Course Descriptions

AML 213 American Literature I
This course is a survey of American literature from the Colonial period through the Civil War. Prerequisites: ENG 113 and ENG 123

ANT 203 Cultural Anthropology
This course is an introduction to the study of humans as cultural beings. Anthropological ways of thought are seen as offering a conceptual framework sufficiently broad to accommodate all human experience, providing support for a wide range of data and information.

COM 113 Introduction to Communication
This course is an introductory course providing the fundamentals of effective human communication. Viewing communication as a dynamic process, the student will become aware of and develop skills in communication principles and practices in interpersonal, group, and public contexts. This course is divided between a common lecture and individual sections.

CSC 113 Introduction to Computers
This course is designed to familiarize the student with today’s PC operation and application. Application will be developed through the use of a Windows environment, word processing software, spreadsheet software, and database software.

ECO 213 Microeconomics
A study of the basic tools of economic analysis and economic principles in action, including the marginal concept and scientific economic analysis; the market process and the price mechanism; demand, supply, prices; exchange and the market process; income distribution; monopoly power; real-world markets; micro problems of modern society with a summary microeconomic history of the United States.

ECO 223 Macroeconomics
A study f the basic tools of economic analysis and macroeconomic principles including the topics of money, spending, output, and income; analyzing national income; inflation, unemployment, and the stabilization dilemma.

ENG 113 Freshman Composition I
This course is a study of the principles and practice of rhetoric and expository writing. ENG 113 is a prerequisite for ENG 123, and a minimum grade of C-œ is required for entrance into ENG 123. Students with superior scores on the ACT/SAT may rest for credit through the CLEP test.

ENG 123 Freshman Composition II
This is a continuation of ENG 113, using poetry, fiction, and drama for critical analysis. Formal research paper required. A minimum grade of C-is required. Pre-requisite: a minimum grade of a C-is required in ENG 113 or its equivalent.

HIS 233 History of the United States I
This course traces political, social, economic, and cultural developments from the Colonial Period through reconstruction. Cause-and-Effect interrelationships among individuals, issues, and events are emphasized. Interaction with primary source documents facilitates critical thinking and historical insight.

HUM 103 Western Thought and Culture
This is an interdisciplinary study of cultural issues and problems, designed to help the student develop a Christian worldview.

MAT 113 General College Mathematics
This course is a survey covering the basics of set theory, numbers systems logic, statistics, algebra (including problem solving), and geometry (including measurement, perimeter, area and volume).

MAT 253 Introduction to Statistics
This course is a survey of basics of statistics. Topics include various graphs, measures of central tendency, measures of variation, probability rules, probability distributions, binomial probabilities, Central Limit Theorem, estimating, hypothesis testing, linear regressions, and linear correlation.

PHY 213 Introduction to Philosophy
This course introduces the student to the nature and importance of philosophy, the concept of worldview, and an introduction to four key philosophical topics: epistemology, metaphysics, God and ethics. The student will learn to think critically by means of instruction (power point), an audience response system, team projects, discussion and various media.

PSY 213 General Psychology
This course is an introduction to the study of human behavior from primarily a scientific perspective. The Christian perspective of human behavior will be discussed when relevant. Foundations of human thinking, feeling and behaving as derived from studies of physiology, perception, social behavior, human growth, and development, operant and classical conditioning, social learning processes, social group dynamics, and other content areas are addressed.

SCI 113 Scientific Literacy
This course surveys the most important revolutions in scientific thought and how they have influenced modern society. Special emphasis is placed on topics crucial to the formulation of an integrated Christian worldview. Questions to be addressed include: what are the assumptions underlying scientific thought? Is science always hostile to Christianity? What is DNA and why is it important? How did modern medicine develop? What is wrong with evolutionary theory? What are the potential positive and negative consequences of technological advancement for humanity?

Bible and Theology Electives

BIB 213 Hermeneutics
This course briefly surveys the history of biblical interpretation before focusing on the procedures, tools, and skills necessary for responsible Bible interpretation.

BSF 103 Foundations of Spiritual Formation
This course serves as the gateway course into the curriculum and student-life experience of Toccoa Falls College. Building on a foundation of biblical texts and principles, this course is designed to orient the student to the cognitive, affective, and volitional nature of spiritual formation, its practices and potential challenges, and explores how spiritual formation is integrated throughout the curricular and co-curricular components of Christian higher education. This course will also help students learn how personal evangelism, world evangelism and effective ministry flow from a commitment to spiritual formation.

