Curriculum

This course is designed to strengthen students’ reasoning skills and advance their capacity to think clearly and deeply about important issues—like truth, goodness, justice, and meaning. Together, students and professors uncover and sharpen vital intellectual tools and then apply those tools to big ideas and to specific real-world situations. There is also an emphasis on developing arguments and engaging with others in civil fashion. This course must be taken within the first year of study.

This course is designed to strengthen incoming students’ thinking skills. Rather than tell students what to think, this course will teach students how to think. It will focus on the Western intellectual tradition using texts from the classical period to the Renaissance, showing how the texts were both shaped by their historical contexts and how they shaped those contexts in turn. Like other Foundations of Reasoning courses, this course will help build a student’s capacity to think clearly and deeply about important and enduring issues, such as truth, goodness, justice, and beauty. In addition, all sections of this course will address at least three of the following additional “big” topics: God, formal reasoning (logic), contingent truths (history), free will, and identity. Together, 279 Humanities and Teacher Education Division students and professors uncover and sharpen vital intellectual tools and then apply those tools to big ideas and to specific real-world situations.

Students refine their use of idiomatic English through the study of the mass media and literary selections, discussion, computer-assisted instruction, sentence combining, and modeling. The course promotes cross-cultural understanding and develops the ability of non-native speakers to think and communicate clearly. Must be taken concurrently with ENG 100. 

An intensive writing workshop. The emphasis is on reading and writing critically and developing an effective writing process, including strategies for generating and researching ideas, drafting, revision, and editing. Students read extensively about current issues and produce portfolios demonstrating their ability to write for a variety of purposes, focusing particularly on academic writing.

An introduction to the principles of public speaking and rhetorical analysis of public discourse. Practice in the preparation and delivery of speeches with an introduction to rhetorical theory and criticism. Application of the theory of public discourse to representative speaking situations. 

Explores the story of Christianity, how it is rooted in the life of Jesus of Nazareth and the faith of the early church, how it addresses perennial human concerns, and how it has been enacted in a variety of historical and cultural contexts.

Examines the Jewish and Christian scriptures in context, focusing on the central story they tell, how they came together, and how they have been interpreted to address perennial human concerns. Prerequisite: REL 100.

Illuminates and evaluates how Christian scripture, theology, history, and practices interact with perennial human concerns, with a course-specific focus. Prerequisite: REL 200 or REL 102.

Continued practice of basic conversation, reading, and writing; Spanish and Spanish-American culture. Must be taken for a letter grade. Students must earn a minimum grade of C- before they can advance to subsequent courses. Prerequisite: SPAN 151 or equivalent competency.

The course is devoted to the study of medical Spanish and the cultural issues related to successful interactions with Spanish-speaking patients and their families in healthcare settings. It emphasizes language production skills and interactive language use with a concentration on conversation in healthcare. Students will learn to conduct a basic medical interview and will acquire verbal tools to conduct a basic physical exam in Spanish. Prerequisite: SPAN 152 or equivalent competency.

A course that offers a comparative and historical knowledge of the world by studying primarily the precolonial past and/or contemporary cultures and societies outside of the framework of the United States and Europe. Students who complete a Global Perspectives course will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the historical development, cultural heritage, politics or religious traditions of civilizations outside Western civilization. The primary focus is on the civilizations of Asia, but also included are those of the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America.

Creative Arts Requirement

A course that fosters an awareness of the importance of aesthetics and the arts in one’s life and in society and that instills in the student a desire for lifelong involvement with the arts. Includes courses from Fine Arts and Creative Writing. Students may take one 3- or 4-unit course or multiple 1- or 2-unit courses that add up to at least 3 units. Students who complete a Creative Arts course will be able to create, perform, or analyze a work of art.

Interpretation Requirement

A seminar course that focuses on analyzing and interpreting artistic expression and abstract argument as well as developing a student’s capacity to conceptualize shared meaning from words and experience. The cultivation of these skills fosters a more profound understanding of the irreducible diversity of human experience. Students who complete an Interpretation course will be able to discern the meaning and evaluate the significance of different types of cultural expression, with an emphasis on literary, philosophical, and artistic forms.

Historical Thinking Requirement

A seminar course that focuses on analyzing historical arguments and narratives by interpreting primary sources in context, identifying causation, and tracing continuity and change. Students who complete a Historical Thinking course will be able to understand and analyze historical interpretations and narratives, interpret primary sources in context, identify complex causes of historical development, and analyze continuity and change over time.

US Experience Requirement

A course that deepens student understanding and perspective of the United States, including its economic, historic, political, social, or cultural aspects.109 Academic Programs Students who complete a US Experience course will develop a deeper understanding of the broader history, politics, and culture of the United States.

