This course covers the fundamentals of navigating within Iowa Wesleyan University’s online learning environment. This course is designed to assist students to meet the challenges of higher education. It introduces them to various strategies for learning and other skills that are often overlooked when planning for college. Students will conduct self-assessments to become familiar with the styles of learning that best suit them as they become proficient in time management, reading skills, writing techniques, memory abilities, and test-taking strategies. 1 Credit Hours
Wesleyan Studies
Wesleyan Studies is the general education curriculum at IW. By completing general education coursework, you will have gained skills and knowledge in arts, humanities, written and oral communication, social science, mathematics and applied reasoning, natural sciences, global awareness, and service learning. This level of knowledge helps you to enhance your skills as an effective leader, creative thinker, responsible local and global citizen, and ethical decision maker.
Rhetorical Foundations
Complete all of the following:
In this course, students will be introduced to college-level writing. Assignments will move from first-person essay to more traditional academic writing such as rhetorical analysis and persuasive essays. The course also examines visual texts and focuses on revision and reflective writing. The course promotes as learning outcomes an understanding of rhetorical foundations such as audience, voice, and genre; development of effective writing process that includes scaffolding and peer review; demonstration of research skills and accurate citation of sources; and participation in academic conversations that produce polished, final writings in a portfolio.
In this course, students will be introduced to college-level research. Assignments will focus on researching and creating knowledge about one’s field or major through reflective writing, professional and scholarly resources, interviews with members of one’s field. Essays will move from an initial sketch of the student’s interests in the field to a report on the current job market to a research-driven essay examining a problem in the field and eventual revision and expansion with more scholarly sources. The course promotes as learning outcomes an understanding of discourse communities and professional networking; demonstration of thorough research techniques, knowledge gathering, implementation, and accurate citation of sources; and participation in professional conversations that produce work approaching those of incoming experts in the field.
Complete one (1) of the following:
This course teaches effective presentational skills through the performance of speeches and literary interpretations. Students develop key public speaking skills such as audience analysis, exigency analysis, critical and interpretive analysis of content, organization of content in appropriate presentational formats, and the effective use of voice, diction, pacing, and emphasis.
3 Credit Hours
This course is an introduction to the communication skills needed in organizational, business, and professional environments. Students completing this course will learn effective communication strategies for various types of interviews, graduate or professional organizations, group collaboration and projects, textual and oral technologies, and communication performance skills, including presentation technologies. 3 Credit Hours
This course outlines the fundamentals of communicating in a sports environment in a seminar format. The topics to be covered include, but are not limited to: sports information in print, broadcast news, social media, and public relations. Principles of sports information including computer applications and statistical methods at the collegiate and professional levels will be presented. Upon successful completion of this course, students will have a basic understanding of communication and information tactics and strategies. This course may be classified as service-learning and/or writing-intensive, in which students may need to dedicate a significant amount of time to partner with a community organization and volunteer their services for course credit. Prerequisite: SM 101. 3 Credit Hours
This course teaches effective presentational skills through the performance of speeches and literary interpretations. Students develop key public speaking skills such as audience analysis, exigency analysis, critical and interpretive analysis of content, organization of content in appropriate presentational formats, and the effective use of voice, diction, pacing, and emphasis.
Quantitative and Scientific Reasoning
Complete one (1) of the following:
MATH 102 Math for Life
This course is a review of algebra topics as well as basic statistics and probability concepts that show students how we use mathematics in our daily lives and why this is important, in a clear and accessible way. With straightforward language, detailed examples, and interesting applications, the instructor will ensure that non-majors can relate to the math and understand the mathematical concepts that pervade their lives. This course is required for all students with an ACT math score below 18, prior to taking any other math courses. 3 Credit Hours
MATH 171 Elementary Statistics
An introduction to probability and statistics. Students satisfactorily completing this course will demonstrate skills in assignment of probability using permutations and combinations, distributions of random variables and statistics, and large sample theory, introduction to estimation, and tests of significance. Includes Excel lab. 4 Credit Hours
MATH 201: Pre-Calculus
Upon completion of this course students will be able to perform calculations on real numbers, solve and graph exponential and logarithmic functions, use and graph trigonometric and inverse trigonometric functions, use trigonometric identities, and solve trigonometric equations. This course is highly recommended for students with an ACT math score of 18 or higher and/or high school Calculus, or completion of Math 102. 3 Credit Hours
MATH 231 Calculus I
An introduction to calculus. Students satisfactorily completing this course will understand the differentiation and applications of elementary and transcendental functions. Prerequisite: MATH 201 or equivalent. 4 Credit Hours
Complete one (1) of the following
BIO 211 General Zoology
A survey course, including laboratory, designed to acquaint the student in the fundamental principles of animal life, with emphasis on the structure and function of selected cells, tissues, organs, systems, and organisms. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to describe basic principles of zoology, the structure and functions of cells and organelles, and the concepts of animal life.
BIO 241 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
This lecture/laboratory course introduces the student to the basic cell processes. It will also cover the anatomy and physiology of the tissues, integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous system. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to describe the fundamental principles of anatomy and physiology at the chemical, cellular, tissue, organ, system and organismal levels. Prerequisites: 4 hrs of Chemistry.