NTE 113 Life & Revelation of Christ
This course consists of a systematized study of the four gospels as primary sources on Jesus’ life to understand the works, preaching, death, resurrection, ascension, and predicted return. Attention is given to the contribution, historical setting, and doctrinal themes of each Gospel. This course treats the concept of Jesus’ kingdom through examining the structure, contents, and interpretations of Revelation.

NTE 123 Early Church: History & Letters
This course is a study of Acts, Pauline Epistles, and General Epistles. Attention will be given to background, structure, authorship, and doctrinal studies.

NTE 243 Gospel of John
This course is a study of the fourth Gospel and focuses on some of the major Christological themes, the prologue and the unique features of this book’s presentation of Christ’s message, ministry and passion. The course uses John’s Gospel as a model for learning and using the inductive method of Bible study.

NTE 323 Acts
This course is an analysis of the message, motive, growth, and methods of the New Testament Church. Attention is given to the historical, theological, and missiological significance or the events.

NTE 473 Romans & Galatians
This is an analytical study of Romans and Galatians giving special attention to such themes as sin, justification, sanctification, glorification, and practical living.

OTE 213 Law & History
This course surveys the content, structure, events and theological themes of the Pentateuch and the historical books of the Old Testament (first 17 books) in the light of their ancient Near Eastern setting. It includes acquaintance with individual books by personal and class survey to prepare for more intensive future study.

OTE 223 Poetry & Prophecy
This course surveys the content, structure, events, and theological themes of the Old Testament poetical and prophetic books (the last 22 books) in the light of their historical and canonical setting. It involves acquaintance with individual books by personal and class survey to prepare for more intensive future study.

OTE 323 Isaiah
This course surveys important passages in their contexts and historical background of the book of Isaiah. It stresses exegetical method and interpretation of Isaiah’s messianic hope with attention to authorship and unity.  Prerequisites: BIB 213 and OTE 223

SYT 313 God & Redemption
An examination of foundational biblical teachings, this course explores the doctrines of God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, humanity, sin and the major facets of redemption and salvation. Prerequisite: BIB 213

SYT 323 Scripture & the Church
This is a systematic survey of the church in relation to the ways God has revealed Himself, with emphasis on the nature of the Bible. The course notes the personality and work of good and evil angels as well as the future state of all human beings. Prerequisite: BIB 213, not required by recommended: SYT 313.

TFC 100 TFC Online Success Seminar
The Toccoa Falls College Online Success Seminar is designed for students who are new to TFC. This course equips students with the knowledge, skills and resources necessary for a positive experience at TFC Online. It also teaches students how to use the online classroom. The online program offers this program to all incoming students prior to logging into their first class. The college does not charge tuition for this course since it is non-credit; however a passing grade in this course is a requirement for graduation.

B.S. in Ministry Leadership Major Courses

CED 113 Educational Ministries of the Church
This course is an overview of the biblical foundations for balanced church ministry. It studies the significance of the teaching ministry and church education. Selected topics, current issues and procedures necessary for the effective functioning of the church’s educational ministry are discussed. Prerequisite: None.

CED 423 History and Philosophy of Christian Education
This course surveys and analyzes educational philosophies and issues-both secular and religious- that have affected the church’s ministry of education. It seeks to enable students to set forth a foundation for their philosophy of biblical Christian education. It also reviews current educational issues and trends. Prerequisite: Senior Status.

CED 453 Leadership Formation
This course will examine the personal and spiritual developmental factors that shape a Christian leader’s development. In particular, we will explore the convergence of various stages and specific influences that Christian leaders frequently encounter in their development. Assuming that effective leadership emerges from a leader’s character and that leadership is a dynamic process, special emphasis will be placed on analyzing “core” issues in the leader’s life and ministry/vocation in ways that will assist students in understanding their experience thus far and in anticipating future developmental experiences. Prerequisite: Senior Status.

CED 463 Spiritual Formation
This course introduces the student to the nature of spiritual life by examining the biblical, theological, and sociological foundations for Christian spirituality. Attention is given to the expression and growth of one’s personal spiritual life, the nature of holistic integrity, the role of spiritual disciplines, and ways in which ministry personnel can cultivate spiritual growth in other people. Prerequisite: Senior Status.

LIM 233 Biblical Foundations of Leadership
This course explores the theology of leadership as well as the biblical models of leadership found in both the New and Old Testaments. Prerequisite: CED 113 for residential students.

