As a Catholic school, St. Dominic Academy emphasizes the teachings and values of the Catholic faith within the school environment and through its religion classes and co-curricular activities. All students are required to take religion courses during every quarter/semester at SDA.
Students learn about Catholic Christianity, study Christian and Jewish scripture, and develop moral reasoning skills. All students are required to perform 75 hours of service to put their faith into action. SDA students also participate in masses throughout the school year to observe holy days, holidays, and special occasions. Students actively contribute to these masses by serving as Eucharistic Ministers, lectors, Liturgical choir members, and in various others capacities. Students interested in religious/social justice issues have opportunities to become involved in the Dominican Youth in Action Club and Peer Ministry, to name a few.
RELIGIOUS STUDIES I
| 421 RELIGION 9A |
(9) Required | Course Credits 2.5 |
| This course is an introduction to an understanding of the importance of faith and religion in the life of an adolescent. A deeper look at Catholic Christianity follows including: the wisdom and works of Jesus, sacraments, and the liturgical year. As a new member of the SDA community, the student will also explore the rich tradition of the Dominican Family. Integration of this material will aid the student in life as well as open up avenues for further study. | ||
| 411 RELIGION 9B |
(9) Required | Course Credits 2.5 |
| This course serves as an introduction to all Biblical studies in the SDA curriculum. Students receive an introduction to the study of sacred scripture. The focus is the Hebrew Scripture as the root of the Judeo-Christian Tradition. The four major sections of the Hebrew Scripture (Pentateuch, Historical Books, Wisdom Books, and Prophetic Books) are explored. Ultimately, this course provides a hands-on approach to the Bible and an introduction to Biblical research. | ||
RELIGIOUS STUDIES II
| 422 BIBLICAL STUDIES II | (10) Required | Course Credits 2.5 |
| This course provides an introduction to the New Testament. The curriculum focuses on the four Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles. The letters are touched upon as they relate to the Acts of the Apostles with an emphasis on Paul’s letters. Understanding the Christian Scriptures sets the basis for a lifetime of Gospel reflection, sharing and living. | ||
| 412 MORALITY | (10) Required | Course Credits 2.5 |
| This course examines the basic principles of Christian morality. Its goal is to aid the students in developing a process for making a good moral decision. Topics include conscience, freedom, law and sin. Concrete issues related to living the Christian lifestyles will be addressed | ||
RELIGIOUS STUDIES III
| 453 CHURCH HISTORY | (11) Required | Course Credits 2.5 |
| This course will teach a sense of history with an appreciation for the Church’s roots. Focusing on the ever expanding Church, students will be empowered to actively participate in the life of the Church and to be an integral part of its future. This course will also provide and in-depth look into topics such as the Formation of the Early Church, Christian Martyrs, the Role of Church and State, Monasticism, Heresies, the Reformation, and Vatican II. | ||
| 413 COMMUNITY SERVICE | (11) Required | Course Credits 1.25 |
| Jesus’ message of service is the focus of this semester course. Every Junior will complete 40 hours of volunteer service at an approved site in the community. By servicing people in local hospitals, day care centers, soup kitchens, nursing homes, etc., the student has the opportunity to put her Christian beliefs into action and to grow from this experience through a reflection/learning model. | ||
| 403 SOCIAL JUSTICE | (11) Required | Course Credits 2.5 |
| A central theme of Scripture and the life of Jesus is the necessity for all people to work to bring about a just world. To best do this an understanding of current social issues is needed. This course offers a deeper understanding for our students to put into practice the teachings of Christ through the Corporal works of Mercy: Feed the Hungry, Give Drink to the Thirsty, Clothe the Naked, Shelter the Homeless, Visit the Sick, Visit the Imprisoned, and Bury the Dead and the Ten Principals of Catholic Social Teaching (“The Building Blocks of Catholic Social Teaching” William Byron, America 31 October, 1998); while providing an investigation of social issues within a Christian context. The elements of a just world, as well as characteristics of our present world, provide the background for study of such topics as racism, sexism, poverty, hunger and peacemaking.
Outside speakers are invited to speak to students on social justice issues such as: environmental issues, fracking, immigration issues, workers’ rights, child labor, respect for life, human trafficking, and the death penalty. Students are challenged to become better informed and to work toward developing a just society. |
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RELIGIOUS STUDIES IV
| 424 PRAYER AND SPIRITUALITY | (12) Required | Course Credits 1.25 |
| This course presents various activities which the student can use to help her explore her relationship with the Lord. Practical aspects of prayer such as time, place and posture are considered along with journal writing and relaxation techniques. Methods of meditation help the student to apply Scripture to her individual life and class interaction provides insights into group prayer. Through all experiences, the student is provided with opportunities to enliven her spirituality so that it may be more apparent in her daily life. | ||
| 423 ETHICS | (12) Required | Course Credits 1.25 |
| Advances in science and technology have caused humankind to re-examine the meaning of life and personhood. This course will examine some key issues confronting our society with regard to the environment, medical ethics, business and labor practices, the role of the media, and what implications they have for us as Christians in the 21st century. | ||
| 433 COMPARATIVE RELIGIONS | (12) Required | Course Credits 2.5 |
| This course is a general survey of some of the world’s oldest and most influential religions, namely Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism. Students will acquire new insights and an understanding of the basic tenets and rituals of these non-Christian denominations. | ||
| 426 Marriage, Family, and Vocations | Course Credits 1.25 | |
| This course gives students a deeper look into the call to married life, single life or religious life. The course looks at these various types of life as a Catholic Christian; answering the questions of how to live out these lifestyles in our society today as an active, practicing member of the Catholic Church. Students will acquire insights to the sacredness of the marriage sacrament, commitment to vows (whether in marriage or religious life), dignity of human life, respect for the body and the true meaning of love. | ||
RELIGIOUS STUDIES I,II,III, and IV
| Community Service | (11) Required | Course Credits 1.25 |
| In keeping with our Dominican Mission and Philosophy statements of empowering women and to hold justice as a priority; we offer our students an opportunity to put into practice the teachings of Christ through the Corporal works of Mercy: Feed the Hungry, Give Drink to the Thirsty, Clothe the Naked, Shelter the Homeless, Visit the Sick, Visit the Imprisoned, and Bury the Dead and the Ten Principals of Catholic Social Teaching(“The Building Blocks of Catholic Social Teaching” William Byron, America 31 October, 1998).
Jesus’ message of service is the focus of this course. Every student will complete 75 hours of volunteer service at an approved site in the community. By servicing people in local hospitals, day care centers, soup kitchens, nursing homes, etc., the student has the opportunity to put her Christian beliefs into action and to grow from this experience through a reflection/learning model. |
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