Academics
Religious Studies Course Descriptions
Introduction to Catholicism
Grade: 9
Credit: 1.00
Full Year
This course is a basic survey of the history of the Catholic Church and its salvific mission in time. Students are introduced to the elements of Catholic faith and the foundational principles consistent with the Second Vatican Council arising from both reason and revelation. The main goal of this course is to provide the student with a basic understanding of the divine efficacy of the Sacraments and completeness of truth as possessed by the Church which can ultimately lead the individual to salvation.
Old and New Testaments
Grade: 10
Credit: 1.00
Full Year
In the sophomore year, the students are introduced to a survey study of Sacred Scripture. The meaning and message of the Old and New Testaments are examined using the best scholarship that is available. The students begin to see and appreciate how God intervenes on behalf of His People, most dramatically, of course, in the person of Jesus. The students realize that in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, the ancient prophecies are fulfilled in the New Covenant.
Ethics & Morality
Grade: 11
Credit: 1.00
Full Year
This course will examine the fundamental principles of ethics as informed by the natural law and taught by the Catholic Church. Such concepts as human dignity, the conscience, sin, right reason and moral absolutes will be discussed, analyzed and mastered. These principles and concepts will then be applied as the course turns to the subject of morality as it applies to both the individual and society as a whole. Specific issues such as the life issues, the role of the family, sexuality, work and poverty and war and peace will be examined, analyzed and mastered.
Honors Ethics & Morality
Grade: 11
Credit: 1.00
Full Year (Receives Honor Value Points)
This course covers the same basic information as presented in the Ethics and Morality course, but in more depth and with greater intensity. Particular emphasis is placed on written analysis and examination of primary church documents such as Rerum Novarum, Centessimus Annus, Veritatis Splendor, relevant documents from the Second Vatican Council and the like.
Prerequisites: A cumulative GPA of at least 3.6 and/ departmental approval
Christian Lifestyles
Grade: 12
Credit: 0.50
One Semester
This course is designed to establish the continuing relevance of Christianity in the modern world as it is lived in everyday life. Within the context of the wisdom of Christ, His Catholic Church, and the sacred scriptures, the student comes to understand how he is to live. Special emphasis is given to the vocations of Christian single life, marriage, and religious life. This course is a requirement for all seniors not enrolled in Honors Faith and Reason.
Catholic Apologetics
Grade: 12
Credit: 0.50
One Semester
This course will further the student's exposure to Catholic reasoning and the Catholic worldview. A traditional apologetics course, the student will come to know Catholicism's sources of truth and how these sources shaped and continue to shape the beliefs and activities of the Church. Catholicism's core tenets and a variety of its practices will be analyzed.
Major American Religions
Grade: 12
Credit: 0.50
One Semester
This course addresses the nature and cultural context of religious belief in America. It covers the doctrine, traditions, and practices of the Roman Catholic, eastern Orthodox, Lutheran, Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian and Episcopalian religions. It is hoped that the student will come to a greater awareness of and respect for others' beliefs as well as a renewed appreciation of his own.
World Religions
Grade: 12
Credit: 0.50
One Semester
This course will examine the major religions of the world: Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Islam, and Christianity. Topics in the study of each religion include views of God, main beliefs, practices, and rituals. Central to this course is an examination of the concept of religion and its effects on human life.
Honors World Religions
Grade: 12
Credit: 0.50
One Semester (Receives Honor Value Points)
This course is a survey of the major religions of the world through primary sources, focusing on the scriptures of these religions. Students will correlate key meanings from these scriptures to contemporary practices and beliefs.
Prerequisites: A cumulative GPA of at least 3.6 and/or departmental approval
Honors Teachings of Vatican II
Grade: 12
Credit: 0.50
One Semester (Receives Honor Value Points)
This course is designed to develop a clear understanding of the authentic teachings and pastoral messages issued from the Second Vatican Council by focusing directly upon the major Constitutions, decrees and Declarations themselves. This process of examination provides a first-hand look at how the Church unpacks the deposit of faith given us by Christ and continually reaffirms Catholic doctrine while finding effective ways of spreading it in every age. Of special focus are the reform of the liturgy, the many statements regrading the formation and ministry of the priesthood, what the council teaches about the laity and the renewed focus on Ecumenism and the missionary activity of the Church.
Prerequisites: A cumulative GPA of at least 3.6 and/or departmental approval
Introduction to Philosophy
Grade: 12
Credit: 0.50
One Semester
This course serves as an introduction to the discipline of philosophy and its various forms. Various schools of philosophy will be studied, augmented with readings reflective of the particular philosophy.