This course assumes students can analyze and interpret challenging material. They participate in seminar discussions. The first semester offers one-half credit and is a prerequisite for second semester. Second semester is optional. In this course the students develop the background necessary for an appreciation of the basic beliefs and practices of the world's religions.
Importance is placed on historical origins as well as current beliefs.
Students will study Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Shintoism, Taoism, and other belief systems. This course provides students with an understanding of the tools with which to analyze critically the basic framework, concepts, terminology and principles of contemporary issues and events. Over the course of one or two semesters, students will use various resources and technologies to examine topics and issues of local, state, national, and international significance. They examine the role of both private financial institutions and the government in influencing the economy. They identify ways in which economic developments affect them as consumers and ways in which they as consumers affect the economic system.