Students learn about the adventures of the well-known god and goddesses, such as Zeus, Hera, Athena, Apollo, Aphrodite and Hermes. The study of mythology is linked to the study of religion, superstition and astronomy. Students are introduced to the history of local Native American tribes, including the Coeur d'Alenes, Nez Perce, Kootenai of Bonners Ferry and Blackfoot of Montana. This course primarily focuses on the history, cultures, spiritual direction and crafts of different tribes. Special emphasis is placed on the trail of treaties and prevailing attitudes surrounding broken treaties.
Students gain a further understanding of Indian life by reproducing artifacts.
The class may culminate with a visit to one of the cooperating tribes. This course in public speaking consists of instruction in tempo, tone, mannerisms and other techniques that can be applied to life situations. Students are responsible for several presentations that are critiqued by their peers. The subjects of these speeches and performances include sales, improvisation, information, persuasion and comedy. Student speeches may be videotaped for the purpose of critical analysis and feedback.