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Coyle and Cassidy High School
2 Hamilton Street | Taunton, MA 02780 | Phone: 508.823.6164 | Fax: 508.823.2530 |
" Tradition Lives Here " |
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Religion Department
PHILOSOPHY Our task is to proclaim the Gospel message with conviction so that our students may make it their own in their lives. Thus animated with Gospel values and a strong spirit of prayer, we can form here at Coyle and Cassidy a Christian community which will support and strengthen the family and the parish community and from which the students can be guided and supported in reaching out in service to others. FRESHMEN RELIGION
RELIGION I - INTRODUCTION TO RELIGIOUS THINKING The freshman course offers an introduction to Christian thinking and Christian faith response. In this initial year, foundations are laid for studies which follow in the Sophomore, Junior, and Senior years. The course begins with the assessment of the young Christian adult in addressing the formation of identity, the components of a good self-image, and coping with the many developmental changes that students of this age are experiencing emotionally, psychologically, intellectually, spiritually, and physically. Students will also be challenged to address the many false messages and values that society imposes on us. Consequences to premarital sex are discussed in depth. Evaluations of the quality of values imposed on us by the media and within our own cultural structures are assessed and discussed. Students will also conduct a survey of the Scriptures, highlighting the key truths and messages of both the Jewish Scriptures and the Christian Scriptures as they relate to the lives of the students in this present day and age. The basics of the Catholic faith are also presented including the development of the Church and its purpose, the Sacraments, morality and the seasons of the Church year. METHODOLOGY: Lecture/discussion, group discussions and activities, role playing, videos, cooperative learning, guest speakers, Scripture reading, student presentations, various prayer experiences, collages, posters, etc. Syllabi are provided so that students are aware of the material to be covered over a given period of time. TECHNOLOGY:
Students will use a variety of technology applications (e.g. Word,
Publisher, Power Point, etc.) as a means of conducting research
and presenting/exhibiting ideas as part of the learning ASSESSMENT: Reading is required when directed by the syllabi. Assigned reading is from the textbook, both the Old and New Testaments, as well as newspaper and magazine articles, and formal Church documents related to the course of studies. Written assignments are given to reinforce specific lessons. Reflection papers and project based learning activities are also assigned. A mid-year assessment is given in January. GRADING: In accordance with the school’s letter grading system.
RELIGION II CHRISTOLOGY (one semester) This course will deepen the student’s insight into the person of Jesus of Nazareth as presented in Scripture. Using the Scriptures ,the New Testament will be explored to research who Jesus is, how the gospels were developed, what the culture was like in Jesus' time, how the Kingdom of God differed from a worldly kingdom, what Jesus said in his teachings and parables and how he healed and performed miracles . This course will focus not only on the informational, or mind level, of Scripture, but also on the formational, or heart level. The course will provide the student with a working knowledge of Scripture and the teachings of the Church . METHODOLOGY: Prayer, lecture, reading, discussion, group work, and videos. Syllabi are provided so that students are aware of material to be covered and assignments to be done. HOMEWORK: Reading assignments from the text and from Scripture, review questions, study for exams. ASSESSMENT: Reading is required when directed by the syllabi. Assigned reading is from the textbook, both the Old and New Testaments, as well as newspaper and magazine articles, and formal Church documents related to the course of studies. Written assignments are given to reinforce specific lessons. Reflection papers and project based learning activities are also assigned. A mid-year assessment is given in January. MARKING: In accordance with the school’s letter grading system.
THE SACRAMENTS-MARRIAGE (one semester) This course will explore the seven sacraments as encounters with the Risen Christ with special attention given to Christian Marriage. Some of the major themes addressed are: Jesus as the primary sacrament; the Church as the sacrament of Jesus and the sacraments as a celebration of God's grace. It will concentrate on Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist as Sacraments of Initiation; Penance and the Anointing of the Sick as sacraments of Healing and Holy Orders and Matrimony as sacraments in Service of Communion. The Marriage course will foster an understanding of the committed relationship in reviewing the sacramental aspect of marriage, the role of marriage as seen by the Church and the obligations that flow from the commitment of marriage. METHODOLOGY: Lecture, discussion, guest speakers, reading, group work, etc. EVALUATION: Evaluation for the course will consist of reflection papers, tests, quizzes and possible assessments or final exams. OUTSIDE READING : Assigned whenever necessary in order to enhance a specific lesson. PROJECTS/PAPERS: Projects and papers are given as creative applications of the material, and are used as assessments, or alternatives to tests. MARKING: In accordance with the school’s letter grading system.
