Coming Soon: Erskine Winter Term 2001
From board games to biotechnology, from culture wars to chemistry, the Erskine Winter Term is a cold-weather breather offered to students between the fall and spring semesters, combining traditional and innovative approaches to learning.
Students study one subject in depth, or explore a new field, experience a foreign culture, or develop their creativity in ways not possible given the constraints of a conventional semester.
Among this Winter Term's offerings are classes providing opportunities to examine religious or scientific assumptions, see a professor in a new light, or even take a tour of Spain.
Biology professor Dr. David Ritland is offering "A History of Life on Earth," which will examine various models of the origins of life, exploring patterns of species diversification and extinction and looking at scientific, religious and 'hybrid' theories of life's origins.
"Is Jesus the Only Way?" is taught by philosophy professor Dr. John Wingard Jr. This is a class that looks at the question of religious pluralism, calling it "perhaps the greatest intellectual challenge facing Christians today." Students will become familiar with the main theological and philosophical issues involved and consider the implications of pluralism for Christian apologetics, evangelism and missions.
Mathematics professor Dr. Ann Bowe will lead a course entitled "Board Games and More," in which students will "learn a little history, do a little game playing, and try our hands at simple game analysis." Don't be fooled by the course title, however: the course includes readings, a project and three or four quizzes.
Modern languages professor Dr. Carlos Mentley is the instructor for "Houses of God," a tour of places where Spanish Christians, Jews and Muslims have worshipped through the ages. From the great mosque of Cordoba to the Cathedral of Toledo, students will travel through Spain learning about the development of church architecture and enjoying exposure to Spanish culture.
Another travel course being offered this year, "Flight to the City: Erskine in New York," led by English professor Dr. Brad Christie, will begin with two weeks of background classes followed by a trip to New York City to explore the city and its cultural opportunities.
Winter Term courses listed in this year's brochure are as follows:
"Biotechnology," Dr. Stefanie Baker
"Chemistry in the Marine & Coastal Environment," Dr. Kim Pacheco
"The Chemistry of Surfaces," Dr. Howard Thomas
"Culture Wars: Science vs. Religion," Dr. William Crenshaw
"The French Revolution," Dr. Sandra Chaney
"Glassblowing," Dr. Bright Lowry
"Hands-On Consulting," Dr. Tracy Kramer
"Intensive Latin for Beginners," Dr. Hans Engler
"Jane Austen and Her World," Dr. Joan Little
"Number Theory," Dr. James Bowe
"Personal Financial Skills," Professor Ben Jeffords
"Russia Under Lenin and Stalin," Dr. David Grier
"School and Community Health," Dr. Gid Alston
"Teacher's Shadow," Dr. Tracy Newman West
"Voice Class," Dr. John Warren
"World Music," Dr. Stephen Emmons
"Growing a Christian Mind," Dr. Terry Eves
"Middle School by Choice, Not by Chance," Dr. Judy Bates
"Déjà vu? The Americanization of French Films," Dr. Susan Fedde
"How Things Work," Dr. Richard Schelp
"Professional Psychology," Dr. Tom Gorry
"Modern China Studies," Dr. Robert Tian
