RELIGION

RELIGION

COURSE Intro to Catholicism LENGTH CREDIT GPA WEIGHT 1 Semester 0.5 0.00

Hebrew Scriptures

1 Semester 0.5 Christology 1 Semester 0.5 World Religions 1 Semester 0.5 The Church 1 Semester 0.5 Christian Morality 1 Semester 0.5 Modern Catholic Life 2 Semesters 1 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

INTRO TO CATHOLICISM

Grades: 9

This course has three main themes. First, the class is an apologetics. Using the evidence of Scripture, history, the teaching of the church, and the experiences of many people, the course tries to illuminate the validity of the Catholic faith. Second, the course is an expository. It communicates the Catholic faith based on the four pillars of the catechism of the Catholic Church (creed, liturgy, morality, and prayer). Using the structure of the Apostles’ Creed and Nicene Creed, students discuss the doctrines of the Catholic faith in a way that enables them not only to understand the words of faith, but also to enter into the mystery of the lived reality. Third, the course is welcoming. It invites and motivates young people to become involved in the Christian community and in the lived practice of faith.

HEBREW SCRIPTURES

Grades: 9

This course is an overview of the Hebrew Scriptures, its historical development, the various writing styles and methods, and the latest scriptural scholarship insights. Students examine what is meant by revelation and inspiration, as well as how to read and interpret the Hebrew Scriptures.

CHRISTOLOGY

Grades: 10

This course is the study of the person Jesus Christ and His life’s work. This course challenges students to deeply reflect on the human nature of Jesus. Major world religions acknowledge Jesus as a prophet, a teacher, and a godly man. The Bible tells us that Jesus was infinitely more than just a prophet and teacher. Students examine what it means to say that Jesus is the Son of God. How can Jesus be both fully human and fully divine? Christology researches the details of Jesus’s life history through the New Testament in order to arrive at a clearer understanding of who He is and His role in salvation.

WORLD RELIGIONS

Grades: 10

Deepening their own personal faith commitment, students examine the major world religions and learn about the diverse reality of the world in which we live. Examination of the teachings, beliefs, and devotionals brings students to a clearer understanding of our global world. Students also research views of the absolute, ceremonial rituals, sacred experiences, and prevalent stories. The course includes units in Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Shintoism, and various indigenous traditions. Students write a research paper to strengthen their skills for college.

THE CHURCH

Grades: 11

Students look at the beginnings of the early church and the shifts that led to a unified belief system. Tenth graders look at how the New Testament evolved into what is now called the Canon of Scripture. The course broadens student understanding of the various historical movements and individuals who impacted the direction of the Roman Catholic Church.

CHRISTIAN MORALITY

Grades: 11

This course is designed for students to explore the Catholic understanding that the human person is created and loved by God and exemplified in the humanity of Jesus Christ, which grounds the Catholic vision of morality. Students reflect upon the key questions of “who ought I to be?” and “what ought I to do?” to clarify the role of morality in the human search for true happiness and holiness. This course is a systematic approach to moral problem-solving and conscience formation to help them develop their ability to critically examine moral issues from a Catholic perspective. Students explore a variety of moral issues confronting them and discern how they can follow God’s will, respond more fully to God’s love, and live as disciples of Jesus Christ.

MODERN CATHOLIC LIFE

Grades: 12

This senior course is a well-referenced survey course of various topics related to Catholic Social Teaching (also known as Social Justice) from its Gospel roots through the Church’s collection of doctrine since Rerum Novarum in the 19th century. It is an examination of challenging social issues faced by people today, examined through the lens of human dignity. Students are expected to respond to the injustices in today’s world effectively and with compassion. Discussions and activities are focused on our participation in God’s kingdom and what we are called to be (vocations). Students study discernment, married, single, ordained ministers and consecrated religious life. Examples of changing modern church topics that may be discussed are: trends in U.S. Christianity and popular culture; science, the Bible and God's existence; modern revelations; and past and present theologians and philosophers.