Explore Arts & Sciences Courses

Start these programs in the Fall 2026 semester.

Rend Lake College's Arts and Sciences courses are designed for students who enjoy critical thinking, creative expression, and exploring the fundamental questions of our world. Whether you're preparing to transfer to a four-year university, studying the humanities, or diving into the biological, physical, and behavioral sciences, these courses provide a broad intellectual foundation and essential skills that form the bedrock of countless professional career paths.

Our Arts and Sciences courses emphasize deeper understanding through engaging discussions, analytical research, laboratory exploration, and hands-on creative work. Students collaborate alongside dedicated faculty while developing the strong communication, problem-solving, and adaptability skills needed for academic advancement, civic engagement, or immediate personal and career fulfillment.

Art

The creative landscape is constantly evolving through personal expression, digital media, and cultural dialogue. From foundational studio techniques to experimental visual storytelling and contemporary design, these courses prepare students to cultivate their unique artistic voice while building essential spatial awareness, technical mastery, and critical observation skills.

Whether you're interested in painting, ceramics, drawing, or design, these featured courses provide hands-on creative opportunities that prepare students for professional artistic practice, industry careers, or further education in one of the world's most expressive and inspiring fields.

• ART 1101–Art Appreciation
  This course leads the student to a discovery and understanding of the visual arts. rough readings, discussions, slides and films, the student will examine the role of the artist and the complex aspects of art as a humanizing element.
• ART 2201–Illustration I
  In this studio course, students will study various commercial artists and illustrators while developing their own individual style. Pen and ink, colored pencil, water color, scratch board, pastels, pencil and markers will be covered.
• ART 2202–Illustration II
  This course is a continuation of Illustration I. Development of individual style, creativity, originality and design will be stressed. Students will be allowed to explore and refine techniques in illustration using various media. The computer
  will be introduced as an illustration tool while researching various computer illustrators and their styles.
• ART 2120–Life Drawing
  Through class lectures and discussion of the various drawing techniques and media, the student will become familiar with drawing the human figure. Students will draw using empirical observation of a model, emphasizing various drawing techniques in conjunction with the human figure. Drawing assignments will include gesture, facial and full-figure compositions. By the end of the semester, the student should be able to determine what figure drawing is, how the selection of medium, techniques and subject matter reflect the student’s aesthetic values and what the student’s personal involvement is with figure drawing.

Interested in enrolling in the Arts program? Fill out the interest form below to get more information about the program.

Communications

The media and messaging landscape is rapidly evolving through digital transformation, diverse platforms, and global reach. From strategic public relations to digital media creation and effective public speaking, these courses prepare students to craft impactful messages while building core interpersonal, analytical, and professional writing skills.

Whether you're interested in public relations, journalism, digital content creation, or corporate communications, these featured courses provide hands-on learning opportunities that prepare students for careers or further education in one of today's most influential and connected industries.

• COMM 1101–Principles of Effective Speaking
• Students learn the theory and practice of speech communication in order to develop proficiency in various interpersonal and public speaking situations. Performance required.

Interested in enrolling in the Communications program? Fill out the interest form below to get more information about the program.

English

The world of literature and written communication is constantly evolving through diverse voices, digital publishing, and contemporary analysis. From masterfully crafted analytical research to creative writing and critical text exploration, these courses prepare students to engage deeply with language while building indispensable critical thinking, advanced reading comprehension, and persuasive expression skills.

Whether you're interested in creative writing, literature analysis, or professional composition, these featured courses provide hands-on learning opportunities that prepare students for success in a wide range of academic pursuits, professional careers, or further university education.

• ENGL 1101–Rhetoric and Composition
  The general objectives of the first-semester composition course are to prepare the student for college work through teaching him or her to use the library, to read more effectively and to write good expository prose based on personal
  observation and reading

Interested in enrolling in the English program? Fill out the interest form below to get more information about the program.

History

Our understanding of the human experience is constantly evolving through new discoveries, perspectives, and critical analysis of the past. From examining foundational historical documents to tracing the complex roots of global conflicts and societal movements, these courses prepare students to contextualize current events while building essential research, analytical writing, and investigative skills.

Whether you're interested in American history, global civilizations, political developments, or cultural movements, these featured courses provide engaging learning opportunities that prepare students for success in education, law, research, or seamless transfer to a four-year university.

