RELIGIOUS
STUDIES DEPARTMENT
The Religious Studies program at McQuaid Jesuit is a thorough academic program that is an integral part of the goals and objectives of a Jesuit education. It is designed to educate and to form students of all religious backgrounds whose parents wish their sons to be a part of the Jesuit tradition of excellence. It is an essential part of McQuaid Jesuit’s formation for all Christian and non-Christian students.
The academic nature of this program distinguishes it from other types of religious formation that take place both in our school and in the individual student’s faith community. Those activities are catechetical in nature, i.e., they help to initiate and incorporate a student into a particular faith community. These catechetical experiences complement the academic program at McQuaid Jesuit in a young man’s religious formation as a Man for Others.
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FRESHMAN YEAR (both semesters)
INTRODUCTION TO BIBLICAL STUDIES: THE HEBREW BIBLE
Students will come to appreciate the Bible in an intelligent, informed manner based on modern critical scripture scholarship.
Students will come to appreciate the faith experiences of the biblical people. They will also learn of ways that the message of the Bible can be relevant to their own life situation and use it to enhance their faith.
The main focus of the course will be on the Old Testament, with extensive study of the books of Genesis and Exodus as well as the historical books and writings such as the Prophets and Psalms.
SOPHOMORE YEAR(both semesters)
THE NEW TESTAMENT AND CHURCH HISTORY
Building on the freshman year course, students will spend the first semester focusing on an extensive study of the Gospels and the methods of biblical criticism.
Students will be able to appreciate how the historical life and mission of Jesus inspired the development of Christianity. They will also learn of ways that the message of the Gospels can inform and shape their own faith life.
The second semester moves from the beginnings of Christianity to a thorough study of the major historical developments of the Roman Catholic Church up to the present day.
JUNIOR YEAR (semester courses)
The junior year program builds on the strong biblical and historical foundation laid in freshman and sophomore years. Two distinct but related semester course are offered:
1. THE SACRAMENTAL LIFE OF THE CHURCH
Examines the rich history, symbolism and theology of the Catholic Sacraments.
2. CHRISTIAN LIVING
From its origins the Catholic Church has been a voice for moral living, justice, and peace. We will read and discuss moments of Christ’s ministry in the Gospels and tackle tough issues that face our society in the 21st century.
SENIOR YEAR
The 12 th grade program offers the students a wide range of electives. Students will be asked to indicate their preferences as part of the departmental pre-registration process in the spring of their junior year. Every effort will be made to provide students with their top preferences.
SENIOR ELECTIVES
(The following electives are some of those offered.)
Moral QuestionsThe course will explore natural law theory as the basis of western ethical thinking and Catholic morality. The course will address, on the one hand, such notions as nature and finality, the sources of morality, norms, law, freedom, virtue and conscience and, on the other hand, the practical applications of such principles as double effect, formal/material cooperation and ordinary/extraordinary means. Moreover, natural law will be the framework for approaching such contemporary moral issues as capital punishment, artificial conception and contraception, abortion, euthanasia, homosexuality and war.
Introduction to Prayer and Meditation This course offers an opportunity for students to discover what it means to be at ease with God and to see the different ways we have of communicating with our God. Prayer sessions include formal meditation, contemplation and application of the senses. The course will parallel the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola.
Marriage, Family and Sexuality: Human Sexuality in a Christian Context There are many dimensions to human sexuality and the experience of love. This course is an inquiry into this multi-dimensional reality of love and sexuality. It is viewed within the context of our common faith experience as Christians. Students will hopefully achieve a greater understanding of: (a) pertinent factual data; (b) their own sexual identity; (c) their own values; and (d) the values of Christian sexual ethics as a frame of reference for continued growth.
World Religions Offers students the opportunity to explore non-Christian religious traditions. The course will present a basic overview of Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam. Various texts and articles related to each religion will provide a background to enhance student appreciation of these traditions. Field projects and visits may be a part of class enrichment.
Tours of Hell Depictions of the Afterlife in Literature and Art. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit heaven and hell. View the diverse scenery, meet interesting local inhabitants and come to know the culture of these exotic destinations. Your tour guides include: Dante, Sartre, C.S. Lewis, Michelangelo, Woody Allen and even Robin Williams.
Introduction to Philosophy We will explore the big questions philosophers have pondered through the ages: What is reality? What is time? What is the connection between the Mind and the Body? Does God exist? Do we have Free Will? What is the good life? In the process of attempting to answer these questions, we will familiarize ourselves with many of the great philosophers and schools of philosophy.
Great Sinner, Great Saint: Augustine We will read and discuss Augustine ’s classic autobiography, The Confessions, and place it in the context of his overall life and work. A basic appreciation of fourth and fifth century Christian history and thought is required.
Religion and Film We will explore religious themes and values as depicted in film. Film is a powerful medium and is frequently, and mistakenly, considered to be pure entertainment. But as in all means of discourse, film exerts a power over the individual and society. What is the message and impact of film on society in terms of religion? In other words, we will not look at how religion uses film, but at how film uses religion.
We will view and discuss various films that are either expressly about religion or have significant implications for our understanding of religion. We will also become familiar with issues of media literacy as they apply to viewing film.
Living Through Loss and Grief Loss is an integral part of all human life. In this trimester we will explore and reflect on the basic human realities of loss, grief and death. Students will identify different forms of loss in their lives, the grieving process of letting go and strategies needed when we experience a loss in our lives. The scope of human loss will range from personal setbacks to the death of someone close to us. Included in our study will be a look at the spirituality of suffering and death along with Catholic teachings regarding Eternal Life.
Ignatian Spirituality and Prayer This course is an advanced prayer class designed for serious students of prayer and spirituality. During the trimester students will participate in an adapted version of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. Students are required to have an interview with the Instructor and/or permission of the Department Chair. This course includes the practice of advanced meditation skills, a personal daily commitment to prayer and individual scheduled meetings with the teacher. Students will have the opportunity to experience the foundation of Ignatian Spirituality practiced worldwide for 500 years.
The Jesuit Spirit This course is an introduction to the spirit and vision of Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus. The course will examine his life and spirituality, which provided the inspiration for the founding of the Jesuits. It will also examine the history and mission of the Society of Jesus over the last 450 years with a special emphasis on the work of the Jesuits in North America and the United States.
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