General Education
Helping You Complete Your General Education Requirements
Here’s the good news: You can join our Adult Degree Program with just a few transferable credits and earn the remaining credits you need with us.
By completing your general education classes at George Fox, you will:
- Learn alongside committed students in a time-efficient, cost-effective, adult-learning format
- Equip yourself to join the major of your choice:
Format
Each semester (fall, spring and summer) is 16 weeks long. We break the semester into two eight-week sessions. This enables you to take classes in both sessions while making it possible to take just one class at a time. Nearly all classes are three semester credits.
Take a class in Session 1 (weeks 1-8), then take a new class in Session 2 (weeks 9-16). Students are encouraged to take more than one class during each session if their schedule allows.
Your transferable coursework will apply to the categories below or will help satisfy elective credit. You must have completed some college-level credits to be eligible to take general education classes at George Fox University.
General Education Requirements - Adult Degree Program Requirements
×This requirement is met by Worldview & Identity, which is taken in residence as part of all Adult Degree majors. Students desiring to take an additional Bible course may do so as part of the humanities requirement.
Choose two of the following:
Students must take one college-level writing class as part of this requirement. The remainder may be completed with Speech, Interpersonal, or Business Communication courses.
An adult-focused course designed to build on student writing and research skills such as composition techniques, critical reading and thinking skills, grammar and editing, and basic research skills, and offer an introduction to APA formatting and citation.
An adult-focused course designed to build on student knowledge of essay construction, intermediate composition techniques, kinds of essays, intermediate research skills, and intermediate elements of prose, and teach advanced APA formatting and citation.
This course provides students an introduction to intercultural communication concepts to develop intercultural awareness, patterns of perception, and worldviews to enable effective communication within and across cultures. Students will critically assess and apply intercultural communication theories to address social justice issues and ethics, bound by culture, through mindful and self-reflexive intercultural practices. Students will explore the following topics: the nature of culture and cultural definitions; privilege, power, and oppression in historical and contemporary U.S. society; globalization, transnational conflict, and modern technological influences in intercultural practices; representation of cultures and identities in popular media; and the relationship between language, power, and culture.
In this course, students will be introduced to the history and evolution of conflict resolution as well as basic concepts and methods required to work through the process. Students will explore the importance of communication in a conflict resolution environment and build strategies for their own personal use.
In this course, students will explore the art of effective persuasion both in the workplace and in everyday living. Students will consider historical definitions of persuasion, examples of persuasive speech and writing, and the impact of 21st-century communication mediums such as social media and internet news sources. Students will articulate individual needs for effective tools for persuasion, weighing the impact of purpose, audience, worldview, and medium.
This course will consider general elements of effective storytelling (voice, character, setting, theme); examine the components of plot (exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, denouement); and discuss 21st-century storytelling genres (fiction, poetry, drama, film, memoir). Students will engage in peer workshops as they practice varied genres and complete a final project in a genre and medium of their choosing.
In this introductory grant writing course, students will examine the role of foundations, learn how to identify sources of funding, and write grant proposals for nonprofit organizations. A focus is on the grant proposal writing process and the elements of a comprehensive narrative, including program description with goals and “SMART” outcomes. Students will produce a base or “master” grant proposal for a nonprofit, as well as a “letter of inquiry.”
This is a writing intensive course. Prerequisite: LACC 202 Writing for Adults II.
In this course, students will discuss personal mission, individual calling, and the danger of mission drift at both a personal and corporate level. In considering the groundwork that undergirds a clear sense of mission, students will explore what it means to live lives that are self-aware and intentional, identifying the impact of moral systems, ethical codes, values, beliefs, and biases on both individual decision-making and cultural assumptions.
This course introduces students to what chaplaincy is and is not, the various organizations that utilize chaplains, and how chaplains of different worldviews interact with those who call on them. Students will be introduced to concepts and techniques that successful chaplains use as providers, facilitators, caregivers, and advisors.
In this course, students will explore the orthodoxy (right thinking), orthopraxy (right behaviors), and orthopathy (right feelings) of spiritual formation, asking such essential questions as, “Who am I?”, “How do I view God?”, and “How does my faith impact how I engage with those around me?” As students consider effective ways to articulate and communicate a deepening relationship with God, they will also explore specific spiritual practices and the art of discipling others within a faith community.