• HIST 2101–American History I
  This course will examine the history of the United States from its pre-colonial roots through the end of the American Civil War in 1865. It is an introductory, survey-level course that focuses on the formation and progression of American society, exposing students to the events, people and institutions that have played important roles in significantly shaping the political, economic and social aspects of the culture of the United States during the time period covered.
• POLI 2101–American Government
  A study of the origin, nature and purpose of the national government. The structure, functions and powers of government in current affairs are emphasized. Attention is given to the relationship of the citizen and interest groups to government in order to create knowledge and leadership potential that will be transformed into practical demonstrative service. Successful completion of this course is evidence of having passed the State and Federal Constitution Test.
• HIST 2107–Latin American History
  This course will examine the history of Latin America from pre-colonial times to the present-day. It is an introductory, survey-level course that focuses on the formation and progression of human societies in Latin America, exposing students to the events, people and institutions that have played important roles in significantly shaping the cultural, social, political and economic aspects of the history and culture of Latin American societies during the time period covered.
• HIST 1101–Western Civilization I
  This course will examine the history of Western Civilization from the first human civilizations to the birth of the Enlightenment and the “modern” world in the 18th century. It is an introductory, survey-level course that focuses on the formation and progression of human societies, exposing students to the events, people, and institutions that have played important roles in significantly shaping the history and culture of “Western” societies during the time period covered.

Interested in enrolling in the History program? Fill out the interest form below to get more information about the program.

Mathematics

The world of mathematics is rapidly expanding through advanced data analysis, technological integration, and scientific innovation. From mastering foundational algebraic concepts to diving into complex calculus and statistical modeling, these courses prepare students to decode data and solve real-world problems while building essential logic, analytical thinking, and quantitative reasoning skills.

Whether you're interested in statistics, calculus, or mathematics education, these featured courses provide rigorous learning opportunities that prepare students for seamless transfer to a four-year university or future careers in engineering, finance, data science, and technology.

• MATH 1409–Beginning and Intermediate Algebra
  A course for students who have not taken a geometry course and have a limited algebra background. Geometry is covered first – basic terms/concepts, theorems, angles, congruent triangles, parallels and parallelograms, applications involving area, perimeter, volume circumference, ratio-proportion, similarities and regular polygons. Algebra topics – factoring, algebraic fractions, systems of equations, quadratic equations, exponents, radicals and roots, graphing, functions, inequalities and selected topics.
• MATH 1403–Mathematical Pathways
  This course provides a general survey of topics to prepare students in a variety of college math courses, including statistics, contemporary college mathematics and mathematics for education majors. Topics to be covered include
  elementary algebraic operations, signed numbers, exponents and polynomials, linear equations and inequalities, basic geometric concepts, counting techniques, probability and odds, and statistics. This course may be taken in a classroom setting or on an independents study basis through the Math Lab.
• MATH 1412–Support for College Algebra
  This course is intended to assist students in mastering algebraic skills and topics to promote success with College Algebra course objectives. Geometry topics include finding the area and perimeter of a square and rectangle, and the
  Pythagorean Theorem. Algebra topics include factoring, equations of lines, graphing, functions, quadratic equations, radical and rational equations, systems of equations, and other selected topics.
• MATH 1121–Calculus and Analytic Geometry I
  A first course in calculus and analytic geometry, this course includes limits, techniques of differentiation, applications of the derivative, curve sketching, introduction to techniques of integration, transcendental functions, and circular functions. Topics include, but are not limited to: limits and continuity; definition of derivative, rate of change, slope; derivatives of polynomial and rational functions; the chain rule; implicit differentiation; approximation by differentials; higher-order derivatives; Rolle’s Theorem and mean value theorem; applications of the derivative; antiderivatives; the definite integral; the fundamental theorem of calculus; the calculus of the trigonometric functions; logarithmic and exponential functions; and, techniques of integration, including numerical methods and substitution.
• MATH 2122–Calculus and Analytic Geometry II
  As a second course in calculus and analytic geometry, this course includes applications of the definite integral, integration techniques, sequences and infinite series, polar coordinates and conic sections. Topics include, but are not limited to: area, volume, other applications of the integral; integration by parts, trigonometric substitution, and partial fractions; improper integrals; sequences and series, convergence tests, Taylor series; parametric equations; and polar coordinates and equations.
• MATH 1108–College Algebra
  This course covers complex numbers, quadratic equations, polynomial and rational inequalities, the algebra of functions, graphing functions, inverse functions, rational functions, polynomial functions, systems of equations, determinants, Cramer’s Rule, the binomial theorem and other selected topics.
• MATH 1107–Contemporary College Mathematics
  This course is designed to fulfill the general education math requirements for the Associate of Arts degree. Topics covered include set/logic, graph theory, probability and statistics, geometry, logic and other selected topics. Three or
  four of these topics are studied in depth. This course is not a prerequisite for any other math course.
• MATH 1111–Statistics
  A course recommended for students in such areas as math, science, economics, education and business. Topics include the language and process of statistics; descriptive methods using quantitative, qualitative and bivariate data; linear correlation and regression; fundamentals of probability; probability distributions, including binomial, normal and chi-square distribution; confidence intervals; and hypothesis testing using P-values and statistical software.
• MATH 1202–Business Mathematics
  A course primarily offered for students who plan to pursue the business curriculum in college. It is a problem-solving course with emphasis on improving skill in the fundamental processes of math as used in business. Included are such topics as percentage, simple and compound interest, annuities, payrolls, taxes and deductions, discounts, depreciation and installment sales.
• MATH 1411–Support for Statistics
  This course is intended to provide mathematics instruction for preparation of students enrolled in a general education statistics math course. It provides a general survey of topics to prepare students for success in MATH 1111 – Statistics and is a co-requisite. Topics to be covered include percents, fractions, decimals, exponents, radicals, summation notation, elementary algebraic operations, linear equations, graphing, inequalities, and absolute value.

