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.

Required Assignments:

1. View all online lectures and read all articles on each topic. Active engagement with course materials prior to attempting the quiz is required for each unit. If a resource is provided in multiple formats, simply choose whichever format best supports your learning. CLI’s system tracks your viewing history to determine meaningful engagement. Make sure you are logged into your student account when viewing or downloading the materials.
2. Take the online quiz for each unit. You will have 75 minutes to answer 20 multiple-choice questions for each quiz. Each quiz covers the readings and video lectures for that unit. Once a quiz has started, you must finish it, and you cannot retake it. 
Quizzes must be completed independently. The use of AI tools, search engines, other websites, or assistance from other individuals is prohibited.
Quizzes are open-note. You may reference your own notes or any of the provided CLI course materials during the quiz. However, you should plan to study materials prior to attempting the quiz.
Quiz Tip: First answer the questions you know. Then use your own notes or the provided CLI course materials to help answer any questions you are unsure about.

3. At the end of the course, you will be invited to complete a brief Course Feedback Survey. Your feedback helps CLI evaluate the course and identify opportunities for improvement.

Each course forum is located near the beginning of the course, immediately before the first course-content section. The forum allows students to post course-related questions and comments for other currently enrolled students to view and discuss. You can also search previous posts to see whether your question or topic has already been addressed. 

The forum is intended primarily for peer discussion and may not receive an immediate response. Questions or concerns requiring timely assistance should be directed to the Help Desk at helpdesk@christianleaders.net.