Religion

Here is a brief description for the Department Courses at St. Francis Catholic Secondary School…

Program Chair

Mr. Rob Oliveira

Course Descriptions

Be With Me OPEN: HRE10
This course invites students to a deeper understanding of both the joy and the demands of following in the way of Christ and living out the call to discipleship as it is described in the Scriptures. Using the Beatitudes as a touchtone, students examine the attitudes and actions that characterize Christian life. In the Family Life Education strand, students explore a variety of topics related to the themes of personhood, interpersonal relationships and sexuality. Students will be encouraged to understand and nurture within themselves the virtues, which will enable them to deepen their relationship with God in and through Christ in the context of a Spirit-filled community.

Christ and Culture OPEN: HRE20
The Contemporary Studies Religion Programme is designed around three primary objectives: 1) to lead the student into a deeper understanding of Jesus Christ by a systematic look at the historical Jesus of the Gospels” 2) to challenge the student to accept ownership of his/her participation in the Church by a reflection on both the early Church and the Church of today and; 3) to continue a reflection on self and relationship, by trying to promote a positive self-image and a healthy, person-centered understanding of sexuality.

World Religions: Beliefs and Daily Life U/C: HRE30
This course introduces students to the range and diversity of world religions, and examines how systems of belief affect individual lives and social relationships. Students will learn about Catholicism and a variety of religious beliefs, teachings, traditions and practices. Through this discovery students develop their awareness of the place of religion in the lives of their neighbours as well as a more authetic understanding and a deeper commitment to their own faith tradition. This course draws on expectations outlined in both the Social Sciences and Humanities and the Institute for Catholic Education policy document. This OPEN course is design to broaden student;s knowledge and skills in subjects that reflect their interests and to prepare them for active and rewarding participation in society.

World Religions: Beliefs, Issues and Religious Traditions U/C: HRF3M
The purpose of this course is to familiarize stidents with the language of religious discourse and to develop their awareness of the place and function of religion in human culture. This exploration can lead students to a more authetic adherence to their religious tradition and a deeper commitment to the Catholic faith. It can help to break down prejudices and misconceptions about other religious traditions and, at the same time, strengthen and affirm the student”s own search for answers to life”s meaning. This course enables students to discover what others believe and how they live, and to appreciate their own unique heritage. Students will learn about the teachings and traditions of a variety of religions, the connections between religions and the development of civilizations, the place and function of religion in human experience, and the influence of a broad range of religions on contemporary society. This course also introduces students to skills used in researching and investigating world religions

Church and Culture OPEN: HRE 40
This course assists sutdents in their development of the skills and knowledge necessary to live lives of full maturity. Within the Catholic faith tradition, it is believed that this growth towards human maturity is best served when students are able to define themselves authetically in relation to their God, to other people and to their world. In the Family Life Education strand, students explore a variety of topics related to the themes of personhood, interpersonal relationships and sexuality. Students will demonstrate a knowledge of the prophetic tradition in Scripture, become familiar with the social teaching in Scripture, become familiar with the social teachings of the Catholic church, explore contemporary notions of spirituality and prayer, and recognize the importance, power, and potential of the human person in relation to morality and personal choices concerning future life paths.

Visual Arts: Cultural and Historical Studies: AWU4M
This course engages students in spiritual life through the visual arts. Students will examine, through the creation of art and the study of existing art and visual culture, their own impressions and interpretations of the philosophical, scriptural and ethical roots of the faith. Students will use the critical analysis process to deconstruct visual images and explore connections between art and catholicity. Students will also make connections between various works of art in contemporary, historical and cultural contexts. This course will build upon prior religious study and enhance the general foundation students receive through visual arts courses at the secondary school level. For those who have not enrolled in any studio course, there will be a thorough introduction to the history and practice of the visual arts.

Church and Culture: College / University Preparation: HRE4M
This course is directed toward the clear identification of Catholic moral principles and the concrete application of these principles in the lives of students. The course proceeds fro foundational beliefs rooted in Sacred Scripture concerning justice and peace to an exploration of the principles that shape Christian life. In the Family Life Education strand, students explore a variety of topics related to the themes of personhood, interpersonal relationships and sexuality.

Canadian and World Polititics: University Preparation: CPW4U
This course examines national and international political issues from a variety of perspectives with an emphasis on the Catholic worldview: analysis and critique in this course are grounded in a Catholic worldview and Catholic Social teaching. “Peace is a value with no frontiers”, Pope John Paul II insists. The peace studies course focuses on the structures and conflicts in Canadian political system and in global relations. Students will learn about the rights and responsibilities of individuals, groups and states within the international community; analyze the different ways in which Canada tries to settle its conflicts with other nations; and evaluate the role of nationalist and internationalist ideologies in shaping relations amoung states and peoples. Students will examine, evaluate and apply knowledge of interdependant systems for the development of a just and compassionate society.