Religious Studies
Religious Studies I
Grade 9
Two Semesters
The freshmen Religion class will cover the essential beliefs of Catholic Christianity by analyzing the creed of the
Catholic faith. By looking at the creed line by line, we will discuss a range of topics including: God, creation, human
nature, sin, salvation, and the sacraments. This class will also introduce the Salesian Spirit of Don Bosco, and the four
pillars of the Salesian school: home, playground, church, and school.
In the second semester, students will discover and discuss the stories of the Old Testament. The semester will begin with
the Bible and its origins, the historical foundations and its spiritual message. After learning several Biblical stories,
students will teach these stories to local grade school children using the public speaking skills we have learned throughout
the year.
New Testament
Grade 10
One Semester
This course will examine New Testament literature from a critical, historical and theological perspective. The course will
study the life and thought of the early church as reflected by the authors of the four gospels. The early Jesus movement in
its social and historical setting will be covered. Ethical ramifications and moral implications of the New Testament and
the early Christian church in today's society will be examined.
History of Christianity
Grade 10
One Semester
This course presents an overview of the history of Christianity and the Church, especially in light of its profound
influence on the world. The message of Jesus and the actions of the Church in the past 2000 years have shaped western
civilization as we know it today. The course gives the students a deeper awareness of the present age by reflecting on the
past, and a better understanding of how to respond to contemporary problems and events by focusing on the cyclic action
of history.
Social Justice
Grade 11
One Semester
This Social Justice course presents a Catholic perspective regarding many issues related to justice in our world today. The
general goals of this course are to increase student awareness of justice issues; develop critical thinking skills on specific
issues; challenge social responsibility; create a sense of solidarity; and learn to act on behalf of justice.
Ethics
Grade 11
One Semester
Ethics is an elective course designed to expose students to theories of ethics and morality. Students will learn about key
philosophers who have shaped the study of ethics. They will explore their own ethical positions through readings, class
debate, lecture, and discussion. Topics covered in class include gender issues, cross-cultural conflict, modes of
consciousness, spiritual/religious experience, and the politics of our culture.
World Religions
Grade 12
One Semester
In this course, students are introduced to the major religions found in the world today: Judaism, Christianity, Islam,
Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Shinto. The students will be able to identify differences and similarities
between the religions. Textbooks, articles (newspaper and magazine), and videos are used in the course. Students are
taught through lecture, discussion, group work and group presentations. By understanding world religions, students will
be able to better understand the people and cultures in which they are found.
Christian Lifestyles
Grade 12
One Semester
Salesian College Preparatory Course Catalog - Page 1
This course is designed to help senior students as they transition from high school to college. The course looks at the idea
of following one’s calling (vocation). Students are encouraged to look at how young Christian adults understand the
different types of commitments or lifestyles (single, married, religious) available to them now and in the future. The
students will also learn about, research, and discuss topics that will help them in their life and relationships throughout
their lives. These issues include: communication, love, friendship, intimacy, giving of self and time, and dealing with
separation.
Comparative Religions Honors
Grade 12
Two Semesters
Comparative Religions Honors will study the fundamental beliefs, practices, spiritual, and moral insights of some of the
world’s most prominent religions and philosophies (Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Ancient
Greek philosophy, Islam, Judaism, and Christianity). HCR will also cover some of the world’s primal and indigenous
religious. This course is interdisciplinary in that it will employ skills and content learned in history, literature, geography,
and religion. Aside from complex readings and texts, students will analyze cultural phenomena, artworks and artifacts,
social and institutional patterns and traditions. This course differs from the regular World Religions course in its
workload, expectations of work quality, and comparative methodology.
Christian Leadership (Elective)
Grades 10, 11 and 12
One Semester
This course provides an opportunity for students to learn and develop leadership skills based on Gospel values. Skills in
communication, planning, and evaluation will be emphasized. Students will practice their skills by planning and putting
on events, such as Project Santa.
Course may be repeated
Morals in the Media (Elective)
Grades 11 and 12
One Semester
Morals in the Media is an elective course designed to identify the messages that the media outlet is sending through
television, movies, music, newspaper, magazines and advertisements. Students will learn to decipher and judge the
positive and negative in messages and how those messages impact an individual and society at large. Students will
consider the overall influence of the media on societal values and how these may or may not conflict with the teachings of
the Catholic Church.
Signs and Symbols (Elective)
Grade 12
One Semester
The course on sacraments is designed to bring the students to a clearer understanding of the role sacraments have played
in Church history. It focuses on the place and importance of symbols and rituals in our lives. Included is a brief history of
the Church, as well as the historical development of the sacraments. Throughout the course, emphasis is placed on the role
of the Church as a vibrant sacrament to the world and on our responsibility to live Christ's
Salesian College Preparatory Course Catalog - Page 2