2012-2013 Bishop Montgomery High School Freshmen Religion Class Information Mrs. Joanne Svarda jsvarda@bmhs-la.org 310-540-2021 ex 352 CLASS DESCRIPTIONS Fall: The Revelation of Jesus Christ in Scripture The purpose of this course is to give students a general knowledge and appreciation of Sacred Scriptures. In this course students will learn about the Bible and its value to people throughout the world. Students will read the Bible and before familiar with the major sections of it. Spring: Who is Jesus Christ? The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the mystery of Jesus Christ, the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity In the course students will understand that Jesus Christ is the ultimate Revelation to us from God. In learning about who He is, the students will also learn who He calls them to be. TEXTBOOKS Daily Materials (Fall) Jesus Christ: God s Revelation to the World by Michael Pennock (Spring) Jesus Christ: His Mission and Ministry by Michael Pennock New American Bible, Revised Edition (NABRE) The Catechism of the Catholic Church Two black or blue pens Notebook dedicated to this class for taking notes Textbooks must be purchased through ESCO, the online bookstore found on the school website. http://mon.escobookstore.com/ Students must have their own textbooks and are expected to bring the books to all classes. 1 st SEMESTER JESUS CHRIST: GOD S REVELATION TO THE WORLD COURSE OVERVIEW This semester course lays the foundation for our understanding of the Revelation of God in Christ Jesus. We begin with the human desire for God and God s self-revelation. We then trace Salvation History through the Hebrew Scriptures to their fulfillment in the person of Christ Jesus and his Gospel. COURSE GOALS/MAJOR STUDENT OUTCOMES The students will be able to understand the various ways we come to know God. The students will be able to grasp the nature and origin of sacred scripture and accepted ways of interpretation. The students will be able to understand the importance of the revelation of God in the Hebrew Scriptures for Jews and Christians. The students will be able to understand how the Gospels show the continuity and expansion of the covenant to include all people. 1
COURSE OBJECTIVES The students will be able to explain the difference between natural & Divine Revelation. The students will be able to outline one of the proofs for the existence of God. The students will be able to identify different ways the Church uses natural revelation. Given a Dogma of the Church, the students will be able to identify the elements of tradition and scripture contained in the dogma. The students will be able to identify characteristics of inspiration, inerrancy, and historical context. The students will be able to explain the development of the canon of scripture. The students will be able use various prayer forms to pray and meditate with the scriptures. Given a passage of scripture, the students will be able to interpret the passage in the literal and spiritual senses. The students will be able to explain why there is no conflict between religious truth and scientific and historical truth. The students will be able to identify the different categories of books and literary genres in the Hebrew Scriptures. The students will be able to explain the Covenant relationship between God and Israel. The students will be able to identify key people and the effect they had on the understanding of Covenant (i.e. Abraham, Moses, and David). The students will be able to identify the Major Prophets and their understanding of the covenant and the expectation of the Messiah. The students will be able to give examples of allegory in the Old Testament that is fulfilled by Jesus in the Gospels. The students will be able to identify the different categories of books in the New Testament and literary genres with focus on the Gospels. The students will be able to identify the three stages in the formation of the Gospels. The students will be able to identify the dates, Christology and audiences of the Gospels. Given a passage from the Gospels, the students will be able to explain how this passage fits within the larger context of the Gospel message. The students will be able to explain how the covenant is expanded to include all people through the person of Jesus and his Church. CHAPTER CONTENTS 1. Searching for God 2. Introduction to Sacred Scripture 3. Surveying the Books of the Bibl 4. The Pentateuch, Creation, Covenant and the Exodus 5. Kings and Prophets Awaiting the Messiah 6. The Synoptic Gospels 7. Jesus Teaching 8. Jesus Miracles and the Paschal Mystery 9. Jesus in the Gospel of John 10. Who Do You Say That I Am? 2
2 nd SEMESTER - JESUS CHRIST: HIS MISSION AND MINISTRY COURSE OVERVIEW This second course focuses on Jesus as the revelation of God and man. As receivers of this revelation we become disciples in whom Christ Jesus continues His ministry. As Church we look to Mary as a model of faithful discipleship. COURSE GOALS/MAJOR STUDENT OUTCOMES The students will be able to understand what is meant by Jesus being the Fullness of God s self-revelation. The students will be able to understand the incarnation and the role of Mary, within the divine plan. The students will be able to understand the meaning of Christ s redemption and our universal call to holiness, both within the Church and for the world. COURSE OBJECTIVES The students will be able to explain the relation between Scripture, Tradition and the Magisterium of the Church. The students will be able to identify the different dimensions of faith. The students will be able to explain Jesus revelation of God as Trinity. The students will be able to identify the relationships between the persons of the Trinity. The students will be able to give analogies to explain the three persons in one God. The students will be able to explain the unique relationship of Mary to each person in the Trinity. The students will be able to describe nature, person and hypostatic union as it relates to the Trinity and Incarnation. The students will be able to explain what is meant by incarnation. The students will be able to describe the work of Christ as continuing in the Church. The students will be able to explain why Mary is