APU’s General Studies Requirements include Skills and University Requirements and six Integrative Core Requirements, which include elective unit requirements. Of the courses taken to fulfill these requirements, at least 18 units must be courses at the 300 or higher level. All of these requirements must be met by approved classes. Please note that elective unit requirements may be fulfilled by designated “elective” or “core” classes.
All courses approved to satisfy general studies requirements are identified in the Class Schedule and are included on the list of approved general studies courses. This list is found in the Office of the Undergraduate Registrar and in the Office of Academic Advising. Additional courses may be approved in the future. Students are encouraged to take their general studies courses throughout all their years at APU.
Even though students work closely with a faculty advisor in determining their general studies requirements, the responsibility of fulfilling these general studies requirements is solely that of the student. For further information, please see the Office of the Undergraduate Registrar and/or the Office of Academic Advising.
Skills and University Requirements
| ENGL 110 | Freshman Writing Seminar^ (required first year) | 3 |
|---|---|---|
| CSA 101 | Beginnings: Personal Development and the College Experience (required first semester) | 1 |
| COMM 111 | Public Communication | 3 |
| PE XXX | Fitness for Life or Varsity Sport (concurrent enrollment with PE 240^^ | 1 |
| PE 240 | Health Education (F, S) (concurrent enrollment with Fitness for Life) | 2 |
| Select one of the following: ^^^ | ||
| MATH 110 | College Algebra^ | 3 |
| MATH 115 | Analytical Inquiry^ | 3 |
| MATH 120 | Contemporary Mathematics^ | 3 |
^Placement
into the above math and English courses is determined by transfer work,
SAT/ACT scores, or diagnostic exams. Scoring below the minimum proficiency
on any or all of these exams will result in required enrollment in ENGL 099 (for Reading), ENGL 100 (for Writing), and/or the
appropriate prerequisite math course(s). |
||
| Foreign Language | 8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Choose from the following: | ||
| ASL 101/102 | American Sign Language | 4,4 |
| BLNG 204/205 | Greek | 4,4 |
| BLNG 214/215 | Hebrew | 4,4 |
| CHIN 101/102 | Chinese | 4,4 |
| FREN 101/102 | French | 4,4 |
| GERM 101/102 | German | 4,4 |
| JAPA 101/102 | Japanese | 4,4 |
| MODL 101/102 | Modern Language | 4,4 |
| SPAN 101/102 | Spanish | 4,4 |
Note: Two semesters of the same language is required. Foreign language proficiency may be validated by APU’s Department of Modern Languages’ placement test or AP/CLEP scores. International students are able to fulfill this requirement by enrolling in and successfully passing the TESL 101 and TESL 102 classes. APU will accept transfer units for the foreign language requirement if those courses qualify for transfer credit and if they constitute a full collegiate academic year of language study. All language transfer courses must entail a minimum of 3 units per semester and be completed at an accredited institution of higher education. |
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Correspondence courses do not fulfill the foreign language requirement.
| Upper-Division Writing Intensive Course | 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Choose from the following: | ||
| ART 356 | History of Modern Art | 3 |
| AT 490 | Research Methods (F) | 4 |
| BIOL 320 | Ecology | 4 |
| BIOL 465 | Clinical Research/Practicum in Applied Health | 4 |
| BUSI 370 | International Business | 3 |
| BUSI 405 | Business Report Writing | 3 |
| CHEM 320/330 | Instrumental Analysis Theory and Lab | 3,1 |
| CMIN 316 | The Art of Leadership | 3 |
| COMM 420 | Conflict Management | 3 |
| EDLS 405 | Diversity in the Classroom | 3 |
| ENGL 377 | Shakespeare | 3 |
| ENGL 406 | Advanced Composition | 3 |
| GLBL 301 | Anthropology for Everyday Life | 3 |
| JOUR 430 | Public Affairs Reporting | 3 |
| MATH 480 | Mathematical Reading, Writing, and Presentation | 3 |
| MUS 352 | Baroque, Classical, and Early Romantic Music Literature | 3 |
| PE 320 | History and Principles of Physical Education (F, S) | 3 |
| PHIL 340 | Concepts of Human Nature | 3 |
| POLI 300 | Research and Writing | 3 |
| PSYC 362 | Research Methods in Psychology | 4 |
| SOC 471 | Qualitative Social Research Methods | 3 |
| SOCW 351 | Child Welfare | 3 |
| SOCW 479 | Social Work Research Project | 3 |
| TFT 375 | Screenwriting | 3 |
| TFT 387 | Nonfiction Writing for Visual Media | 3 |
| THEO 420 | Christian Apologetics | 3 |
| UBBL 430 | Johannine Literature | 3 |
| UBBL 450 | Ancient Near Eastern History | 3 |
| UBBL 476 | Women in the Biblical Tradition | 3 |
| UNRS 306 | Theoretical Frameworks for Nursing | 3 |
| UNRS 400 | Advanced Practice: Professional Studies and Communication Skills | 3 |
Integrative Core Courses Requirements
The following subheadings list the core subject areas, the number of units required for the area, and the course options. Additional courses may be approved at a later date.
