The Christian Institute

Home-based "Christian Community College"

The Christian Institute offers a way for families in a community to work together to learn as a group. Many homeschoolers are already familiar with this concept when they attend co-op learning or group lesson classes. The difference is that students in TCI are able to engage in college-level studies together. By joining together and enrolling with another person in your family, homeschool group, or community, you can work together and provide support to one another as you study.

The key is that you can design your local TCI group the way you want! If you want to be just a family college, that's fine. If you would like to pool the resources and students within your local support group, you can do that too. If you have a learning co-op, and you want to tie in the resources of The Christian Institute to extend your learning into the college level, you can do so. Whatever you think will allow your students to maximize their education while studying for college at home, we are open to letting you do that too. You see, college should be for the students, not the students for the college. (Does that concept sound familiar?) We believe that education should be about the learning, not the institution. So be flexible and make things work for you!

Don't forget too that students can "double credit" both secondary school and college courses. As your student shows competency in high school subjects, that is the time to seriously consider a plan that includes courses from The Christian Institute.

Use the information below to set up your student's college-level learning toward a degree in Biblical Worldview Studies. There's lots of ways to make The Christian Institute work for your students!

Overview

The Christian Institute is a home-based biblical worldview college. Our main distinctive is that every course offered is integrated with a thorough study of the biblical worldview that impacts that subject. This is then compared with the implications that the other major worldviews recognized in western culture may have upon that discipline. Additionally, we equip parent-directed educators with the ability to validate their students' education through the college level. This enablement allows students to continue to study at home until they are done with college, or fully prepared to pursue alternative educational sources outside of the home, if necessary.

Course Information

Courses are based on a contract grading system. Students must complete the applicable CLEP exam and minimum Biblical Worldview text assignments for a grade of C. For a grade of B the student will complete the coursework for the grade of C plus additional Biblical Worldview text assignments and assessments. For a grade of A the student will complete all requirements for grades of B & C, plus a paper on the subject as assigned by the course professor. Papers must meet course requirements to obtain credit; submitted work may require revision and being resubmitted until up to the course standard. The student will then receive a grade of A for the course.

Financial Information

Application Fee (one time-per student) $25
Enrollment Fee (one time-per student) $50*
Administrative Fee (yearly-per student) $100*
Technology Fee (monthly-per family) $10*
Graduation Fee (after earning 80% of degree credit-per student) $100
Tuition $25 per credit
Books/Materials Fee - as prescribed by course syllabus
Travel/Lab Fees - as prescribed by course syllabus

*These fees are not required until a student's application is approved.

Transfer Credit Policy

CLEPS are a portion of many TCI courses and are accepted for direct credit as prescribed by the course. In addition, TCI may accept CLEP credits not associated with a TCI course, AP's, DANTES, other appropriate tests, and course work from other institutions with administrative approval. No student may transfer more than 27 credits into an Associates Degree program without administrative approval.

Faculty

David Callihan, B.S., Th.B
Jeremiah Callihan, B.A.
Laurie Callihan, B.S.
K. Alan Snyder, Ph.D.

Associates of Biblical Worldview Studies Degree Program

Each course in the ABWS degree program will include text and written work in the prescribed area as assigned by the professor.

ABWS Degree Requirements:

The ABWS degree requires a minimum of 60 credits in the following proportions . . .

English - 6 credits
History - 6 credits
Math - 6 credits
Science - 6 credits
Foreign Language and Humanities (Music, Art, etc.) - 6 credits
Biblical Worldview Studies - 6 credits
Biblical Apologetics - 6 credits
Biblical Sociology - 6 credits
Biblical Missions - 4 credits
Electives - 8 credits

Course Descriptions:

[C-level CLEP™ exam titles are indicated after each course title separated by a hyphen. In cases where the course and CLEP™ title are the same, no additional title will be listed.]

[Many additional courses, degree programs, and faculty are expected to be added as courses are prepared and approved.]

English (Student chooses a total of 6 credits)

*Additional required Biblical Worldview Study materials will be provided upon completion of each CLEP exam for students enrolled in The Christian Institute.

