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January Term
What is January Term?
January Term (J-Term) offers an exciting four-week “break” in the middle of the school year to discover and explore! Courses are offered in a variety of formats, including international study tours, regional trips, or solely on-campus courses that often include field trips.
Most classes are small (generally 10-15 students), allowing a unique connection among students and professors. Whether traveling in Europe or Africa, to the mountains or to the ocean, or staying close to Seattle, students will witness first-hand the excitement of professors who teach creative and exciting courses in the areas of their passions and interests.
Travel Courses
A key part of a Trinity education is the hands-on learning we experience around the world during our January Term study trips. Our travel courses can open up your education in ways that books or lectures can’t. We believe that cross-cultural travel is so vital to your education that we’ll pay your way. The travel costs and tuition are covered by the school. Something you’ll only find at Trinity.
Classes are subject to change.
2012 Courses
Travel Courses (Click to view or hide)
Courses that largely take place in a global setting, usually preceded by on-campus preparation and/or coursework. Course fees and travel expenses are usually $1,000-3,500. |
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ECED 398 Nature Schools—Scotland (4 cr) |
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 Learn about Professor Houglum’s passion for the nature school movement in the beautiful Scottish Highlands. Engage with practitioners who are re-envisioning a new way of developing the social and mental abilities of children. In a world that is increasingly urbanized and driven by technology, students will explore ways to incorporate nature into even urban contexts for early childhood education. (See course instructor for additional information regarding course itinerary, fees, and application.) |
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RELI 398 Religion in Britain—UK (4 cr) |
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 Travel to Britain to explore places and themes related to theology, history, and sacred spaces. Short stays in London and Scotland will allow for enriching and enlivening visits to sites that will address history and movements from pre-Roman paganism, to the Reformation, to contemporary movements. Key sites visited will include the British Museum, Westminster Abbey, the Chiselhurst caves, and the breathtaking city of Oxford. Students will get the chance to meet and dine with at least two internationally known theologians and church leaders. (See course instructor for additional information regarding course itinerary, fees, and application.) |
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PSYC 398 Good and Evil—UK (4 cr) |
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| As much as the language of “good and evil” is a part of Western culture, the field of psychology has brought new light to these concepts. Students will explore different theoretical perspectives behind humans capacity for both kindness and cruelty. The course will explore primarily the darker side of human behavior, in contrast with moral and altruistic behavior. We will follow the footsteps of Jack the Ripper, see the instruments of torture used to “help people speak the truth” during religiously-fueled inquisitions, and learn about modern-day British policies that allows the country to police in a more humane way. (See course instructor for additional information regarding course itinerary, fees, and application.) | |
Regional Off-site Courses (Click to view or hide)
Courses with domestic locations, generally in the Pacific Northwest, and often combined with on-campus coursework. Course fees are generally less than $500. | |
ENGL 301 Creative Writing Seminar (4 cr) |
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| This course provides a learning experience for students interested in creative writing. Course participants together will select a genre (short fiction, creative nonfiction, playwriting, or poetry) for in depth investigation over the term. Each student is individually accountable to produce original, artistic creations and will hone their writing skills together with other students through the format of the writer’s workshop. Once course participants are registered for the course, they will collectively have the opportunity to help shape the focus of the course, including the possibility of selecting a single genre to study. A course fee of $150 covers off-campus travel around the Northwest and at least one night as writers-in-residence at Camp Lutherwood in Bellingham, Washington. (Prerequisite: Successful completion of ENGL 101.) | |
On-campus Courses (Click to view or hide)
Courses largely held at Trinity’s Campus Center in Everett, with some off-campus study (such as day trips). Course fees are modest. | |
HIST 398 History of Church Architecture (4 cr) |
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 This course surveys the development of Christian church architecture in Western culture, including the Early Christian, Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Modern periods. Specific attention will be given to the integration of theology and architecture in medieval French and English Gothic cathedrals, as well as the amazing feats of Italian Renaissance architecture. Includes numerous site visits to churches in Everett and Seattle. A course fee of $30 covers incidental costs. |
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COMM 431 Communications and Leadership (4 cr) |
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| How does a person provide leadership when he/she has little or no authority? This hands-on class introduces students to providing leadership through influence and through communication tools that build trust and help leaders to better achieve desired organizational outcomes. With examples from film clips and actual organizational issues, students experience scenarios in class where they learn how to lead, influence and coach more effectively. | |
