The University of Los Angeles/California College of Divinity General Education Syllabi


Courses Offered - General Education

Students follow a general education curriculum that is grouped into five foundational areas: Humanities, Natural Science, Mathematics, Political & Social Sciences and Foreign Languages. Courses offered may vary. Courses that fulfill the General Education requirements are below. Click the link on highlighted courses to view the syllabi for these courses.

Humanities

In the humanities area, students will be exposed to the great philosophical, religious, and literary traditions of the world’s civilizations.
While all courses will emphasize the importance of the rational aspects of human beings and their mental processes, it is hoped that students will also—by studying the fine arts and other subjects in the humanities—develop an appreciation for the great expressions of the human spirit.

COM 102: Public Speaking - This course introduces all aspects of effective public speaking including verbal and non-verbal considerations such as tone, diction, command and connection with the audience. Students practice delivering various types of messages in front of groups. Required textbook: Public Speaking (ISBN: 978-0-07803682-8).

COM 303: Introduction to Communication - This course equips students with interpersonal and basic public speaking skills geared to prepare them for work-related interactions involving communication-based, problem-solving skills. Required textbook: Comm (ISBN: 978-1-28544558-8).

ENG 101: English Composition - This course incorporates a range of grammar lessons and writing prompts to develop students’ ability to create thesis statements, draft and develop paragraphs, and write and revise their own essays. Required textbook: The Longman Reader and Pearson Writer Bundle
(ISBN: 978-111827212).

ENG 202: Introduction to Literature - This course guides the student through reading, understanding, and applying critical theory to the four different types of literature: Fiction, nonfiction, poetry and drama. Students learn how to apply reading skills. They examine linguistic and structural elements
of each type of writing. Various types of fiction are examined as well as types of poetry, theater (drama), and nonfiction. Plot and characterization are discussed. Students discover how to write about literature and demonstrate the ability to write a research paper. Required textbook: Introduction to Literature (ISBN: 978-1-11182721-2).

ENG 303: Critical Thinking and Argument - This course provides the student an opportunity to apply argument theory, critical thinking, and writing skills to a variety of current issues. The student will have the opportunity to not only become familiar with what other writers think about issues, but also have the opportunity to use the critical thinking theories to engage the world around them by exploring, analyzing, and synthesizing their own perspectives. Required textbook: Think Critically (ISBN: 978-0-205-49098-1).

Mathematics

The mathematics and natural sciences should enable students to learn to solve problems, acquire analytical skills, gain knowledge of the physical, and develop a true spirit of inquiry. These qualities, we believe, will—along with the other liberal arts—strengthen life-long habits of learning and the continued acquisition of knowledge about the world and themselves.MATH 101: College Math I - This course incorporates basic mathematics principles, theories and computation to develop students’ ability to solve algebraic and geometric math problems. Required textbook: Basic College Mathematics (ISBN: 978-0-321-93190-0).

MATH 130: Introductory Algebra - This course establishes a foundation in algebra and problem solving. Topics include signed numbers, exponents, order of operations,simplifying expressions, solving linear equations and inequations, graphing, formulas, polynomials, and factoring. Required textbook: Introductory Algebra (ISBN: 978-0-321-59921-6).

MATH 150: Intermediate Algebra - The algebra of linear and quadratic equations, graphing, functions, inequalities, rational expressions, radicals, and system of equations. The course emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Required textbook: Intermediate Algebra (ISBN: 978-0-321-61336-3).

MATH 200: College Algebra - This course is a continuation of the fundamental concepts of Algebra taught in MATH 130. It covers algebra of matrices, conic sections and systems of nonlinear equations, arithmetic and geometric sequences, mathematical induction, counting techniques,
probability and the binomial theorem.

MATH 301: Statistics - Prerequisites: Math 150 or its equivalent. This course is designed to offer students the skills necessary to interpret
and critically evaluate statistics commonly used to describe, predict, and evaluate data in an information-driven environment. The focus is on the conceptual understanding of how statistics can be used and how to evaluate statistical data.Required textbook: Elementary Statistics: Picturing the World (ISBN: 978-0-321-91121-6).

Natural Sciences

ANA 105: Anatomy - The topics of this course will include understanding the structures and functions of the skeletal system, muscular system, nervous system, integumentary system, respiratory system, tissues, membranes, and blood. In addition, this course will also include understanding proper use of anatomical terminology. Required textbook: Human Anatomy (ISBN: 978-0-321-902856).

BIO 101: General Biology - This course offers a basic overview of biology which is simple enough for non-science majors and thorough enough to serve as a foundation for those pursuing scientific or medical degrees. Required textbook: Biology (ISBN: 978-1-133-365536-5).

CHEM 101: General Chemistry - This course includes the introduction to physical and chemical properties of the elements, chemical reactions, gas laws, chemical nomenclature, structure of atoms, chemical bonding, and solutions.

PH 300: Physics - This course includes the introduction to physical and chemical properties of the elements, chemical reactions, gas laws, chemical nomenclature, structure of atoms, chemical bonding, and solutions.

PHY 105: Human Physiology - The topics of this course will include understanding the structures and functions of the skeletal system, muscular system, nervous system, integumentary system, respiratory system, tissues, membranes, and blood. In addition, this course will also include understanding proper use of anatomical terminology. Required textbook: Human Anatomy (ISBN: 978-0-321-902856).

Social & Political Sciences

The social and political sciences are designed to help students acquire the knowledge and understanding of their own behavior as individuals and as part of their society, ethnic group, heritage, and world. The study of history of the United States and that of other parts of the world will provide students with knowledge of events, factual information, and further practice in critical thinking and analysis.

HIS 202: US History: Past to 1877 - This course delivers a broad survey of American history from New World exploration and settlement through the Civil War. Required textbook: America Past and Present Vol 1 (ISBN: 978-0-205-90519-5).

HIS 203: US History 1865 - Present This course delivers a broad survey of American history from Civil War to present. Required textbook: America Past and Present Vol 2 (ISBN: 978-0-205-90547-8).

POLS 101: Political Science -The student examines the concepts and methodology of Political Science as well as the various fields of the disciple including American politics, comparative politics, international politics and political philosophy and the origins of our political values. Students analyze
political ideas, theories, ideologies, systems and policies in order to focus on and investigate political problems on a national and global level as well as define central concepts related to the study of political science.

PSY 101: Introduction to Psychology - This course offers comprehensive yet concise overview of the basic principles of psychology. Required textbook: Introduction to Psychology (ISBN: 978-1-11183363-3).

SOC 101: Introduction to Sociology - This course will help students quickly come to see how sociology applies to many areas of their lives and how it is used in day to day activities. Required textbook: Sociology - Intro To Sociology (ISBN: 978-1133588085).

Foreign Languages

SAM 101: Elementary Samoan - Listening, speaking, reading, writing skills. Structural points introduced inductively. History and culture. Meets four hours weekly.

SAM 102: Elementary Samoan - continuation of 101 - Pre: 101 or consent.

SAM 201: Intermediate Samoan - Meets four hours weekly, three of four hours devoted to drill and practice. Pre: 102.

SAM 202: Intermediate Samoan - continuation of 201 - Pre: 201 or consent.