Curriculum
FIRST QUARTER
ACCT 325 — Accounting I
An introduction to the basic accounting principles, procedures, concepts and basic language used by employees and managers. 1 credit
BIOL 320 — Anatomy I
An introduction to basic human anatomy, with special emphasis upon cells, tissues, organs, the skeletal system and its articulations, as well as various definitional terms. 2 credits
LEOB 305 — Business Law
An introduction to the law and a basic overview of the American system of jurisprudence with emphasis upon business law and a study of the requirements, formation and enforcement of contracts. 2 credits
CHEM 320 — Inorganic Chemistry I
An introductory course focusing upon the basic principles of matter, atomic theory, periodic relationships and chemical reactions. 1 credit
COMM 310 — Speech Communications I
An introduction to the art and science of communicating. This course will define communications and give students an understanding of the characteristics and elements involved in the communication process. A study of communications as it relates to the funeral service environment will be examined. 1 credit
FSSA 310 — Funeral Directing I
An introduction to death certificates, burial permits and the various types of burial allowances available. Additionally, the student will become acquainted with the duties and responsibilities of the funeral director. 1 credit
BIOL 330 — Microbiology I
An introduction to microbiology focusing upon definitional terms, classification and evolutionary history of microorganisms, the anatomy of bacteria, and environmental factors that favor the growth of bacteria. 2 credits
FSSA 301 — Funeral Arrangements
This course introduces the student to the role of the funeral director, specifically educating the families they serve of the various choices available, during the arrangement conference. 2 credits
PHIL 325 — Professional Ethics I
A discussion class focusing upon the role of the funeral director, both ethically and morally, when dealing with colleagues as well as the families they serve. 1 credit
SOCL 405 — Sociology
An introduction to the study of culture, the nature of groups, rituals, institutions & their impact upon families in bereavement. 2 credits
FSSA 335 — Restorative Art I
In this course the student is introduced to the basic concepts,the study of the bones of the skull and face, the muscles of facial form and expression as well as subcutaneous tissues. 2 credits
FSSA 330 — Embalming I
An orientation and introduction to the art and science of modern embalming, covering its definition, necessity, legal, moral and sanitary aspects; a survey of the equipment, instruments and accessory embalming materials. 2 credits
FSSA 311 — History of Funeral Service I
An introduction to the customs, beliefs, and the people who influenced funeral service beginning with the Egyptians and concluding with the present. 1 credit
SECOND QUARTER
ACCT 350 — Accounting II
A continuation of Accounting I, concentrating upon the application of accounting data in financial analysis. 1 credit
BIOL 340 — Anatomy II
A continuation of Anatomy I, with concentration upon the muscular and nervous systems. The study of the muscular system will include the types of muscle tissues, the anatomy of a muscle, and identification with regard to location and function of muscles of the human body. 2 credits
LEOB 315 — Business Law II
An overview of the law of sales and negotiable instruments with regard to the Uniform Commercial Code. 2 credits
CHEM 340 — Inorganic Chemistry II
A continuation of Inorganic Chemistry I, concentrating on the basic principles of solutions, colloids, and acid/base concentrations. 1 credit
COMM 320 — Speech Communications II
This course offers the students practical instruction on how to speak effectively in public and an introduction to the basic principles of speech communication. There is step-by-step advice on how to prepare and present a eulogy. Public speaking links the speaker, listener, language, occasion and the overall communication environment. The value of speech training in the development of the total person, and specifically the funeral service professional, is stressed. 1 credit
FSSA 320 — Funeral Directing II
An introduction to funeral service merchandising, definitional terms and pricing techniques will be explored. 1 credit
FSSA 321 — History of Funeral Service II
An introduction to the customs, beliefs, and the people who influenced funeral service beginning with the Egyptians and concluding with the present. 1 credit
BIOL 350 — Microbiology II
A continuation of Microbiology I, with concentration upon the various methods of studying microorganisms, the physical and chemical methods of control, epidemiology, and the specific and non-specific defense mechanisms of the body. 2 credits
PHIL 350 — Professional Ethics II
A continuation of Professional Ethics I, with concentration upon the role of the funeral director in employee/employer relations. 1 credit
PSYC 325 — General Psychology
An introduction to the physiological and psychological dimensions of human emotions, especially related to grief. 2 credits
FSSA 345 — Restorative Art II
The student will concentrate on the natural and acquired facial markings, as well as the anatomy and physiognomy of the ear, nose, mouth and eye. 2 credits
FSSA 340 — Embalming II
A detailed study of the blood vessels most commonly used during the embalming process, the procedure and method of arterial embalming, the dilution, distribution and diffusion of arterial embalming solutions and the types and functions of embalming chemicals. 2 credits
BIOL 365 — Pathology I
An introduction to the immune system, and how disease affects the human body. 2 credits
THIRD QUARTER
BIOL 420 — Anatomy III
A continuation of Anatomy II, with concentration upon the circulatory system including blood, coagulation, the heart and identification and location of the blood vessels of the human body. The course also includes a study of the lymphatic and respiratory systems with emphasis on the organs involved. 1 credit
BIOL 425 — Anatomy Laboratory I
In this course the student will be expected to dissect and identify the major anterior and posterior muscles, blood vessels and nerves.