NSCI 230 Oceanography (4 cr) |
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 This course will study our vibrant and delicate oceans, with special trips down to the waterfront for field experiences. The class addresses aspects of biology, chemistry, geology, and environmental science as they apply to the ocean. Exploration includes an overview of the relationship between human ecology and environmental issues related to oceans, coastal zones, and climate. (This course fulfills a natural science general studies requirement.) |
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ICUL 320 Perspectives on Urban Ministry (4 cr) |
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| The Everett community is our classroom, introducing us to the benefits and challenges of urban life. Explore the trends facing increasing urbanization globally, and the opportunities for ministry. Engage the biblical and faith community resources for outreach and justice in the city. | |
RELI 100 History of the Bible (4 cr) |
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| A survey course of the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) and New Testaments. Beginning with a discussion of topics (language, canon, text) and a review of historical settings and the political, cultural, and religious antecedents, the course then examines in overview fashion the major literary units that form the Bible, with attention to matters of authorship, date, occasion for writing, structure and theological content. | |
RELI 330 Synoptic Gospels (2 cr) | |
| Examines the person and mission of Jesus Christ, as presented in the three Gospel accounts of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. The course focuses on tone of the three Gospel accounts, makes comparisons with the other two, and explores the nature and extent of the synoptic relationship. Issues such as historical context, canon history, and interpretational methodologies are introduced. (Pre-requisite: junior status; 400-level requires completion of one year of Greek.) | |
BUSA 398 Exploring Culinary Arts around Puget Sound (4 cr) | |
 Be prepared to gain knowledge and weight as we explore the Puget Sound restaurant industry. This class will introduce you to the fabulous opportunities in the restaurant industry by exploring different restaurant organizations around Puget Sound. Each week, students will partake in field trips visiting various types of food establishments to gain basic, yet in-depth, knowledge of what it takes to operate a restaurant. Students will be introduced to executive chefs, restaurant managers, district managers, entrepreneurs, and banquet managers. Students will also get to sample the fine culinary treats these professionals serve on a daily basis. | |
2013 Courses
Travel Courses (Click to view or hide)
Classical Communication Contexts: Greece & Rome |
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 The communication discipline has its origins in the study of the spoken word and its power to move and persuade. Greece and Rome are the sites of much of this history of the spoken word from epic storytelling to oratory. This course examines the role of speech, oratory, and conversation in the civic and private lives of the ancient Greeks and Romans. Daily life in Athens, Rome, and elsewhere during the Classical period will be reconstructed from archaeological and textual evidence, and the roles and contexts of speech will be investigated. The course includes field trips within Athens and to other sites throughout Greece and Italy. Students will gain additional intercultural communication insights by observing and participating in a contemporary culture that continues to surround itself with, and be influenced by, its ancient history. |
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Pilgrimage: Holy Journeys to Iona, Wittenberg, and Taize |
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| Explore the concept of spiritual pilgrimage by traveling to pilgrimage sites in Europe. Travel to Iona brings students to the center of Celtic spirituality, travel to Wittenberg brings young scholars to the doorstep of the European Protestant Reformation, and time in the Taizé community in Burgundy, France, will allow students to encounter the ecumenical order where young people from around the world have gone to discover worship and Christian community in renewing and creative ways. | |
Business in Asia |
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 Through situated learning, join Prof. Stuart Webber and fellow students on an exploration of the unique and growing asian markets. Discover the various cultural norms and ways of conceiving economics and local commerce in vibrant, eye-opening, situated learning. |
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New York City - Communications in Context |
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| Explore how the Big Apple influences American and global communications through art, design, culture, media, and the performing arts. | |
Regional Off-site Courses (Click to view or hide)
Pacific Northwest Literature |
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| Pacific Northwest Literature will focus on the “great” works by Washington and Oregon writers. Drawing from prose and poetry by Annie Dillard, Ken Kesey, Robin Cody, Craig Lesley, William Stafford, Madeline L’Engle, and other local authors, students will examine how region and sense of place affects an author’s craft. This course will involve an overnight trip to Portland for a visit with author Robin Cody. | |
Taking a Stand: Theology of Dietrich Bonhoeffer |
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 Students will enjoy a reading-intensive, seminar-style study of Bonhoeffer’s theology at the Bonhoeffer Gardens, a few miles north of Trinity’s Everett campus. Special attention will be paid to the ways in which theology intersects with practical and political realities. |
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On-campus Courses (Click to view or hide)
