MURRIETA - On a recent Thursday afternoon, about 30 Vista Murrieta High School pupils listened intently as their teacher spoke about the four stages of life for Hindus: student, householder, retired person and the renunciation of life.

"The final stage is to reject the gods," teacher Kyle Garrity said about Hinduism. "In truth, (they think they are) godlike, having achieved wisdom and enlightenment."

On the other side of campus, about the same number of students were busy picking a topic for their senior research project. They were charged with finding biblical allusions in film, music, poetry and art, and writing an essay and creating a visual presentation.

Topics chosen included the Last Supper, good Samaritan, Jacob's ladder, eye for an eye, ark of the covenant, the burning bush, Armageddon, the tower of Babel and many others.

The two classes may seem like polar opposites, and in many ways they are, but their genesis came from one train of thought by Murrieta Valley Unified School District leaders - give students options that will excite their minds and expand their horizons.

The two new courses, a semester-long elective studying world religions and a yearlong English class called Bible in Literature, were launched this school year after trustees, administrators and teachers spent nearly a year studying and debating whether to add them to the district's high school curriculum.

In January, trustees agreed that offering both classes, which earn students college-entrance credit, would serve the district well. Students and teachers involved in the inaugural launches of both classes praised that decision recently.

"From the very first day, the class has made me more aware of the world around me, so much more open-minded," said Olivia Knight, a senior in the world religions course.

"I love this class," senior Albert Ratkay said of Bible in literature. "We have so many really good discussions."

District spokeswoman Karen Parris said that at Vista Murrieta High, there is one world religions course with 34 students and one Bible in literature course with 26 students. At Murrieta Valley High, there is one world religions course with 24 students, but no Bible in literature course.

That was somewhat surprising, she said.

"They did a lot of publicity for it," Parris said. "The counselors publicized it, the teacher who was going to teach the class did, too. I think there were also some announcements in the daily bulletins. … But only five or six students signed up, which isn't enough to offer in class."

Parris said Murrieta Valley High will work to offer the class next year.

Trustee Paul Diffley, who had pushed for the Bible course's creation, said he believes the class will grow in popularity and is not bothered by the apparent lack of interest at Murrieta Valley High.

"People at Vista Murrieta signed up for it, and I think as people get used to the idea then in due time it will fly like everything else," he said.

Regardless of student interest, those who did sign up for Bible in literature said they are enjoying it.

Senior Clare Gregory said that during the first three weeks of class she and her peers have read several works that allude to the Bible and then engaged in a lively discussion. She added that everyone's interpretations and opinions are valued.

Senior Samantha Callahan, who opted for the Bible class over British literature, said she did so because it sounded really interesting. She said she hasn't been disappointed, yet.

"I have always been interested in how the Bible is used in the arts," she said. "I am really enjoying the class and am excited for what the rest of the year has to offer."

Teacher Jean Hoppe said the class has gone very smoothly.

"I have not had any student pushing their belief system," she said. "So far, so good."

And the class is clearly an English class first, with Hoppe continually drawing the discussion back to lessons on how to properly analyze the written works.

She trained for a week at San Diego State University last spring on how to best teach the course, and said that was helpful. She continues to keep in touch with the professor to get tips and advice.

Garrity, the world religions teacher who spent his college years studying the topic, also said his class is going very well so far.

"This is my favorite class to teach," he said. "Most of the students chose this class and it shows. They are really interested and engaged."

As Garrity lectured recently, his students continually asked questions of him. He uses a combination of wit and humor to keep the subject from becoming too overwhelming.

Garrity said he also relates whatever religion he teaches about with experiences and examples from an American perspective to further ensure the students can understand the subject.

Several students said they enjoy the class.

"Mr. Garrity makes learning fun, he doesn't preach one religion over another," said senior Zerlina Katinka Clementsmith. "So far, it's been a rewarding and educational class."

Senior Jessica Goss said she opted for the course because she wants to learn from it, noting her belief that California and the United States, in general, seems isolated.

"I don't think we really understand other cultures and religions," she said.