Religious Studies Classes
MINISTRY PROGRAM – Because Carmel Catholic calls each student to be of service to others, each student must complete twenty hours of ministry each semester, even if a senior student takes two religion classes in one semester. These ministry hours are a graduation requirement. Other than incoming freshmen, Carmel Catholic students may complete their ministry requirement in the summer prior to the start of the school year.
HEBREW SCRIPTURES #914
LEVEL: 9
CREDIT: .5 ONE SEMESTER
Prerequisites: NONE
This course examines the rich traditions of Judaism as a basis of the Christian Catholic faith by analyzing the historical figures, stories, literary forms, scripture formation, and culture of the ancient Hebrew society. This course gives the student a framework and context within which to analyze the background, environment, and culture of Jesus Christ.
NEW TESTAMENT #923
LEVEL: 9-10
CREDIT: .5 ONE SEMESTER
Prerequisites: NONE
This course focuses on the life, time frame, teachings, parables, and miracles of Jesus Christ. The student examines the tenets and teachings of Jesus as they apply to his/her life. An historical perspective is included to enable the student to appreciate the style and genre of the New Testament writers. A study of scripture text formation enables the student to analyze the context of the New Testament.
SACRAMENTS #924
LEVEL: 10
CREDIT: .5 ONE SEMESTER
Prerequisites: NONE
The student explores symbol, ritual, and prayer found within his/her own life, in the Gospels and in the Roman Catholic Tradition with an emphasis on an understanding of the sacramentality of life. The student studies the meaning along with the historical development of the seven sacraments focusing on the continued importance of partaking in the liturgical life of the Church.
CONTEMPORARY CHURCH #925
LEVEL: 11
CREDIT: .5 ONE SEMESTER
Prerequisites: NONE
This course helps students understand the development and applications of Catholicism in today’s world. Areas of emphasis include investigating how the Church continues the mission given to it by Christ, and investigating how the Church is a world shaping force in civilization. Students are also encouraged to deepen and strengthen their relationship and commitment to God in the context of the community we call Church.
CATHOLIC SOCIAL JUSTICE #935
LEVEL: 11
CREDIT: .5 ONE SEMESTER
Prerequisites: NONE
This course examines the current moral trends, problems and issues that affect our society. These issues are examined in the light of Catholic social teaching which offers humanity a direction and a social vision that mirrors the values of the reign of God that Jesus announced and embodied. It is based on the fundamental principle of Catholic Social Teaching/Justice: the Dignity of the Human Person.
THE LIVING CHURCH #936
LEVEL: 11-12
CREDIT: .5 ONE SEMESTER
Prerequisites for juniors: May be
taken in the second semester of
junior year in addition to the
required course of Catholic Social
Justice.
Prerequisites for seniors: May be
taken in the first semester of senior
year in addition to two other chosen
senior electives.
This course brings together the previous 2 ½ -3 years of classroom study and experiences of a Carmel student in the Religious Studies Department. Students practice their study of Scripture, Sacraments, Church, Social Justice/morality, ministerial experiences and spirituality through practical application.
CHRISTIAN LIFESTYLES #937
LEVEL: 12
CREDIT: .5 ONE SEMESTER
Prerequisites: NONE
This course examines the life choices a person makes including the single, religious, and married lifestyles. The student examines personal growth issues such as self-esteem, maturity, sexuality, as well as healthy living qualities such as compassion, joy, generosity, and choosing God’s gifts in light of making complex life choices every day. The student analyzes life topics such as dating, family, divorce, death, separation, commitment, responsibility, and child rearing.
COMPARATIVE WORLD RELIGIONS #939
LEVEL: 12
CREDIT: .5 ONE SEMESTER
Prerequisites: NONE
In light of the truths presented in the Catholic faith, this course enables the student to examine, analyze, and appreciate the rich traditions of the major world religions. The student compares Christian beliefs in light of the beliefs and cultures of the world’s religions.
WOMEN OF FAITH #941
LEVEL: 12
CREDIT: .5 ONE SEMESTER
Prerequisites: NONE
The first quarter surveys the role and contributions of significant women in both the Hebrew Scriptures and the Christian Testament. The second quarter examines the lives and writings of a cross-section of Catholic women throughout the history of the Church: mothers, daughters, mystics, healers, teachers, visionaries, artists and founders.
JOURNEY TO GOD #942
LEVEL: 12
CREDIT: .5 ONE SEMESTER
Prerequisites: Completion of
departmental questionnaire on
student's level of spirituality;
signature of current Journey to God
teacher based on approval by former
teachers.
This course is ideal for students who have a well-founded spiritual life, faith life, and belief in the existence of God. The students build and enhance their spiritual and prayer experiences through meditations, reflections, discussions, prayer services, in-depth research on past and present religious thinkers and saints, and journal writing, as well as the study of spiritual exercises emphasized by various Catholic saints and thinkers. Students also study the Enneagram theory of personality from a Catholic perspective.
CATHOLIC PHILOSOPHY #945
LEVEL: HONORS 12
CREDIT: .5 ONE SEMESTER
Prerequisites: Cumulative GPA of
3.00; signature of department
chairperson.
The student is presented with various philosophical insights from past and present philosophical analysts and thinkers, so that he/she can evaluate, synthesize and put together a rudimentary framework for his/her own philosophical thoughts. The student is challenged to defend his/her own philosophical insights as he/she incorporates various other philosophical thought processes.
