Biola University 2014–15 Catalog
Distance Learning At its essence, distance learning is the design and delivery of an intentional learning experience to a student who is not physically present with the teacher. The course may be delivered either (1) entirely as a distance learning experience, known as a “full” distance learning course or simply a distance learning course, or (2) as a combination course conducted both on-site with the teacher and partially at a distance known as a “hybrid” distance learning course. The objective of Biola’s Distance Learning program is to leverage existing technologies to meet student needs for time and convenience and to create additional local and/or global opportunities for students to attend Biola University. The methods employed by the Distance Learning Program are expected to deliver the highest possible learning outcomes and to contribute to the vision and/or mission of the University. Relationships and learning outcomes in the distance learning modality are expected to equal or exceed those of face-to- face, “traditional” programs. At Biola University, you will find both full distance and hybrid distance learning courses. There are individual distance learning courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. A variety of these courses will contribute to the development of a degree program and additionally some entire degree programs may be taken online. The courses have been designed to maximize instructor/student and student/peer relationships through effective and efficient collaborative instructional tools and methods made available in the “online” modality. Each course is designed to create a cooperative and interactive experience where students actively engage in the learning process. Professors are called upon to add value to their online classes with the demonstration of content expertise and the sharing of their practitioner experience. In addition, professors serve as facilitators of discussion and of the learning process by actively engaging students to stimulate deeper thinking and encourage practical application. Interterm Session To facilitate the completion of graduation and also to allow exposure to creative learning and to enrich students’ academic programs, the University provides an Interterm program in January. A balanced program of general education, Bible, electives and graduate courses is offered. Students may enrich their course of study and reduce the overall time spent in school or decrease their regular course load by careful selection of Interterm courses. Certain courses or workshops may be offered during Interterm that are not listed in this catalog. Courses may be innovative or the content may be in response to specialized needs or current topics. Opportunities to participate in travel and other non-traditional courses are also offered by various departments through the office of Off-Campus Programs who organizes Biola Study Tours. Undergraduate tuition charges are close to one half of the regular tuition charge. Residence hall rooms are provided at no extra charge for on-campus fall students who have registered for Interterm and are committed to occupy a room during the spring semester. All other students attending Interterm are charged a prorated weekly rate. Separate prices will be available for meals during Interterm. For further information, please contact the Office of the Registrar. Summer Session A continuing Summer Session program provides students with the opportunity for a greater degree of flexibility in planning their total program. Students may enrich their course of study and reduce the overall time spent in school or decrease their regular course load by careful selection of Summer Session courses. Visiting students find it refreshing to study in a different atmosphere and perhaps a different locale, and entering students find it helpful in gaining advanced standing. Courses of study may be applied to both the degree and the teaching credential programs. Instruction is offered in standard courses by the Biola faculty and capable visiting professors. Certain courses or workshops may be offered during Summer Session that are not listed in this catalog. These may be innovative courses created in response to current topics or specialized needs.
with 24 iMacs; and The Writing Center. Works of art and the graphic presentation of Scripture on the theme of light contribute to the dynamic intellectual environment. The Library also hosts art exhibits, curated by the Art Department, two or three times each year. In addition to a growing collection of more than 320,000 print volumes and 200,000 ebooks, the library currently subscribes to more than 500 print periodical titles, with several journal back files dating from the 19th century. Further, many databases and over 45,000 additional periodical titles are available full-text online to anyone with authorized Internet access from anywhere, anytime. The diverse collection reflects Biola’s enthusiasm and scholarly commitment to the integration of faith and learning in all academic disciplines, Bible history and translation, the historical roots of fundamentalism and evangelical Christianity, and worldwide Christian service. The collection also includes thousands of catalogued videotapes, CDs, and DVDs that support Biola’s academic programs which are available for use at the Media Center’s dedicated multimedia carrels, media and group study rooms, or for check out. Special collections embrace extensive microform resources, selected Bible study tools in Braille, and curriculum resources for teacher education. The Library provides access to its holdings through a web-based online public access catalog and circulation system. Further, over 100 online databases are available through our local area network and the Library Internet home page. Library automation reflects the University’s commitment to quality service and expanding resources through the electronic exchange of ideas and information. In addition, adaptive technologies and fee-based photocopying, scanners, printers, microform readers and reader-printers facilitate resource use. The Library is a gateway to the world of information and knowledge. It offers trained reference help at posted times to connect patrons to our own and other relevant library resources throughout the world. Reciprocal direct borrowing promotes Biolan access to the library resources at California State Universities at Fullerton and San Bernardino, selected members of the Link+ consortium which includes many public, college, university, and seminary libraries, as well as other consortia and cooperatives. Interlibrary loan services facilitate borrowing resources from thousands of libraries around the world. Networked computer services help Biola scholars access the Internet and international bibliographical and full-text databases through such vendors as OCLC First Search, EBSCOhost, ProQuest, J-Stor, Art-Stor, Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, and Ebrary. Nine professional librarians, a well-qualified paraprofessional staff, and many able student assistants provide service more than 90 hours per week during the regular campus semesters with adjusted schedules of service available year round. Through Ask a Librarian, Facebook, Twitter and other social networks, many of our services and resources are available 24/7/365 for those with Internet access and active NetIDs and passwords. Media Services Media Services in the Library Media Center offers a variety of audio-visual resources to enhance the quality of communication and instruction by faculty and students. Media Services supports classroom instruction through digital projection, presentation and AV equipped roll about units. Assistance and training are available to assure the proper use of the equipment and media resources. Media Services also provides fee-based duplication and media transfer for various copyright cleared items. Center for Christian Thought The mission of the Center for Christian Thought is to facilitate, promote and disseminate biblically informed thinking and scholarship about timely issues in service to the Academy, the Church, and Culture. The Center awards fellowships and supports collaborative endeavors for engaging a variety of critical themes. The Center seeks to promote multi-disciplinary conversation within Biola’s faculty community and to attract engaging thinkers from around the world. http://cct.biola. edu/.
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