The 21st-century digital age has introduced an exponential number of online tools that make electronic social and professional interaction possible. Through readings, video speakers, case presentations, and engagement with digital media, this interactive course will provide an opportunity to explore how the digital age is changing the way individuals think, interact, and engage.
Choose one of the following:
This course is intended to provide students with skills to enjoy safe and holistically beneficial hiking experiences. The course will include completing several hikes as well as engaging in personal reflections on the many health benefits of hiking. Specific skills learned in this course will include planning and preparing for a hike, navigation, and using the outdoors responsibly and courteously. (Note: This course is fully online; hikes will take place in student-selected locations. If there is enough Portland metropolitan area interest from students, optional in-person class hikes may be offered.)
This course will introduce walking as an excellent fitness activity for people of all ages. Students will participate in various walking activities and learn about the health benefits of walking on a regular basis.
The course focuses on physical activity and the development and maintenance of good health. The goal of health and human performance is to develop physically educated individuals who have the knowledge, skills, and confidence to enjoy a lifetime of healthful physical activity.
This course incorporates a theoretical and experiential exploration of the causes and effects of stress physiologically and psychologically. Students will be introduced to physical, mental, and spiritual techniques to reduce stress and increase relaxation.
A study of our nation’s current health problems and concerns. Emphasis on health consumerism and current trends, diseases, the sanctity of life, and fitness. The goal is to develop an educated view on current health issues.
This course introduces students to the basic concepts of nutrition and its role in health, wellness, and prevention of chronic disease. Topics covered include nutrients (macronutrients and micronutrients), nutritional needs across the lifespan, weight management, fad diets, nutrition for exercise and sport, food safety, and food security. Further, this course will provide students with important information and tools in making personal dietary decisions.
Students will develop a foundation for using yoga to enhance their physical, mental, and spiritual well-being throughout the lifespan. While exploring the basics of yoga practice, history, and philosophy, students will also study modern scientific research on the practice, and how to integrate yoga into their own worldview and spirituality. Special emphasis will be given to understanding how yoga can be integrated into Christian theology, prayer, and contemplative practices.
Choose three of the following:
Students must take a total of 9 credits from the following areas: fine arts (including music and theater), history, literature, cultural studies, foreign language, philosophy, religion, and Bible.
Only three credits of applied fine arts, and six credits total of all fine arts, may be used.
This course provides students an introduction to intercultural communication concepts to develop intercultural awareness, patterns of perception, and worldviews to enable effective communication within and across cultures. Students will critically assess and apply intercultural communication theories to address social justice issues and ethics, bound by culture, through mindful and self-reflexive intercultural practices. Students will explore the following topics: the nature of culture and cultural definitions; privilege, power, and oppression in historical and contemporary U.S. society; globalization, transnational conflict, and modern technological influences in intercultural practices; representation of cultures and identities in popular media; and the relationship between language, power, and culture.
In this course, students will be introduced to the history and evolution of conflict resolution as well as basic concepts and methods required to work through the process. Students will explore the importance of communication in a conflict resolution environment and build strategies for their own personal use.
In this course, students will explore the art of effective persuasion both in the workplace and in everyday living. Students will consider historical definitions of persuasion, examples of persuasive speech and writing, and the impact of 21st-century communication mediums such as social media and internet news sources. Students will articulate individual needs for effective tools for persuasion, weighing the impact of purpose, audience, worldview, and medium.
This course will consider general elements of effective storytelling (voice, character, setting, theme); examine the components of plot (exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, denouement); and discuss 21st-century storytelling genres (fiction, poetry, drama, film, memoir). Students will engage in peer workshops as they practice varied genres and complete a final project in a genre and medium of their choosing.
This course will study the mutual influence and interaction of religion and American popular culture, focusing on themes in entertainment media, the internet, politics, sports, education, church, and civil religion. It gives attention to the ability to compare and contrast biblical Christianity with cultural expressions of religion.