ENG 111 FRESHMAN ENGLISH I - Freshman College Composition
3 credits
This course focuses on the development of proficiency in writing through text editing, revision, and evaluation. The ability to recognize logical development in writing will be addressed including organization, evaluation of evidence, awareness of audience, tone and purpose, level of detail, focusing on topic, paragraph coherence, thesis, rhetoric, language usage, author authority, reasoning, and point-of-view. Students will learn how to use resource materials properly including evaluating sources, integrating resources into a research paper, formatting manuscripts, documentation, reference skills, and use of reference books. Focus will be on writing papers which develop the ability to analyze worldview concepts while training in the recognition of a biblical worldview. ENG 111 is prerequisite for ENG 113.

ENG 113 WORLD LITERATURE I - Analyzing and Interpreting Literature
3 credits
This course is a survey of selections from masterpieces of world literature examining works in relation to their literary backgrounds to help students analyze and interpret their meaning. Students will learn techniques to help understand the value of several pieces of literary work. The course will assist students in growing in their ability to read prose, poetry, and drama with understanding, while analyzing the elements of literary passages. This should help students to clearly recognize the superiority of Western literature as a medium of written communication.

ENG 211 INTRODUCTION TO LITERATURE - English Literature
3 credits
This course is an introduction to the basic terms and genres of American and British literature with a focus on how they are impacted by the Judeo-Christian worldview. This course serves as the prerequisite to other literature courses. Prerequisites: ENG111 and ENG113 or permission of the instructor.

HUM 111 HUMANITIES VERSUS CHRISTIAN THOUGHT - Humanities
3 credits
This course is an exploration of the assumptions and expressions of human thought as it developed over the centuries, including a study of the contrasts of New Age, Marxism, Naturalism, and Theism. The course evaluates worldview answers to contemporary questions of origins, revelation, epistemology, applied ethics, and interdisciplinary topics. What do you believe? Why do you believe it? What difference does it make? This course will identify works of art, literature, drama, poetry, philosophy, music, film, dance, architecture, etc. to assist the student in comparing and contrasting basic worldviews and their implications for life. Students will come away from this course with a clear understanding of what forces shape beliefs and why it is imperative that biblical influences be visible in the culture if it is to survive and flourish.

History (Student chooses a total of 6 credits)

PSGS 126 AMERICAN GOVERNMENT
3 credits
This course focuses on the origins of the U.S. Government, tracing its roots from biblical origins through Greek, Roman, English, and American antecedents, to the government of today. Students examine the documents of American government including the Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, and U.S. Constitution. Concepts such as sphere government as well as the levels of civil government including institutions and policy processes will be reviewed. Analysis of the federal courts, civil liberties, and civil rights, political parties and interest groups, political beliefs and behavior, and Constitutional underpinnings of American republican democracy will be examined. Finally the course analyzes the basis of American government in light of biblical revelation to determine any connecting or conflicting relationships existing between them.

HIS 221 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES I - Early Colonization to 1877
3 credits
A survey course that overviews the historical development of the United States from the eve of Colonization through Civil War Reconstruction with the majority of emphasis on the period from the birth of the Republic through the end of the Civil War. Successful completion of this course will result in students being able to recognize the political institutions of America, their behavior and influence on public policy, social, economic, cultural and intellectual developments of this historical period, as well as their impact on diplomatic and international relations. The influence of biblical thought on this period of American history will be assessed, along with critical analysis of the positive and negative results of certain points-of-view popular during this historical period.

HIS 222 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES II - 1865 to the Present
3 credits
A survey course that overviews the historical development of the United States from 1877 to the present, with the majority of the course emphasizing the events of the 20th century. Students will evaluate how the effects of Darwinism and evolutionary thought directly influenced the course of events during this time period, as well as how biblical principles countered certain events. Again, successful completion of this course will result in students being able to recognize the political institutions of America, their behavior and influence on public policy, social, economic, cultural and intellectual developments of this historical period, as well as their impact on diplomatic and international relations. Students will critically evaluate certain historical events during this period in light of biblical principles to see if the results were consistent with a biblical worldview or not. By understanding such points-of-view students will assess the importance of thinking biblically in order to evaluate history properly and accurately.

