Eight trimesters of Theology are required for graduation.
The Theology Department seeks to prepare young women to be 21st century leaders by providing a curriculum that is academically rigorous and fosters an appreciation of and respect for, the diverse religious traditions of the world. Religious traditions impact not only the personal and private beliefs of individuals but inform contemporary social, political, cultural, and economic issues in substantial ways. The Theology Department is committed to educating the whole person with an expansive global perspective and an understanding of the personal and communal implications of faith and the beliefs and practices of religious communities. We provide an intellectually critical and integrated approach to the study of religious faith and traditions that is grounded in the Goals and Criteria of Sacred Heart Education. With this approach, students have the opportunity to explore all aspects of religion through critical theological analysis. Through this analysis, students can learn how faith can be integrated into daily life and how various religious questions and answers impact our contemporary situation.
Trimester Courses
FOUNDATIONS OF MORALITY
Required for students in grade 9.
Adolescence is a time of questioning, searching, and testing boundaries. Morality class offers students a safe environment in which to explore fundamental questions of right and wrong. Through case studies and group discussion, students use elements of Catholic teaching to evaluate real issues facing teenagers today. Through the question "What kind of person do I want to be?" students work to determine what their own autonomous stance to the world will be as a woman of faith.
CHARACTERS AND THEMES OF THE BIBLE
Required for students in grade 9.
This course will provide students with a basic knowledge and appreciation of the Bible through the exploration of a select group of major characters and specific themes. Students learn the skills and techniques that are necessary for contemporary biblical interpretation and understanding. They will discover the Bible as a place of encounter with God and the source of values and actions in contemporary society. Particular attention will be given to the connection of the witness of the prophets and contemporary social justice issues. A key component of this course will be exploring the voice and concerns of women of the Bible and in contemporary scholarship.
CHRISTOLOGY
Required for all students in grade 10.
This course will focus on the mystery of God’s love as it is made visible and accessible in Jesus Christ. Students will study the person of Jesus of Nazareth as he is introduced in the Scriptures and understood in the unfolding tradition of the Church over time. Students will explore concepts such as Incarnation, Salvation, Paschal Mystery and what it means that Jesus is the ultimate Revelation to us of God’s love and God’s plan. Special emphasis will be given to contemporary understandings of Jesus especially as they connect to the concerns and insights of women. Additionally, the course will explore the connection of Jesus to other religious figures and how God’s love is manifest in other religions.
THE CHURCH: CONTINUING THE MISSION OF JESUS
Required for all students in grade 10.
This course will focus on the Church as a community of liberation that continues the mission of Jesus Christ. Students will explore the theological and foundational dimensions of the Church with a specific focus on the role and concerns of women in the contemporary Church. Additionally, we will explore how other religious communities continue their mission today.
INTRODUCTION TO WORLD RELIGIONS
Required for all students in grade 11.
Look at the front page of the newspapers and magazines on the newsstand and it is clear that our world is shaped and influenced by the various religions practiced throughout the world. As responsible members of the global community, we must inform ourselves of a meaningful understanding of major religious traditions. This course uses a seminar approach to take a thoughtful, respectful approach to learning about the major living religions of the world. Particular attention will be focused on the role and concerns of women in the leadership of contemporary religious communities and thinking.
SACRAMENTS: ENCOUNTERING THE SACRED THROUGH SYMBOL AND RITUAL
Required for all students in grade 11.
In this course, students will discover how the sacred is encountered in ritual actions and sacred symbols. Using a seminar format, students will explore sacramental theology and closely examine ritual to reflect on the efficacy and transformative power of sacrament as well as the place of ritual and symbol in human life. Special emphasis will be placed on the concerns and insights of contemporary women scholars into the structure, practice, power and promise of ritual and sacraments. Additionally, students will explore the rituals of other religious traditions.
ETHICAL ISSUES IN MODERN AGE
Offered first and second trimester
Required for all students in grade 12.
This course addresses selected ethical theories and issues in the areas of science, government, and business and the moral implications for individuals and society. Contemporary topics will be explored to help students examine the moral dimensions of various issues. Throughout the course, the major ethical philosophies will be studied with a particular emphasis on the leadership and insights of women scholars in addressing contemporary ethical issues.
SOCIAL JUSTICE
Offered third trimester
Required for all students in grade 12.
This course studies national and global justice issues, focusing on the causes and consequences of many societal problems such as poverty, hunger, homelessness, and discrimination. The emphasis will be on in-depth exploration of these issues through research, reflection and discussion. To implement the Sacred Heart goal of “educating to a social awareness which impels to action,” each senior will participate in a week-long community service internship with a non-profit agency at the end of the trimester.
