Communication Faculty
D. Fish, Chairperson, M. Andreasen, G. Bakken, R. Becker, D. Bruce, D. Davis, F. Ebert, J. Hunt, J. Kraft, A. Polvere, C. Satterlee, L. Satterlee, M. Tyree, C. White, J. Wooden
Staff
J. Johnson
 Visit the Communication Division page of the NWC website for more information.
Programs taught in the Communication Division prepare students for careers that touch each of our daily lives. Problem solving and experiential learning are emphasized in our courses, regardless of a student’s chosen career path.
Knowledge and skills involved in communication are among the most important and useful in modern society. The very nature of communication concerns social symbolic activity which is a uniquely human attribute.
The communication division programs examine the use of symbols in a variety of contexts. These contexts include mass mediated forms and social scientific notions of communication, as well as the more traditional speech/rhetoric area of communication. The mass mediated forms include: journalism, graphic arts (printing), and photographic communications. Social scientific approaches encompass business, interpersonal, small group and organizational communication. The more traditional speech areas concentrate on public speaking and persuasion.
The goal of coursework within the division is to teach the skills necessary to be effective communicators and to be critical consumers of communication/information within these realms. This is done regardless of whether the student desires immediate employment or transfer to a four-year institution seeking a baccalaureate degree.
Humanities Faculty
R. Koelling, Chairperson, H. Bloom-Wilson, B. Bradley, R. Dechert, W. Hoagland, M. E. Ibarra-Robinson, D. Koelling, M. Konsmo, J. Sheridan, R. Stothart
Visit the Humanities Division page of the NWC website for more information.
Humanities programs at Northwest College emphasize the development of critical thinking skills. Students pursuing a program of study within the Humanities Division at Northwest take courses not only in their field of study, but also in a wide range of areas which fulfill general graduation requirements.
While humanities programs are transfer-oriented, all courses are designed to fulfill students’ needs for human enrichment and individual accomplishment. These courses are available for students who want to expand their experiences within the humanities, whether they are pursuing a Northwest College degree or certificate, or are attending on a part-time basis.
Life and Health Science and Agriculture Faculty
F. Young, Chairperson, J. Anthony-Mathews, T. Bossow, J. Campbell, B. Crawford, M. Crawford, R. Finn, S. Harbron, R. Hitchcock, K. McCallister, V. Dooley, M. Humphreys, A. Sherwood, P. Thiel, C. Nielson, G. Wallace, D. Williams
Staff
Q. LaFollette, R. Mettes, C. Olberding, M. Sherwood, L. Flom
Visit the Life and Health Science and Agriculture Division page of the NWC website for more information.
It is imperative today that all students gain understanding and appreciation of the earth on which we live and the life it supports. The programs of study in the Life and Health Science and Agriculture Division help students enhance their scientific reasoning and further develop critical thinking skills. Students also learn how to maintain physical well-being in a time when technology is increasing the pace of life.
Broad career preparation in agriculture and equine is offered through a richly interdisciplinary curriculum. The Associate of Science degree in agriculture prepares students to transfer. Students wishing to enter the workforce immediately prefer the Associate of Applied Science degree or certificates from the departments of agriculture and equine.
The transfer fields of athletic training, biology, natural resources biology, physical education, pre-professional sciences and outdoor education and recreation leadership are taught as life and health sciences. Individuals wanting to prepare for transfer with an emphasis in any of these fields should pursue an Associate of Science degree. Those wanting to become a registered nurse complete the Associate of Applied Science degree. We also offer numerous certificates in coaching and nursing. The individual program of study will be developed in consultation with an academic advisor.
Physical Science Faculty
R. Krenz, Chairperson, D. Amarasuriya, D. Anderson, A. Childs, H. Elton, W. Johnson, S. Norris, A. Northrup, L. Pajo, M. Stensing, R. Townsend, N. Waite, N. Walker, B. Watne
Staff
N. Fees
Visit the Physical Science Division page of the NWC website for more information.
Study in the physical sciences constitutes observation of our surroundings and an attempt to describe these observations, frequently with the language of mathematics. From these attempts, our understanding of the universe, from the smallest subatomic particles to the farthest galaxies, has developed and is developing. The scientist or engineer is often involved in both the development of this understanding and its application for the betterment of humankind. The Associate of Science transfer fields of physics, chemistry, engineering, astronomy, geology, and mathematics along with the Associate of Applied Science fields of drafting and welding are housed in the Physical Science Division. Individuals wanting to prepare for transfer with an emphasis in any of these fields should pursue an associate of science degree. Courses used to satisfy prerequisites for courses in the Physical Science Division require a grade of “C-” or better. The individual program of study will be developed in consultation with an academic advisor.
Social Science and Education Faculty
D. Erickson, Chairperson, D. Brophy, J. Johnston, L. McPhail, G. Smith, G. Sturmer, S. Thulin, K. Walker, S. Walker, W. Wolfe, M. Wurzel
Visit the Social Science and Education Division page of the NWC website for more information.
The social sciences analyze the past and present behavior of people in an attempt to discover patterns of behavior. The areas of concern for the social sciences include the physical environment; social, political and economic institutions; and the development and understanding of human experiences and ideas. Social science courses offer opportunities to enhance our understanding of human behavior and to sharpen our perceptions.
The Social Science and Education Division at Northwest College is committed to providing programs for students planning to transfer to four-year institutions. Our programs reflect a concerted effort on the part of the faculty to present rigorous and thorough coursework. Social science students will receive extensive preparation for the junior year and be provided with a solid foundation for life.
The faculty in this division and the entire college is deeply committed to providing quality education. We believe we offer a wide range of courses and programs in a stimulating and challenging environment. Students may sample or concentrate in any of the areas that are presented in this catalog. Individual programs of study will be developed by students in consultation with an academic advisor.
Visual and Performing Arts Faculty
N. Hansen, Chairperson, E. DeBuhr, J. Giarrizzo, J. Kliewer, R. Rumbolz, R. Tafoya, A. Toner
Staff
D. Kelsay, T. Schoessler
Visit the Visual and Performing Arts Division page of the NWC website for more information.
Throughout history all cultures have produced art in one form or another. Representing our society in sight and sound, the visual and performing arts stimulate, give meaning to, and represent our lives in times when making a living tends to overshadow living.
The Visual and Performing Arts Division contributes to general cultural knowledge and understanding by developing an awareness and comprehension of the arts. The division offers coursework and degrees in art, graphic design, music, and music technology and provides many public programs in the visual and performing arts to the college, community, and region.
In cooperation with the Communication Division, art and graphic design students take courses in graphic arts and printing while photography and graphic arts students take foundational art and graphic design courses.
Individuals wishing to prepare for transfer to a senior institution should pursue the Associate of Arts or Associate of Science in general studies or Associate of Arts in liberal studies. |