_{Memorial High School Theology}

Theology 1- Level II
Two Semesters, Grade 9
Prerequisites: None 

The freshman theology course will begin with a kind of “workshop” in high school religious education.  At the beginning of the course, the students will be introduced to major themes and issues which affect their daily lives, such as personal development, growth in self-esteem, adjusting to the demands and problems of high school, basic Christian morality and decision-making techniques, and coping with peer pressure.  At the beginning of the semester, they will also become familiar with the basics of Catholic worship.  The remainder of the course will include an introduction to the major themes and people of the Old Testament, but will primarily emphasize New Testament theology, centered around the person and teachings of Jesus Christ.  In addition, the course will focus on the meaning and structure of the Liturgical year, utilizing the Sunday readings, and will conclude with an introduction to early Church History, using as its primary resource the Acts of the Apostles.

Theology 2- Level II
One Semester, Grade 10
Prerequisites: Theology 1 

The sophomore theology course examines the concepts of faith, the nature of the Church, and the Sacraments, and Vocational Decisions.  In this course, students explore the idea of what it means to believe in God within the context of the Church.  They look into the philosophical arguments concerning God’s existence and nature, and learn to balance personal prayer and community worship.  They also reflect on the Church as the community in which faith is most forcefully experienced and expressed.  In learning the essentials of its sacramental system and the service it provides, they consider especially the Sacraments of Initiation, and the Sacraments of Matrimony and Holy Orders.  Attention is also given to the single lifestyle, and the vowed religious life of Brothers and Sisters.  The course concludes with an examination of ecumenism and Catholic identity.

Theology 3- Level II
One Semester, Grade 11
Prerequisites: Theology 2

Junior theology concentrates on Christian morality and ethics, forming a Christian conscience, issues of social justice and peace, reverence for human life, and compassion for those who suffer.  Students explore various methods for making healthy moral decisions while being challenged to base their moral judgments on the perfect model of moral living, Jesus Christ.  They also investigate the Christian’s obligation to care for those who are in need, to protect those who are weak, and to work for the elimination of violence.  The course concludes with discussions on how to handle conflicts with creativity and to work toward peaceful relationships.

Theology 4- Level II
One Semester, Grade 12
Prerequisites: Theology 3

Senior theology focuses on preparing young adults to assume their role in society and in the Church.  The content of the course provides these more mature students with a functional perspective for integrating religion with daily life.  Beginning with some basic, philosophical questions about human nature, they consider the relationship between human development and growth in faith, and living out one’s faith as an adult.  The course also examines obstacles to faith, especially those encountered beyond high school.  This senior course concludes with an overview of Church history.  In addition to the core content of the course as described above, the seniors also examine various issues which have been developed from students’ religious and philosophical questions and concerns.  Finally, as an integral part of their senior theology course, the students are required to develop and write their personal philosophy of life from guideline questions which are provided for them.

The Bible In-Depth- Level II
One Semester, Grades 11-12
Prerequisites: Theology 1 and 2

The Bible in Depth exposes students to Biblical scholarship at an introductory level.  It allows students access to important interpretive resources and tools, and it’s Catholic, contextual approach to the Bible helps to avoid the distortions and interpretive problems of fundamentalism.   In essence, this course utilizes literary, cultural, and historical factors to ensure a more accurate and more meaningful interpretation of this important source of religious truth. The course also includes some essential terminology of Biblical/Literary Myth, and the reconciliation of Genesis and science, among other topics.  The Bible in Depth is entirely self-contained, and all work for the course is done in class.   PLEASE NOTE:  This course is an elective and will not replace any of the required Theology courses listed previously.

Business   English     Fine Arts    Foreign Language    Health/Driver Ed/P.E

Math    Science    Social Studies   Theology     Non-Departmental

Back to Course Descriptions