HIS 111 HISTORY OF WESTERN CIVILIZATION I - Ancient Near East to 1648
3 credits
This course is a survey with an emphasis on world geography studying ancient civilizations to 1648 including the impact of the Judeo-Christian point-of-view. Civilizations of Ancient Greece, Rome and the Near East, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and Reformation, and early modern Europe (1560-1648) will be studied to understand their impact on Western thought. Historical terms, figures, events and factors will be presented for analysis. Works that influenced Western thought may be analyzed such as those of Homer, Shakespeare, Milton, Dickens as well as Machiavelli, Mills, Paine, and others. The influence of the Bible will be evaluated. Students will come away with a deep appreciation for the correlation between biblical thought and historical events.

HIS 112 HISTORY OF WESTERN CIVILIZATION II - 1648 to the Present
3 credits
A survey course with an emphasis on world geography studying 1648 to the present including the impact of the Judeo-Christian point-of-view will be thoroughly analyzed. Study will include evaluation of historical concepts including Absolutism and Constitutionalism, competition for empire and economic expansion, the scientific view of the world, the period of enlightenment, revolution and Napoleonic Europe, the Industrial Revolution, political and cultural developments, politics and diplomacy in the Age of Nationalism, economy, culture and imperialism, the First World War and the Russian Revolution, Europe between the Wars, the Second World War and contemporary Europe. The influence of the media in modern times will also be evaluated critically to understand its impact on the direction of modern western culture.

Math (Student chooses a total of 6 credits)

MATH 122 CALCULUS I
3 credits
Algebraic, trigonometric, exponential, logarithmic, and general functions and graphs; limits, differentiation and integration of algebraic, exponential, and trigonometric functions; methods and applications; includes antiderivatives, the definite integral, the Mean Value Theorem, use of L'hopital's rule, differentiability and continuity, slope at a point, tangent lines and linear approximation, curve sketching, extreme value problems, average, instantaneous and related rates of change, substitutions, growth and decay, and the Fundamental Theorem. Overview of the origins of classical mathematical thought as it relates to the study of Calculus. Prerequisite: MATH 117 or equivalent (algebra, plane and solid geometry, trigonometry, and analytic geometry).

MATH 112 COLLEGE ALGEBRA
3 credits
Manipulation of algebraic expressions; linear, fractional, and quadratic equations; linear systems of equations; mathematical operations; integer and generic concepts of functions and their properties (domain, range, graph, composition, inverse); polynomials, rational functions, exponential functions, logarithms, solving routine, straightforward word problems, solving non-routine problems requiring an understanding of concepts and application of skills and concepts. This course will also address relationships between mathematical concepts and biblical thought. Prerequisites: Pre-algebra or elementary mathematics.

MATH 117 COLLEGE ALGEBRA--TRIGONOMETRY
3 credits
For those who have studied algebra and geometry but need additional study of precalculus before enrolling in calculus and other advanced calculus courses. Approximately half the course is made up of routine algebraic problems including basic algebra operations, linear and quadratic equations, inequalities and graphs, algebraic, exponential and logarithmic functions. The trigonometric properties include evaluation of trigonometric functions of positive and negative angles, trigonometric equations and inequalities, graphs, trigonometry of the triangle, radian and degree measures. Properties of real numbers and complex numbers; coordinate geometry; properties of relations and functions, including polynomial and rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, and trigonometric functions. Biblical origins and relationships of mathematics will also be reviewed. Prerequisite: MATH 112 or equivalent.

MATH 116 COLLEGE MATHEMATICS
3 credits
Intended for students majoring in liberal arts disciplines not requiring additional study in mathematics, this course is designed to stimulate mathematical thinking by looking at areas of mathematics not usually encountered in the high school curriculum with an emphasis on their applications in real life. Topics include real numbers, logic, sets, equations, functions, graph theory, probability, statistics, data analysis, geometry, applications of exponents and logarithms, mathematics of social science, and coding theory. Prerequisite: Elementary mathematics through pre-algebra or equivalent. Biblical origins and relationships to mathematics will also be evaluated.

