Ten Credits

Open to Grade 9

PREREQUISITE: None

DESCRIPTION: This course introduces ARHS freshmen to the foundations of Marianist Catholic teaching and Christian faith through a study of the Hebrew Scriptures. In the first weeks this course introduces Marianist history, notable personae, and emphasis on family spirit and hospitality. Next, the course provides an overview of the entire Hebrew Scriptures, exploring themes of covenant and law in the Torah, the history of the people Israel, and extraordinary literary works like Isaiah, Job, and the Book of Psalms. The course culminates with a look at how the Hebrew Scriptures anticipate the coming of Christ and the establishment of the Church in the Spirit.

Ten Credits

Open to Grade 10

PREREQUISITES: None

DESCRIPTION: This course focuses on the Gospels and the Catholic Church—its history, structure, and mission—and presents the historical and literary development of the Christian scriptures. Included are characteristics of the land of Palestine, the life of Jesus of Nazareth, his teachings, and accounts of his death and Resurrection. The Christian scriptures are presented as the record of the faith response of the people of the first century A.D. who accepted Jesus of Nazareth as the Messiah. During the second quarter, this course presents an overview of the history of the Catholic Church from early Christian communities through the modern age. During each unit, we will focus on the development and meaning of one of the seven sacraments. Additionally, students will present on notable Catholic saints of each era. The Marianist component of the sophomore course emphasizes the charisms formation in faith, family spirit, and service, justice, and peace. We make one field trip to Saint Anthony's Foundation to participate in their Justice Education Program.

Ten Credits

Open to Grade 11

PREREQUISITES: None

DESCRIPTION: This course stimulates an awareness of the fundamental areas of economic and political systems as they relate to total world development and basic human needs and rights. Issues addressed include poverty, sexism, racism, life-choice, the aged, the environment, violence, nuclear proliferation, criminal justice, and economic justice. The question of religious involvement in political and social issues is carefully considered. The Consistent Ethic of Life serves as the centerpiece of a study of human life issues and of the fundamentals of moral living. The topics of abortion and the status of women, part of this ethic, introduce students to the family life/human sexuality component of this course. Abstinence is introduced both in “the Baby Project” and in a unit on sexual morality from the morality text. Father Chaminade's three levels of virtue are presented along with his instruction on “mental prayer.” The contributions of women of faith to the Christian tradition are emphasized. Father Chaminade's instruction about reading “the signs of the times” is connected to the beginnings of Catholic Social Teaching with the publication of Rerum Novarum.

Ten Credits

Open to Grade 12

PREREQUISITES: None

DESCRIPTION: The purpose of this course is to introduce the student to each of the major world religions: their roots and histories, their basic tenets, and specific topics that serve to expand the student's understanding of particular themes within each belief system. This class explores non-Western traditions during the first quarter, including primal and Asian religions. During the second quarter we study the Western traditions, including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Some special topics include the role of suffering in human life, the workings of globalization, and student presentations on major Islamic nations and historically significant Christian figures and events. During the final five weeks of the second quarter we will turn our attention to ways in which a graduate resolves to live a life guided by Catholic Christian principles. We will explore upcoming changes in the life of a high school graduate, how to approach career vocation and money, dealing with suffering and loss, understanding what contributes to a healthy sexuality, and finally how to develop and maintain positive, meaningful relationships. This course is designed to further the growth of our ARHS students, who will graduate with better-developed perspectives on inter-religious relations and global issues as well as stronger academic skills, particularly in writing.