Gracelyn University Undergraduate Course Descriptions
BIBL 1101: New Testament Discovery (3 credits)
A historical survey of the New Testament. This course will allow students to examine the New Testament, key concepts, and events that helped birth Christianity.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1301: Composition I
BIBL 2101: Following Jesus and Spiritual Formation (3 credits)
This course is an introduction to major components that influences spiritual growth leaving students with the tools, resources, and strategies to help them become effective followers of Jesus.
Prerequisites: BIBL 1101 New Testament Discovery
BIBL 3100: Gospel Movements of Jesus (3 credits)
This course offers students the opportunity to learn about the historical events—the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. With a primary bible focus on the Gospel of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
Prerequisites: BIBL 2101 Following Jesus and Spiritual Formation
BIOL 1308: Biology for Non-Science Majors (3 credits)
Basic principles of general biology as they relate to students learning to apply scientific methods to understand how living things function and how they depend upon each other for support. Note: Proctored Final Exam.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1301: Composition I
CHEM 1305: Introductory Chemistry (3 credits)
States of matter; physical properties; elements, compounds and mixtures; the periodic table; structure and bonding; physical and chemical change; chemical calculations: mole concept, significant figures, stoichiometry, concentrations; molecular shape; intermolecular forces; gas laws; balancing equations; acids, bases and pH; volumetric analysis; chemical equilibrium.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1301: Composition I
ECON 2301: Principles of Microeconomics (3 credits)
Students will examine the major issues of microeconomics, including consumer and producer behavior, the nature of supply and demand, the different kinds of markets and how they function, and the welfare outcomes of consumers and producers. Students will also explore how these formal principles and concepts apply to real-world issues.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1301: Composition I
ECON 2302: Principles of Macroeconomics (3 credits)
This course explores the functioning of the economy on a large scale, covering topics such as national income, inflation, unemployment, fiscal and monetary policy, and global trade. Students will gain a deeper understanding of how economic forces shape national and international markets.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1301: Composition I
EDUC 1102: Principles of Teaching in Christian Education (3 credits)
This course offers a basic study of characteristics of how different age groups learn using lesson objectives and teaching methods appropriate for a variety of age groups. It will explore the teaching principles of Jesus connected with a look at the teaching/learning process and application of teaching methods.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1301: Composition I
EDUC 2101: Introduction to Christian Education (3 credits)
This course provides foundational elementary and secondary Christian teaching for understanding the qualities of effective teachers and how to grow and develop such qualities in their own Christian lives. The course will include an overview of education theory, educational models, and approaches to classroom curriculum, instruction, and assessment from a Christian worldview.
Prerequisites: EDUC 1102 Principles of Teaching in Christian Education
EDUC 2110: Using Your Giftings through Fine Arts in the Classroom (3 credits)
This course offers students the opportunity to learn how to use arts and crafts, drama, dance, music, and songwriting in the elementary school classroom, along with learning how to use their gifts and talents to the glory of God.
Prerequisites: EDUC 2101 Introduction to Christian Education
EDUC 3101: Transformational Methods of Elementary Education 1 (3 credits)
This course focuses on planning that leads to student transformation, from setting up the classroom to curriculum, with its varied presentations for students from various cultures and with different learning styles. It includes direct and indirect approaches to teaching language and social science material along with the implementation of strategies and assessments.
Prerequisites: EDUC 2101 Introduction to Christian Education
EDUC 3111: Transformational Methods and Materials in ESL/SpEd (3 credits)
Students in this course will focus on transformational teaching of ESL & Special Education methods and material in general and focus on content instruction of ESL students. Note: Proctored Final Exam.
Prerequisites: EDUC 2101 Introduction to Christian Education
EDUC 3120: Transformational Teaching Methods (3 credits)
This course focuses on transformational teacher planning and implementing appropriate teaching strategies in elementary and secondary classrooms to include students’ cultural and linguistic backgrounds, learning styles, and cognitive levels. This course will also give a basic overview of methods and principles of teaching biblical truth.
