HEALTH PROFESSIONS 101

Courses GS 117 S – Systems, Policies and Institutions: An Introduction to Global Studies, 4 credits. E. This course introduces students to the study of societies and regions of the world as distinct entities and as elements of a world system that transcends the boundaries of individual societies. The course examines how history, geography, culture and social institutions (e.g., political, economic and religious institutions) interact to define the character of the world system. GS 118 H, G – Culture, Identity and Dialogue: An Introduction to Global Studies, 4 credits. E. This interdisciplinary course examines forms and sources of diversity and fragmentation, including individual and group cultural identities and beliefs. Diverse cultural traditions and expressions of belief will be explored as both sources of conflict and resources for addressing global problems. GS 210, HISP 210 G, H – Introduction to Latin American Studies, 4 credits. A2. This course is designed to introduce students to the field of Latin American studies, discuss key contemporary issues, understand the historical roots of Latin American dilemmas and challenges, and explore the political implications for development and democracy in Latin America. The course includes journal keeping, group discussions, oral presentations and lectures presented by various experts.

Health Professions – also see Clinical Laboratory Science – also see Nursing

Programs offered

• Preprofessional Preparation in Chiropractic • Preprofessional Preparation in Dentistry • Preprofessional Preparation in Medicine • Preprofessional Preparation in Occupational Therapy • Preprofessional Preparation in Optometry • Preprofessional Preparation in Pharmacy • Preprofessional Preparation in Physical Therapy • Preprofessional Preparation for Physician Assistant • Preprofessional Preparation in Veterinary Medicine

GS 220 G, H – Asia In a Global Age: An Introduction, 4 credits. A1 (2013-2014). This multidisciplinary course provides an introduction to the study of Asia (emphasizing China, Japan, Korea and India). In addition to a study of contemporary events featured in Asian news sources, likely topics will include: the role of the family, imperialism and nationalist revolution, economic development and environmental challenges.

Concordia College offers preprofessional education in each of the areas listed above. All the preprofessional health programs have similar basic requirements; therefore, students have the opportunity to explore multiple career options before making a final decision. Each program also provides the flexibility for taking courses other than those required for professional preparation, allowing students to receive a strong liberal arts training.

GS 360 – Summer Field Study Abroad, 4 credits. D. A one-month facultyled seminar held abroad, focused on deep engagement with a local community. The course will center on experiential and community-based learning, and it will involve hands-on service in support of community goals. It is intended especially for students who want to practice connecting across cultures under occasionally challenging conditions and to do so from a fully interdisciplinary perspective.

Schools in the health professions recommend a broad liberal arts undergraduate education for two reasons: Members of these professions must be able to relate well to people, to communicate effectively, and to understand human nature and social institutions. In addition, courses in professional schools concentrate on the biomedical sciences and leave little time or opportunity for study of other disciplines. Therefore, it is important for students to enter their chosen professional programs having already become thoughtful and informed through a liberal arts education. The professional schools accept applications from students without regard to major. Besides the more traditional biology and chemistry majors, successful Concordia applicants have also majored in the fine arts, humanities, social sciences and behavioral sciences. Students should meet early with one of the health professions advisors to plan their programs because different schools, even for the same profession, often differ in specific requirements.

GS 380 – Special Topics, 2 to 4 credits. D. Courses covering various topics of interest in global studies are occasionally offered. GS 390 – Cooperative Education, 1 to 8 credits. D. GS 410 Z – Global Studies Senior Seminar. 4 credits. E2. The Senior Seminar is a research capstone course that students majoring in global studies take during the spring semester. The course focuses upon a contemporary or expected problem of global reach and significance and supports in-depth reflection and problem solving through collaborative student investigation and individual research. The selected course problem will encourage students to explore comprehensive and holistic solutions to complex, interlocking problems – both old and new – that require creative and urgent response. As a capstone experience, the seminar will consider a problem that allows students to engage the five objectives of the major and the diverse perspectives of seminar participants. Enrollment restricted to Global Studies majors. Satisfies the Capstone course requirement in the Core Curriculum. GS 480 – Independent Study, 1 to 4 credits. D. This course provides an opportunity for individual students to conduct in-depth study of a particular topic under the supervision of a faculty member. Contact the program chair for more information. GS 487 – Directed Research, 1 to 4 credits. D. This course provides an opportunity for individual students to conduct research in a specific area of study, completed under the direction of a faculty mentor. Specific expectations of the research experience to be determined by the faculty. Repeatable for credit. Prerequisite: consent of instructor

Common prerequisite courses for professional programs in the health sciences include: • 8 credits in biology • 16 credits in chemistry • 4 to 8 credits in mathematics • 8 credits in physics A substantial number of courses in the humanities, behavioral and social sciences are also required. All programs (with only a few exceptions) expect applicants to have earned an undergraduate degree prior to entry. Note: College courses required by professional programs must be taken on an A/F letter-grade basis (i.e. not pass/fail). College grades are important in determining students’ acceptance into any professional school, but nearly all programs also require applicants to score well on standardized national exams. Development of superior communication and leadership skills is also important. Specific experiences related to future areas of study are important and are developed through Concordia’s comprehensive volunteer and Cooperative Education programs. The Moorhead-Fargo area is a regional medical hub and provides valuable opportunities for Concordia students to enhance experiential connections to their preferred career areas. In many instances, the professional contact people are Concordia graduates. In preparing applications for professional schools, students work through the College’s Health Professions Advisory Committee (HPAC), beginning the