RELIGION III: CHRISTIAN JUSTICE/COMMUNITY SERVICE (one semester) The starting point for this course is the classroom focus on our Christian heritage and call to work on behalf of justice in the world. Through this academic study, students will develop an understanding and appreciation of justice in the context of Sacred Scripture, Catholic Social Teaching and other significant foundational principles within the scope of Christian justice. This academic dimension will be the springboard in motivating students to serve others. It attempts to maximize the openness and receptivity of the adolescent to learning through the regularity of contact with people in need. This will afford students the opportunity for developing human relationships, while at the same time experiencing the bonds of a Christian community. This semester experience requires a volunteer placement. CHRISTIAN MORALITY-BECOMING WHO YOU WERE MEANT TO BE (one semester) This course offers direction to young adults, as they struggle with defining who they are and who they are called to be. In dealing with the complexities of the moral issues of today, this course provides the opportunity for the individual to develop character through the process of Christian moral decision-making. METHODOLOGY: Lecture, discussion, group and individual goal-setting, personal reflections, prayer experiences, video presentations, peer witnessing, role-playing, projects, debate, etc., where the methodology will vary through both the Christian Justice/Community Service and Christian Morality semesters. HOMEWORK: Reading text material on a day-to-day basis with one or two written assignments per cycle. Outside reading will be assigned from time to time to further enhance a given lesson PROJECTS/PAPERS: The Christian Justice/Community Service semester will close with a final summary paper of the student’s volunteer experience. There will be short papers required throughout the semester. REVIEW FOR EXAMS: Study guides provided in the Christian Morality semester. A summary paper outline will be distributed at the conclusion of the service semester.
Campus Ministry/Peer Ministry (2008-2009):
OBJECTIVE- the Campus Ministry course is a one year program which will enable the student to develop and implement Christian leadership skills. This program is designed to train the student in all dimensions of peer ministry as well as challenge them to be actively involved in the planning and leading of retreat activities, prayer services, etc. for our school and possibly the extended community.
The Campus Ministry course will fulfill the Religion requirements in the Junior year since its composition covers a multitude of areas. It complements Junior Religion’s topic of morality in dealing with counseling skills in the areas of alcohol, pregnancy, abortion, premarital sex, abuse, suicide, divorce, death, etc. This course additionally fulfills the community service aspect as the students live up to their responsibility of participation in retreat work, prayer services, liturgical assistance, etc. It also challenges them to live the life as this course calls for them to deepen their personal relationship with Christ and respond to their vocation as a Christian in the world today.
ADMISSION- Acceptance into this program is by invitation to Juniors who successfully qualify in the admission process in their sophomore year.
CLASS LIMIT- Class size is limited to approximately 25 students.
METHODOLOGY-within the classroom : lectures discussion, group planning activities, witness preparation, guest speakers exercises, retreat preparation, prayer days, adapting communication skills, etc
outside the classroom: journaling, serving as group leaders on retreats, planning and leading prayer services assisting the chaplain in liturgy preparation, assisting various classes in any needed spiritual dimension.
EVALUATION-
Participation (25%) Students will be evaluated on formulating and Participating in all aspects of retreat work, prayer services, etc. Grading will also emphasize their participation in class discussions, exercises, group interaction and creative input.
Homework (25%) On a weekly basis their journaling in various areas of spirituality will be assessed. On a daily basis each students assigned a day to open the class with prayer.
Test (50%) On a monthly basis they are graded on their ability to apply unique ministries to affect current events of the month. These papers called Monthly Ministry Outreach (MMO), challenge them to examine a current event in the news (in the USA) and address how Jesus would approach this situation, and what two ministries they could create within their means to assist with this problem and/or prevent it from happening again.
Two Alternative Assessments (10% each)
Assessment # 1: Students are required to work in pairs to prepare a “morality presentation” on a moral topic of which they may need to do some counseling in future years. They are to employ various methodologies explaining their moral issue, the long and short term consequences of it, resources to assist someone in dealing with it, and the Catholic Church’s stand on this issue and WHY the Church takes that position. Each presentation should fill 60 minutes, have student interaction, offer resourceful information and be well versed in Church foundations.
Assessment #2: Students will be creating portfolios to apply the varied lessons, activities, exercises, etc. that we have experienced in class. There will be a volume of topics to choose from and many diverse methodologies to select.
