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| Christian Identity |
5 Credits;
Semester |
| Required for all first semester freshmen. |
| All
religious education begins with the student. This course will explore the identity and
person of the student. Topics covered will include: adolescence, social growth, personal
development, and sexuality. While learning the nature of religious development the student
will also be introduced to the life and thought of John Baptist De La Salle as well as to
the Catholic Eucharist. The school's service requirement will be fulfilled in the context
of this course. |
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| Jesus |
5 Credits;
Semester |
| Required for all second semester freshmen. |
| Jesus is
the foundation and center of all Christian religious education. In this course students
will learn more about who Jesus Christ is to Christians. His teachings, actions, and the
meaning of his life for believers will be explored and reflected upon by the student. The
school's service requirement will be fulfilled in the context of this course. |
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| Hebrew Scriptures |
5 Credits;
Semester |
| Required course for all first semester Sophomores. |
| The
story of ancient Israel is, in a sense, the story of Jesus and of every human being. This
course will apply modern scripture scholarship to the texts of the Hebrew Scripture in an
effort to make their meaning relevant to the student. These same stories will also help
the student better understand Jesus Christ who was himself a part of the Hebrew tradition.
The school's service requirement will also be fulfilled in the context of this course. |
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| Christian Morality |
5 Credits;
Semester |
| Required course for all second semester Sophomores. |
| The
course draws upon Christian doctrine as revealed in the Bible and Catholic traditions to
assist the student's loving response to the many adolescent questions, personal and social
dilemmas, and doubts that may be experienced. The course provides a structure in which the
student develops critical reasoning abilities to evaluate and decide the most appropriate
Christian behavior. The school's service requirement will be fulfilled in the context of
this course. |
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| Christian Testament |
5 Credits;
Semester |
| Required course for all first semester Juniors. |
| This
course explores the development of the Gospels and other books of the Christian Testament.
In examining the historical, literary, and theological forces that shaped these writings,
students will also learn sound interpretation through the use of biblical criticism and
careful study of the scriptures, as advocated by the Catholic church. |
|
| The Developing Church |
5 Credits;
Semester |
| Required course for all second semester Juniors. |
| This
course continues the study of the Christian Testament with emphasis on the identity of the
developing Christian community. This study takes place within the context of the Acts of
the Apostles and some of the letters of St. Paul. Historical development of the Catholic
Church is presented, especially in the areas of sacraments and precedent setting events
that result in the shaping of the Catholic Church's identity. Attention is given to the
work of Vatican Council II and its particular focus on the role of the laity. |
Senior religion electives. Seniors must choose two of the
following: |
| Social Justice |
5 Credits;
Semester |
|
| The
social justice course is designed to stimulate examination and reflection upon the major
social issues of our time: poverty, hunger, education, health care, work, racism, sexism,
first and third world relations, US foreign policy, and other current issues. Through
seminar-style discussions, reading, and examination of the media's coverage of these
topics, students will critically analyze systems and structures which foster or inhibit
human freedom. Students will also be involved in volunteer service projects and working
with the poor, dispossessed, or needy in our community. Visits to local agencies, as well
as guest speakers from the community, will add depth to current topics. Analysis of
current social problems will be from the Judeo-Christian perspective and utilizing
Catholic social teaching. |
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| Christian Lifestyles |
5 Credits;
Semester |
|
| This
course addresses the key developmental issues facing a young adult including identity,
interdependence, careers, money, love, friendship, communication, sexuality, dating,
marriage and families. These issues are approached and discussed from the Christian
perspective. Students will be involved in class discussion, group projects and volunteer
service hours as a way to develop life-long skills within the context of becoming an adult
Christian. |
|
| Comparative Religion |
5 Credits;
Semester |
|
| In this
course, students explore the origin and development of religion and have the opportunity
to examine the teachings and practices of the major eastern and western religions of the
world: Hinduism, Buddhism, the religions of China and Japan, Islam, Christianity and
Judaism. Students also learn how religious beliefs have a profound impact on the
political, social and economic climate of the world. A field trip is a requirement in
this class. |
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| Liturgy, Mass and Prayer |
5 Credits;
Semester |
| Prerequisites: Students must be committed to enhancing their understanding of
liturgy and have an attitude of openness to community prayer. They must also act as
leaders by educating the school community and inviting the participation of other
students, Signature of Campus Minister is required. |
| This
course will study the theology of liturgy, parts of the Mass, and the liturgical year. We
will also study the methods, traditions and importance of prayer in the Christian life.
Students will be involved in the planning and implementation of school-wide liturgies as
well as be responsible for creating in-class prayer services and prayer resources for
other classes, appropriate to the liturgical year. |
|
| Senior Seminar |
5 Credits;
Semester |
| Prerequisite: Recommendation from the junior religion teacher. |
| Senior
seminar offers seniors an opportunity to reflect on their four-year religious education
experience and to look forward to their adult religious formation. In this seminar course
each student will prepare for, and participate in, class discussions, assignments, and the
ongoing evaluation of the group's efforts. The actual course content will be determined by
the class during the first two weeks of the semester. The role of the laity (women, men,
young adults, married couples, single and divorced adults, etc.) in the Church, evil, sin
and guilt, personal spirituality and spiritual development, and a modern Christian's
response to contemporary social issues are examples of topics which might be addressed. |
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