| | | CDH Religion Department
The Religion Department supports and challenges students in their knowledge, understanding, and
appreciation of the Christian message through the study of Catholic thought and values. Through the
instruction and the experience of faith and the encouragement of Christian service, students are invited to
develop a maturing belief/faith system, to practice Christian decision-making, to create community based
on Christian principles, and Catholic social teaching and to experience Christian ministry. Courses
Requirements Grade 9
Values Symposium (year long)
VALUES SYMPOSIUM – Religion Grade 9 students are pre-registered for this course.
This ninth grade interdisciplinary course provides all students with a common academic and affective experience
as they begin their secondary school education. Based expressly on the CDH values of academics, service, leader-
ship, Catholicity, community, equity, and diversity, this year long course is team taught through the religion,
English and social studies departments, and is supported by technology integration. It is our goal that students
will learn more effectively by connecting traditionally separate subjects, providing a more natural educational
process in preparation for life-long learning. Important aspects of this course include the building of relationships
among the students and between students and their teachers, developing critical thinking and communication
skills and encouraging informed citizenship and active participation in the CDH community.
Grade 9
Requirements - Grade 10:
Scripture (tri 1), Jesus of History, Christ of Faith (tri 2), and Church (tri 3)
SCRIPTURE: the Word of God in Human Words Tri I – 72221T1
Students will explore the Hebrew Scripture, focusing on the meaning of biblical literature. Students will study
how scripture was composed. They will consider how those who wrote the Scripture thought, found meaning,
and communicated divine inspiration. Critical study of Scripture in the tradition of Catholic scholars will be em-
phasized as well as the intimate link between the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures. Students will be encouraged
to encounter the living God through these sacred texts and apply them to their daily life.
Grade 10
JESUS OF HISTORY, CHRIST OF FAITH Tri II – 72222T2
An exploration of the main images of Jesus that Christians have constructed throughout the centuries attempt-
ing to answer the question: “Who do you say that I am?” Emphasis on the Jesus of history, Gospel christologies,
Christian dogma, and contemporary thought. Students are invited to examine the presence of Jesus in their lives
today.
Grade 10
CHURCH: The Community of Jesus Tri III – 72223T3
Through a study of the Roman Catholic Church in its origins, development, living traditions and impact on the
world, students will be led to a deeper appreciation of their church communities.
Grade 10
Requirements - Grade 11:
Faith and Ethics (tri 1 & 2) and one Elective (tri 3)
FAITH AND ETHICS Tri I and Tri II – 72321T1
This course is an exploration of the nature of faith, virtue, prayer and Christian freedom. Students will examine
Christian morality and ethics and practice ethical decision-making as it applies to their lives.
Grade 11
Requirements - Grade 12:
Ministry and Justice (tri 1 & 2) and 1 Elective (tri 3) OR
Philosophy/Theology - Honors (tri 1 & 2) and Social Justice - Honors (tri 3) OR
Senior Seminar (year long) OR
Senior Interdisciplinary Symposium - (Spectrum - ICL) - Honors (year long)
MINISTRY AND JUSTICE Tri I and Tri II – – 73420T1
Students will reflect upon and work to further develop their individual, unique, God given talents and gifts for
the benefit of all creation. Students will examine the many ways in which they can “minister” to others globally,
locally and here at Cretin-Derham Hall. Students will explore a variety of social issues and examine how their
response, both individually and collectively, might impact change. Students will look beyond charity and focus
on achieving change through social justice. Students will be active in planning and implementing a variety of
justice, service, charitable and spiritual activities on the CDH campus. Catholic Social Teaching, its origin in the
Scriptures, historical development and practical application will be a strong component of this class.
The opportunity to attend and participate in a Ministry and Justice retreat will be available.
Approximate cost: $65.00. Financial assistance is available to students who cannot otherwise
afford to attend the retreat.
Grade 12
PHILOSOPHY/THEOLOGY - HONORS Tri I and Tri II – – 76440T1
This course introduces students to some of the most in?uential philosophical and theological ideas of Western
Civilization. We will examine questions of life’s meaning, God’s existence, the nature of art, faith, freedom and
identity, as we gain an appreciation for the depth and profound nature of the central beliefs of the Christian
Church.
Students are required to attend and participate in a Philosophy/Theology overnight retreat.
Approximate cost: $90.00. Financial assistance is available to students who cannot otherwise
afford to attend the retreat.
Grade 12
SENIOR SEMINAR Year long – 29338T1
Senior Seminar is an interdisciplinary course that meets the requirements for English and religion. This course
admits approximately forty-five students per section, is taught by three teachers and meets for two consecutive
class periods. Advanced credit is possible with additional work.
Senior Seminar will challenge students to think critically about serious issues facing them today. The material
integrates themes from religion and English, considering class, race, gender and the self. Out of school learning
opportunities include mentoring elementary students and completion of a self-designed project. Personal re?ec-
tion will be an on-going feature, especially through prayer, meditation and an overnight retreat.
