Learn how to discuss sensitive religious topics in an academically legitimate way.
 

Understand what kinds of fundamental philosophical issues and questions religions and nonreligious worldviews deal with in modern times.
 

Understand how Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and Hinduism respond to pressures and issues raised by modern culture.
 

Grasp similarities and differences between those responses.
 

Be able to articulate perspectives representing the above traditions from "within" -- that is, as adherents of those traditions might articulate those points of view.
 

Be able to explain how modern culture invites a religious response.
 

Improve in their ability to write coherently and cogently about difficult and sensitive matters.
 

Develop their written and oral argumentation and analytical skills.  Emphasis will be on writing.