Young Adult Literature |
| This course covers the variety of literature available to young adults (ages 12 to 19). Meeting once a week, students will read and analyze authors such as Madeline L’Engle and Katherine Patterson, to learn about various historical, educational, and cultural topics and issues addressed within young adult literature. |
Values-based Leadership |
| We’d all like to believe that we live out our values, yet experience shows us that for each of us, there is sometimes a gap between what we espouse and how we behave. In addition, many people find at some point in their working lives that circumstances have distracted them from what is most important to them. It takes thoughtfulness, intention, and sometimes courage to act out of our values, let alone lead with them. In this course, you will experience the power of creating a Community of Practice in which we will explore theory, tools, and practices for life-long learning that will strengthen your ability and effectiveness to act — and lead — from a place of heart as well as head. |
Pacific Northwest History |
| An overview of the history and culture of the Pacific Northwest with special attention to Washington. Students will explore the natural and cultural history of the region on short day trips. |
Faith and Discipleship |
| Grounded in the study of Mark, this course introduces students to a Gospel and basic points of Christianity. (This course counts toward the Trinity Core requirement.) |
2014 Courses
Travel Courses (Click to view or hide)
Social Revolution—Eastern Europe |
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 Study the history and social psychology behind the concept of Revolution in the places where thinkers and political events took place. Attention to contemporary issues and revolutionary movements will allow students to meet with world political leaders. |
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Service through Sports—Costa Rica |
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| In the beautiful and ecologically rich country of Costa Rica, students will learn, through experience, to operate rewarding athletic clinics for young people and a youth camp facility. The emphasis of the course will be on service through teaching athletic skills and teamwork. Students must apply and demonstrate abilities in some area of need, especially basketball and soccer. | |
Holy Land Study Tour |
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Enjoy an educational and inspirational journey to the Holy Land. Travel to such places as the Sea of Galilee, Jerusalem, the Golan Heights, and the Jezreel Valley. Students will study biblical texts and themes and the places where they occurred. Optional week long tourism options are also available for an extra fee. |
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Regional Off-site Courses (Click to view or hide)
Jesus and Surfing |
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 Students will live at a state beach south of Los Angeles, CA, where they will study the unique religious climate of southern California from 1960 to present. Special attention will be paid to trends within evangelical movements, new religious movements that grew out of the 1960s counter culture, the “Jesus Freak” phenomenon, and the intersections between politics, economics and faith in the state of West Coast evangelicalism. Students will have daily opportunities to learn how to surf and some good intellectual conversations are likely to occur between sets of waves. |
On-campus Courses (Click to view or hide)
Christian Hospitality & Table Fellowship |
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| This course explores the biblical, historical, and contemporary views of Christian hospitality, with a focus on welcoming others and care of the stranger. The topic is further developed by integrating Old Testament understandings of food and the New Testament understanding of table fellowship. Students will consider the implication of their learning on their personal lives and communities of faith. Includes off-campus experiences with organizations that provide hospitality and welcome. | |
Multimedia Message Design |
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An overview of theories and conceptual tools used to design digital messages for various media. Students explore ethical and legal issues underlying the design process as well as engage with a variety of technologies and computer applications necessary to create digital content for various multimedia venues. |
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The Concept of Healing |
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| Drawing from anthropology and the helping professions, this course will use journaling, time in nature and group conversation for students to connect with themselves as healers. To become healers and leaders we must first lead ourselves to understand what it means personally to heal. | |
Leadership in the Movies |
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| Study models — both good and bad — of leaders in business, politics, war, and culture through a selection of feature films. Special attention will be paid to both the popular reception of leadership methods and communication as well as to the characteristics and strategies leaders have used to create successful organizations and movement. | |
Creation and New Creation |
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 Study Genesis, Exodus, Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians and theological themes including stewardship of God’s creation, diverse worldviews, and vocation. (This course counts toward the Trinity Core requirement.) |
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English Composition |
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| This general education requirement will take place in a way that allows students to focus on honing their writing without the distraction of other classes. Students will learn the basics of writing, with refresher work related to research and citation. | |