| Aesthetics and the Creative Arts | 3 units required | |
|---|---|---|
| ART 100 | Exploring the Visual Arts | 3 |
| ART 150 | Introduction to Art | 3 |
| ART 310 | Fundamental Art Experiences | 3 |
| ART 354 | Ancient Art History | 3 |
| ART 356 | History of Modern Art | 3 |
| ART 357 | Contemporary Art Trends | 3 |
| ART 361 | Early Christian and Medieval Art | 3 |
| ART 362 | Renaissance to Rococo Art | 3 |
| ART 403 | Multicultural Art | 3 |
| HUM 223/323 | Humanities Seminar III: Aesthetics^ | 3,4 |
| MUS 120 | Music Fundamentals | 3 |
| MUS 121 | Music Theory I | 3 |
| MUS 201 | Introduction to World Music | 3 |
| MUS 250 | Music and Civilization | 3 |
| TFT 101 | Christianity and the Creative Process | 3 |
| Heritage and Institutions | 6 units required | |
|---|---|---|
| Philosophy Component | 3 units | |
| Choose one of the following: | ||
| HUM 224/324 | Humanities Seminar IV: Great Ideas^ | 3,4 |
| PHIL 210 | Philosophical Foundations of Western Thought | 3 |
| PHIL 220 | Introduction to Philosophy | 3 |
| History and Political Science Component | 3 units | |
| Choose one of the following: | ||
| HIST 120 | World Civilizations to 1648 | 3 |
| HIST 121 | World Civilizations since 1648 | 3 |
| HIST 151 | United States History to 1865 | 3 |
| HIST 152 | United States History since 1865 | 3 |
| HUM 221/321 | Humanities Seminar I: Great Works^ | 3,4 |
| POLI 150 | American Government | 3 |
| POLI 160 | Introduction to Politics | 3 |
| Identity and Relationships | 3 units required | |
|---|---|---|
| PHIL 340 | Concepts of Human Nature | 3 |
| PSYC 110 | General Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 225 | Personal and Social Adjustment | 3 |
| PSYC 290 | Human Growth and Development | 3 |
| SOC 120 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| SOC 230 | Comparative Family Systems | 3 |
| SOCW 310/311 | Human Behavior in the Social Environment I and II (both needed to fulfill requirement) | 3/3 |
| Language and Literature | 3 units required | |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL 111 | Introduction to Literature | 3 |
| ENGL 112 | Introduction to Literary Analysis | 3 |
| ENGL 324 | World Literature to the Renaissance | 3 |
| ENGL 334 | World Literature since the Renaissance | 3 |
| ENGL 344 | American Literature to 1865 | 3 |
| ENGL 354 | American Literature since 1865 | 3 |
| HUM 222/322 | Humanities Seminar II: Literary Masterpieces^ | 3,4 |
^Note: The Humanities Seminars are in a three-unit format on the APU campus, and a four-unit format in the High Sierra Semester. |
||
| Nature | 4 units (including Lab) required | |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 101 | Fundamentals of Biology | 4 |
| BIOL 151 | General Biology I | 4 |
| BIOL 325 | Humans and the Environment | 4 |
| CHEM 101 | Introduction to Chemistry | 4 |
| CHEM 105 | Citizen Chemistry | 4 |
| CHEM 111/112/114 | Chemistry for the Health Sciences | 4 |
| CHEM 151 | General Chemistry | 4 |
| PHYC 110/111 | Principles of Physical Science | 4 |
| PHYC 130 | Earth Science (formerly PHYC 180) | 4 |
| PHYC 140 | Introduction to Astronomy (formerly PHYC 190) | 4 |
| PHYC 151 | Physics for Life Sciences I (formerly PHYC 201) | 4 |
| PHYC 161 | Physics for Science and Engineering I | 5 |
| God’s Word and the Christian Response | 18 units required | |
|---|---|---|
| Bible Course Requirements^^ | ||
| (Both classes required) | ||
| UBBL 100 | Introduction to Biblical Literature: Exodus/Deuteronomy | 3 |
| UBBL 230 | Luke/Acts | 3 |
^^UBBL 100 is the prerequisite course for all other UBBL courses and UBBL 230 is the prerequisite course for all 300-400 level UBBL courses. |
||
| Additional Bible Courses | ||
| Choose one of the following: | ||
| UBBL 310 | I and II Samuel | 3 |
| UBBL 311 | Hebrew Prophets I | 3 |
| UBBL 320 | Hebrew Poetical and Wisdom Literature | 3 |
| UBBL 330 | Life and Teachings of Jesus | 3 |
| UBBL 340 | Romans and Galatians | 3 |
| UBBL 341 | Thessalonian and Corinthian Epistles | 3 |
| UBBL 343 | The General Epistles | 3 |
| UBBL 350 | Geographical and Historical Setting of the Bible | 3 |
