Theology

The first semester of this required course is designed to give students a general knowledge of, and appreciation for, Sacred Scripture; its authorship and its value as a record of salvation history. Students will become familiar with the major sections of the Bible and the books included in each section. In studying the Gospels, students will encounter the living word of God, Jesus Christ. During the second semester, students will further examine the mystery of Jesus Christ as the ultimate revelation of God, the second Person of the Blessed Trinity. In preparation for the ISLE (Integrated Service Learning Experience), freshmen will complete 10 hours of service.

Focusing on the central mystery of Jesus’ life—his passion, death, and resurrection—students will understand that to be a follower of Jesus is to embrace Jesus Christ our Savior as the model and guide for living a moral life. Students will learn a Catholic Christian ethical decision making process and apply that process to moral and ethical issues faced by young adults in today’s society. Students will be introduced to ISLE (Integrated Service Learning Experience). In preparation for the ISLE, 10th grade students will complete 10 hours of service. In order to receive credit for this course, students will submit their ISLE commitment contract by the end of Sophomore year and will complete their 30 hours of service learning by the end of the second semester Junior year.

Prerequisites: A grade in English 1 and permission from current Theology instructor.

This Sophomore level honors course meets the needs of students who wish to explore the Catholic religion in a highly analytical way by encountering the riches of the Catholic intellectual and spiritual traditions firsthand through primary source material. Students will read, analyze, and critique primary sources; discuss and debate the concepts therein. Students will complete 10 hours of service in preparation of their ISLE project. In order to receive credit for this course, students will submit their ISLE commitment contract by the end of semester 2.

First semester provides a means for understanding the interrelationship of the various components of the Catholic Church. While acknowledging the importance of the historical perspective, this course emphasizes the living Church. The course is constructed around those themes that represent Church practice and belief such as the Church as the People of God, the Church as Servant, and the Church as Sacrament. Second semester focuses on how Jesus remains present to the Church and the world today. It expresses concrete ways for understanding the sacraments, participating in their rites, and benefiting from their grace. In order to receive credit for this course, students will submit their ISLE commitment contract by the end of Sophomore year and will complete their 30 hours of service learning by the end of the second semester Junior year.

Prerequisites: Student will be considered for entrance into Honors Social Justice and Public Policy based on cumulative GPA, PSAT scores, teacher recommendations, and must meet the minimum standards on summer assignment/test. (National Curriculum Framework elective: Living as a Disciple of Jesus Christ in Society.)

Honors Public Policy and Social Justice is a year-long college credit course. The goal is to introduce social action into public policy. There is a wide variety of service projects offered throughout the year. The basis of this course is to integrate Catholic Social Teaching principles into the reality of students’ lives. This course counts as 1 credit, but satisfies the requirement for one year of Theology and one year of Social Studies. The Seattle University course number is CISS 120 (Poverty in America).

(National Curriculum Framework elective: Responding to the Call of Jesus Christ.) When asked what is most important in life, Jesus responded, “to love God, to love others, and to love oneself.” Christian Lifestyles examines skills and virtues which encourage growth in one’s relationships—with one’s self, family, friends, the broader community, and God. The course focuses on practical intelligence in these areas: the self, relationships, communication skills, sexuality, careers, budgeting and finance, marriage, and parenting.

(National Curriculum Framework elective: Living as a Disciple of Jesus Christ in Society.) Catholic Social Teaching examines the seven principles of Catholic Social Teaching and specific social issues related to these teachings such as poverty, hunger, war, capital punishment, human life, and the environment.

Prerequisite: Teacher approval. (National Curriculum Framework elective: Living as a Disciple of Jesus Christ in Society.)

Community Service acquaints students with the social needs of the Seattle community and extends Christian education beyond the classroom. Students have the opportunity to volunteer at local day care centers and elementary schools. Each student is responsible for all fees related to background checks, T.B. tests, and fingerprinting that may be required by the agency selected. These fees should be less than $75.

(National Curriculum Framework elective: Ecumenical and Interreligious Issues.) This course is an introduction to the five major religious traditions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. These religions will be examined through their historical development, their major doctrinal and philosophical beliefs, and their practices. This comparative study will emphasize what unites these religions in their search for truth while recognizing their differences.

(SUMMER OPTION OPEN TO CURRENT FRESHMEN AND SOPHOMORES)

This six-week Junior Theology curriculum will be offered during summer for current Freshmen and Sophomore students interested in freeing up a period during their Junior year. There will be two semester courses covered: Ecclesiology and Sacraments. The Ecclesiology course presents the Church as the continuation of Christ's presence and His work of redemption in the world. The Sacraments course focuses on Jesus, who instituted the sacraments as a gift to help us fulfill the mission entrusted to us to make this world a better place. (There is an additional fee for this summer course.) In order to receive credit for this course, students will submit their ISLE commitment contract by the end of Sophomore year and will complete their 30 hours of service learning by the end of the second semester Junior year.

This course is for incoming Sophomore and Junior students who seek to complete their ISLE project with guidance and receive a 0.5 Theology credit for their Senior year. This three week course fulfills the ISLE requirement as required by Kennedy Catholic High School. Each student will fulfill the following: 30 hour service commitment to one organization, write the ISLE paper, and design the ISLE PowerPoint.