Science (Student chooses a total of 6 credits)

BIO 111 INTRODUCTORY BIOLOGY
3 credits
An introduction to the basic concepts of biology including molecular and cellular, organismal, and population biology is covered in this course. The course provides an overview of the scientific method, knowledge of facts, principles and processes of biology, understanding the means by which information is collected, how it is interpreted, how one hypothesizes available information, draws conclusions, and makes further prediction, and understanding that science is a human endeavor with social consequences. The course includes an assessment of evolutionary theory, cell structure and function, metabolism, classical and modern theories of inheritance, an overview of animal and human anatomy and physiology, and ecology. Students will clearly learn the facts of evolutionary biology in order to be able to understand its makeup and methodology. However, the course also includes a thorough overview of the alternative viewpoints of Intelligent Design and Creationist theory that oppose evolutionary scientific points-of-view. This course will prepare Christian students to know and understand biology from a biblical frame of reference so that they can be prepared to discern the science of biology and its ramifications on life concepts.

CHEM 131 GENERAL CHEMISTRY I
3 credits
A study of the fundamental concepts of chemistry including the following topics: atomic theory, states of matter, stoichiometry, thermodynamics, and nuclear chemistry. Knowledge of algebra is required. Students will learn about the structure and states of matter, reaction types, equations and stoichiometry, equilibrium, kinetics, thermodynamics, descriptive and experimental chemistry, and the ability to interpret and apply these topics to new and unfamiliar problems. Students will have to demonstrate the ability to recall chemical facts, demonstrate straightforward knowledge of information and familiarity with terminology, apply concepts and reformulate them into equivalent terms, using mathematics to solve chemistry problems, and interpret data through inference and deduction from available data, integrating it to form conclusions from unstated assumptions. The course will include a study of how chemistry is linked to a study of the relationships of an intelligent Creator.

PHYS 112 NATURAL SCIENCE FOR NON-SCIENCE STUDENTS
3 credits
Introduction to the basic principles of physical science, including: motion, force, energy, wave-motion, heat, electricity, magnetism, and structure of matter, the fundamental concepts of chemistry, the basic relationships of biological systems, and a survey of geology, oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy. The course is intended for students majoring in liberal arts disciplines not requiring additional study in applied science, or students interested in an introductory study of the applied sciences. It is designed to stimulate scientific thinking by looking at areas of science not usually encountered in the high school curriculum with an emphasis on their applications in real life. Students will also study the impact of the Marxist/Leninist, Humanist, New Age, and biblical Christian worldviews on these scientific disciplines covered in this course and how each worldview affects the interpretation of the science.

Foreign Language and Humanities (Student chooses a total of 6 credits)

FREN 111-112 ELEMENTARY FRENCH I & II - College-Level French Language
3-6 credits
This is an introductory French course for students with little to no experience in the language covering fundamentals of grammar, conversation, reading and composition. The Christian history of the French culture will also be studied.

FREN 211-212 INTERMEDIATE FRENCH III & IV - College-Level French Language
3-6 credits
This course is designed to deepen students' understanding of grammar and to improve conversation, composition and reading comprehension skills in French. Continued study of the Christian history of the French culture will also be included in this course. Prerequisite: FREN 112 or equivalent.

GERM 111-112 ELEMENTARY GERMAN I & II- College-Level German Language
3-6 credits
Introductory German is a course for students with little to no experience in the language covering fundamentals of grammar, conversation, reading and composition. The Christian history of the German culture and its impact on American church history will also be studied.

GERM 211-212 INTERMEDIATE GERMAN III & IV - College-Level German Language
3-6 credits
This course is designed to deepen students' understanding of grammar and to improve conversation, composition and reading comprehension skills in German. Continued study of the Christian history of the German culture will also be included in this course. Prerequisite: GERM 112 or equivalent.

SPAN 111-112 ELEMENTARY SPANISH I & II - College-Level Spanish Language
3-6 credits
Introductory Spanish is a course for students with little to no experience in the language teaching the fundamentals of grammar, conversation, reading and composition. The Christian history of the Spanish culture and how biblical Christianity has affected the culture will also be studied.

SPAN 211-212 INTERMEDIATE SPANISH III & IV - College-Level Spanish Language
3-6 credits
This course is designed to deepen students' understanding of grammar and to improve conversation, composition and reading comprehension skills in Spanish. Continued study of the Christian history of the Spanish culture will also be included in this course. Prerequisite: SPAN 112 or equivalent.

