Archbishop Moeller High School
2007-2008
Religious Studies Department
Worship, Ritual, Prayer, and Christian Morality
Course Syllabus
Credit Hours 1
Faculty Name Mr. Clayton Graham
Unscheduled Block Periods: A1, B2, & B4
Teaching Blocks A2, A3, A4, B1, & B3
Faculty Telephone 513-791-1680 ext. 1921
Faculty E-mail cgraham@moeller.org
I. Course Description:
Junior Religion encompasses the study of the Worship, Rituals, and Prayer and Morality. Worship, Rituals, and Prayer develops the concept of prayer and worship in a Christian lifestyle. This first quarter course will look at the meaning of symbols and rituals and their connection to Christian worship and prayer. Included in the study of rituals will be a collective look at the seven sacraments. The course will also include an examination of other religions and the worship methods.
Making moral decisions is an important theme in the junior program. The purpose of the second semester is to assist the student in the ongoing development of his conscience. Morality, consequences of sin, i.e., the problem of evil, death and dying, judgment, heaven and hell will be treated. Moral and Social issues will be discussed and examined in the light of scripture and recent Church teachings.
· COGNITIVE SKILLS/OBJECTIVES
As a result of taking this course, students will:
First Quarter Objectives:
1. To demonstrate an understanding of concepts underlying the Catholic sacramental vision: sacramental awareness, grace, symbols, rituals and prayer.
2. To compare and contrast the meaning of signs and symbols
3. To describe the relationships between Jesus, the church, and the seven sacraments.
4. To identify major developments in the history of the sacraments in general and of the seven sacraments in particular.
5. To demonstrate an understanding of what realities of human life are celebrated by each of the seven sacraments.
6. To identify the major symbols used in each of the seven sacraments as aspects of ritual.
7. To identify and explain the major parts of the Mass
8. To compare and contrast worship philosophies and rituals of the Jewish, Islamic, Buddhist, Hindus, and various Protestant faiths
Remainder of the Year Objectives:
1. Compare and contrast conscience as presented by St. Thomas More and Fr.William Chaminade.
2. To develop an understanding of impediments that block our moral choices.
3. To identify the desirable goal in resolving moral dilemmas.
4. To compare and contrast subjective and objective truth.
5. To write a research paper using the guidelines of the English Department.
6. To make a classroom presentation using the computer and modem technology.
7. To research material from the internet and evaluate its validity.
8. To define the term virtue.
9. To define and explain Lawrence Kohlberg's stages of moral development.
10. To define the concept of sin.
11. Be able to debate a moral issue in front of the class.
· AFFECTIVE AND PERSONAL GROWTH OBJECTIVES
As a result of taking this course, students will:
1. Reflect on the thematic question. What kind of person am I becoming, and what kind of person do I want to become?
2. To develop an in-depth appreciation of the moral virtues and reflect on how these virtues apply to their own life experiences.
3. To develop an in-depth appreciation of the moral virtues and reflect on how these virtues apply to their own life experiences.
II. Class Texts:
First Quarter: Celebrating Sacraments by Joseph Stoutzenberger (St. Mary's Press)
Second Semester: Morality, An Invitation to Christian Living by Joseph Stoutzenberger
III. Website:
http://www.moeller.org/FacultyWebpages/MrGraham/GrahamIntro/tabid/2587/Default.aspx
IV. Technology
Students will use lap top computers for class notes, exam-view tests, referencing The Catechism of the Catholic Church, class research and the making of power-points on the subject matter of the course. A number of applicable websites will be used.
V. Assignments/Homework
Students will be expected to complete work on due dates unless they have made special arrangements with the teacher. All homework unless stated by the teacher will be turned in by hand not by email. Students will be expected to take tests on each unit studied.
VI. Grading
Students’ grades will be determined in the following manner:
Tests 30%
Quizzes 20%
Class Participation: 20%
Homework: 10%
Projects 10%
Semester Exam: 10%
VII. Classroom Decorum:
Students will be expected to follow the student handbook in dress and manner; they will be expected to follow classroom rules and participate in classroom discussions and group work.
VIII. Attendance
Students are expected to be in class unless excused by the administration. Students should ask for make-up work on the day they return.
IX. Honesty (Plagiarism)
An ethical young man does his own work. He does not present other’s work as his own. Cheating can take many forms:
An attempt to represent another’s work as one’s own work
An attempt to seek advantage by falsifying one’s own work
An attempt to copy another’s work
An attempt to help another student to falsify his work
Cheating results in loss of credit for one’s work and being reported to the Administration.