The aim of this course is to understand and evaluate important developments in the history of the United States during the 20th century. This course will give attention to the influence of selected events, trends, and key personalities in politics, religion, popular culture, and technology, and to their influence and application to the shape of our society today.
Once a self-described atheist scholar, C. S. Lewis has become one of the most widely read Christian apologists of all time. Best known for The Chronicles of Narnia and Mere Christianity, Lewis wrote more than 70 books in the mid-20th century. In this course, students will read a sampling of his nonfiction and his fiction as they explore the broader societal contexts and implications for Lewis' life and far-reaching influence.
This course is designed to encourage students to develop multicultural awareness and competencies for working with people of diverse groups in society.
This course examines how the identity of Israel was shaped by particular narratives in the Old Testament. Students will discover the influence of the social, cultural, historical, and religious context on the narratives. Students will learn how the narratives convey theological concepts and explore personal application of those concepts.
This course will consider leadership through a New Testament lens, exploring the example Jesus provided in his years of ministry as presented in the Gospels. Students will examine Jesus' unwavering IQ (intelligence quotient), EQ (emotional quotient), and AQ (audience quotient), drawing connections between Jesus' example found in the Gospels and current popular theories of effective business leadership.
This class will focus on the artistic world of painting, drawing, and sculpture and what is considered fine art in general. Our examination of these media through aesthetic, historical and critical analysis will broaden our understanding, appreciation, and experience of art and its role in our lives. The course material will be brought to you through slide shows, films, field trips, and class discussions via the discussion board. Assigned readings will enhance your ability to "see the experience" art in a new light.
This course acquaints the adult degree completion student with a broad range of musical styles reflecting diverse cultures, including classical, jazz, and popular music. Various composers, performers, and their music are listened to and studied.
In this course, students will discuss personal mission, individual calling, and the danger of mission drift at both a personal and corporate level. In considering the groundwork that undergirds a clear sense of mission, students will explore what it means to live lives that are self-aware and intentional, identifying the impact of moral systems, ethical codes, values, beliefs, and biases on both individual decision-making and cultural assumptions.
This course introduces students to what chaplaincy is and is not, the various organizations that utilize chaplains, and how chaplains of different worldviews interact with those who call on them. Students will be introduced to concepts and techniques that successful chaplains use as providers, facilitators, caregivers, and advisors.
In this course, students will explore the orthodoxy (right thinking), orthopraxy (right behaviors), and orthopathy (right feelings) of spiritual formation, asking such essential questions as, “Who am I?”, “How do I view God?”, and “How does my faith impact how I engage with those around me?” As students consider effective ways to articulate and communicate a deepening relationship with God, they will also explore specific spiritual practices and the art of discipling others within a faith community.
This course introduces the field of sociology. While developing a sociological imagination, students will consider how society functions and their role in it. We will examine how social interactions and groups comprise the social landscape.
In this course, students will be introduced to innovative business solutions whose primary goal is creating a better society and healthier environment. Using case studies, students will analyze and evaluate specific successful business models of social enterprise that made positive changes; then they will apply the same principles to current social issues. Further, they will explore how a mission and careful planning approach produce sustainable business operations that design and deliver value to society and the environment.
This course will introduce students to the concepts that can affect social situations and events in their everyday lives. Students will explore the impact of culture, perceptions, prejudices, stereotypes, and attitudes on social awareness and interpersonal relations. This course will engage students in ethical decision-making processes as they relate to modern and historical approaches to social psychology.
This course provides a general introduction of culture through anthropology, with a focus on kinship and community structure. We will explore the way anthropology has offered a coherent system for understanding broader social connections. Because family, kin, and community are rapidly changing units in contemporary culture, we will study historical and current perspectives. We will consider both the western and global contexts and look at their emerging forms.
Students will develop a foundation for using yoga to enhance their physical, mental, and spiritual well-being throughout the lifespan. While exploring the basics of yoga practice, history, and philosophy, students will also study modern scientific research on the practice, and how to integrate yoga into their own worldview and spirituality. Special emphasis will be given to understanding how yoga can be integrated into Christian theology, prayer, and contemplative practices.