Seaver College places the students’ total development at the heart of its educational strategy. Accordingly, the Seaver Core includes a Skills section as a space for knowledge and skills that fall outside of traditional academic disciplines but are beneficial to student’s total development. These courses are designed to provide students more practical knowledge and skills as they prepare for life beyond college—in areas such as financial literacy, health and wellness, and building healthy relationships. Resiliency, in particular, is a vital life skill that students need to thrive in the 21st century. Courses that fulfill the Skills requirement include: RISE 101: Resilience Research and Real Life, BA 101: Financial Literacy, and GSGS 200: Designing Your Life. Various options for courses in Health and Wellness can also fulfill this requirement. These options vary by semester.

A structural survey of the human body, including skeletal, muscular, nervous, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, and genito-urinary systems. Laboratory includes dissection of biological specimens and examination of prosected human cadaver specimens. Three hours lecture and one three-hour laboratory per week.

An integrated study of the body’s functional systems with particular attention to fundamental physiology. Emphasis is placed on mechanisms of function, especially cellular and molecular mechanisms. The course uses physical and chemical principles to present information regarding the organ systems. Three hours lecture and one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: BIOL 230. 

Introduces the core concepts and basic principles in microbiology, examining microorganisms and how they interact with humans and the environment. Student learning outcomes focus on microorganism cell structure, growth, heredity, diversity, and epidemiology. Additional concepts include pathogenicity, immunology, human disease and prevention, and microbiological techniques. The course provides the foundation of general microbiology necessary for students who are interested in pursuing a career in nursing. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: BIOL 270.

An introduction to the study of general, organic, and biochemistry with an emphasis on health science professional applications. The integrated laboratory will provide experimental applications of these chemical topics. The course provides the foundations of general, organic, and biochemistry necessary for students who are interested in pursuing a career in nursing.

A general introduction to the study of the science of psychology, intended for non-psychology majors. Consideration is given to the basic issues and research in human growth and development, perception, sensation, learning, thinking, motivation, emotion, personality, assessment, psychotherapy, and social behavior.

A general introduction to the history, principles, and methodology of sociology intended for non-sociology majors. Emphasis is on introducing students to the sociological analysis of human groups, institutions, and societies.

A systematic introduction to descriptive and inferential statistics most applicable to healthcare professionals. Emphasizing the interpretation and practical application of statistics to inform clinical decision-making, enhance patient care, and enable healthcare research, students will develop the skills necessary to integrate statistical principles in professional healthcare practice.

An introduction to the essential aspects of the nursing profession, including the formation and cultivation of a sustainable professional identity, including accountability, perspective, collaborative disposition, and comportment. Emphasizing ethical practice, accountability, and resilience, students will explore the role of the nurse in diverse settings, including patient care, advocacy, leadership, and collaboration. Strategies for stress management and work-life harmony are promoted to sustain professional growth. Through case studies and reflective practice, students will develop the skills needed to navigate the challenges of modern nursing with integrity, humility, and compassion in order to positively enact the nursing profession’s characteristics and values.

Provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform comprehensive head-to-toe health assessments across the lifespan. Emphasis is placed on developing proficiency in physical examination techniques, history taking, and the use of clinical reasoning to identify normal and abnormal findings. Students will learn to integrate data from health assessments to inform nursing care plans, with a focus on accuracy, cultural sensitivity, and effective communication. Co-requisite: NURS 210P.

This course distinguishes the practice of professional nursing and forms the basis for clinical judgment and innovation in nursing practice. As an introduction to essential nursing care for pediatric, maternity, adult, and older adult patients, students will learn and use the nursing process to develop clinical judgment, assess patient needs, create care plans, and implement nursing interventions. Throughout the course, the integration, translation, and application of established knowledge from other disciplines and evolving nursing knowledge is emphasized and practiced. Co-requisite: NURS 220P.

Examines the principles and practices of community and population health nursing. The course emphasizes the nursing process applied to diverse communities and populations. With an emphasis on assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation of health interventions, students are trained to effectively and proactively coordinate resources to provide safe, quality, and equitable care to diverse populations. Students will also explore key concepts such as health promotion, disease prevention, and the impact of social determinants of health on community well-being. Prerequisite: NURS 210 and NURS 210P. Co-requisite: NURS 230P.

A comprehensive study of the pathology and general health management of diseases and injuries across the lifespan by examination of the etiology, symptoms, physical responses, and psychological reactions to disease and injury. Students will explore drug classifications and actions, therapeutic uses, adverse effects, routes of administration, and dosage calculations. The course integrates knowledge of normal anatomy and physiology to enhance understanding of disease processes, focusing on the body’s responses and manifestations resulting from homeostatic imbalances. Basic principles of pharmacology, including receptor mechanisms, drug distribution and metabolism, and pharmacokinetics, are introduced. Prerequisite: BIOL 280.