LIM 243 The Leader as Teacher
This course introduces the critical role of the ministry leader as teacher. It introduces and integrates elements of educational theory and practice in order to cultivate effective biblical teaching in leadership contexts concerned with Christian discipleship. Based on Ephesians 4:11-12, this course emphasizes the equipping/teaching responsibility of leadership and will require the student to prepare and present multiple teaching presentations in a format other than the sermon. Prerequisite: None.

LIM 313 Ministry Leadership and Society
This course will address Christian ministry leadership in the context of contemporary society or culture. Societal or cultural themes as ethnic diversity, gender roles, technology, economics, and social change will be studied in regard to their influence on ministry leadership. Furthermore the class will explore the role of the leader in addressing societal issues and the responsibility of Christian leaders in impacting culture.   Prerequisite: None.

LIM 323 Leadership and Management Theory
While leadership and management are not synonymous, leaders nonetheless must at various times perform functions of management. This course then, will address theories of both leadership and management. Theories of leadership attempt to explain either the factors involved in the emergence of leadership or the nature of leadership. Contemporary management theories such as systems and contingency theories attempt to describe how leaders and managers work with people through activities such as planning, evaluating, supervising, and staffing. Prerequisite: None.

LIM 333 Leadership Communication
This course provides students with an overview of communication as it relates to leadership practices and theory in church and faith-based contexts. Prerequisite: None.

LIM343 Organization and Administration of Christian Ministries
This course studies the organizing, planning, decision-making, supervision, and human relations in the administration and management of the local church or faith-based organization. Prerequisite: CED 113.

LIM353 Small Group Leadership
The course examines the theory and practice of small groups and small group strategies. The biblical and sociological rationale for small groups is established. Current models, leadership training, and the administration of small groups within a local church framework are reviewed. Prerequisite: None.

LIM 413 Strategies for Leadership Development
In this course students will study the nature of equipping leaders through strategies such as mentoring and small groups. Topics including recruiting, supervising, and team-based leadership will be addressed as well.

LIM 423 Change, Conflict, and Organizational Culture
This course will provide the theoretical and practical framework for understanding the significance of organizational culture and its impact on Christian education and disciple-making ministries. The material will lead to a comprehensive analysis of change and conflict in Christian organizations. Special attention will be given to the biblical and theological issues related to change and conflict management. Prerequisite: Senior Status

LIM 473 The Leader as a Teacher
This course introduces the critical role of the ministry leader as teacher. It introduces and integrates elements of educational theory and practice in order to cultivate effective biblical teaching in leadership contexts concerned with Christian discipleship. Based on Ephesians 4:11-12, this course emphasizes the equipping/teaching responsibility of leadership and will require the student to prepare and present multiple teaching presentations in a format other than a sermon.

LIM 483 Seminar in Ministry Leadership
This is a capstone course designed to include at least three components: 1) a written doctrinal statement, 2) an integrative comprehensive exam (written and oral) related to ministry leadership and based on previous courses, and 3) the addressing of contemporary issues in leadership. Prerequisite: All course work completed or permission.

Nonprofit Business Administration Core

ACC 213  Principles of Accounting I
This course is a study of fundamental accounting principles and concepts  focusing on financial accounting Attention is given to the basic structures of the accounting cycle and accounting for internal controls, cash, receivables, inventories, liabilities, and stockholders’ equity. Prerequisite: None.

ACC 223 Principles of Accounting II
This course is a continued study of fundamental accounting principles and concepts focusing on managerial accounting. Attention is given to cost accounting, budgeting, and managerial concepts such as statement analysis. Prerequisite: ACC 213.

BUS 303 Business for Nonprofit Organizations
This course is an introductory study of the administration and management of churches, mission agencies, schools, and Christian institutions, agencies and ministries, applying principles, procedures, and techniques used in today’s business world. Topics include organizational structures, staffing and paying personnel, stewardship, financing and funding budgets and building programs, accounting records and reports, computer information systems, facilities and equipment, public relation, and legal compliance of the nonprofit organization. Sample models, forms and examples will e distributed to students. Prerequisite: None.

BUS 323 Nonprofit Ethics & Social Responsibilities
Learners in this course examine the ethical environment and social responsibilities of nonprofits. The purpose of this course is to introduce students to ethical concepts, theories and issues as they relate to nonprofits and managerial decision-making. All organizations operate in a social and ethical environment, and managers make decisions with moral significance and consequences. Thus consideration of ethics and the social responsibilities are relevant both for effective managing and for nonprofits properly fulfilling their function(s) in the larger society. Prerequisite: None.

