AA. Better Living Through Bethany
In this seminar, students will learn the tools to personal and academic success and leadership through an investigation of environmental and sustainability issues relevant to the Bethany College campus and the community as a whole. Activities in this seminar include reading and discussion of passages from regional native Rachel Carson’s pivotal book Silent Spring and development of final proposal presentations for green initiatives on campus. (Scott Brothers, Associate Professor of Chemistry, Director of First Year Program)
BB. Being an International Student in the Amerian (and Bethany) Context
The topic of the course is American Culture, to be explored from the International Student perspective. (Doni Casula, Assistant Director of International Education)
CC. The Beatles and Their Times
Using the phenomenon of the Beatles as a basis for further exploration, we will consider the social, political, and cultural events of the “60s .” Activities may include reading, DVD screenings, lectures, discussion, listening to audio recordings, quizzes, and written assignments. (Pandel Collaros, Associate Professor of Music)
DD. Run for Your Life
The premise of this course will be to equip first year Bison with strategies, if utilized, that can ensure a successful transition to higher education life; these strategies can be employed with all classroom content. We will also discuss pertinent topics that aid in the adjustment to college life outside of the classroom. A large percentage of Bethany students are also athletes. This course will be structured in a professional manner that encourages students to use their competitive spirit, when competitive sports may or may not still be an option, to give their best efforts in and out of the classrooms. Students will gain insight on the importance and usefulness of becoming more in-tune with lifelong fitness practices such as running. (Chelsey Fletcher, Assistant Professor of Physical Education)
EE. Stress Management for College and Beyond
This course will cover types of stress and different ways to manage stress in college and beyond. Through group and individual activities, we will take a dive into what causes stress in the lives of college students, how to identify triggers, and practice different methods of relieving stress. We will also reflect on new methods we learn during the class and how we can use these new methods in our own lives. (Kirsten Gallik, Enrollment Counselor)
FF. Lead the Herd
This course examines the risks, rewards, and responsibilities of dynamic team leadership through mentoring and coaching. Students will learn what a leader must be, know, and do; how to accelerate the stages of group development through leading by example; and how to promote individual and group success through proper project management. (Adam C. Fletcher, Professor of Mathematics)
HH. ESPN Rules!
This course takes a two-pronged approach as an introduction to sports communications. First, from a career perspective, ESPN and similar companies are studied to identify, select, and introduce limited best practices in sports announcing, writing, interviewing and production. Secondly, topical issues and historical personalities in sports culture (through a media filter) are discussed such as sport as intervention for troubled youths, sports heroes, sporting events and social responsibility, and corporate philanthropic activity related to sport. Examples of student work during class includes being a video streaming sports crew member, and working at the campus radio-TV station creating sports content. (Patrick Sutherland, Professor of Communications and Media Arts, Department Chair)
II. Clear Eyes. Full Hearts. Can’t Lose:
The Portrayal of (Student) Athletes in Popular Culture How many times have we seen the “dumb/pompous jock” stereotype play out in a movie or television show? How many times have student-athletes been accused to only being in school to play a sport? The students in this class will examine ways in which athletes, especially student-athletes, are portrayed in movies, television, books, magazines, and the news . This class will utilize discussion, research, and guest speakers to further explore portrayals of and stereotypes faced by athletes at all levels of competition . (Heather Taylor, Associate Professor of English, Director of the McCann Learning Center and Director of Student Success)
JJ. Career Success Takes More Than Luck
This seminar focuses on students transitioning into college and equipping them with skills to build their careers. The course lays out exploration in majors, minors and careers; develops a comprehensive career plan, resume and a professional online presence to market oneself effectively; prepares for success by evaluating various opportunities; teaches interviewing techniques, how to network, and how to launch a comprehensive internship/job search. In short, this course will help students create a path for their future career and identify the steps needed to get there. (Amy VanHorn, Director of Office of Career and Professional Development)