective Academic Reading Strategies (3)
Offerings
The course presents strategies that make it possible to read complex material faster and more effectively. Approaches to academic reading that increase comprehension, strengthen critical thinking, impact memory, improve reading rate, and establish effective reading habits are introduced with opportunity to apply them to work in other classes.
GS 2306: Tutoring (1)
Offerings
Tutoring May be repeated for credit 2 times.
GS 2500: Service Training for SPRINT (2)
Offerings
Explores the missiological, cultural, practical and personal aspects of short-term mission through the lens of Christian Community Development. This course is required for Summer SPRINT participants.
GS 2950: Special Topics (1-5)
Offerings
Explores selected topics.
Equivalents: GS 4950
GS 3001: College to Career Planning (1-2)
Offerings
Graduation will be here before you know it - what's next? This class will help you develop an understanding of your strengths, values and interests and vocational calling, explore your options and market yourself successfully. Learn to network, write a powerful resume and cover letter, create an effective LinkedIn profile, search for a job or internship and prepare for interviews. Finish the class feeling more confident in your career direction and with the tools to professionally present yourself to employers.
Attributes: Upper-Division
Restrictions: Freshman, Sophomore students are excluded.
GS 3418: Student Leadership and Service I (2)
Offerings
This course is designed to prepare Peer Advisors for their role within the Department of Residence Life for the upcoming academic year. Students will be equipped with foundational knowledge of college student development within a Christian community context and receive training on leadership styles, community development, identity development, and other relevant issues for their work with students. May be repeated for credit 3 times.
Attributes: Upper-Division
GS 3419: Student Leadership and Service II (1)
Offerings
Prerequisite: GS 3418. This course is designed to support Peer Advisors in their current role within the Department of Residence Life and to enhance their understanding of their role among residential students. Course content will include practical information on topics related to peer counseling, wellness, educational program management, and other relevant issues facing college students. May be repeated for credit 3 times.
Attributes: Upper-Division
Prerequisites: GS 3418: D or better
GS 3421: Student Leadership: Student Ministry Coordinator (1-2)
Offerings
Provides training for students in the Student Ministry Coordinator position at SPU. Topics include spiritual formation, team dynamics, diversity training, and program planning. Offered during fall quarter. Required for all SMCs. May be repeated for credit 3 times.
Attributes: Upper-Division
GS 3930: Practicum (1-5)
Offerings
Credit for practical experience.
Attributes: Upper-Division
GS 3931: Cross Cultural Experiences in Guatemala (5)
Offerings
This class explores the culture and recent history of Guatemala. The students will be living and working in a small town in central Guatemala and will work with full time professionals assisting with development and outreach activities at specific work sites. The students will learn about the recent history of Guatemala including the Civil war, race relations and disparity of income through readings and lectures. They will reflect on these learning activities in the context of their work sites and living conditions and write essays based upon these reflections.
Attributes: Upper-Division, Ways of Engaging
GS 4000: Finding Your Vocation (2)
Offerings
Being a college student raises important questions about who you are and how you sense God's call in your life. In this seminar-style class, you will come to know yourself better and learn to make good decisions by listening to what gives your life a deep sense of meaning and purpose. Learn to use reflective writing and tools for discernment and prayer in your everyday life and for your future.
Equivalents: GS 2000
Attributes: Upper-Division
GS 4900: Independent Study (1-5)
Offerings
Independent Study May be repeated for credit up to 15 credits.
Attributes: Upper-Division
Restrictions: Freshman, Sophomore students are excluded.
GS 4930: Leadership Practicum (1-10)
Offerings
Prerequisite: Admission to the minor. Supervised practicum in student-leadership positions under advising of the Office of Student Life. Includes learning contract, readings, and assignments to enable students to deepen leadership skills. May be repeated for credit up to 10 credits.
Attributes: Upper-Division
Restrictions: Freshman students are excluded.
GS 4950: Special Topics (1-5)
Offerings
Explores selected topics.
Equivalents: GS 2950
Attributes: Upper-Division