Currently, Simmons teaches the second semester of his new General Honors Course, Religion and Ethics in Popular Movies. 18 Honors students attend. The curricula for the course involves viewing seven movies with spiritual, ethical or religious implications. Students are welcome to provide input as to what viewing material might be worthwhile to study and discuss. The approach Simmons takes with viewing and consideration of each film is to use it as a means to spur discussions about the ethical dilemmas modern societies face.
Films provide a neutral approach to discussion rather than creating impulsive and violent reactions.
For example, in the past decade popular movies have dealt with issues relating to race, age, ecology, family, education, addiction., abortion, violence, gender, class, United States foreign policy, alien invasion, . . . This class will sensitize students to their responsibility as citizens to apply themselves in resolving these ethical dilemmas in a humane and just fashion. Simmons has hopes to make this a regular course for general honors. He has really enjoyed putting together the syllabus and stretching the learning possibilities in the classroom.