BUS 363 Philanthropy: Theory & Practice
Enables learners to develop the capacity to think and plan critically and strategically in order to develop financial resources for nonprofit organizations. The course will cover the components of a development plan, including types of campaigns, sources of funding, and mechanisms for solicitation. The course will also cover how to discern which fund raising elements are appropriate for a specific organization; the roles of a board, development staff, executive staff and program staff; and emerging trends in philanthropy. Prerequisite: None.

BUS 383 Nonprofit Law & Governance
Learners in this course examine the governance of nonprofit organizations from the perspective of the legal environment of nonprofits. Emphasis will be on examining the legal issues as they impact various aspects of nonprofits including incorporation, governance, donor/funder relationships, human resource management, volunteers, religious activities, political activities, tax status and liability, and risk management. Prerequisite: None.

BUS 463 Nonprofit Financial Management
The course is designed to provide the learners with an understanding of the primary financial management issues and decisions that confront senior management in the nonprofit sector. Learners will gain an understanding and examine financial analysis techniques from both a practical and strategic perspective for operating and capital decisions. The course enables learners to understand how managers integrate the various discrete financial decisions within a broader framework that allows them to analyze, develop, execute, and manage a coherent overall financial strategy. Prerequisite: ACC 223 and ECO 213.

BUS 483 Microeconomic Practicum
A self-directed experience and study in the emerging role of “business as missions,” focusing on first-hand observation of business administration practices and operations. General themes explored include: 1) the theology of business as missions; 2) practical issues related to using business as a vehicle for cross-cultural missions; and 3) non-profit and for-profit business models. By the end of the practicum students will have a better understanding of the impacts of culture, education, religion, customs, and values on global business operations. The experience may be fulfilled either by participation in an overseas business trip or through a “business as missions” experience and the completion of a journal, portfolio, and written paper on the experience. Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor.

BUS 493 Business Internship
This course is a supervised experience in a business firm or nonprofit organization combining practical experience with classroom studies and preparation of organizational chart, job description, journal, and a portfolio. It requires 240 hours of work experience. Prerequisites: Junior or Senior business administration majors only and approval of the Business Administration Department Chair.

MAN 213 Principles of Management
This is an introduction to the foundational principles and basic management techniques which every manager must master to succeed in today’s fast-changing competitive environment. Emphasis is on the managerial functions of planning, organizing, staffing, leading, and controlling. Prerequisite: None.

MAN 353 Volunteer Engagement & Resource Management
Volunteers are often referred to as the heart of a nonprofit. This course focuses on the dynamics of volunteerism in nonprofit organizations and in the life of the community, covering issues such as committees and task force organization and leadership. The course will examine definitions, values, standards, principles, and effective practices in volunteer resource management within the nonprofit organization. Prerequisite: None.

MAN 363 Servant Leadership
This course integrates theory-based and practice-based approaches to servant leader dynamics and service delivery in the nonprofit organization setting. The course focuses on such topics as leader styles, characteristics, and strategies; leading volunteers; leading in a diverse world; leading in times of crisis and complexity; and leading for the future. Prerequisite: None.

MAN 463 Strategic Nonprofit Management
The course is designed as a capstone to enable learners to integrate knowledge and skills learned in previous courses in the Nonprofit Business Administration specialization and demonstrate the ability to lead a nonprofit organization. This course also prepares learners to consider the “big picture” with coverage of strategic planning and policy development. Prerequisite: Senior status, or permission of instructor.

MKT 213 Principles of Marketing
This course provides an introduction to the marketing discipline with emphasis on planning and the development of competitive strategies. Topics include the marketing environment, marketing research, advertising, marketing plans, marketing campaigns, sales, new product development, and distribution channels. Prerequisite: None.

MKT 393 Nonprofit Marketing
Application of marketing principles and practices to nonprofit organizations is the course focus. Key topics include the growth and development of nonprofit marketing, developing a core marketing strategy, positioning the organization, fundraising, and designing and managing the marketing mix. Also includes student design of an integrated marketing plan for a nonprofit organization. Prerequisite: none, but MKT 213 is recommended.

MKT 493 Marketing Internship
This course is a supervised experience in a business firm or nonprofit organization combining practical experience with classroom studies. It requires 240 hours of work experience and preparation of an organization chart, job description, journal and portfolio. Prerequisites: Junior or Senior business administration majors only and approval of the Business Administration Department Chair.