the Mother of Christ and the Church. The students will be able to explain that Jesus continues to reveal what human beings are in us His Body, in each of these four aspects: that we are 1) in the image of God; 2) called to be fully human; 3) created as good (sin only weakens our nature, it doesn t destroy it); and 4) stewards of creation. The students will be able to describe how to be a disciple of Jesus through conversion, the call to holiness and by prayer. The students will be able to explain why Mary is the 1 st and model disciple. The students will be able to explain what is meant by the Communion of Saints. The students will be able to describe the bond between us and the rest of the Communion of Saints and their intercessory power. The students will be able to explain each of the four last things (Eschatology) in terms of our purpose in life. The students will be able to form responses to the issues of God s existence, the presence of evil, the role of Church and Mary as ever virgin. 3
CHAPTER CONTENTS 1. God s Revelation and Our Response 2. Who is Jesus Christ? 3. Tracing the Historical Life of Jesus 4. Jesus Christ s Revelation about God 5. Jesus Helps Us to Understand the Trinity, Mary and the Holy Spirit 6. Jesus Life Reveals His Mission 7. The Church Knows Jesus by Many Names 8. What Jesus Tells Us about Ourselves 9. Friends and Disciples of Jesus 10. Jesus Teaches Us to Pray INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS AND STRATEGIES Instructional methods will include but not be limited to power point presentations, lectures, assigned readings, handouts, classroom discussions, research assignments, prayer services, and individual and group projects. ASSESSMENT METHODS/TOOLS Assessment of student learning will be based on review questions, essays, individual and group projects, tests and quizzes. The final exam will be comprehensive and will test students knowledge of the content covered throughout the semester. GRADING 35% Classwork/Homework 35% Tests/Quizzes 15% Classroom project 15% Final Exam Deadlines will be assigned. The student is responsible for meeting the due date. Homework is due and collected only at the beginning of class. Late work may be submitted the first class meeting after the due date for half credit; work more than one class meeting late will not be accepted. Homework/quizzes/tests missed due to absence need to be made up within a week of return. Arrangements can be made for long absence. 4
CLASSROOM RULES AND PROCEDURES RULES 1. Listen carefully and follow directions the first time they are given. 2. Cooperate with your teacher and classmates. 3. Follow classroom/school procedures regarding classroom or personal needs. 4. Respect the work and property of others. 5. Carry out your student responsibilities. 6. A disruptive student will be given one warning to improve after which he/she will be given a Violation. 7. Accept responsibility for grades and consequences of behavior. 8. Follow all BMHS Handbook rules and regulations. PROCEDURES Procedures are a part of life. We follow procedures for shopping, boarding an airplane, approaching a traffic light and attending church. The reason we have procedures in life is so that people can function in society knowing the acceptable and efficient ways other people do things. There are also procedures in this classroom. These procedures establish our classroom culture. 1. Enter the classroom quietly, and go to your seat before the bell rings. Be ready to begin class with books, homework, etc. after prayer. 2. Homework is due and collected only at the beginning of class. Late work may be submitted the first class meeting after the due date for half credit; work more than one class meeting late will not be accepted. 3. Homework/quizzes/tests missed due to absence need to be made up within a week of return. Arrangements can be made for long absences. 4. All quotes used in any assignment must be properly cited. 5. Classroom resources (computer, book, etc.) may only be used with the teachers consent. 6. If you are tardy, turn in your slip, and take your seat quietly. 7. If you have been absent, take your seat and I will see you during or after class regarding any missed assignments. 8. Scripture is an important component of class. Students are expected to follow the scriptures that are covered using their own bible. 9. Notes are to be taken during all lectures and presentations. Students will be responsible for all material that is covered during lectures and presentations. If you have been absent you may ask a neighbor for their notes. 5
10. Students are expected to participate in a positive manner. This entails attentive listening, regular attendance and respect for others. Participation will be assessed. 11. Print name, date, course, period #, and assignment at the top right hand corner of all work submitted. Paperwork that is torn, scratched out or wrinkled will not be accepted. 12. Raise your hand if you have a question, have an answer or need to leave the classroom, etc. 13. Do not leave your desk/room until I dismiss you, even during an emergency alert signal. 14. All students are expected to know and follow the BMHS rules regarding conduct, eating/drinking in the classroom, cell phones, uniforms, etc. that are outlined in the Student Handbook. Note: Instructor reserves the right to modify policies and procedures as needed. It is difficult to fail this class, if you put forth effort and turn in assignments. However, failing means you did not do these two things consistently. I know that you will put forth your best effort. I look forward to exploring Scripture and Revelation with you. 6
Freshmen Religion Bishop Montgomery High School Mrs. Svarda 2012-2013 PARENT-STUDENT CONTRACT I have read the above syllabus, policies, procedures and classroom rules. I understand the classroom policies, procedures, rules and expectations and agree to do my best to follow all guidelines, show a positive attitude and try to learn as much as I can. Student Name (printed) Student Signature Date Class Period I have read the attached information and understand and support the class my son/daughter is taking. Parent Signature Date NB: This signed contract is to be returned by Friday, August 24, 2013. 7