CHEM 175 General Chemistry I with Laboratory
A mathematically based introductory course in chemistry. Topics include atomic and molecular structure, chemical relationships, quantitative relationships, and gas theories. Laboratory will emphasize concepts covered in lecture. Upon successful completion, students will be able to solve qualitative and quantitative problems involving stoichiometric relationships, will have an understanding of kinetic molecular theory and how it applies to the behavior of gases, and will possess the basic conceptual vocabulary necessary to understand chemical information.
Humanities
| ART 107 Introduction to the Art of Smartphone Photography | 3 |
| ART 201 Basic Studio & Design 2-D | 3 |
| ART 203 Art Appreciation | 3 |
| ART 215 Painting I | 3 |
| ART 216 Ceramics I | 3 |
| ART 219 Drawing I | 3 |
| ART 381 History of Art I | 3 |
| ART 382 History of Art II | 3 |
| DMD 109 Survey of Multimedia | 3 |
| ENG 247 Imaginative Writing | 3 |
| Any 200 or 300 level English Literature course | 3 |
| MUS 101/2 Ensembles* | 1 |
| MUS 103/4 Concert Choir* | 1 |
| MUS 105/6 SE IA Community Band* | 1 |
| MUS 107/8 Jazz Big Band* | 1 |
| MUS 109/110 SE Iowa Symphony* | 1 |
| MUS 120 Guitar | 1 |
| MUS 121/2 Private Instruction | 0.5 |
| MUS 131/2 Beginning Piano | 1 |
| MUS 221/2 Private Instruction | 0.5 |
| MUS 225 Survey of Music Literature | 3 |
| MUS 353 History of Music (to 1750) | 3 |
| MUS 354 History of Music (1750 to Present) | 3 |
| PE 107 Dance & Movement | 3 |
| PHIL 130 Critical Reasoning | 3 |
| PHIL 201 Introduction to Philosophy | 3 |
| PHIL 215 Ethics for Life & Career | 3 |
| PHIL 306 Philosophy of Religion | 3 |
| REL 150 Introduction to World Religions | 3 |
| REL 300 Religion in West Civilization | 3 |
Social Science
Complete three credit hours from two different areas:
HIST 125 U.S. History Survey, 1607-1877
A topic-driven overview of American history from the colonial era through Reconstruction. Areas of inquiry may include European-Native American contact, effects of religious and political ideas, the influence of mercantilism and capitalism on colonial and national growth, aspects of party development, the rise and effects of slavery and sectionalism, national expansion, and issues related to domestic economic development. Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to define, describe, and explain events broadly related to colonial development, the American Revolution, the Constitution and early national growth, and the Civil War and Reconstruction. 3 Credit Hours
HIST 126 U.S. History Survey, 1877-present
A topical survey of American history from the Gilded Age to the present. Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to define, describe, and explain the rise and effects of big business and industrial capitalism, the outlines of racial segregation and discrimination, the world wars and other military conflicts, economic issues related to the Great Depression and New Deal, and political controversies surrounding the Civil Rights Movement and the Cold War. 3 Credit Hours
HIST 173 World Civilization to 1650
An overview of cultural, social, religious, economic, and political developments in early global civilizations. Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to define, describe, and explain the rise of early human civilizations; describe and offer general explanations of the impact of the rise of Islam, Christianity and the early Church, and other major world religions; describe important trade routes and offer general explanations of social and political developments from a global perspective. 3 Credit Hours
ECN 101 Microeconomics
Topics in this course include the behavior of individual households and firms, supply and demand analysis, and the various structures of a market economy. Students successfully completing this course will be able to identify and explain the major economic forces faced by a single firm in a capitalistic setting.
ECN 102 Macroeconomics
This course is designed for the general student as well as for the student considering further study in business administration, accounting or economics. This course develops basic economic theory to explain unemployment, inflation and economic growth and considers the role of governmental economic stabilization policy. Students successfully completing this course will be able to identify and explain the major economic forces faced by groups of firms in a capitalistic setting.
