About This Course
CIS-100: Addressing Worldviews introduces students to the assumptions that shape human thought, culture, and belief.
Rather than simply comparing different worldviews, this course develops a practical method for recognising worldview assumptions, understanding how they give rise to particular ideologies, and discerning whether those ideas provide a coherent and adequate account of reality.
Students will begin by examining the concept of worldview before exploring the philosophical and cultural movements that have profoundly shaped the modern West. Building upon this foundation, the course then investigates a range of contemporary ideological frameworks, equipping students to recognise their underlying assumptions, evaluate their internal coherence, and engage them thoughtfully from a Christian perspective.
Throughout the course, students will engage with theological, philosophical, and cultural perspectives while developing habits of careful observation, interpretation, and discernment that prepare them for further study in theology, apologetics, and Christian discipleship.
Course Expectations
This is a 12-credit course requiring approximately 8 hours of study per week over 12 weeks (approximately 96 hours of study).
Throughout the course you will engage with:
- an 82,000-word Course Reader containing theological, philosophical, and cultural readings;
- four interactive lessons comprising approximately 20,000 words of guided engagement and reflection;
- written assignments, quizzes, and critical analyses designed to develop your thinking rather than simply assess factual recall.
Assessments
- Module 1: 600–800 word essay
- Module 2: Quiz comprising seven short paragraph responses
- Module 3:
- 100–150 word reflection
- 200–300 word essay
- 1,500 word critical analysis
- Module 4: 1,500 word critical analysis
A Note Before You Begin
This course differs from many introductory theology courses. Its primary goal is not simply to teach information, but to cultivate habits of careful observation, thoughtful interpretation, and intellectual discernment.
For this reason, some lessons may require more time than their length initially suggests. You are encouraged to work through the material gradually, allowing time to reflect on the questions, examples, and implications before moving to the next section.
Many of the ideas explored in this course are philosophically and theologically demanding. You are not expected to master them immediately. Growth comes through patient engagement, repeated reflection, and a willingness to follow ideas carefully to their conclusions.