Course Offerings

Core Courses

Each morning, Summer Academy I students learn and study in one of the following core courses, which will earn them 3 hours of college credit from ACU. These courses are designed to be a stimulating academic experience that incorporates class discussion, critical thinking and hands-on research from the students’ weekend excursion.

The Ethics of Jesus (3-hour credit for BIBL 101)

A survey of the four gospels, focusing on the ministry and teachings of Jesus during his life on earth. Taught by Dr. Vic McCracken.

Introduction to Human Nature (3-hour credit for PSYC 120)

A comprehensive survey of the science of psychology, with focus on human behavior. Taught by Dr. Richard Beck.

American History (3-hour credit for HIST 222)

Survey of cultural, economic and political dimensions of America from 1877 to the present. Taught by Dr. Tracy Shilcutt.

Computer Science (3-hour credit for CS 115)

An introduction to computer programming using a scripting language such as Python or PHP, with an emphasis on problem solving and logic. Topics include: variables and constants, arithmetic operations, data input and output, Boolean logic, conditional and iterative program control structures, user-defined functions, simple algorithm design, and debugging strategies. Taught by Ray Pettit.

Digital Logic (4-hour credit for an introductory Engineering class)

An introductory Engineering class covering the design and use of logic gates (AND, OR, NOR, XOR, etc.) to design combinational and sequential logic circuits. Topics include Karnaugh maps, binary, octal and hexadecimal number systems, latches, flip-flops, timers, counters, adders, and hardware description languages. Practical application will be illustrated through laboratory exercises. Students who enroll in this course must enroll in the lab course as their elective. Students will be studying with Dr. Kenneth Olree, the director of ACU's Engineering Program. All students must have a high school GPA >= 3.5 or ACT math >= 25 or SAT math >= 570 to enroll in this course.

Electives  

In the afternoons, Summer Academy I students spend time unleashing their creativity in one of three electives that will earn them 1 hour of college credit from ACU. A final project in these electives will incorporate elements from the students’ weekend excursion.

Digital Media

Writing and speaking are fundamental skills in any course of study, but increasingly students are expected to communicate messages through digital media to connect with audiences around the world. Digital storytelling blends audio narration with images, video, and music or ambient sound to create short media projects that share a story important to the author. Students will work with trained media specialists in the AT&T Learning Studio to record, edit, and produce successful media messages in a range of styles. Taught by Dr. Kyle Dickson, associate professor of English and director of the Learning Studio at ACU.

Photography

In-depth introduction to the basic principles and history of black-and-white photography. Course includes the study of small-format cameras and the fundamental theory and practice of photography such as the meanings of various photographic terms, composition, and artistic expression through on-site assignments. Taught by Nil Santana, instructor of photography and graphic design.

Engineering Lab

Taught in conjunction with the Digital Logic class, this elective will give students time to use the theories they are learning in engineering in a practical way as they work with Dr. Kenneth Olree in the lab.

Creative Writing

Writing of literary works grounded in both fiction and non-fiction, using techniques of novelists and poets. Includes autobiography, nature writing, travel narrative, cultural criticism, spiritual memoir and many others. Course will be taught by Dr. Shelly Sanders.

Graphic Design

Taught by Mike Wiggins, chair of the Department of Art and Design. An introduction to computer aided design with emphasis on InDesign and Photoshop. Continuing emphasis on problem solving in relation to electronic message making.