RELIGIOUS STUDIES Course Catalog
7 semesters/ 35 credits required
Unless otherwise noted, all academic courses in this department meet both CSU and UC entrance requirements.
Students explore theology as “faith seeking understanding” through academically rigorous curriculum along with personal and spiritual formation.Students respond to the Gospel message of Jesus Christ with critical thinking, reflection and prayer, and service in love so as to develop right relationships with self, others, God and all of creation. Since all life is sacramental, classes foster community through inclusive and open dialogue among people of all faiths, cultures and experiences. The commitment to act on behalf of justice and to serve others is rooted in the Gospel. It is important that students have the opportunity to examine justice issues and place them within the context of their theological and scriptural studies in addition to their own experience serving the community.
Required Courses
Elective Courses (11th/12th Grade)
#REL1000 SELF, SPIRITUALITY AND SCRIPTURE
10 credits - Grade 9
Prerequisite: None
Does not meet CSU/UC requirement
This year-long course engages students in an exploration of themselves as they grow in mind and spirit. Students study the charism of St. Julie Billiart and the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur as a foundation to understanding the spirituality of the Notre Dame community. Keeping in mind the diversity of religious faiths present at Notre Dame, the course invites students to explore the nature of faith and diverse images of God. As part of the course, students complete a cornerstone project of freshman year: the Women’s Place Project (WPP). The WPP is a study of women who have significantly contributed to humanity and serves as a model for the student's own spiritual and personal journey. The course also includes an overview of Hebrew scriptures that note the formation of scripture and its interpretation in the context of Catholic understanding. Throughout the year students are exposed to a variety of types of prayer as an invitation to grow personally and in community.
#REL2000 GOSPEL STORIES, GOSPEL CHOICES
10 credits - Grade 10
Prerequisite: None
Does not meet CSU/UC requirement
In a world that can often seem broken, the gospel message of hope and love shines through as one that all of us can embrace and live to create a world based on justice, unconditional love and eternal peace. In this yearlong course, students explore the Christian message in its original context through the reading of the gospels, starting with the Gospel of Mark. The gospel values examined are applied to modern social issues in order to see that Jesus’ central message of the reign of God is a visible and tangible reality. Interpretations draw from the Catholic faith tradition, alongside our individual and communal life experiences. The course takes an interdisciplinary approach to basic moral questions and ethical concerns that arise in relationships with self, others, creation and God. In particular, the theme of human dignity is examined.
#REL3000S PEACE AND SOCIAL JUSTICE
5 credits - Grade 11
Prerequisite: None
Justice, the primary way to establish peace, flowers through right relationships with self, others, creation and God. Students consider how faith-in-action requires critical thinking, prayerful discernment and responding to injustice with both direct service and social action. The classroom community studies root causes and effects of social justice issues such as human trafficking, structural discrimination, workers’ rights, the environment and poverty from a standpoint of solidarity and hope. We examine scripture and church doctrine, particularly Catholic Social Teaching, that address such issues to guide our responses. Students are challenged to consider their own role in creating a more just world. The class content and process helps prepare students for the Senior Service Learning Project. Students leave the class better prepared to think broadly about social inequity and act locally.
ELECTIVES
#REL4100S WORLD RELIGIONS
5 credits - Grade(s) 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
In this comparative study world religions, students have the opportunity to examine the diversity of faith traditions, thereby giving their own beliefs new meaning and fresh perspectives. Students are empowered to examine religion as an inseparable part of every culture, as well as promote peaceful coexistence by learning about multiple traditions. Students examine the similarities and differences that these religions have in relationship to each other and with Catholic Christianity. Group projects will focus on examining each religion through its ritual and practice. This course is designed to assist students as spiritual seekers, both in their own journey's while understanding the journey of others.
#REL4000S FAITHFUL LIFE**
5 credits - Grade(s) 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Does not meet CSU/UC requirement
Sacramental spirituality is a Catholic approach to deepening one's faith and becoming fully alive. Students explore how God is revealed through the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church which can strengthen faith. Sacramental spirituality is a pathway to becoming a more compassionate, forgiving, and loving person in response to the suffering in the world. Students are challenged to examine the choices they make in light of gospel values and consider their calling with respect to their unique gifts and talents. The course content focuses on discernment and action based on gospel values and provides the framework for living a life of justice and compassion. Students explore how to promote healing within themselves and others through class discussion, experiential activities, and projects. Faithful Life is designed to enrich students' faith as spiritual seekers through self-reflection, prayer practices, discussion and the application of gospel principles to social issues.
** This course is mandatory for students planning to be confirmed with the Notre Dame Community. The Sacrament of Confirmation will next be offered in Spring 2023.
#REL4300S INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY
5 credits - Grade(s) 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Philosophers say that theirs is a discipline which is practiced, not learned. This is because to approach any philosophical issue philosophers apply logic and reasoning. These core tools are analyzed and practiced by students as a starting point before looking at philosophies from Western, Eastern, African, and Latin American traditions. Classic philosophical questions which students address include; how do we live a good life, how should we conduct ourselves, and what is real. Students learn how to apply different ethical lenses to situations which they encounter in life. The contributions of women philosophers are highlighted. The importance of philosophy to present day discourse around race, identity and equity is explored. Group discussions, debates, individual contemplation, and analysis of film and original texts allow students of all learning styles to discern what their own philosophy of life might be. Ideally students leave philosophy equipped with tools to navigate the varying challenges today’s world presents.
#REL4400S CONTEMPORARY THEMES IN LIBERATION
5 credits - Grade(s) 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Theologies of liberation are rooted in the application of a faith that does justice. This course offers an interdisciplinary and global approach to exploring systematic and individual oppression, as well as the human desire for liberation. Specific focus is given to poverty, gender, race and the environment. Students learn through a variety of engaging projects, discussions and reflections. Throughout the course, topics integrate perspectives from theology, history, economics, sociology and politics.