INSIGHT (INtensive Study of Integrated Global History and Theology) is a one-year program designed to provide students with a comprehensive Christian worldview as a foundation for whatever major they might eventually choose. It is intended to be the “first” year of college for students who enroll in the program. The curriculum is modular in nature and weaves various disciplines together in an integrated approach to understanding God’s work in the world throughout history. Therefore, each module’s core topics are integrated throughout the entire semester. The curriculum consists of four modules to be taken consecutively over the course of one year. When completed successfully, students will have earned 32 lower-level college credits.

Each module, as described below, follows the unfolding of God’s work through human developments, revealing His redemptive plan and consequently His glory. Each module is worth eight semester credits, and two modules comprise one semester’s coursework.


FIRST SEMESTER
INSIGHT into the Ancient and Classical World

INS1001 Existence
8 credits
Anthropology, Hermeneutics, History, Missiology, Creation, Civilization

Module One takes a historical and biblical look at the beginnings of mankind and traces the developments of human civilization from early beginnings to 400 B.C. The student takes an anthropological look at the mysteries of the creation: matter, life and mankind. The student learns exegetical skills while working through various biblical texts. Missiology is presented through a study of the Old Testament, while understanding is built concerning the coming Messiah and the redemptive plan of God as observed through the backdrop of emerging empires.

INS1002 Empires
8 credits
Christiology, Hermeneutics, History, Missiology, Politics, World Religions, Empires, Cultural Revolutions

Module Two concentrates on the classical time period of the Persians, Greeks, and Romans. Political and religious developments of the time period are studied as Israel’s history and mission are followed into the New Testament. Students study the significance of Christ’s birth, death and resurrection confirming God’s redemptive plan is fulfilled. A study of the New Testament is brought alive in the context of the Jewish revolts and political and religious unrest. Developments in the Far East are also covered, including the origins and beliefs of Animism, Hinduism, Confucianism, Buddhism, et al.


SECOND SEMESTER
INSIGHT into the Expanding and Modern World

INS1003 Expansion
8 credits
History, Missiology, Western Thought, Philosophy, Politics, Renaissance, Reformation, Worldview

Module Three traces the steady spread of the Christian faith into Europe, Asia, and African and the resulting influence that Christianity has on cultural and scientific expansion.

The course continues to build basic scientific literacy, as students follow the outcomes of the Renaissance and Reformation and into the Colonial Era. Transformation into the modern world is explored through a study of expansionism, revolutions, evangelical revivals, the rise of nationalism and industrialism. During this expansion, worldview and cultural imperatives clash on a global scale as never before. Religions and worldviews studied include Islam, Shinto, Taoism, Naturalism, and other secular worldviews. God’s subtle but powerful redemptive work among His people is followed through the rise of Protestant missions, expansionism, revolutions, the rise of nationalism and industrialism, and social and slavery reforms.

INS1004 Exploration
8 credits
Anthropology, Hermeneutics, History, Sociology, World Religion

Module Four covers the modern era, from 1914 to the present day. Increasing emphasis is put on cross-cultural understanding and anthropology as the rise of indigenous movements in other cultures is explored. You will study the impact on today’s world of the world wars, Communism, dictatorships, science and technology, urbanization, affluence, revivals, social reform, civil rights, feminism, and terrorism, as well as the development of a global economy and civilization. Ethics and the Christian church will be discussed in the context of the following issues: poverty, famine, health, AIDS, technology, environment, politics, abortion, genetics, and others. The study of contrasting worldviews continues with current states of religions such as Islam, Judaism, Hinduism and Buddhism, along with modern worldviews such as Postmodernism, Marxism, Pluralism and the New Age. By the end of this semester, the student will have a clear understanding of how God has been working in and through history all these years, and His ongoing passion for the redemption of all peoples.

If, after completing all four modules of study, a student wishes to attend Northwestern College, completed modules will earn the equivalent of the following Northwestern College courses:

ANT1045 Introduction to Anthropology - 4 credits
BIA2115 Principles of Biblical Interpretation - 2 credits
BIA1000 Biblical Arts Elective - 4 credits
BIB1001 Old Testament History & Literature - 4 credits
BIB1002 New Testament History & Literature - 2 credits
HIS1005 History of Western Civilization - 4 credits
HIS3125 History of the Christian Church - 4 credits
ICS2015 World Religions - 4 credits
SOC1035 Introduction to Sociology - 4 credits

Note: If all modules are not completed, equivalencies will be determined on a module-by-module basis.

Each college may transfer these courses differently. Please contact the institution you plan to attend following your year of INSIGHT to determine how courses will transfer.

This program is offered on-site in two locations:

Please note that in a case of discrepancy between Northwestern College and either WCIU or TBI, Northwestern College is considered correct.