Interested in enrolling in the Mathematics program? Fill out the interest form below to get more information about the program.

Music

The musical landscape is constantly evolving through new digital recording technologies, diverse performance mediums, and global cultural fusion. From foundational music theory and ear training to ensemble performance and instrumental mastery, these courses prepare students to elevate their artistic expression while building critical listening, collaborative harmony, and technical precision skills.

Whether you're interested in vocal or instrumental performance, music education, music theory, or ensemble participation, these featured courses provide hands-on creative opportunities that prepare students for professional musical paths, community leadership, or seamless transfer to a four-year university music program.

• MUSI 1120–Applied Music I (Private Voice)
  The study of applied music through a weekly private lesson. This course will provide the student with instruction in vocal technique, stylistic interpretation of assigned literature, discussion of its historical context, guidance in pronunciation and comprehension of text, and communication through both sound and sight from the recital stage.
• MUSI 1121–Applied Music I (Woodwinds)
  The study of applied music through a weekly private lesson. This course will provide the student with instruction in woodwind technique, stylistic interpretation of assigned literature, discussion of its historical context, and communication through both sound and sight from the recital stage.
• MUSI 1127–Applied Music II (Keyboard)
  The continued study of applied music through a weekly, private lesson. This course will provide the student with instruction in keyboard technique, stylistic, interpretation of assigned literature, discussion of its historical context, and communication through both sound and sight from the recital stage.
• MUSI 2103–Aural Skills III
  A laboratory course designed to complement Music Theory III. This course is designed to further develop the skill of sight singing; emphasis in ear training, sight singing, and dictation.
• MUSI 1161–Concert Band I
  The concert band provides a playing outlet for experienced band musicians. At least one concert per semester will be given. 
• MUSI 2161–Concert Band II
  The concert band provides a playing outlet for experienced band musicians. At least one concert per semester will be given.
• MUSI 1159–Concert Choir I
  An auditioned vocal ensemble that performs in concerts and at college functions and strives to build a high-quality repertoire representative of collegiate or semiprofessional organizations. This course is designed to provide a performing outlet for talented college musicians.
• MUSI 2159–Concert Choir II
  A continuation of MUSI 1159. An auditioned vocal ensemble that performs in concerts and at college functions and strives to build a high-quality repertoire representative of collegiate or semiprofessional organizations. This course is
  designed to provide a performing outlet for talented college musicians.
• MUSI 1101–Music Theory I
  This course is designed to further develop a student’s background in music theory and provide the student with the foundational knowledge they will need to be a more effective writer and player. The basic elements of music theory,
  including melody, harmony, rhythm and form will be examined.
• MUSI 2101–Music Theory III
  A continuation of MUSI 1102, with an emphasis on the analysis and writing of chromatic harmonies. Also included are an introduction to 18th century counterpoint and the analysis of various classical forms.
• MUSI 1145–Piano Class I
  This course is designed for the student to have an opportunity to learn the basic principles of piano playing. Beginning with note reading, it progresses next to sight reading, technical exercise to aid in the development of skills used in the playing of the instrument, and ultimately, the addition of beginning piano repertoire.