Building on the knowledge of pharmacology and pathophysiology in NURS 260, this course deepens the understanding of the relationship between pharmacological therapies and patient health outcomes. Students will explore the actions and effects of medications, as well as complementary and alternative therapies, on the human system across the lifespan. Emphasis is placed on the integration of advanced pharmacological principles with pathophysiological conditions to inform clinical decision-making and optimize patient health outcomes. Prerequisite: NURS 260.

Studies the nursing care of the diverse adult population across the health-illness continuum, emphasizing health promotion, illness prevention, and the management of acute and chronic conditions. Students will engage in the nursing process to deliver compassionate and evidence-based care, with an emphasis on patient-centered approaches. The course establishes quality and safety as core values of nursing practice in order to enhance quality of care and minimize the risk of harm to patients and providers. Interprofessional collaboration and the integration of spiritual care, cultural humility, and ethical practice are emphasized in optimizing patient outcomes. Prerequisite: NURS 210, NURS 210P, NURS 220, and NURS 220P. Co-requisite: NURS 300P.

An in-depth exploration of gerontological nursing emphasizing compassionate, holistic, and person-centered care across a variety of complicated contexts.Students will learn to address the unique physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of older adults. The course covers key topics such as the aging process, chronic illness management, dementia care, end-of-life care, and the impact of social determinants of health on aging populations. Students will engage in the nursing process, applying assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation to promote quality care and enhance the well-being of elders. Interprofessional education and cultural humility are integral components of the course, preparing students to collaborate effectively to provide ethical, sensitive care to diverse elderly populations. Prerequisite: NURS 210, NURS 210P, NURS 220, and NURS 220P. Co-requisite: NURS 310P.

This course develops the essential skills and knowledge necessary to provide high-quality, holistic, and compassionate care to individuals experiencing mental health challenges across the lifespan. The integration of the nursing process (assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation) with a focus on therapeutic communication, crisis intervention, and psychopharmacology is emphasized. Students will explore the impact of social determinants of health, cultural humility, and ethical considerations in mental health care. Prerequisite: NURS 210, NURS 210P, NURS 220, and NURS 220P. Co-requisite: NURS 320P.

A comprehensive exploration of maternity nursing, focusing on the care of women, newborns, and families during the childbearing period. Students will learn to deliver care that addresses the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients. Emphasis will be placed on the nursing process, with special attention to culturally sensitive care and social determinants of health. Through interprofessional collaboration, students will develop skills to support quality and ethical care in diverse maternity settings, ensuring positive health outcomes for mothers and their families. Prerequisite: NURS 210, NURS 210P, NURS 220, and NURS 220P. Co-requisite: NURS 330P.

A comprehensive examination of family-centered pediatric nursing, emphasizing the nursing process and focusing on the delivery of quality and ethical care. Through case studies, clinical simulations, and reflective practice, students will develop the clinical skills necessary to provide empathetic, culturally competent, and evidence-based care to children and their families. Prerequisite: NURS 210, NURS 210P, NURS 220, and NURS 220P. Co-requisite: NURS 340P.

An examination of the interconnected roles of health promotion and nutrition across the lifespan. Students will learn nutritional and health promotion strategies and develop the ability to integrate both factors into patient care across the lifespan. The course covers the impact of diet on growth, development, and disease prevention, as well as the design of interventions to promote healthy lifestyles in diverse populations. Emphasis is placed on understanding the social, behavioral, and environmental factors that influence health and wellness. Prerequisite: BIOL 270.

The exploration of the ethical principles that guide nursing decisions, the development and influence of healthcare policies, and effective communication strategies with patients, families, and healthcare teams. Students will learn to navigate ethical dilemmas and advocate for patients within the complex healthcare environment.

This course introduces the principles and applications of healthcare technology systems and informatics in modern healthcare settings. Students will explore the role of electronic health records, data management, and information systems in improving patient care and healthcare outcomes. Information and communication technologies, along with informatics processes, are emphasized as tools to provide care, gather data, drive decision-making, and support professional development. The course covers topics such as health informatics, data security, interoperability, and the integration of technology into clinical practice. It also examines how these technologies are used to manage and improve the delivery of safe, high-quality, and efficient healthcare services, in line with best practices and regulatory standards. 
Prerequisite: STAT 250.

Grounded in the foundational concepts of adult health nursing in NURS 300, this course examines the care of adults with more complex and chronic health conditions. Emphasizing the nursing process and integrating advanced assessment, diagnostic reasoning, and evidence-based interventions, students learn to manage the evolving needs of adult patients. Students will explore conditions related to cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, endocrine, and neurological systems, with an emphasis on promoting optimal health outcomes. Through a combination of classroom learning, simulations, and clinical practice, students will refine their skills in managing long-term care and coordinating interdisciplinary care for adults with complex health needs. Prerequisite: NURS 300 and NURS 300P. Co-requisite: NURS 400P.