Students will be encouraged to attend and participate in a Senior Seminar overnight retreat.
Approximate cost: $65.00. Financial assistance is available to students who cannot otherwise
afford to attend the retreat.
Grade 12
SENIOR INTERDISCIPLINARY SYMPOSIUM - Honors Year long– 30000T1
Senior Interdisciplinary Symposium (Institute for Catholic Leadership) is an interdisciplinary course that ful?lls the
12th grade requirements for credit in English, social studies and religion. The course admits approximately forty-
?ve students per section, is taught by three teachers (one from each discipline) and meets for two consecutive
class periods.
The three disciplines in the course are integrated in two primary ways. First the course focuses upon themes that
are common to the three subject areas. The values of Catholic Social Teaching underlie the selection of literature
and guide the approach to each topic. Second, the disciplines are integrated through an emphasis on develop-
ing skills: reading, writing, critical thinking and discussion.
ICL has a focus on service-learning and leadership. When a student registers for ICL, he/she agrees to do a year
of service at one of the program’s designated sites.
Registration for ICL requires a 3.5 cumulative GPA in English, religion and social studies, or recommendation of
teachers in these three subjects.
Students will be encouraged to attend and participate in an ICL overnight retreat. Approxi-
mate cost: $65.00. Financial assistance is available to students who cannot otherwise afford
to attend the retreat.
St. Mary’s University has approved ICL as part of its Program for Advanced College Credit (PACC). Twelfth
graders who take ICL and maintain a “C” average in this class may earn three college credits from St. Mary’s
which are transferable to approximately sixty other colleges and universities.
St. Mary’s University will give credit for Readings in Literature OR Senior Interdisciplinary Symposium, not both.
* Grade 12
Trimester Electives
CHRISTIAN CONTROVERSIES THROUGHOUT THE AGES – Honors Tri III – 74423T3
This honors-level course offers students a historical survey of a number of controversial issues that have faced the
Christian community, and explores how the historical treatment of these issues provides guidance for our own
questions today. Students who wish to take this course must have a strong interest in theology and history, and
be able to draw on information received from previous courses taken in the Religion Department.
Grade 11, 12
LIVING WITH LOSS Tri III – 75423T3
This course offers the students the opportunity to explore and discuss the many types of losses people face dur-
ing their lifetimes. Topics include: the American view of death, the end of friendship or marriage relationships,
handicaps, terminal illness, the Christian spirituality of death, and personal ways to handle grief.
Grades 11, 12
MEN’S SPIRITUALIITY Tri III – 76423T3
This elective course is open to all male students who are interested in asking the question, “What does it mean
to be a spiritually and emotionally healthy man in today’s society?” It will introduce young men to some of the
rich masculine spiritual metaphors, symbols, lessons, and stories from the Christian tradition as well as from a
variety of other cultures and religions. Through readings, prayer experiences, guest speakers and the sharing of
own stories, we will be inspired to explore important male virtues and be empowered to seek and be sought by
God in new ways.
Grades 11, 12
PRAYER AND SPIRITUALITY Tri III – 72623T3
Prayer and worship are at the heart of the Christian life-style. This course is designed to offer the student a forum
for this experience. Each day will be an opportunity to explore one’s faith by looking at various forms and styles
of prayer and worship. Small and large group discussions will enable the student to learn from others about
prayer styles different from their own. Ultimately, this course will challenge the student to discover a deeper real-
ity of God in his/her life. Liturgical and non-liturgical forms of prayer will be experienced.
Students will be required to attend and participate in a Prayer/Spirituality overnight retreat.
Approximate cost: $150.00. Financial assistance is available to students who cannot other-
wise afford to attend the retreat.
Grade 11, 12
SOCIAL JUSTICE - Honors Tri III – 76443T3
Justice in Thought and Deed: This will be a study of the interplay between philosophical and theological re?ec-
tion and social justice issues. Students will study classical and contemporary de?nitions of good, evil, justice, and
the just society. They will analyze and evaluate speci?c local and global social justice problems, and learn the
stories of individuals whose philosophies and theologies have led to profound commitments to live and die for
justice. There will also be an optional service component to this trimester in which students will experience the
connection between theory and practice by going into the community to work with people who are marginal-
ized and economically disadvantaged.
Grade 12
WOMEN’S SPIRITUALITY Tri III – 72823T3
This course is open to all women who are interested in studying spirituality from a feminine perspective. Stu-
dents will study contemporary women theologians as well as issues facing women in the 21st century. This
course will also explore different styles of prayer, mediation, rituals and stories from a variety of cultures and
religions.
Grades 11, 12
WORLD RELIGIONS Tri III – 72723T3
Students will study the major non-Christian religious systems. Included are: Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Judaism,
Confucianism, and Taoism. The study includes both the major components of each religion, and the culture out
of which each one emerged.
Honors credit is available by contracting with your instructor during the ?rst week of class.
Grades 11, 12 | |
