Hebrew Scripture
Course ID: 912
Freshmen explore the books of the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing the major persons, events, and themes of Hebrew history as they relate to contemporary Roman Catholic Christians, and other major religious beliefs. Most importantly, the Hebrew Scriptures will be read and studied as a statement of faith that reveals our understanding of the dynamic relationship between God and his Creation.
Prerequisite: None
Level: 9
Credit: 5
Prayer & Sacraments
Course ID: 911
Prayer and Sacraments is primarily a practicum. It strives to give students first an experience of what authentic Christian community feels like, what it impels us toward, and what we derive from it. Within this intimate spiritual classroom community, students experience prayer, and in particular, liturgy. Students also study fundamentals of prayer and liturgy, sacramentality, formal sacraments, and the Franciscan heritage.
Prerequisite: None
Level: 9
Credit: 5
Christian Identity
Course ID: 922
The Sophomore Christian Identity class centers around a Catholic theology of relationships, which has as its foundation the individual's relationship with God. In order to better understand ourselves as both symbol and sacrament, students will be introduced to a model of human nature that includes physical, intellectual, social, personal, artistic, and spiritual dimensions, with an emphasis on the necessity for harmony among all these elements when choosing a course of action. As choices are made in the context of relationships, students will examine an ever-widening circle of interactions that begins with oneself and moves out to include parents, siblings, friends, and dating partners. Students will be exploring relationships with those closest to them through a prism of Christian values: love, compassion, forgiveness, mercy, and justice.
Prerequisite: Hebrew Scripture; Prayer & Sacraments
Level: 10
Credit: 5
The Gospels
Course ID: 923
In this course, students study the New Testament Gospels as a way to understand the Jesus of History and the Christ of Faith. The course provides students with tools of interpretation and methods of discerning inspiration. The curriculum progresses through an appreciation of symbolism and the vitality of the "word". Students have an opportunity to study the evolution from oral traditions to the early written scriptures in the early church community.
Prerequisite: Hebrew Scripture; Prayer & Sacraments
Level: 10
Credit: 5
Church History
Course ID: 933
This course will explore the major events, people and theological developments which have shaped the church since its earliest years. Students will strive for a deeper understanding of how God works in human history and in our own lives. Students also explore six different models of church and analyze which models have been most influential at different points in history.
Prerequisite: Christian Identity; The Gospels
Level: 11
Credit: 5
Religious Philosophy (P)
Course ID: 932
The Religious Philosophy class helps students develop an appreciation of anthropology, cosmology, philosophy, psychology, and contemporary theology. Students are directed toward personal reflection and its incorporation into an active faith-life and social awareness. Historical and contemporary ideas are offered to promote critical evaluation of human responses and a deeper appreciation of the mystery of life. The course directs the student's attention through the evolution of consciousness that culminates in the purpose of a loving God, revealed in Christ. UC/CSU approved
Prerequisite: Christian Identity; The Gospels
Level: 11
Credit: 5
Ethics
Course ID: 943
The Ethics course provides a foundation in Roman Catholic moral theology and moral decision-making. During the first quarter of the semester, students study values: Jesus' concept of love; The Sermon on the Mount; Sin; Law and Conscience. The second quarter is devoted to the study and discussion of moral issues, including drug and alcohol use, non-marital sex, euthanasia, homosexuality, capital punishment and abortion.
Prerequisite: Church History; Religious Philosophy (P)
Level: 12
Credit: 5
World Religions (P)
Course ID: 942
This course helps students develop an appreciation for the history of religious awareness in Western and Eastern religions. The major world religions are addressed with questions such as: 1) Who is God?; 2) What does it mean to be fully human?; and 3) What is the basis of an individual's relationship with God and each other? Worship, revelation, and community are evaluated in terms of religious formation seen throughout history. Contemporary American culture is compared to the diverse nature of other ways of life. In addition, the "absence of God" will be studied through the twentieth century Existentialist movement. Eastern religions and Western religions will be compared and contrasted throughout the semester class. UC/CSU approved
Prerequisite: Church History; Religious Philosophy (P)
Level: 12
Credit: 5