This course examines care management models across multiple practice settings and throughout the life span. It prepares nursing students to manage transitions for vulnerable, chronically ill patients using a systems-thinking approach. Emphasizing patient-centered care planning, interprofessional collaboration, and resource allocation, students will learn strategies to address root causes of poor outcomes, integrate community resources, and enhance continuity across settings. Through evidence-based practices, they will develop skills to support patients and families during critical transitions in health and healthcare.

The role of spirituality in fostering compassionate healthcare practices is examined. Students will study the spiritual dimensions of patient care, including how different belief systems, values, cultures and faith-based practices influence health and healing. Emphasis is placed on developing a compassionate approach to care that honors the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—and enabling students to effectively integrate spiritual awareness into their clinical practice.

An introduction to the principles of evidence-based practice and their application in nursing. Through an emphasis on research methodology, data analysis, and critical thinking, developing nurses gain experience in the generation, synthesis, translation, application, and dissemination of nursing knowledge to improve health and transform health care. In the course, students will learn to critically appraise scientific literature and integrate proven practices into clinical decision-making in order to enhance patient outcomes and contribute to the advancement of the nursing profession. Prerequisite: NURS 300 and NURS 300P.

This course prepares nursing students for the NCLEX-RN exam and professional practice. It focuses on key nursing concepts, critical thinking, and test-taking strategies. Students will engage in content review, practice exams, and activities to strengthen clinical knowledge and decision-making skills to ensure readiness for licensure examination. Students will also participate in self-reflection that fosters personal health, resilience, and well-being; contributes to lifelong learning; and supports the acquisition of nursing expertise and leadership to ensure readiness for a successful nursing career. The course must be completed in the final semester of enrollment. Prerequisite: NURS 170.

Utilizing the clinical assessment laboratory, students will perform assessments of individuals ranging from infants to elders. This course offers experience in comprehensive assessments, allowing students to refine physical examination techniques, enhance patient history-taking skills, and develop systematic clinical reasoning, data collection, and documentation processes. Co-requisite: NURS 210.

The practicum provides simulated and clinical experiences essential to nursing care for pediatric, maternity, adult, and older adult patients. Students will apply the nursing process in clinical settings, developing clinical judgment and essential skills in patient assessment, care planning, and nursing interventions. Co-requisite: NURS 220.

This clinical practicum provides students experiential learning that allows for the application of theoretical knowledge to community-based, real-world scenarios. Under the supervision of experienced nursing professionals, students engage in direct patient care, focusing on community health assessment, disease prevention, therapeutic communication, and the management of health conditions for communities and populations. Co-requisite: NURS 230.

Provides clinical experience in the care of adult patients with a variety of medical-surgical conditions. Students will apply theoretical knowledge in clinical settings, enhancing their skills in patient assessment, care planning, and intervention. Emphasis is placed on developing critical thinking, clinical decision-making, and collaborative skills within the healthcare team. Students will engage in compassionate and ethical care, considering the unique needs of each patient, and will learn to integrate evidence-based practices into their nursing care. The course fosters the development of professional behaviors and the ability to work effectively in fast-paced, high-acuity environments. Co-requisite: NURS 300.

Enables students to obtain clinical experience in gerontological nursing. Under the guidance of experienced professionals, students will engage in direct elder patient care, focusing on the nursing process and compassionate, culturally competent care in diverse clinical settings. Co-requisite: NURS 310.

This clinical practicum provides students with clinical experience in psychiatric and mental health settings. Students will engage in direct patient care, focusing on assessment, therapeutic communication, and the management of mental health conditions. Co-requisite: NURS 320.

This clinical practicum provides direct patient care experience in family-centered maternity nursing under the guidance of experienced professionals. Co-requisite: NURS 330.

Clinical experience in providing family-centered direct patient care to pediatric patients under the guidance of experienced professionals. Co-requisite: NURS 340.

A clinical practicum designed to deepen students’ expertise in the care of adult patients with complex and multi-system, medical-surgical conditions. Students will build on their foundational knowledge and hone advanced clinical skills, including critical thinking, complex care planning, and high-level clinical interventions. The course emphasizes the integration of advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and evidence-based practices into patient care. Students will engage in interprofessional collaboration, ethical decision-making, and the provision of culturally sensitive, compassionate care. Co-requisite: NURS 400.

This capstone course is the culmination of the nursing program, designed to integrate and apply the knowledge, skills, and clinical experiences gained throughout the curriculum. Students will engage in complex clinical scenarios, evidence-based practice projects, and interprofessional collaboration to demonstrate their readiness for professional nursing practice. Emphasis is placed on leadership, healthcare business principles, critical thinking, and reflective practice, preparing students to transition confidently into their roles as registered nurses. Prerequisite: NURS 300 and NURS 300P.