Prerequisites: EDUC 2101 Introduction to Christian Education
EDUC 3130: Transformational Elementary and Secondary Curriculum (3 credits)
This course will develop students’ knowledge in researching, pedagogy skills for elementary and secondary students, school and/or district curriculum frameworks. The course integrates skills and techniques to help prepare students to lead as Christian educators within the evolving world.
Prerequisites: EDUC 2101 Introduction to Christian Education
EDUC 4110: Transformational Classroom Assessment (3 credits)
This course provides students with the theoretical frameworks behind classroom-based and school-wide assessments and specific strategies to develop transformational elements and assessment tools. The course will help students develop the knowledge and skills to develop and use transformational assessment strategies that can report on students’ learning and help design instruction for student learning.
Prerequisites: EDUC 2101 Introduction to Christian Education
EDUC 4120: Teaching All of God’s Children (3 credits)
This course focuses on teachers learning to bridge the gap between instructional delivery and diverse learning styles and establish a connection between how diverse students learn and communicate and how the school approaches teaching and learning. The student populations include those with special needs, those who are non-native English speakers, and those with cultural, linguistic, religious, and other backgrounds with unique learning needs. The course will also demonstrate how Christ modeled teaching to diverse populations.
Prerequisites: EDUC 2101 Introduction to Christian Education
EDUC 4410: Field Experience I (3 credits)
This course consists of observation and participation in the ongoing Christian teaching/learning situations in classrooms. To be eligible for this course, student must be in their last 30 credit hours of their degree program and be placed in an EC-12 classroom. (Pass/Fail)
Prerequisites: EDUC 3111 Transformational Methods and Materials in ESL/SpEd
EDUC 4420: Field Experience II (3 credits)
This course consists of observation and participation in the ongoing Christian teaching/learning situations in classrooms. Student must be placed in an EC-12 classroom. (Pass/Fail)
Prerequisites: EDUC 4410 Field Experience I
EDUC 4430: Field Experience III (3 credits)
This course consists of observation and participation in the ongoing Christian teaching/learning situations in classrooms. Student must be placed in an EC-12 classroom. (Pass/Fail)
Prerequisites: EDUC 4420 Field Experience II
EDUC 4440: Field Experience IV (3 credits)
This course consists of observation and participation in the ongoing Christian teaching/learning situations in classrooms. Student must be placed in an EC-12 classroom. (Pass/Fail)
Prerequisites: EDUC 4430 Field Experience III
ENGL 1301: Composition I (3 credits)
This introductory course helps students master the interconnected nature of listening, speaking, reading, writing, and thinking through seven integrated strands of developing and sustaining language skills; comprehension; response; multiple genres; author’s purpose and craft; composition; and inquiry and research. The strands focus on academic proficiency in oral expression and comprehension, authentic reading, and reflective writing. The strands are integrated to help students develop knowledge and skills with increased complexity and nuance in order to think critically and adapt to the ever-evolving nature of language and literacy. Note: Proctored Final Exam.
Prerequisites: None
ENGL 1302: Composition II (3 credits)
This course emphasizes precision, accuracy and effectiveness in written English. The class will focus on the writing process, research techniques and properly citing texts. The class will emphasize persuasive and research writing and speaking, as well as vocabulary acquisition and research presentation.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1301: Composition I
ENGL 2306: American Literature I (3 credits)
This reading and writing intensive course introduces a variety of literature. Students learn about literary forms, terms, and techniques. Extensive writing in response to literature is also expected of course participants.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1301: Composition I
ENGL 2307: Christian Literature I (3 credits)
This reading and writing intensive course introduces a variety of literature. Students learn about literary forms, terms, and techniques. Extensive writing in response to literature is also expected of course participants.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1301: Composition I
GEOG 1302: Human Geography (3 credits)
A survey of the major systems of man-land relations of the world and their dissimilar developments; the processes of innovation, diffusion, and adaptation stressed with regard to changing relationships between people and their environment.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1301: Composition I
GEOL 1301: Earth Science for Non-Science Majors (3 credits)
This course is designed as an interactive integrated introduction to physical science. Students will focus on fundamental concepts of physical science within the earth.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1301: Composition I
GOVT 2305: Federal Government (3 credits)
This course provides an introduction to the structure and functions of the United States government, including the Constitution, federalism, political institutions, and civil rights. Students will also explore the role of economics in government decision-making, policy development, and the impact on society.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1301: Composition I
