Religion Department
Leo Mendoza, Chair
Religion
REL 101 Religious Studies 9 A, B
Introduction to Faith/Morality
Grade: 9 One year
Introduction to Faith
This is a survey course introducing students to faith formation, Biblical interpretation, and the Trinity. The Sacraments of the Catholic Church are explored liturgically and theologically. This class assists students in developing the ability to synthesize information from the Catechism of the Church and the Bible.
Morality
This course covers the foundations of morality from a Catholic Christian viewpoint. The life of Jesus, expectations of the Church, and Catholic life are studied in depth. Conscience, sin, virtues, and moral decision-making are examined and discussed. The second half of the semester applies the lessons to real-life scenarios, granting students an opportunity to fully examine moral questions in diverse situations.
REL 201 Religious Studies 10 A, B
Old Testament/Catholicism
Grade: 10 One year
Old Testament (Path Through Scripture)
This course provides an understanding of the spiritual and historical aspects of the Old Testament. Students will examine the Bible both as a historical document and as a revealed epic poem with a strong moral message. Studies will focus on the rise of the Jews from Creation through Abraham and Moses. The establishment of Israel, the Diaspora, and the political and spiritual environment prior to the ministry of Christ is explored and understood.
Catholicism (Path Through Catholicism)
This course examines in detail the cannon and tenets of the Catholic Church. In-depth discussion of faith formation and Christian maturity is explored through discussion of Scripture, the Trinity, and the Church. Liturgy and the sacraments are also closely examined; the history of the Church is a major component of this class. The course concludes with an examination of faith as action, the class has opportunities to demonstrate faith in action.
REL 301 Religious Studies 11 A, B
New Testament/Christian Social Justice
Grade: 11 One year
Introduction to the New Testament
This course provides historical and spiritual aspects of the New Testament. Students will examine the Gospels as a historical document, as well as analyze the teachings of Christ. The class will learn about the life of Christ, beginning with His birth, continuing with His ministry, and ending with the spread of the Church with St. Paul. Students are given the opportunity to experience the Gospels personally through project-based assignments.
Christian Social Justice
This course is an introduction to understanding problems of social justice and the Church’s position on issues of a just society. The class establishes the conceptual framework of social justice; then explores the theological and communal reasons for the church’s position. This course examines areas involving human dignity from a Catholic Christian foundation. Just and unjust wars, right to life, liberty, and problems of poverty are presented and appreciated.
REL 401 Religious Studies 12 A, B
Christian Lifestyle/World Religions
Grade: 12 One year
Christian Lifestyle
This course presents an overview of the challenges facing young adults as they venture forth in life. It deals frankly with topics as diverse as money and possessions, sexuality, marriage, and vocations. Open discussion, within the guidelines and boundaries of the State of California and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, is encouraged in this class.
World Religions
This is a survey course in comparative religion. The course explores objective moral truths of various faiths, and compares and contrasts them to Catholic Christianity. The growth of diverse faiths is examined in detail; cultural, geographic, and societal influences in religious development are analyzed. Speakers from non-Christian faiths may share their own experiences; practices such as meditation and repetitive prayer are closely studied.