PSY 111 GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY
3 credits
This course is an introduction to the general field of psychology with emphasis on concepts helpful for understanding contemporary psychology and those basic to further study. Students will gain a working knowledge of terminology, principles, and theory addressed in psychology by those in the field to comprehend, evaluate and analyze problem situations as well as apply this knowledge to new situations. The course will include a history of psychology, along with the approaches and methods, biological bases for behavior, sensation and perception, states of consciousness, learning, cognition, motivation and emotion, personality, psychological disorders and health, treatments, developmental and social psychology, along with statistics, tests and measurement. An analysis of the differences between secular, humanistic and atheistic psychology and biblical Christianity's point-of-view of the human "psyche" (Greek for "soul") will be thoroughly examined with the goal of clarifying the specific differences and superiority of a biblical Christian worldview toward understanding the human condition.

PSY 221 HUMAN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
3 credits
This course explains processes of development from the embryo through the adolescent years to adulthood with emphasis on significant maturational stages; an introduction to research in the field, to observational procedures and terminology. Subjects to be covered include theories of development, research strategies and methodologies, biological, perceptual, cognitive, social, intelligence, family, and society development throughout the lifespan, language development, personality and emotions, learning, schooling and intervention, and atypical development. The course will then analyze the differences between secular, atheistic or humanistic psychology, and a biblical point-of-view. Prerequisite: PSY 111.

PSY 222 INTRODUCTION TO EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY
3 credits
A practical approach to the application of various learning theories in the classroom atmosphere with emphasis on common problems and challenges in the classroom and how to overcome them is covered. The course will emphasize principles of learning and cognition, teaching methods and classroom management, child growth and development, and evaluation and assessment of learning. Studies will also include evaluation of the ways that educational psychology has impacted existing thought on how children and adults should be taught, positively and negatively. An assessment of whether these ideas fit in with a biblical worldview will be evaluated. Students will also evaluate whether the existing educational theories and institutions are being effective in moving the learning process forward, whether there has been a variation from biblical thinking that has resulted in erroneous teaching and learning methodologies, and what new methods and institutions may be required to correct the problems. Prerequisite: PSY 111.

ECFN 221 PRINCIPLES OF MICROECONOMICS
3 credits
Principles of Microeconomics provide an introductory course in microeconomic theory including study of the theoretical framework that explains the operations of and interrelationships between individual markets. The course emphasizes the market mechanisms including supply and demand, the theory of consumer behavior, price and output determination, income distribution, the role of competition, the factor markets, and welfare theory. An evaluation of the influence of biblical principles in economics will be lined up against these concepts to scrutinize their validity.

ECFN 222 PRINCIPLES OF MACROECONOMICS
3 credits
An introductory course in macroeconomic theory involves the aspect of economics that deals with the total economic system, with emphasis upon the general levels of output and income along with the interaction among economic sectors. It includes a study of aggregate supply and demand, monetary and fiscal economic policies, national income accounting, the determination of national output and employment levels, the banking system, fiscal and monetary policy, and stabilization policy. Biblical principles of economics will be expanded, showing how adherence to these principles will bring positive effects while ignoring them has deleterious consequences to the well-being of the people. Prerequisite: ECFN 221.

SS 211 INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY
3 credits
A survey course dealing with the principles and relationships of the institutions of "society" from a secular, humanistic and atheistic point-of-view will be compared to the institutions of a biblical worldview. Basic sociological facts and concepts as well as general theoretical approaches to secular, humanistic, and atheistic sociology will be studied. Identification of specific names, facts and concepts from sociological literature, their relationships, empirical generalizations and theoretical propositions, how they are established, and their applications to hypothetical situations will be reviewed. Subject matter will address topics such as institutions, social patterns, social processes, social stratification (process and structure) and the sociological perspective from the point-of-view of the main proponents of sociological theory. These ideas will then be contrasted with biblical Christianity to show where differences exist in the biblical model. Students will be expected to understand the differences and be able to articulate the problems of secular sociology versus a biblical framework of community.

