The purpose of the reflections assignment is to help you think about the topic of the week(s) and to apply the important concepts to business situations. Also, it gives you an opportunity to explore the understanding of the integration of the Christian faith and business. The typical length of this assignment would be 3 pages, single-spaced.

To start, choose a topic week and read all the readings for that week (click on any week in the course schedule menu).

Since this is a reflection assignment, a mere summary of the readings is not enough for the write-up. Incorporate your ideas and opinions in sentences and paragraphs. Try to weave your thoughts together, but don't force-fit by trying to connect everything from all the resources. In addition, you don't have to restrict yourself to the readings. You can explore additional information and sources (i.e. annual reports, financial reports, analyst reports, manager statements, articles, content from courses you've taken before, news articles, TED talks, etc.) to develop your opinions in the reflection.

Accordingly, write the class prep assignment in terms of the three components:

Part 1 (2 paragraphs)

Insightfulhighlights of the readings that you find interesting. Note that this is not a mere summary, but what you found interesting, innovative, insightful, or perplexing from the weekly readings.

Part 2 (4 paragraphs)

An actual synthesis of the concepts from the readings, and an application of the concepts to the business cases. This part should include your thoughts interacting with the week's discussion questions (posted in the week's link in the course schedule). Along with, or in addition to, Make sure that you include your answer to at least 2 of the Faith Integration questions listed in a particular week, based on Van Duzer's book, Why Business Matters to God.

Note that while you want to focus on the particular week, you need not limit yourself to that week in terms of the synthesis and application of concepts, theories, and frameworks to a business case. In fact, businesses need to deal with many issues that interweave several concepts at once. Nevertheless, try to anchor your elaboration on the week's topic and dive deep rather than skimming the surface or simply summarizing the content.

Part 3 (2 paragraphs)

Any overall conclusions or insights you have gained from the readings and your synthesis. Any applications you can make to your current or future workplace. Any questions remaining.