Theology

Grade 9 – 1.0 credit (Required)

This course provides students from diverse religious backgrounds an overview of the basics of the use and interpretation of Scripture in an academic, Catholic context. Students will gain insight and practice using different methods of exegesis to learn both about the Bible and its cultural context. Students will explore questions regarding the Canon of texts within the Bible, the nature of Salvation History, the Paschal Mystery, the enduring use of both Old and New Testaments throughout history and in today ’s world. Students will be introduced to modern academic methods of exegesis, as well as dialogue between Catholic, Protestant, and Jewish scholars on the interpretation and meaning of Scripture. Students will also research and explore modern discoveries that have shed light on the historical and theological development of Scripture, such as the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Nag Hammadi Library. These themes will be explored in a manner that will enable students to gain an appreciation of the Catholic faith and its relation to other religious traditions, both intellectually and affectively.

Grade 10 – 1.0 credit (Required)

This course will examine the growth and development of the global Church through an examination of key historical trends, movements, and cultures that make up the diversity of Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant Christianity from the age of the Apostles to today. Students will examine the key persons and events that are central to the message of the Councils, debates, and doctrines which shape the relationship of different denominations to each other. Students will be encouraged to discern key aspects and us e creativity in analyzing the Sacraments, Church architecture, art, music, and literature. Emphasis will be placed on the Scriptural roots and core developments in the Church's teaching and doctrines, and how to incorporate these into their own lives.

Grade 11 – 1.0 credit (Required)

Moral theology is the branch of theology that studies human acts in order that they may be performed in light of the Christian faith. This course begins with an examination of fundamental ethical theories before exploring what makes Catholic and Christian ethics unique. We will consider various ways in which the faithful have applied their beliefs to personal morality as well as to social justice. Specific topics covered include the sources of Christian ethics, Catholic Social Teaching, and theological responses to questions such as economic disparity, war and violence, racism, sexism, sexuality, and environmentalism.

Grade 12 – 0.5 credit (Elective)

This course will explore different Catholic Spiritualities: Capuchin, Desert Father & Mothers, Jesuits, Dominicans, Carmelites, Franciscans, Benedictine and other noteworthy Spiritual leaders. Studies will also experience: Adoration, Vespers, Morning Prayer, Liturgy of the Hours, Rosary, Labyrinth, Lectio Divina, Litanies, Jesus Prayer, Taize, Centering Prayer, Mental Prayer, and the Spiritual Exercise. Students will also keep a “prayer journal” to help them build a habit of prayer and understand how prayer also lets them know what is at the core of their being-what’s going on in their life. The curriculum follows the USCCB Curricular Framework (National Magisterium), the Milwaukee Archdiocesan High School Theology Curriculum (Local Magisterium) and the Pontifical documents and Encyclicals on the Church, Tradition, and the Sacraments.

Grade 12 – 0.5 credit (Elective)

This semester of study will explore the nature of truth and the love of wisdom, emphasizing the unity of Christian thought over time. Students will study philosophers and their thought, from different cultures, historical eras, and religious faiths. Students will learn to evaluate various pursuits of Truth as they relate to an authentic relationship with God and sound reasoning and logic. As part of a rigorous, theological education, this study of philosophy through college-level readings, rigorous analysis, Socratic discussion and personal reflection, will lead students to a deeper understanding of St. Anselm’s classic definition of theology: faith seeking reason. The foundation of this course is informed by the following Church documents: Fides et Ratio and Aeterni Patris.

Grade 12 – 0.5 credit (Elective)
Note: This is a weighted course.
Note: Students taking this course have the option to earn college credit through Cardinal Stritch University (CSU). In order to earn college credit, students must register with CSU, pay a $399 enrollment fee with CSU, and earn a grade of C or higher.

This course invites students to inquire into the nature of body and spirit, health and sickness, and life and death, and to consider carefully the proper moral response to these human realities. Questions entertained in the course will include: When, for purposes of organ donation, can we say that someone is dead? Is it ethical to experiment on animals? Should couples use methods of artificial reproduction to make “designer children”? How do Buddhists view the end of life? As a discipline which addresses profound ethical questions brought about by scientific and medical advances, the course is ideal for those pursuing careers in science and medicine as well as for all who wonder about the deep philosophical questions that are at the root of these contemporary challenges. The foundation of this course is informed by the following Church documents: Evangelium Vitae, Humanae Vitae, Donum Vitae, and Dignitas Personae.

Grade 12 – 0.5 Credit

This semester of study will explore the nature of truth and the love of wisdom, emphasizing the unity of Christian thought over time. Students will study philosophers and their thoughts, from different cultures, historical eras, and religious faiths. Students will learn to evaluate various pursuits of Truth as they relate to an authentic relationship with God and sound reasoning and logic. As part of a rigorous, theological education, this study of philosophy through college-level readings, rigorous analysis, Socratic discussion and personal reflection, will lead students to a deeper understanding of St. Anselm’s classic definition of theology: faith seeking reason.