Lecture, two and one half hours. Exploration of topics such as existence of a higher being, meaning of life, one's role in world, one's obligations to others, human nature, and existence of evil. Examination of texts ranging from scriptures to film that reflect religious, philosophical, and secular ways people--over centuries and throughout world--have sought answers to basic questions of human existence. Today, in time of global disruption, people still search for meaning and purpose on path is rarely straight forward or upward, and often requires movement backward or downward. Introduction to how various thinkers and cultures have approached life's big questions, including religious and philosophical responses to them. Students are encouraged to think critically about them and formulate their own responses. P/NP or letter grading.