Best Value Courses

If you are unsure about taking distance learning courses, our Best Value Courses allow you the opportunity to try a BYU Independent Study course at a low price of $48. Each course awards you high school credit in either English or Social Studies (but not both).

REAL 041—Things as They Really Are

• This course is an overview of the realities of life we all eventually encounter. Through engaging stories, examples, and case studies, students learn to analyze themselves and make adjustments to become ready for real life. Covered topics include perspective, independence, communication, social expectations, balance, relationships, and citizenship. Lessons include instructor-graded portfolio activities that should be submitted as a whole before requesting the final exam. 9 lessons, 9 assignment submissions (8 computer-graded [Speedback] assignments, 1 instructor-graded assignment); proctored computer-graded final exam.

USA 041—Character of America: Documents and Symbols

• This course discusses some of the documents and symbols that contribute to the character of America, including the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the flag, national monuments, etc. Lessons include instructor-graded portfolio activities, which should be submitted as a whole before requesting the final exam. This is the first course in a two-part Character of America series (USA 041 and USA 043); however, either course may be taken independently of the other. 11 lessons, 11 assignment submissions (10 computer-graded [Speedback] assignments, 1 instructor-graded assignment); proctored computer-graded final exam.

USA 043—Character of America: The People

• This course discusses some of the people who have contributed or are still contributing to the character of America, including the presidents and the founding fathers, as well as national and local security. Lessons include instructor-graded portfolio activities, which should be submitted as a whole before requesting the final exam. This is the second course in a two-part character of America series (USA 041 and USA 043); however, either course may be taken independently of the other. 10 lessons, 10 assignment submissions (9 computer-graded [Speedback] assignments, 1 instructor-graded assignment); proctored computer-graded final exam.

XPLR 041—Character Education: Exploring Values, Part 1

• This course is a literary study of basic values. It examines the consequences of having or lacking courage, self-discipline, respect, honesty, work, trust, and compassion. This is the first course in a three-part Character Education: Exploring Values series (XPLR 041, XPLR 043, and XPLR 045); however, any of the courses may be taken independently of the others. 9 lessons, 9 assignment submissions (8 computer-graded [Speedback] assignments, 1 instructor-graded assignment); proctored computer-graded final exam.

XPLR 043—Character Education: Exploring Values, Part 2

• This course is a literary study of additional basic values. It examines the consequences of having or lacking confidence, generosity, humility, obedience, determination, reliability, tolerance, forgiveness, and excellence. Lessons include instructor-graded portfolio activities which should be submitted as a whole before requesting the final. This is the second course in a three-part Character Education: Exploring Values series (XPLR 041, XPLR 043, and XPLR 045); however, any of the courses may be taken independently of the others. 10 lessons, 10 assignment submissions (9 computer-graded [Speedback] assignments, 1 instructor-graded assignment); proctored computer-graded final exam.

XPLR 045—Character Education: Exploring Values, Part 3

• This course is a literary study of additional basic values. It examines the consequences of having or lacking mercy, patience, grace, gratitude, accountability, loyalty, patriotism, and self-sufficiency. Lessons include instructor-graded portfolio activities which should be submitted as a whole prior to requesting the final. This is the third course in a three-part Character Education: Exploring Values series (XPLR 041, XPLR 043, and XPLR 045); however, any of the courses may be taken independently of the others. 9 lessons, 9 assignment submissions (8 computer-graded [Speedback] assignments, 1 instructor-graded assignment); proctored computer-graded final exam.