SOC 100 Introduction to Sociology
An introduction to the basic concepts, principles, and theories of sociology. Special attention will be given to examination of individuals and groups in society; social class and conflict; social institutions such as family, education, religion, political organization; and social change. Students who successfully complete the course will be able to explain the above-mentioned social topics and to analyze the dynamics of various social situations. 3 Credit Hours
PSYC 131 General Psychology
This course provides a broad overview of the science of psychology including its main sub-disciplines, such as abnormal psychology, motivation, personality, memory, learning, emotions, therapy and biopsychology. By completing this course, students should be able to demonstrate an increased understanding of themselves and others, show appreciation for the nature and range of the science of psychology, identify the career possibilities that are available in the field of psychology and show themselves proficient in the scientific methods employed in psychological research. 3 Credit Hours
PSYC 205 The Family
Refer to SOC 205 for full course description. Same as SOC 205. 3 Credit Hours
EDUC 296 Educational Psychology
Students examine the principles and theories of psychology as they relate to human learning and assessment in education. Students acquire background information about multiple theories of human development; different approaches to cognition and educational research; and various teaching strategies and assessment for traditional and exceptional, handicapped, and gifted and talented students. Students design and score a variety of test formats including multiple choice, essay and portfolio assessment. Students comprehend the processes of instructional design, motivation, classroom management, discipline, measurement and evaluation and understand strategies to meet the unique needs of the “at risk” and special needs student. Prerequisite: A general psychology course is recommended. 3 Credit Hours
EDUC 301 Education of Exceptional Persons
This course includes a basic study of exceptionality in children and youth, including students with emotional disabilities, intellectual disabilities, physical disabilities, the disadvantaged/at-risk, the gifted, and those with learning disabilities including characteristics, methods of identification, curriculum development, research and current educational structures and practices. Students will observe (via case studies and videotape) students with special needs in a variety of appropriate settings and will discuss modifications and accommodations appropriate to their area of certification and/or area of study. This course has an optional service learning component. 3 Credit Hours
Culture & Diversity
Complete one (1) of the following:
This course examines the diverse ethical issues frequently encountered in the criminal justice system. Students study the writings of the major theorists who have studied and written in the field of ethics. The writings of Plato, Socrates, and Aristotle will be examined, for their intrinsic value and content, as well as their applicability to modern activities in criminal justice. Classic ethical theories will be studied, reviewed, and applied to such varied topics as the application of professional and personal discretion, the appropriate use of force, dimensions of professional responsibility, and proper application of authority. Prerequisites: CJ 231 and CJ 307. 3 Credit Hours
Students will understand the values, lifestyles, history, and contributions of various identifiable subgroups in our society. Students will recognize dehumanizing biases such as sexism, racism, prejudice, and discrimination, in instructional materials and in daily interactions of members of society. They will become aware of the impact that such biases have on interpersonal relations and learning. Students will translate knowledge of human relations into attitudes, skills, and techniques resulting in favorable learning experiences for students. Students will learn to respect human diversity and the rights of each individual. This course satisfies the Global Awareness course for Wesleyan Studies. Optional Service Learning credit. Prerequisites: EDUC 110, 294, 295 and 296. 2-3 Credit Hours
This is the foundational course for the International Studies program. It will introduce students to concepts of cultural diversity and cultural competency as well as to major international issues that are shaping the world today. The course will introduce issues such as population and migration, poverty and international development, human rights and international law, terrorism, and conflict resolution. Students will consider their place and role in the global community and enhance their understanding of themselves as engaged global citizens who can make a difference in the world. 3 Credit Hours
A course that allows the students to experience the life of one culture through language, history, everyday life experiences, religion, and field trips. 3 Credit Hours
This course will discuss the concepts of race, ethnicity, dominant group vs. the minority group status, human diversity as well as the concepts of discrimination, racism, attitudes, prejudice, and stereotyping in this concept. It will also discuss various racial, ethnic, religious, nationality, linguistic, and cultural groups in the U.S. in particular, and the human diversity all over the world in general. Prerequisite: SOC 100. 3 Credit Hours
Global Awareness
Upon satisfactory completion of this course, students will have a variety of perspectives on global events and issues and will understand the impact of their actions or inaction as global citizens.
Service Learning
Through this 8-week, online course, students will be paired with a non-profit organization in their local, regional, or global community to examine leadership issues within the organization and offer their assistance as a model of servant-leadership. Purposeful reflection exercises will explore connections between leadership theories and their experiential service activities. Students completing this course will understand leadership theory, identify the impact of service upon diverse stakeholders, and analyze the connection between service and leadership.
Writing Intensive Courses
The goals of Writing Intensive Courses (identified in University documents as “WI”) are to aid students’ understanding of how to establish an effective writing process and to support student writing as it develops within courses and majors. Students are required to complete WI courses with a grade of C- or higher to graduate. Writing Intensive Courses will require a minimum of ten pages of formal academic writing as defined by the relevant discipline. This writing may be produced through one or more assignments. Some Writing Intensive Courses are included in the Wesleyan Studies requirements, including English 109 and English 110. The Writing Intensive Course requirement is tiered as follows:
| A student entering IW as a… | …with this many earned hours… | …must complete this many WI courses. |
| Freshman | 0 – 24 | 4 |
| Sophomore | 24 – 55 | 3 |
| Junior | 56 – 87 | 2 |
| Senior | 88 or more | 1 |
Academic Service Learning Courses
IW Online students are required to complete a single SL course, WS 320 Leadership and Service , to meet this requirement.
Transfer credits
An Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree will fulfill the IW-wide Wesleyan Studies course requirements, as well as confer junior status upon the student; however, a student with such a degree who has not earned the equivalent of a grade of C- or higher in a second-semester composition course must fulfill this requirement as determined by review of application materials and/or a placement test. Additionally, any course taken as a result of such review will fulfill the requirement only if it includes a significant research component. Wesleyan Studies Global Awareness course WS 300 Global Issues course, Service Learning hours (tiered), 30 upper level university credit, and Writing Intensive courses (tiered) are not satisfied by an Associate of Arts (A.A.) or an Associate of Science (A.S.) degree.