1. Term developed by OBU faculty in 1970 to describe the University's coordinated liberal arts core classes.
  2. A fancy way to say, "The basic classes that EVERYONE at OBU takes," usually in the same semester as their classmates.
  3. The idea that a solid foundation of classic learning benefits students from every area of study.
  4. Freshman-to-junior-level interrelated courses in writing, literature, history, Bible, science, philosophy, speech, fine arts, foreign language, computing, and physical education which can help you decide your career.
  5. Courses taught by qualified faculty members who care about students.
  6. Provider of excellent material for fans or future contestants of Jeopardy.

OBU has a proud heritage of providing a comprehensive liberal arts program for all students. The curriculum in Unified Studies provides basic core courses for the students of the University, regardless of their majors or areas of concentration. Students spend most of their freshman and sophomore years completing Unified Studies courses of a general liberal arts nature. These broadly-based courses provide an excellent foundation as the student pursues detailed study in the chosen major or area of concentration during the junior and senior years.


Curriculum in Unified Studies
101.
Old Testament History and Literature
3
Survey of Old Testament writings within the context of the history of Israel. Attention to Israel's identity as the covenant people of God, the development of Israel's national and political consciousness, and her relationships with other nations. Special emphasis on the principles of biblical interpretation and the major theological themes of the Old Testament.
102.
New Testament History and Literature
3
Exploration of New Testament writings within the context of the historical development of the church in the first century. Attention to the types of literature appearing in the New Testament, the order and manner of composition of these writings, and the questions of authorship and purpose. Discussion of central figures, major issues, and dominant theological themes, and study of the development of these writings into a body of canonical literature.
103.
Introduction to Contemporary Mathematics
3
Logic, mathematical systems, geometry, probability and statistics, numeration and number theory.
104.
Introduction to Philosophy
2
Analysis of the principles of reasoning, the methods and topics of philosophy that emerge in the history of Western Philosophy.
109.
Introduction to Speech Communication
2
Fundamentals of preparation and delivery of speeches; listening skills; basics of small-group communication.
110.
General Chemistry I
Fall, 4
Designed to satisfy the natural science requirement for students selecting majors or areas of concentration with emphasis in one of the natural sciences. Atomic structure and chemical bonding; physical chemistry of liquids and solutions; nature of chemical changes and energy changes accompanying such change; structural theory of organic chemistry; reactions of organic molecules. One laboratory session per week. Additional fee required.
111.
General Chemistry II
Spring, 4
Continuation of US 110. Stoichiometry; equilibrium; electrochemical cells; thermodynamics of inorganic systems; practical applications in qualitative analysis and elementary quantitative analysis. One laboratory session per week. Prerequisites: US 110, MATH 201 (or 116/117 if 201 taken concurrently). Additional fee required.
112.
Introduction to General and Biological Chemistry
Fall, 4
Designed to satisfy the natural science requirement in nursing. Atomic structure and chemical bonding; physical chemistry of liquids and solutions; nature of chemical changes and energy changes accompanying such change; structural theory of organic chemistry; reactions of organic molecules; structures and properties of natural organic compounds; chemical reactions in living organisms. One laboratory session per week. Corequisite: MATH 116 or 201. Additional fee required.
113.
Introduction to Computing
3
An introduction to the computer as a problem-solving tool, including microcomputer applications, the role of the computer in society, ethical uses of computers and laws governing computing. Laboratory is required.
115.
English Composition: Exposition and Argument
Fall, 3
Emphasis on writing clear, thesis-centered expository and argumentative prose, on reading critically, and on developing library skills.
116.
English: Composition and Classical Literature
Spring, 3
Continued experience in writing expository and argumentative prose; study of poetry and Greek literature in cultural context. Prerequisite: US 115.
120.
Introduction to Economics
3
A survey course to prepare the student for intelligent understanding of the contemporary American economy and common economic problems. The course introduces elementary concepts and methodology. (The course will not satisfy the economics requirement in the B.B.A. degree. Non-business students planning to take additional courses in business or economics should determine the prerequisites before taking 120.)
121.
American National Government
3
An introduction to the study of political process and the major institutions of government in the United States. Consideration given to the significance of the societal context in which government operates, the concept of democracy, the selection of government leaders, group influences on government, the process by which government decisions are made, and the distribution of benefits in the political system.
123.
Introduction to Sociology
3
A survey course designed to introduce students to the science of human society. Primary emphasis on basic concepts and the development of a sociological perspective. Presentation of the major figures in the development of social science and analysis of culture, socialization, social institutions, and social change.