REQUIRED TEXTS FOR THIS COURSE:
Bible A Chance to Serve by Reynolds Friend for the Journey by Moore
RESOURCES-
Resources for Youth Retreats Vol. 1&2, Mary Ann Hakowski
Creative Resources For Your Ministry , ( communication & discussion activities/creative crowd breakers, mixer and games), Wayne Rice & Mike Yaconelli
Time Out, (resources for teen retreats), Kieran Sawyer
Plug into Life, (strategies and resources for Catholic youth ministry),Fr. Dale Fushek, Phil Baniewicz, Tom Booth
Resources for Outdoor Retreats, Bob Grgic
Video segments Slides Rembrandt’s Return of the Prodigal Son
SENIOR RELIGION Students have the option of choosing any one of the following courses to meet the Senior religion requirement. RELIGION IV:
Topics of Religion Prerequisites: Required essay due at the time of registration. In a short one to two page essay, complete the following:
Successful completion of Religion I, II, III.
Methodology: Students will examine selected topics in light of Church teaching and cultural influence. Lecture, class discussion, individual and group presentations will be used in this course. Special emphasis will be placed on prayerful discernment and the use of the sacraments.
Homework: Assignments will include internet research and reading that will both prepare and deepen student involvement in the class study of various issues facing young adults. Students will also bee expected to do regular reflections and journal entries.
Projects: There will be many opportunities for special class presentations on a multitude of topics. Students will be expected to complete at least one major assignment for every unit covered. All projects will challenge the participants’ critical thinking skills. During the final quarter students will complete a research project on their college of choice that will familiarize them with faith activities on their campus.
Tests: Written tests will be given at the conclusion of every unit.
Final Assessment: Students in his course will complete an electronic portfolio.
Marking: School’s grading system
COMMUNITY SERVICE - From serving the noon meal at the local soup kitchen to spending some valuable time with a young child in the Headstart Program, the Community Service Program offers a variety of service opportunities for all participants. Along with the actual service experience, students will participate in a variety of special classroom presentations/learning opportunities throughout the academic year. From a sensitive, yet critical study of such issues as poverty, homelessness, racism, etc., students will be motivated to a deeper commitment of compassionate service in response to the many needs of our sisters and brother throughout the world. In addition to the above, the classroom will provide an appropriate forum for further/deeper integration of the overall service experience. The example/teaching of Jesus Christ, Sacred Scripture, and the Catholic Church’s Social Teaching will serve as an ongoing reference throughout the year. Here at school, the Community Service students will be encouraged to take an active role in the Coyle and Cassidy Food Pantry, Oxfam-America’s Fast For A World Harvest, the Christmas Gift Shop, etc. in an attempt to further integrate the individual service experience with the school community’s response on behalf of the needs of others. What an opportunity to live out the Christian mandate to love our neighbor in varied and concrete ways! What an exciting and purposeful way to spend a senior year! ENTER TO LEARN - LEAVE TO SERVE PREREQUISITES: Required essay due at the time of registration. In a short one to two page essay, please respond to the following: What is community service? Why do you want to participate in the Community Service Program? What do you hope to contribute to the program? What do you hope to receive as result of your participation? Successful completion of the Junior community service graduation requirement. METHODOLOGY: Along with the actual service placement, students will participate in a variety of learning experiences within the classroom component of the program. HOMEWORK: Weekly reading and writing assignments will both prepare and deepen student involvement in our class study of various social issues. Special team and group projects will be assigned on occasion. PROJECTS/PAPERS: There will be opportunity for special class presentations on the service experience, special topics via a cooperative learning approach. Some critical and reflection papers based on class media presentations and class discussions will also be assigned. There will be one major assessment project that will constitute 20% of the year’s grade. All projects will challenge the participants’ critical and creative thinking skills. The final grade is determined through an assessment of both the agency supervisor’s evaluation and the academic responsibilities within the classroom component of the program. MARKING:
In accordance with the school’s letter grading system.
BIOETHICS
(Level 3) Prerequisite- Required essay (250-300 words) due at the time of registration. The essay should be word processed: What is your understanding of Bioethics? Choose a bioethical topic that you would like to learn more about i.e., abortion, embryonic vs. adult stem cell research, physician assisted suicide or other. What is your current understanding of this topic? Methodology: Due to the seminar nature of the course a great deal of class discussion is conducted. This is supplemented with lecture and the use of interactive technology. Students are required to analyze complex bioethical issues in light of Catholic Church Teaching, formulate conclusions and discuss them both in writing and as part of class discussion. Outside Reading: Students are expected to do extensive outside reading. Quality participation necessitates that the student not only complete the assigned readings, but also exhibit a firm understanding of the teachings of the Catholic Church regarding the issues at hand. Many class discussions are stimulated by current events in the news. Therefore, students are required to keep abreast of current events related to bioethics and be prepared to discuss them in class. Student Evaluation: The student’s grade each quarter will be based on quality participation, performance on tests, quizzes and writing assignments. Students will complete a major cumulative assessment and a final exam. |
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FRESHMEN