This course is conducted at the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office. 1 credit
LEOB 405 — Funeral Service Law
An introductory course with concentration upon the law relating to the disposition of the deceased, rights and duties of the funeral director, and a study of wills and inheritance. 2 credits
MGSC 415 — Business Management I
An introduction to the role and function of small business in the United States. Discussions focus upon what is involved in initiating and/or purchasing a small business. The course also covers general management technique and theory as it relates to the funeral service profession. 2 credits
CHEM 420 — Organic Chemistry
An introduction to Organic Chemistry, focusing upon the identification of functional groups and definitions of biochemical groups. 1 credit
COMM 410 — Speech Communications III
This course provides a practical introduction to the principles and skills of effective communication in business and professional settings. It focuses on various face-to-face and written communication activities such as resumes, interviewing, groups and meetings, and listening skills. 1 credit
FSSA 431 — Embalming Laboratory I
This course involves the practical application of the principles and techniques of modern embalming procedures in a controlled laboratory environment. The student is afforded maximum opportunity for learning through direct contact.
This course is conducted at the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office. 1 credit
FSSA 410 — Funeral Directing III
This course examines the various religious and fraternal customs associated with the funeral. 2 credits
BIOL 430 — Microbiology III
A continuation of Microbiology II, focusing upon the bacterial diseases and procedures to ensure the safety of the public as well as the funeral service professional. 2 credits
BIOL 465 — Pathology II
A continuation of Pathology I. Concentrates upon the various systems of the body and its disorders. 2 credits
FSSA 435 — Restorative Art III
The techniques of restorative treatment both in general and as applied to specific restoration problems are fully presented with emphasis upon adaptation to the individual case. 1 credit
FSSA 436 — Restorative Art Laboratory I
A practical laboratory application of the principles learned in Restorative Art I and II. Students apply the modeling techniques to reproduce, in clay, the four features of the human face, namely; the ear, nose, mouth and eye. 1 credit
PSYC 355 — Funeral Service Counseling
This course acquaints the student with the nature and various approaches to counseling, as well as recognizing when a family member requires the assistance of one specifically trained in psychology. 2 credits
FSSA 430 — Embalming III
A study of typical obstacles encountered in the embalming process. Special procedures for embalming autopsied cases will also be discussed. 1 credit
FOURTH QUARTER
BIOL 440 — Anatomy IV
A continuation of Anatomy III. Emphasis is placed upon the anatomy and functions of the digestive, respiratory, urinary, endocrine and reproductive systems. 1 credit
BIOL 445 — Anatomy Laboratory II
Utilizing a human anatomical specimen, the student will be expected to correctly identify the major parts and structures of the heart and internal organs.
This course is conducted at the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office. 1 credit
LEOB 415 — Business Law III
An introduction to the law regarding various forms of business organization including agency, partnership, incorporation and ownership and possession of property. 2 credits
MGSC 425 — Business Management II
This course focuses upon the responsibilities and functions of a manager, with special emphasis on managerial guidelines specific to funeral service. 1 credit
CHEM 440 — Embalming Chemistry
An introduction to Embalming Chemistry. Discussions encompass decomposition and embalming, including the composition, function, and precautions necessary when using chemical fluids during the embalming process. 1 credit
COMM 420 — Professional Review
Comprehensive review and learning assessment to prepare students to successfully complete the National Board Examination. This course is a survey of the professional expectations in each major area of Funeral Service Education. Emphasis is placed on specific problem areas and the requirements for licensure by national boards. Students will demonstrate competency in theoretical knowledge by completing a battery of tests. It is to be taken during the last quarter. Successful completion is required for graduation. 1 credit
FSSA 440 — Embalming IV
This course focuses upon the transfer and embalming of contagious and infectious cases with some consideration of the techniques of “waterless” embalming. 1 credit
FSSA 441 — Embalming Laboratory II
This course is a continuation of Embalming Laboratory I, involving the practical application of the principles and techniques of modern embalming procedures in a controlled laboratory environment. The student is afforded maximum opportunity for learning through direct contact.
This course is conducted at the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office. 1 credit
FSSA 420 — Funeral Directing IV
This course examines the Federal Trade Commission’s Funeral Rule, as well as the major funeral service associations. 2 credits
BIOL 450 — Microbiology IV
A continuation of Microbiology III, focusing upon viruses, fungi, protozoa and helminths. 2 credits
BIOL 475 — Pathology III
This courses is intended to inform the student of the relationship between the cause of death and its impact upon the embalming procedure. 2 credits
FSSA 445 — Restorative Art IV
The importance and use of color in its application to restorative art and funeral service is studied, including the Prang System of color combinations and harmonies both in pigments and illumination. 1 credit
FSSA 446 — Restorative Art Laboratory II
Development of the skills acquired in Restorative Art Laboratory I are enhanced. Students are issued a Plaster of Paris skull, with which the student is required to model, in clay, a photograph of their choosing. 1 credit
PSYC 425 — Psychology of Grief
The psychology of grief is explored, studying the impact and special needs of the family unit when a parent or child dies. 2 credits
MGSC 426 — Computer Applications
An introductory course utilizing Microsoft Windows and various programs specific to funeral service. 1 credit