Interested in enrolling in the Music program? Fill out the interest form below to get more information about the program.

Philosophy

The landscape of human thought, ethics, and belief is deeply enriched by critical inquiry and global perspectives. From analyzing the foundational arguments of existence to exploring formal logic and diverse cultural value systems, these elective courses prepare students to challenge deep-seated assumptions while building invaluable critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical reasoning skills.

Whether you're interested in logic, ethics, world religions, or non-Western perspectives, these featured elective courses provide deeply engaging learning opportunities that broaden your worldview, satisfy general education requirements, and enhance any major or career path.

• PHIL 1101–Introduction to Philosophy
  An introduction to the problems and branches of philosophy such as metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, political philosophy, philosophy of religion and contemporary views of philosophy. The aim of the course is to have students
  undertake a critical examination of their own ideas in relation to traditional philosophical positions.
• PHIL 2104–Ethics
  The purpose of this course is to introduce the student to the elements of ethics, including principal ethical theories, concepts and meanings and their practical application to contemporary moral problems.

Interested in enrolling in philosophy courses? Fill out the interest form below to get more information.

Psychology

The understanding of human behavior and mental processes is rapidly evolving through empirical research, neurological discoveries, and diverse clinical approaches. From examining foundational social interactions to exploring child development and psychological disorders, these courses prepare students to analyze the complexities of the human mind while building vital critical thinking, scientific data interpretation, and interpersonal skills.

Whether you're interested in social dynamics, child psychology, or abnormal behaviors, these featured courses provide deeply insightful learning opportunities that prepare students for rewarding careers or seamless transfer to a four-year university program.

• PSYC 2102–Introduction to Psychology
  An introductory course in the scientific study of affect, behavior and cognition. The broad scope of the field of psychology will be covered, with emphasis on major theories, multi-cultural and gender differences, and behavior
  patterns of the individual. Child development, learning theories, abnormal psychology, mental health, personality and mental measurement and their practical applications will be studied.
• PSYC 2105–Social Psychology
  This course introduces students to the scientific study of how people interact with, influence and perceive others in both group and individual settings.
• PSYC 2106–Human Relations
  This course will show that learning and then practicing good human relations will increase an understanding of yourself, the people around you and your relationship with them. It will teach you to cope effectively with relationships at work
• PSYC 2104–Personality Dynamics
  Investigation of selected theories of personality development, motivation, stress and stress reactions and maladaptive coping patterns. Human behavior in the personal, interpersonal and social context will be examined.

Interested in enrolling in the Psychology program? Fill out the interest form below to get more information about the program.

Science

The study of living organisms and natural ecosystems is rapidly evolving through advanced genetic research, ecological data tracking, and laboratory innovation. From investigating microbial life to exploring environmental ecology and general zoology, these courses prepare students to analyze the complexities of the natural world while building essential laboratory experimentation, data analysis, and critical thinking skills.

Whether you're interested in microbiology, environmental ecology, botany, or zoology, these featured courses provide hands-on scientific opportunities that prepare students for careers in research and wildlife management, or seamless transfer to a four-year university program.