| UBBL 460 | Theology of the Old Testament | 3 |
| UBBL 461 | Theology of the New Testament | 3 |
| Ministry Requirement | ||
| CMIN 108 | Christian Life, Faith, and Ministry | 3 |
| Doctrine Requirement | ||
| Choose one of the following: | ||
| HUM 325 | Humanities Seminar V: Christian Classics^ | 3-4 |
| THEO 303 | Theology and the Christian Life | 3 |
| THEO 352 | Church History: Apostolic Era to 1517 | 3 |
| THEO 354 | Church History from 1517 to Present | 3 |
| THEO 363 | Contemporary Christian Thought | 3 |
^Note: The Humanities Seminars are in a three-unit format on the APU campus, and a four-unit format in the High Sierra Semester. |
||
| Senior Seminar | ||
| Choose one of the following: | ||
| ART 496 | Senior Seminar: Art Ethics | 3 |
| BIOL 496 | Senior Seminar: Ethics and the Sciences | 3 |
| BUSI 496 | Senior Seminar | 3 |
| CMIN 496 | Senior Seminar: Church and Society | 3 |
| COMM 496 | Senior Seminar: Ethics in Human Communication | 3 |
| CS 496 | Senior Seminar: Ethics in Computer Science | 3 |
| EDLS 496 | Senior Seminar: Education and Professional Ethics | 3 |
| ENGL 496 | Senior Seminar: English and the Professions | 3 |
| GLBL 496 | Senior Seminar: Global Issues and Prospects | 3 |
| MUS 496 | Senior Seminar: Ethics in Music | 3 |
| MATH 496 | Senior Seminar | 3 |
| PE 496 | Senior Seminar: Ethics in Physical Education and Sport (F, S) | 3 |
| PHIL 496 | Senior Seminar | 3 |
| POLI 496 | Senior Seminar: Religion and Politics | 3 |
| SOC 496 | Senior Seminar: Faith and Social Issues | 3 |
| SOCW 496 | Senior Seminar: Ethics in the Helping Professions | 3 |
| TFT 496 | Senior Seminar: Ethics in Theater, Film, and Television | 3 |
| THEO 496 | Senior Seminar: Theology and Social Issues | 3 |
| UBBL 496 | Senior Seminar: Biblical Theology and Ethics | 3 |
| UNRS 496 | Ethics and Issues in Professional Nursing | 4 |
Electives (minimum of 6 units required)
More than six units of coursework may be necessary to achieve the 18 units of upper-division General Studies coursework requirement. For further details, see an academic advisor.
Elective units may be met by taking any of the above listed core classes (not yet used to fulfill core requirements) and/or from the following list of elective classes:
| ART 200 | Art and Science Integrations | 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ART 205 | Ceramics I | 3 |
| ART 210 | Printmaking: Relief | 3 |
| ART 211 | Printmaking: Serigraph | 3 |
| BIOL 330 | Gender Differences | 3 |
| COMM 310 | Intercultural Communication | 3 |
| COMM 330 | Small-Group Communication | 3 |
| COMM 420 | Conflict Management | 3 |
| ENGL 410 | American Novel | 3 |
| ENGL 434 | Children's Literature | 3 |
| GLBL 301 | Anthropology for Everyday Life | 3 |
| GLBL 310 | Intercultural Communication | 3 |
| HIST 335 | Cultural History/Travel Study | 3 |
| HIST 357 | Enlightenment Europe | 3 |
| HIST 358 | Europe 1789-1914 | 3 |
| MKTG 362 | Consumer Behavior | 3 |
| MUS 301 | Music of Africa | 3 |
| MUS 302 | Soul Music | 3 |
| MUS 303 | Music of Latin America | 3 |
| MUS 304 | Music of Asia | 3 |
| MUS 350 | History and Literature of Commercial Music | 3 |
| MUS 351 | Ancient, Renaissance, and World Music Literature | 3 |
| MUS 352 | Baroque, Classical, and Early Romantic Music Literature | 3 |
| MUS 455 | Late Romantic and 20th Century Music Literature | 3 |
| OXUN 336H | Introduction to British Culture and History | 3 |
| PHIL 430 | Philosophy of Science | 3 |
| POLI 340 | International Relations | 3 |
| POLI 363 | Modern Political Thought | 3 |
| POLI 376 | The American Founding | 3 |
| PSYC 400 | Cultural Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 440 | Psychology of Religion | 3 |
| SOC 358 | Human Diversity | 3 |
| TFT 285 | History of Film | 3 |
| TFT 325 | History of Theater to the Restoration | 3 |
| TFT 326 | History of Theater: Restoration to Present | 3 |
| UBBL 410 | Hebrew Prophets II | 3 |
Humanities Classes Offered Through The High Sierra Semester
Several of the General Studies requirements may be met through participation in the High Sierra Semester.