Teacher’s Education Electives

EDC 253 Introduction to Reading Methods in Early Childhood
Reading is the basis for all content curriculum, thus this course is designed to study and evaluate teaching material and techniques in reading with emphasis on various approaches to teaching reading in all of early childhood. Observation and practice are obtained through involvement requirements in local schools. Georgia Curriculum Standards (GPS’s) are studied and incorporated. Prerequisite: 2.5 GPA. Teacher’s Education Only.

EDU 453 The Exceptional Child
This course examines the foundation of special education including historical perspectives, service delivery models and educational trends and issues. It provides education majors with methods for teaching children who have mental retardation, learning disabilities, visual and hearing impairments, communication disorders, autism spectrum disorders, physical challenges and those who are gifted and talented, including students with limited English proficiency. Prerequisite: Teacher’s Education Only.

Youth Ministry Courses

YTH 253 Foundations for Youth Ministry
This introductory youth ministry course addresses the theological, sociological, developmental and historical foundations for youth ministry. Attention is also given to axiom of youth ministry, models of youth ministry, the person of the youth pastor, and parachurch youth ministries. Prerequisite: CED 113.

YTH 263 Youth Ministry and the Family
This course will introduce students to the field of family ministries. It is an integration of biblical, theological, and sociological foundation for understanding families and designing ministries to families of adolescents. The reciprocal impact of personal family life and ministry will be explored. In addition this course will address adolescent sexuality, dating, equipping parents, and multiple family ministry models that can be applied in the church, faith-based, and community agency contexts. Prerequisite: YTH 253.

YTH 333 Communicating to Youth
The purpose of this class is to equip the student with the skills of creative Bible teaching and giving dynamic talks to adolescents. Emphasis is given to both the principles and practices of teaching and speaking to youth. Prerequisite: YTH 253.

YTH 343 Leadership and Organization of Youth Ministry
This is an introduction to organizational leadership, change, culture, and conflict as well as personal leadership development issues for youth pastors. The course will survey the elements of organization and administration necessary for the efficient and effective supervision of youth ministries. Ministry management tools and applying biblical principles of leadership of the church will be significant. Prerequisite: YTH 253.

YTH 353 Youth Ministry Skills
This course deals with special advanced skills necessary for effective youth ministry. It examines ways to build and develop a ministry of adult and student leaders, addresses issues relating to the youth pastor and leadership, it introduces the student to the realm of developing budgets for youth ministry, it involves the class in planning a retreat, and it introduces students to informal adolescent counseling. Prerequisite: YTH 253.

YTH 363 Youth Culture & Issues
This course guides students in understanding contemporary youth culture norms and issues (such as search for identity, youth- parent relations, generation and communication gaps, peer pressure, sexual patterns and attitudes, impact of mass media, drugs and alcohol, music and cult attraction), and adolescent development. Prerequisite for non-youth majors: PSY 113, PSY 243, or SOC 213. Prerequisite for youth majors: YTH 253.

YTH 423 Youth Evangelism & Discipleship
This course is a study of the principles, programming, and strategy needed in today’s culture, to develop a discipling and evangelizing youth ministry. An emphasis will be placed upon practical application within the church setting. Prerequisite: YTH 353.

YTH 443 Counseling Adolescents
This course will teach students the basic skills of counseling adolescents. It includes strategies and techniques for dealing with developmental and crisis issues facing the contemporary adolescent. Subjects such as identity and self-image, parent-teen relationships, eating disorders, substance abuse, suicide and depression, and sexuality will be covered. Prerequisite: for Youth Ministries majors, YTH 353; for non YTH majors, CSG 113.

YTH 453 Youth Ministry in Cultural Contexts
This course is an in depth study of youth ministry in cultural contexts. It explores urban youth ministry, multi-cultural youth ministry, and youth ministry in cross-cultural settings. Various issues emerging from multi and cross-cultural youth ministries, as well as perspectives of multiple ethnicities are explored. These issues and perspectives are placed in the light of contextually relevant church and faith-based youth ministries.

YTH 463 Seminar in Youth Ministry
This capstone course will be composed of a cohort of ministry leadership students. Curriculum will include at least five components: 1) a written doctrinal statement, 2) an integrative comprehensive exam (written and oral) related to youth ministry and based on previous courses, 3) contemporary issues in youth ministry, 4) placement issues, and 5) the integration of character and intellect. Prerequisite: senior status.