Course Overview

Instructor: Dr. Charles Streeter

Course Overview

This Introduction to Business course provides a comprehensive foundation in the principles and functions of business in a global economy. Students will explore topics such as business ownership, entrepreneurship, management, marketing, finance, and operations. Guided by a biblical worldview, the course emphasizes ethical leadership, stewardship, and the integration of faith and business. Ministry-minded leaders will be equipped to apply sound business practices in diverse contexts while honoring Christian values, advancing the common good, and supporting the mission of the Church.

Course Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

1. Apply Christian ethics and principles—such as integrity, stewardship, servant leadership, and accountability—to business decision-making and workplace conduct.
2. Explain core business concepts including business ownership structures, entrepreneurship, marketing, management, finance, and business operations.
3. Understand the role of business in society, including its impact on the economy, the environment, and the well-being of communities.
4. Identify and evaluate business structures and models, including sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations, and nonprofits.
5. Analyze key business functions, including human resources, operations, marketing, and financial management.
6. Discuss the global nature of business, including the influence of international trade, globalization, and cultural factors on business practices.
7. Evaluate ethical issues in business, such as corporate responsibility, consumer protection, and sustainability, from a biblical perspective.
8. Explore entrepreneurship as a calling, considering how business creation and innovation can serve others and further the Kingdom of God.

Resources: This course features open-source content from Openstax.com, specifically Introduction to Business, from the following link (https://openstax.org/details/books/introduction-business). This course also features videos and materials from a variety of sources.

Assignments:

1. Read all online reading materials.
2. Watch online video lectures for each unit. 
3. Take the online quiz for each unit. 
4. You will have 75 minutes to answer 20 multiple-choice questions for each quiz. Once a quiz has started, you must finish it, and you can't retake it. So be ready ahead of time. While taking the quiz, you may use your notes and refer to articles and other materials.

Grading Scale:
A 93-100%   A- 90-92%   B+ 87-89%   B 83-86%   B- 80-82%   C+ 77-79%   C 73-76%   C- 70-72%    D+ 67-69%   D 63-66%   D- 60-62%   F 0-59%
Your average grade for all assignments in the class must be at least 60%. Otherwise, you will fail the class and will receive no course credit.