Futures School – World Religions

Mar 2026 · 2nd Semester

Elective. This course meets NCAA core for student athletes This course provides students the opportunity to study the beliefs of several of the world’s major faiths and to examine the impact these religions have had on our world. It is a lecture and discussion class in which students will regularly take notes and participate in discussions. A few films may be shown. Students will be introduced, when available, to a number of guest speakers representing various faiths. Students will be reading selected excerpts from the sacred texts and will be expected to discuss their reactions. The faiths studied will normally include Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. We will, when possible, look at additional faiths possibly including various indigenous faiths, Taoism, Confucianism, Shinto, and Baha’i. As a final unit atheism will also be examined, as well as a short look at the social and cultural impacts of religion including its negative impacts. Each quarter the students will be required, on their own time with their own transportation, to attend two “House of Worship” services and to write a report on each visit. The four total visitations will represent a significant portion of their overall grade. Students can expect, at most, one hour of homework per week. U.S. Government. This course is designed to prepare students to fulfill their role as citizens in a democratic society. Students study the rights and responsibilities of citizens addressed in the Washington State and United States Constitutions, along with the ideals and principles of democracy and constitutional government. They examine federal, state, and local government organization and procedures, as well as how political systems in the U.S. operate and interact. In addition, students analyze current issues addressed at each level of government and electoral issues related to elections, ballot measures, initiatives, and referenda. They develop critical thinking and problem solving skills and apply what they have learned to major projects and assessments, including the Constitutional Issues Classroom-Based Assessment. Students should anticipate approximately three hours of homework per week.