Instructor: Christine Colon | English Literature
“It is a truth universally acknowledged…” that Pride and Prejudice holds a unique place within English literature. Not only is it a novel that literary scholars return to repeatedly as they work to interpret what Jane Austen accomplishes through her artistry, but it is also a story that continues to engage popular audiences through its many film, television, and literary adaptations. In this course, we will, first, look closely at the novel, placing it within its historical context and investigating what Austen is revealing through her unique style and characterization. Then, we will turn to various adaptations, exploring not only how they help us reflect back on the novel in new ways but also how they engage with the cultures from which they were created. (2 credits, ENGL)
Do you love the works and worlds of CS Lewis? If so, then come and explore this course where we will examine the relationship between philosophy and imagination in some of the non-fiction and fiction works of C.S. Lewis. Lewis wrote in a variety of genres—philosophy, apologetics, letters, literary criticism, fantasy, mythology, sermons and so on. While his literary works vary in genre, nearly all of them deal with issues of significant philosophical and theological importance. He wanted his writings to transform the way his readers saw and interacted with the world—he wanted his writings to inspire us to be better people who live more flourishing lives. By carefully examining the ways he integrates rational argument and evocative imagery, we will better understand the answers he gives to perennial questions about the nature of human beings and God, and hopefully be transformed by them. (2 credits, PHIL)
Peter's first letter enjoins Christians always to be ready "to make your defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you" (1 Pet. 3:15, ESV). Peter's word "defense" is apologia — so Peter is commending, in some sense, apologetics. But in what sense? Christian theologians and philosophers have differed considerably in their understanding of what it might mean to give a "reason" (logos) for the hope that is in us. Does this mean we should try to prove what we believe by faith? That we should reason about such theological matters such as divine providence or the incarnation? Or is faith something different — say, a trusting "leap" into what might seem by worldly standards irrational (or even absurd!)? This course will introduce students to the ways four great Christian thinkers have approached questions such as these: Thomas Aquinas, Blaise Pascal, Søren Kierkegaard and Fyodor Dostoevsky. Its co-teachers disagree, to some extent, about the "right" answers, so our aim will be partly practical: modeling for students what charitable disagreement and dialogue can look like. (2 credits, PHIL)
This course explores how neuroscientists study the human brain and the contemporary issues that arise. Lectures and lab experiences will focus on the tools used to study and understand the brain and their impact on understanding human thought, behavior, and emotion. Morning sessions will include lectures and seminar discussions that examine how the central nervous system is understood and related cultural/philosophical issues. Afternoon sessions will involve work with neural specimens, tissue, and other neuroscience lab techniques. (2 credits, NEUR)
This course explores the field of medical ethics, which looks very closely at some of the moral issues that currently confront medical practitioners. It is taught in the philosophy department because, first, philosophers carefully explore the question, what does it mean to be a human being and what makes a human so valuable? This is absolutely critical to decide in order to know how humans ought to be treated. But this raises the second fundamental question: how can we decide what policies and procedures are morally appropriate for treating human beings? As Christians, we’ll strive for answers that reflect Biblical standards. We’ll do so, however, according to those fundamental moral principles that underwrite biblical guidelines. Some of the specific topics we’ll wrestle with include euthanasia and end-of-life care, fertility and genetic engineering, the role of race and gender in a just treatment, and the merits of human and animal experimentation. (2 credits, PHIL)
Throughout history artists and designers have invented and embraced new technologies, finding new and experimental ways to envision the world. In this studio art course, students will create their own tools and explore ways to reinvent existing methods of making. Personal expression, the visual communication of messages, and collaboration will be encouraged via some of the following: laser cutting, Risograph printing, gestural mark making, digital photography, letterpress printing, spray painting, concrete casting, hand lettering, paper crafting, stop motion animation, book making, and more. (2 credits, ART)*
Big things happen in tiny spaces! Themes of nanoscience and nanotechnology span the news cycle, the natural sciences, and other applied areas of STEM, all to the glory of God! This course provides an interdisciplinary introduction to the field by engaging students in hands-on laboratory learning, while making specific connection to foundational ideas in biology, chemistry, and physics. Classroom learning sessions include, “What is Nanoscience and Nanotechnology?,” “Nanoscale Biology,” “Nanoscale Chemistry,” and “Nanoscale Physics,” as well as “Philosophical and Ethical Issues within Nanoscience.” Laboratory sessions will allow students to investigate the brilliant nanoscale features of butterfly wings, unveil size-dependent phenomena in Qdots, and participate in the latest government-sponsored research concerning biologically inspired nanovalves. Successful completion of a high school chemistry, biology, or physics course is recommended prior to taking this course. (2 credits, CHEM)
In this course, we will study some of the fundamentals of economics, including concepts such as ownership, prices, opportunity cost, supply and demand, and money (just economics). We will then build on our foundational understanding to reflect on normative questions (Just Economics). What should the objective of society be? How do we evaluate whether one outcome is better than another? And how does our faith influence our decisions? Along the way, we will enrich our exploration using real-world examples. How do we allocate limited vaccines? How do I determine what college to attend? How should we determine who gets into a particular class? Who can live in my neighborhood…or my country? (2 credits, ECON)
Wheaton College has prepared people for ministry since its founding. This course will help young people to consider and explore a calling to a full-time ministry or how to make their marketplace or professional career a ministry. There will be lectures from and discussions with Wheaton professors, Billy Graham Scholars from around the world, pastors, and representatives from mission agencies and para-church organizations. There will be exercises to help the students know and share their faith and to develop a pastoral and world Christian perspective. Students will put those ministry skills into practice on each other in the context of a comfortable but challenging classroom community. (2 credits, CFM)
This course explores how the human body responds to exercise. Lectures and lab experiences will focus on basic cardiovascular, respiratory, and muscular responses. Morning sessions will include lectures and seminar discussions while afternoon sessions will primarily involve laboratory experiences where students will serve as their own study subjects! These labs will allow students to get a better sense of their own cardiovascular, respiratory and muscular health. 
In this course, English and 
How do stories arise? What forms can they take? How do I share my stories with a wider audience? This fiction writing workshop explores writing fiction from the blank page to publication. Participants explore a variety of forms of fiction (flash fiction, short stories, novels, screenplays, & playwriting) through writing their own work. In addition to participating in workshops led by a professional writer, students will hear from those in the publishing industry about the process of publishing. Participants will workshop their project and have one-on-one coaching from the workshop leader. The two weeks will include inspirational writing excursions, an open mic opportunity, and a chance to contribute to the workshop’s online anthology. The session concludes with a reading for family and friends. (2 credits, ENGW)
On August 11, 1973, a Jamaican-American named Clive Campbell hosted a house party at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue in the Bronx with little more than a couple of turntables and amplifiers. Music and cultural historians often regard Campbell’s party as the founding event for what has come to be known as hip-hop. Almost fifty years later, hip-hop thrives as one of the most popular, yet controversial, forms of cultural expression in contemporary society with footholds in music, fashion, art, business, activism, and politics around the globe.