• BIO 1102–Environmental Ecology
  A laboratory course emphasizing scientific inquiry through a breadth of selected concepts focusing on environmental issues. Concepts include ecology, biodiversity, evolution, physiology and health, and human populations. Biological issues with personal and social implications will be clearly integrated throughout the course, emphasizing current environmental issues and possible solutions or courses of action. Development of scientific literacy will be a foundation of the course to enable students to make informed decisions. Class discussions are supplemented by laboratory exercises and field trips.
• PHSC 1102–Principles of Earth Science
  Principles of Earth Science will introduce the student to the make-up and processes of the planet Earth. The course will include history of the Earth, plate tectonics, physical properties and materials, natural phenomena such
  as volcanoes, earthquakes, and landslides, weathering and erosion, natural resources, oceans, waste and pollution, and human impact.
• ZOO 1105–Anatomy and Physiology I
  This course provides an overview of cytology, histology and organ systems, including integumentary, muscle, skeletal and nerve. Biochemistry will be discussed as it relates to each of these systems. Laboratory work includes observation of histology slides as well as identification of structures from each system on selected mammals and cadavers.
• MICR 1101–Basic Microbiology
  A study of basic principles of microbiology, including morphology, physiology, cultivation, pathology, reproduction and control of bacteria. Activities of viruses, protozoa, algae, molds, yeasts and invertebrate parasites are included. Emphasis is on medically significant microorganisms.
• PHY 2101–Statics
  A study of particle statics, general principles and force vectors, rigid body equilibrium, moments of inertia, distributed forces and centroids, analysis of structures, virtual work, and friction. Students will demonstrate ability to solve two and three-dimensional force systems by vector and scalar methods and learn to apply principles of forces to problems involving structures and friction.

Interested in enrolling in a Science program? Fill out the interest form below to get more information.

Sociology

The study of social life and human society is constantly evolving as we examine culture, group dynamics, and the structures that shape our daily lives. From analyzing social inequality and institutional influences to exploring family dynamics and global societal trends, these courses prepare students to understand the complexities of human interaction while building essential critical thinking, research, and analytical skills.

Whether you're interested in social work, criminal justice, human resources, or community advocacy, these featured courses provide foundational learning opportunities that prepare students for success in diverse professional fields or seamless transfer to a four-year university program.

• SOCI 1101–Introduction to Sociology
  This course is a study of the basic elements of sociological inquiry, including culture, personality, social structure, stratification, community and deviant behavior. It is designed to equip sociology majors with the necessary foundation to continue in sociology and provide non-majors with a general understanding of the structure and process of society.

Interested in enrolling in the Sociology program? Fill out the interest form below to get more information about the program.

Spanish

The global landscape is deeply interconnected through language, culture, and international communication. From mastering foundational grammatical structures and everyday vocabulary to diving into advanced oral practice and the rich history of Spanish and Latin American civilizations, these elective courses prepare students to communicate effectively while building invaluable cross-cultural awareness, bilingual literacy, and cognitive adaptability skills.

Whether you're beginning with elementary foundations or advancing your modern conversational and writing skills, these featured elective courses provide immersive learning opportunities that broaden your global perspective, satisfy general education or humanities requirements, and give you a competitive edge in any career path.

• SPAN 1101–Elementary Spanish I
  This course is designed to develop understanding, speaking, reading and writing skills, with emphasis on direct presentation and practice in Spanish of the basic grammatical structures and vocabulary of the language.

Interested in enrolling in Spanish courses? Fill out the interest form below to get more information.

Theatre

The theatrical landscape is constantly evolving through diverse performance styles, contemporary design, and creative storytelling. From hands-on technical stage production and set construction to dynamic acting methods and comedy improvisation, these courses prepare students to bring characters and stories to life while building essential performance confidence, vocal articulation, and collaborative ensemble skills.

Whether you're interested in on-stage acting, comedy improvisation, musical theatre, or behind-the-scenes set design and technology, these featured courses provide hands-on creative opportunities that prepare students for rewarding paths in production, community entertainment, or seamless transfer to a four-year university program.

• THEA 1101–Acting
  This introductory course includes the theories and techniques of acting, including the following: movement, blocking, characterization and analysis and group scene development. There are no prerequisites. Performances are required and presented as in-class assignments.
• THEA 1105–Stage Makeup
  This course introduces elementary stage makeup techniques including highlighting and shadowing, old age, wounds and scars, fantasy, animals and basic corrective makeup.
• THEA 1102–Practicum in Theatre
  Through directed work on theatrical productions, the student will gain acting and technical skills. Hours to be arranged with the theatre director. Skills include experience in such positions as assistant director, prop master and a plethora of other duties necessary to execute a performance.

Interested in enrolling in the Theatre program? Fill out the interest form below to get more information about the program