RELIGIOUS STUDIES

Students are led through a chronological study of “man’s inhumanity to man.” The topics studied include, but were not limited to, the United States’ policy towards the Native Americans, the Armenian Genocide, the Holocaust, the Killing Fields of Cambodia, the Rwandan Genocide and ethnic cleansing of Bosnia. Students learn by reading primary source materials, viewing reenactments and/or the actual events, and meeting survivors, with emphasis placed on discussing their reactions with teachers, witnesses and peers. (NCAA, Communications Concentration)

5520 Human Geography: Cultural Landscapes (11, 12)

2.5 Credits 40 Minutes, 1 Semester This course seeks to introduce students to how the patterns and processes that have shaped human culture have developed, and how human behavior has shaped and reshaped the world we live in. Cultural Landscapes: Human Geography looks at the influence of the environment on human behavior and the influence of human behavior on the environment. The goal is to create students who are more geographically literate, and who have an appreciation for the factors that influence human behaviors on a global level, allowing for more effective global citizenship. Topics of discussion will include immigration patterns, climate change and environmental use, and geopolitical struggles. (NCAA, Applied Science Concentration)

5530 Legal Issues and the American Judicial System (11, 12)

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester This course will analyze topics such as victim’s rights, the death penalty, Fourth Amendment search and seizure laws, and prison reform. The rights of the individual, rights of the accused, and the court system will be examined. Students will have an opportunity to simulate courtroom experiences from various perspectives. (NCAA)

5540 US History 3: American Pop Cultural Studies (11, 12)

2.5 Credits 40 Minutes, 1 Semester This highly interdisciplinary survey course will examine modern American History through the lens of popular culture. Throughout United States history, pop culture has both reflected and helped to shape society’s values. Students will look primarily at film, music, television, and other forms of mass entertainment to examine how popular culture has informed ideas about history, politics, race, gender, fears, war, and much more. Skills emphasized and practiced include analytical reasoning and writing, interpreting and challenging media and written sources, and engaging in peer discussions using technology. Prerequisite: Students must have taken or are currently taking, U.S. History II. (NCAA, Communications Concentration)

5550 Civics: Active Citizenship in the 21st Century (11,12)

2.5 Credits 40 Minutes, 1 Semester American citizens enjoy the democratic privilege of having a say in the public policy decisions that impact their lives, and the guaranteed right to express their opinions and beliefs to those entrusted with the power to make such decisions. The purpose of this course is to prepare students to take advantage of this privilege and exercise these rights in this increasingly challenging era of “fake news” and unlimited ability to publish information on the Internet. Emphasis will be placed on providing students the necessary knowledge of the decisionmaking process, and on building communication skills. Students will have the opportunity to investigate public policy issues that matter most to them, find and evaluate sources of information, and develop strategies and skills to impact decision making. The goals of this course include not only preparing students to be active citizens, but also to prepare students for the research and communication expectations of college. (NCAA, Communications Concentration)

RELIGIOUS STUDIES

6100/6110 Religion 1: The Revelation of Jesus Christ in Scripture (9)

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester With a thematic approach, students become familiar with the origins of faith, the convictions of key Biblical figures and the life and teachings of Jesus. This knowledge is used to assist students in reflecting on their own religious beliefs and as a vehicle to help

them understand the past and meet their responsibilities in the future as people of faith.

6200 Our Catholic Faith (Religion 2) (10)

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester The course is designed to help students understand the basics of the Catholic faith. They will explore the Apostles’ Creed, the Sacraments, prayer and personal morality. Students will investigate the sources of the Catholic faith and its application to their lives.

6300 Morality and Social Justice (Religion 3) (11)

5 credits 80 minutes, 1 Semester Students will learn how to make ethical, moral decisions with the guidance of an informed conscience. Students will also learn how to apply the seven principles of Catholic social teaching to contemporary social issues. These principles, rooted in Scripture, will help them to formulate and apply an authentic Christian response to unjust societal structures which threaten the dignity of the human person and the environment.

6320 Honors Religion 3 (Service) (11)

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester The Honors Service Course is for students who enjoy community service. The course is open only to Juniors in the second semester, and they will focus on the Religion 3 curriculum in the Spring. Students will plan, organize and participate in service projects for the Notre Dame Community. This course will develop leadership skills useful in college and beyond. Acceptance into this course will involve an application process. Students will be expected to complete 50 hours of service per semester, up to half of which can be earned at school, during the school day. (Communications Concentration)

6400 World Religions and Christian Vocation Religion 4 (12)

5 credits 80 minutes, 1 Semester This course will challenge students to understand what it means to respond to God’s call in their own lives through the single, married or priestly state. In a broader context, students will learn how people since the beginning of time have responded to the call of God through various world religions including Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Islam and Christianity. (Communications Concentration)

6410 Honors Religion 4 (Academic) (12)

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester In addition to the basic Senior curriculum described in Religion 4, students will study philosophies related to each unit. An interest in the search for meaning and a willingness to analyze philosophical works are required. This course is recommended for students interested in an advanced academic approach to religious studies. Prerequisite: 90 average in Religion 3. (Communications Concentration, Applied Science Concentration)

6420 Honors Religion 4 (Service) (12)

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester The Honors Service course is for students who enjoy doing community service. This course is open only to Seniors in the first semester and they will focus on the Religion 4 curriculum in the Fall. Students will plan, organize and participate in service projects for the Notre Dame community. This course will develop leadership skills useful in college and beyond. Acceptance into this course will involve an application process. Students will be expected to complete 50 hours of service per semester, up to half of which can be earned at school, during the school day. (Communications Concentration)

6450 Honors Service Practicum (12)

2.5 Credits Period 9, 1 Semester This practicum is for Senior students who have taken the Honors Service class in the fall and have exhibited exceptional leadership abilities. Students will serve as mentors to Junior Honors service students in the Spring semester, assisting them with the planning and execution of ICAN days and other service projects. Additionally, students will be required to continue fall projects to their completion or possibly pass the project to a junior student for the following academic year. Students may also choose to plan and execute new original projects of their own which will involve the larger school community. These activities will be done outside of the formal classroom setting. Students will be required to meet with their service learning teacher several times outside of the classroom to plan activities and report on their progress for credit. Students will be graded