The following outlines the information:
| HUM 221/321 | Humanities Seminar I: Great Works^ (Meets the core requirement in Heritage and Institutions) |
4 |
|---|---|---|
| HUM 222/322 | Humanities Seminar II: Literary Masterpieces^ (Meets the core requirement in Language and Literature) |
4 |
| HUM 223/323 | Humanities Seminar III: Aesthetics^ (Meets the core requirement in Aesthetics and the Creative Arts) |
4 |
| HUM 224/324 | Humanities Seminar IV: Great Ideas^ (Meets the core philosophy requirement in Heritage and Institutions) |
4 |
| HUM 325 | Humanities Seminar V: Christian Classics^ (Meets the doctrine requirement in God’s Word and the Christian Response) |
4 |
^Note: The Humanities Seminars are in a three-unit format on the APU campus, and a four-unit format in the High Sierra Semester. |
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Students may elect to take the 300-level courses for their core requirements or to fulfill upper-division elective requirements. For more information, please see the High Sierra Semester advisor.
Diversity in the Classroom
Azusa Pacific University recognizes that diversity is an expression of God’s image and boundless creativity. In an effort to integrate diversity studies into the curriculum, pertinent issues are addressed within general studies courses, and specific courses focus on diverse perspectives. APU also offers an ethnic studies minor. For more information, consult the School of Business and Management. The following is a list of courses designed to examine diversity related topics:
| ART 403 | Multicultural Art* | 3 |
|---|---|---|
| CMIN 486 | Urban Ministry Practicum | 6 |
| COMM 495 | Special Topics in Communication | 3 |
| CSA 567 | The Role of Diversity in Student Affairs Practice | 3 |
| EDLS 405 | Diversity in the Classroom*** | 3 |
| EDUC 504 | Teaching and Cultural Diversity | 3 |
| ENGL 364 | American Ethnic Literature | 3 |
| ENGL 487 | Literary Movements | 3 |
| ENGL 488 | Significant Authors | 3 |
| ENGL 489 | Literary Topics | 3 |
| ETHN 150 | Introduction to Ethnic Studies | 3 |
| ETHN 355 | The Asian American Experience | 3 |
| ETHN 356 | The African American Experience | 3 |
| ETHN 357 | The Chicano(a)/Latino(a) Experience | 3 |
| GLBL 301 | Anthropology for Everyday Life**/*** | 3 |
| GLBL 305 | Peoples and Places | 3 |
| GLBL 310 | Intercultural Communication** | 3 |
| GLBL 315 | Urban Explorations | 3 |
| GMIN 509 | Urban Sociology and Christian Ministry | 4 |
| GMIN 558 | Women and Men in Ministry | 4 |
| GMIN 559 | Urban Cross-Cultural Ministry | 4 |
| GNRS 503 | Cultural Competency in Health Care | 2 |
| MUS 201 | Introduction to World Music* | 3 |
| MUS 301 | Music of Africa** | 3 |
| MUS 302 | Soul Music** | 3 |
| MUS 303 | Music of Latin America** | 3 |
| MUS 304 | Music of Asia** | 3 |
| PHIL 370 | Comparative Religions | 3 |
| PSYC 400 | Cultural Psychology** | 3 |
| SOC 358 | Human Diversity** | 3 |
| SOC 359 | Immigrant L.A. | 3 |
| SOC 405 | Women and Men in Society | 3 |
| SOC 464 | Social Stratification | 3 |
| TESL 530 | Intercultural Communication and Language Teaching | 3 |
| TESL 535 | Sociolinguistics and Language Teaching | 3 |
| THEO 480 | Theologies of Liberation | 3 |
| UBBL 462 | Global Biblical Interpretation | 3 |
| UNRS 380 | Transcultural Health Care Outreach | 2 |
|
*Meets a General Studies Core (or Elective) Requirement. **Meets a General Studies Elective Requirement. ***Meets the Upper-division Writing Intensive Requirement |
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