A scheduled class with topics chosen to meet the special needs and interests of students, faculty, or visiting professors.
Individualized study or supervised research in an area of special interest to the student which is outside the regular offerings of the major.
The LACC 285 topics that may meet the Humanities requirement are:
- The American West in Film and Fiction
- Portraits of Jesus of Nazareth
- Social Change in the Global Landscape
The LACC 295 topic that could meet the Humanities requirement is:
- The Global Leadership Summit
Choose one of the following:
This course examines the ecology, geology, and climate of the Pacific Northwest from the perspective of the Native American groups that first lived here. The class includes the biology of the major organisms that live in this area, the geology that underlies the various habitats of Oregon and Washington, and the culture of respect for and love of the land that the Native American groups shared. This class will allow students to get outside and explore, while still being a completely virtual class.
This course provides students an introduction to intercultural communication concepts to develop intercultural awareness, patterns of perception, and worldviews to enable effective communication within and across cultures. Students will critically assess and apply intercultural communication theories to address social justice issues and ethics, bound by culture, through mindful and self-reflexive intercultural practices. Students will explore the following topics: the nature of culture and cultural definitions; privilege, power, and oppression in historical and contemporary U.S. society; globalization, transnational conflict, and modern technological influences in intercultural practices; representation of cultures and identities in popular media; and the relationship between language, power, and culture.
This course is designed to encourage students to develop multicultural awareness and competencies for working with people of diverse groups in society.
This course introduces the field of sociology. While developing a sociological imagination, students will consider how society functions and their role in it. We will examine how social interactions and groups comprise the social landscape.
This course provides a general introduction of culture through anthropology, with a focus on kinship and community structure. We will explore the way anthropology has offered a coherent system for understanding broader social connections. Because family, kin, and community are rapidly changing units in contemporary culture, we will study historical and current perspectives. We will consider both the western and global contexts and look at their emerging forms.
A scheduled class with topics chosen to meet the special needs and interests of students, faculty, or visiting professors.
The LACC 285 topic that may meet the Intercultural Experience requirement is:
- Social Change in the Global Landscape
Choose one of the following:
This course examines the various landforms and earth processes of the United States with a special emphasis on the Western United States. The class includes the study of current earth processes, along with the history of these processes as they relate to the planet. This class will allow students to get outside and explore, while still being a completely virtual class.
This course examines the ecology, geology, and climate of the Pacific Northwest from the perspective of the Native American groups that first lived here. The class includes the biology of the major organisms that live in this area, the geology that underlies the various habitats of Oregon and Washington, and the culture of respect for and love of the land that the Native American groups shared. This class will allow students to get outside and explore, while still being a completely virtual class.
This course introduces students to the basic concepts of nutrition and its role in health, wellness, and prevention of chronic disease. Topics covered include nutrients (macronutrients and micronutrients), nutritional needs across the lifespan, weight management, fad diets, nutrition for exercise and sport, food safety, and food security. Further, this course will provide students with important information and tools in making personal dietary decisions.
Choose one of the following:
Mathematics at or above the level of College Algebra are accepted.
This course will focus on problem solving using the mathematics of finance, probability, statistics, population growth, and a variety of mathematical strategies. Students will utilize calculators and spreadsheets to solve real world problems.
Choose two of the following:
Students must take a total of 6 credits from the following areas: psychology, sociology, economics, political science, and anthropology.
This course provides students an introduction to intercultural communication concepts to develop intercultural awareness, patterns of perception, and worldviews to enable effective communication within and across cultures. Students will critically assess and apply intercultural communication theories to address social justice issues and ethics, bound by culture, through mindful and self-reflexive intercultural practices. Students will explore the following topics: the nature of culture and cultural definitions; privilege, power, and oppression in historical and contemporary U.S. society; globalization, transnational conflict, and modern technological influences in intercultural practices; representation of cultures and identities in popular media; and the relationship between language, power, and culture.
In this course, students will be introduced to the history and evolution of conflict resolution as well as basic concepts and methods required to work through the process. Students will explore the importance of communication in a conflict resolution environment and build strategies for their own personal use.
This course is designed to encourage students to develop multicultural awareness and competencies for working with people of diverse groups in society.