131.
French Language and Culture I
Fall, 3
An introduction to the French language and culture. Language laboratory attendance required.
132.
French Language and Culture II
Spring, 3
A continuation course at the elementary level. Prerequisite: US 131.
133.
Spanish Language and Culture I
Fall, 3
An introduction to the Spanish language and culture. Language laboratory attendance required.
134.
Spanish Language and Culture II
Spring, 3
A continuation course at the elementary level. Prerequisite: US 133.
135.
German Language and Culture I
Fall, 3
An introduction to the German language and culture. Language laboratory attendance required.
136.
German Language and Culture II
Spring, 3
A continuation course at the elementary level. Prerequisite: US 135.
180.
Microcomputer Literacy
1
A skills-oriented course that introduces microcomputer hardware and applications in both a lecture and a laboratory environment. Keyboard skills are recommended. May not be taken for credit after credit for US 113 has been received.
199.
Topics in Unified Studies
On Demand, 3
A lower level course in a selected area of Unified Studies. Not for independent study. Prerequisite: approval of the Dean of Arts and Sciences.
201.
European Literature
Fall, 3
Study of literary classics of European civilization from the Roman epic through the 18th century. Taught in conjunction with European Civilization. Prerequisite: US 116.
202.
Modern Literature
Spring, 3
Continuation of European Literature; study of literary classics from Romantic to contemporary literature. Taught in conjunction with Contemporary World. Prerequisite: US 116.
203.
European Civilization: History
Fall, 3
Survey of the major aspects of the development of European culture from the Roman Empire through the American Revolution. Taught in conjunction with European Literature.
204.
Contemporary World: History
Spring, 3
Continuation of European Civilization; survey of major aspects of the development of contemporary civilization from the French Revolution to the present. Taught in conjunction with Modern Literature.
206.
The Fine Arts
3
A study of the significant developments of the major visual arts and music with emphasis on an aesthetic comprehension and significant interrelation of the arts in general. Participatory experiences in the major and lesser arts and in music. Cultural perspectives of all the arts from pre-history to the present day. Prerequisite: sophomore standing.
211.
Literature of the Western World I
Fall, 3
Selected works in Western literature from the Greeks to the Neo-Classical age. Literature is studied with emphasis on cultural contexts. Will substitute for US 201 for those students who present acceptable transfer credit for US 203.
212.
Literature of the Western World II
Spring, 3
Selected works in Western literature from the Romantics to the present. Literature is studied with emphasis on cultural contexts. Will substitute for US 202 for those students who present acceptable transfer credit for US 204 or US 208.
231.
French Language and Culture III
Fall, 3
A systematic review of French grammar with continuing development of language skills and study of French culture. Language laboratory attendance required. Prerequisite: one year of college French or equivalent.
232.
French Language and Culture IV
Spring, 3
A continuation of 231 with emphasis on reading. Prerequisite: US 231.
233.
Spanish Language and Culture III
Fall, 3
A systematic review of Spanish grammar with continuing development of language skills and study of Spanish culture. Language laboratory attendance required. Prerequisite: one year of college Spanish or equivalent.
234.
Spanish Language and Culture IV
Spring, 3
A continuation of 233 with emphasis on reading. Prerequisite: US 233.
235.
German Language and Culture III
Fall, 3
A systematic review of German grammar with continuing development of language skills and study of German culture. Language laboratory attendance required. Prerequisite: one year of college German or equivalent.
236.
German Language and Culture IV
Spring, 3
A continuation of 235 with emphasis on reading. Prerequisite: US 235.
301.
Topics in Comparative Civilization
3
Content of the course is changed from semester to semester with consideration of the history and culture of the American Indians and selected regions, such as Africa, India, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, China, and Japan. Prerequisites: US 201-203, 202-204.
307.
Biblical Ethics
3
A study of the major ethical teachings of the Bible with attention to their practical and contemporary application. Addresses the theme of Christian responsibility in today's world, based on the premise that Biblical interpretation is not complete until the teachings of the Bible inform the life situation of the student.
311.
Introduction to Natural Science
Fall, 3
For students who will not complete an area of concentration with emphasis in one of the natural sciences or in nursing. Historical development of selected scientific concepts such as planetary motion, mechanics, heat, light, atomic and quantum theory, relativity, ecosystems, evolution, and molecular biology. Emphasis primarily on the physical sciences. Laboratory is required. Additional fee required.
312.
Introduction to Natural Science (Continued)
Spring, 3
Sequent of US 311 with primary emphasis on biological sciences. Laboratory is required. Prerequisite: US 311. Additional fee required.
432.
Advanced Topics in Unified Studies
On Demand, 3
An advanced course in a selected area of Unified Studies. Not for independent study. Prerequisites: junior standing and approval of the Dean of Arts and Sciences. Department of Academic Resources
 
   
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Warren M. Angell
College of Fine Arts


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