Biblical Worldview Studies (Student chooses a total of 6 credits)

BIB 111 CONTEMPORARY WORLDVIEWS
Summer 3 credits
An exploration of the assumptions of contemporary approaches to issues in society including the study of New Age, Marxism, Naturalism, and Theism is offered. This course is offered only in conjunction with Summit Ministries of Manitou Springs, Colorado and with The Summit at Bryan College. Students will be required to attend a two-week Summit at either Bryan College in Dayton, Tennessee, Summit at Manitou Springs, Colorado, or another location where it is offered each summer. Additional coursework following the Summit will also be required as outlined in the course syllabus.

BIB 112 UNDERSTANDING THE TIMES
3 credits
An exploration of worldview answers to contemporary questions of origins, revelation, epistemology, applied ethics, and interdisciplinary topics. (This course is offered for credit only through participation in the Understanding the Times curriculum available through Summit Ministries of Manitou Springs, Colorado.)

BIB 113 CHRISTIAN WORLDVIEW
3 credits
What do you believe? Why do you believe it? What difference does it make? This course (required in the freshman year) compares and contrasts basic worldviews and their implications for life, and will also present the main components of a Christian worldview, as well as respond to challenges to that belief system.

Additional Text Courses and offerings from David Quine will be added when available.

BIB 114 CONTEMPORARY WORLDVIEWS - Social Sciences and History
3 credits
An exploration of the assumptions of contemporary approaches to issues in society including the study of New Age, Marxism, Naturalism, Theism, and how biblical Christianity meets the needs of contemporary society. This course covers a wide range of topics from the social science and history areas including U.S. History, western civilization, world history, government and political science, economics, sociology, anthropology, psychology, and geography. This course will provide students with a level of knowledge expected of college students to meet a distribution or general educations requirement in the social science/history area. Subject material includes familiarity with terminology, facts, conventions, methodology, concepts, principles, generalizations and theories, along with the ability to understand, interpret and analyze graphic, pictorial and written material as it relates to social sciences and history, and the ability to apply abstractions to particulars, hypotheses, concepts, theories or principles to specific data. Students who complete this course will have a broad understanding of the secular, humanistic and atheistic perspectives on the social sciences and history along with the ability to distinguish these from the biblical worldview across all of the related disciplines.

Biblical Apologetics (Student chooses a total of 6 credits)

APO 211 Presuppositional Apologetics (draft) [No CLEP]
3 credits
Study various intellectual assumptions and how their conclusions will be consistent with specific worldviews. Learn how to defend biblical Christianity against the presupposed positions of various alternative worldviews. Study the works of world-renowned apologeticists Dr. Francis A. Schaeffer, Os Guinness, and others. This course will also help students to understand why certain individuals cannot be convinced to embrace the Gospel while others can. Learn how to help people change their thinking to be more receptive to biblical truth.

(Additional Text Courses may also be developed.)

Biblical Sociology (Student chooses a total of 6 credits)

SOC 211 BIBLICAL SOCIOLOGY FIELD STUDY (tentative) -Introduction to Sociology

3 credits
Travel to rural Nicaragua with Youth With A Mission School of the Bible Director Larry Allen and his sons for a three-week study of sociology theory. Students will study "Liberation Theology" to gain an understanding as to how Marxist/Leninist theory has infiltrated the church of South America, replacing biblical Christianity with a theology that accommodates atheistic and humanistic concepts. Students will be challenged to think biblically to understand the reasons for these compromises and how to effectively counter them in a real-life situation among the people of this needy country. The solution is obviously the Gospel, but the challenge is how to integrate the true Gospel in a place where a "so-called gospel" is deeply entrenched. The true sociological answer is not a "quick-fix." Students will learn first-hand how the "power of God" is necessary to overcome false gods of intellectualism in this impoverished country. (Students and parents will be responsible for their own travel and living expenses for this course.)

Additional On Site and Text Courses will also be developed.

Biblical Missions (Student chooses a total of 4 credits)

SOC 211 BIBLICAL SOCIOLOGY FIELD STUDY (draft) -Introduction to Sociology (tentative)
3 credits
Travel on a mission trip for a three-week study of sociology theory. Students will study the common problems associated with the lower class in impoverished rural America to gain an understanding as to how America's humanist worldview has limited the ability of many communities to survive economically and socially. What can the church do to help solve these problems? Does the Gospel provide the answer to this situation? How can those who think biblically show that the solution is found in our worldview?