This course will examine the physical, psychological, spiritual, and cultural impacts of grief and loss as a human experience. Throughout the course, students will discuss a holistic approach to understanding the many aspects of grief, loss, bereavement, and healing. Students will also explore strategies and skills to respond to grief and loss.
The 21st-century digital age has introduced an exponential number of online tools that make electronic social and professional interaction possible. Through readings, video speakers, case presentations, and engagement with digital media, this interactive course will provide an opportunity to explore how the digital age is changing the way individuals think, interact, and engage.
This course is a study of major theories of personality, including Freudian, Neo-Freudian, behaviorist, trait, and humanistic theories. An experimental dynamic will involve synthesis of important elements of theory, faith, and personal thought processes and behaviors.
This course explores the study of human behavior through a scientific and sociocultural lens. The foundational concepts included in this course are as follows: the history and major theories of psychology, disciplines in the field of psychology, biological bases of behavior, scientific method, sensation, perception, learning, memory, emotion, and motivation. Gender, cultural, and ethnic considerations are explored as they relate to understanding human behavior, perceptions, and emotions.
This course introduces the field of sociology. While developing a sociological imagination, students will consider how society functions and their role in it. We will examine how social interactions and groups comprise the social landscape.
This course is designed to provide participants with an opportunity to investigate the mentoring process and its application in professional and personal settings. Participants will explore mentor qualities, relationships, skills, and best practices for those who mentor others. There will be a specific emphasis on mentoring in the workplace, as well as mentoring in avocational settings. Students will discuss, demonstrate, and apply techniques and strategies that develop their mentoring skills.
In this course, students will be introduced to innovative business solutions whose primary goal is creating a better society and healthier environment. Using case studies, students will analyze and evaluate specific successful business models of social enterprise that made positive changes; then they will apply the same principles to current social issues. Further, they will explore how a mission and careful planning approach produce sustainable business operations that design and deliver value to society and the environment.
This course incorporates a theoretical and experiential exploration of the causes and effects of stress physiologically and psychologically. Students will be introduced to physical, mental, and spiritual techniques to reduce stress and increase relaxation.
This course will introduce students to the concepts that can affect social situations and events in their everyday lives. Students will explore the impact of culture, perceptions, prejudices, stereotypes, and attitudes on social awareness and interpersonal relations. This course will engage students in ethical decision-making processes as they relate to modern and historical approaches to social psychology.
This course provides a general introduction of culture through anthropology, with a focus on kinship and community structure. We will explore the way anthropology has offered a coherent system for understanding broader social connections. Because family, kin, and community are rapidly changing units in contemporary culture, we will study historical and current perspectives. We will consider both the western and global contexts and look at their emerging forms.
A study of our nation’s current health problems and concerns. Emphasis on health consumerism and current trends, diseases, the sanctity of life, and fitness. The goal is to develop an educated view on current health issues.
This course introduces students to the basic concepts of nutrition and its role in health, wellness, and prevention of chronic disease. Topics covered include nutrients (macronutrients and micronutrients), nutritional needs across the lifespan, weight management, fad diets, nutrition for exercise and sport, food safety, and food security. Further, this course will provide students with important information and tools in making personal dietary decisions.
A scheduled class with topics chosen to meet the special needs and interests of students, faculty, or visiting professors.
Individualized study or supervised research in an area of special interest to the student which is outside the regular offerings of the major.
The LACC 285 topic that may meet the Social Science requirement is:
- Social Change in the Global Landscape
The LACC 295 topic that may meet the Social Science requirement is:
- The Global Leadership Summit
Jenn McUne, Project Management Major
I have thoroughly enjoyed my electives and general education courses at George Fox. Each professor has been thoughtful and acknowledging of the challenges adult working students face. While I love my major, I often find myself looking forward to my general education courses too!
Meet Your Professors
Your Next Steps
Find out exactly how many transferable college credits you have by requesting a transcript review from your enrollment counselor. They can help you make a plan for how to get from here to graduation.
Or if you’re ready to apply, follow the steps on our application process page to submit your application to take general education classes in the Adult Degree Program.