GOVT 2306: Texas Government (3 credits)
This course examines the structure and functions of Texas state and local government, focusing on the Texas Constitution, political institutions, and the legislative process. Students will explore key issues, policies, and the role of state and local governments in shaping the lives of Texas residents.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1301: Composition I
HEAL 1101: Caring for Mind, Body and Spirit (3 credits)
This course helps students to apply a variety of activities related to biblical concepts of wholeness. Addresses the integration of mind, body, and spirit healing from personal and professional perspectives.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1301: Composition I
HIST 1301: US History I (3 credits)
This course surveys the political, social, religious, intellectual, and economic developments in the United States from the colonial period through Reconstruction. Students will examine key events, figures, and movements that shaped early American history, focusing on the foundation of the nation and its evolving identity.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1301: Composition I
HIST 1302: US History II (3 credits)
This course surveys the political, social, religious, intellectual, and economic developments in the United States from the late 19th century through the 21st century. Students will explore key historical events, movements, and figures, focusing on modern America’s growth, challenges, and global impact.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1301: Composition I
MATH 1350: Fundamentals of Mathematics I (3 credits)
A review of basic mathematical operations, including fractions, percent, and decimals. The course will introduce the basic concepts and applications of functions and demonstrate how to apply mathematics to practical situations.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1301: Composition I
MATH 1351: Fundamentals of Mathematics II (3 credits)
This course explores mathematical understanding and reasoning across the following domains: mathematical operations and computation; algebraic reasoning; proportionality; coordinate and transformational geometry; statistical concepts; functions and equations; trigonometry; and measurement and data analysis.
Prerequisites: MATH 1350: Fundamentals of Mathematics I
MATH 1324: Applied Algebra and Functions (3 credits)
This course explores quadratic, polynomial, rational, radical, exponential and logarithmic functions and expressions with an emphasis on graphing and applications.
Prerequisites: MATH 1351: Fundamentals of Mathematics II
MATH 1394: College Algebra (3 credits)
This course provides a working knowledge of college- level algebra and its applications. Emphasis is placed upon the solution and the application of linear and quadratic equations, word problems, polynomial functions, roots and radicals. Students perform operations on real numbers, operations with algebraic expressions, algebraic fractions, rational and radical expressions.
Prerequisites: MATH 1324: Applied Algebra and Functions
MATH 1342: Elementary Statistical Methods (3 credits)
In this course, students will be introduced to the basic concepts of statistics using an intuitive approach to understanding concepts and methodologies. These include basic statistics, numerical measures, frequency distributions, measures of central tendency, measures of dispersion, concepts of probability, sampling principles of testing and univariate inferential testing. Students learn to solve correlation and regression for bivariate data, estimation, and hypothesis testing. Also, students will be encouraged to explore the practical application of statistical thinking, collecting and analyzing data. Note: Proctored Final Exam.
Prerequisites: MATH 1324: Applied Algebra and Functions
PHIL 1304: Introduction to World Religions (3 credits)
This course offers a comprehensive exploration of major world religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, along with traditional belief systems. Students will examine key religious texts, practices, and philosophies to understand the cultural and historical impact of these religions on societies worldwide.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1301: Composition I
PSYC 2301: General Psychology (3 credits)
This foundational course introduces students to the core principles, theories, and practices of psychology. It covers key areas of psychological study, including biological bases of behavior, cognition, human development, personality, and mental health. Students will explore research methods and how psychological knowledge applies to everyday life, fostering critical thinking skills.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1301: Composition I
PSYC 2314: Lifespan Growth & Development (3 credits)
An introductory course in developmental psychology. Major developmental theories are studied, as well as characteristics and developmental tasks of each age group.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1301: Composition I
SPCH 1318: Interpersonal Communication (3 credits)
Examines principles and processes of communicating from one culture to another. A case study approach increases students’ awareness of different ways of thinking and expression, different value systems and worldviews, thus helping them to be more effective in communicating cross-culturally.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1301: Composition I
