2006–2007 Academic Catalog - Concordia University Ann Arbor

| 37
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
world that underlie it. It incorporates both predictive and deductive analysis of natural phenomena
through quantitative treatment of their simple elements. It also includes a study of
more complex systems that cannot be understood on the basis of their simple elements and
require more descriptive and historical accounts. Virtually every aspect of human existence
depends on an understanding of how nature works, how the physical world functions.
Course requirements
One of these:
NAT281a Investigation of Energy, Temperature and Heat
NAT281b Chemistry in Context
NAT281c Investigation of a Changing Earth
And:
NAT282 Biology and the Whole Person
3 credits
3 credits
3 credits
3 credits
Vocation
Description of Category
Humans do not just exist in the universe. They expend a great part of their lives trying to
produce effective results through their actions in the world. The emphasis in this core area
is on what constitutes productive labor, the value we place upon it, the value we ought to
place on it, and on the range and variety of human endeavor and production. In keeping
with the mission of the University, vocation is viewed on the one hand, in its broadest context,
as the practice of freedom always existing in reality containing mankind, never
abstract, isolated, independent, and detached. On the other hand, it is necessary that we
attempt to match our skills, interests, and abilities to specific opportunities to serve and
labor. Thus materials may range from narrow questions of career development to the broadest
possible philosophical questions of calling to action in the world. There is no specific
course requirement in the Vocation Category, but the idea of Christian vocation is
addressed in several General Studies courses.
Biblical Identity and Valuing
6 credits
Description of Category
The focus here is the nature of humans as individuals in the world, called into existence by
God. The emphasis is on who each of us is, the influences that shaped us, the things that
have been and ought to be important to us. Identity brings coherence to experience, and
thus requires critical thinking – thinking which discerns an indivisible union between the
world and human beings, and thinking which perceives reality as a process, as transformation,
rather than as a static entity. Studies ought to look at various value systems and ways
of identity-making and ask students to analyze them while confronting them. Students will
wrestle with the problems of developing Christian humanism as a value stance in a world in
which there are many, very different, definitions of value and identity. To meet the needs of
students seeking a vocation in church work, there are two categories of course requirements:
Course Requirements
A. General Students
BIV131 Introduction to the Christian Religion 3 credits
BIV132 Introduction to the Sacred Scriptures 3 credits
B. Church Worker Preparation Students
BIV131 Introduction to the Christian Religion 3 credits
BIV241 Biblical Literature I: Old Testament 3 credits
BIV242 Biblical Literature II: New Testament 3 credits