     
I. Course content
II. Materials
III. Procedures
IV. Important General Information re. Progress in RS 7 &
8
V. Links
COURSE CONTENT
The year begins with a basic introduction to
scripture, including examination of the topics of inspiration
and revelation. The concepts of faith
and covenant will be explored next as we begin reading of God’s
promises and fidelity to His people in the Old Testament (Hebrew
Scriptures). Important historical and background issues – such as the
roles of priest, prophet and king – will emerge as we read about the
heroic triumphs and often bloody tragedies of such figures as Samuel, Saul
and David
The second semester consists of a careful reading of
the Gospel according to St. Luke
as we see how God’s promises to the ancient Israelites have been
fulfilled and extended to all peoples through the life, death and
resurrection of His son, Jesus Christ.
Throughout the course of both semesters we will also
read the stories of various contemporary models or “heroes” of faith
Additionally, the topics of self-esteem, interpersonal
communication, peer pressure and substance abuse will be discussed in an
age-appropriate manner.
MATERIALS
The Catholic Youth Bible (Winona, MN:
St. Mary's Press, 2000). Must be purchased in the McQuaid Bookstore since
all seventh graders need to use the same edition with the same pagination.
Student Workbook (one per semester, purchased
in bookstore and brought to class with the Bible every day)
Pocket Folder or Binder (for handouts,
supplemental reading and course materials. For use exclusively in
Religious Studies class).
NOTE: the student is responsible for keeping and
maintaining a neat and complete Workbook together with all additional
handouts, course materials, corrected tests and quizzes. Maintenance of
the Workbook will be factored into the student's average for the course.
The student is required and expected to bring all of his course
materials to class each day.
PROCEDURES
The student in Religious Studies 7 may anticipate:
* a minimum of two full-period Tests per marking
period.
* at least one Quiz per schedule cycle.
* nightly homework
N.B. In general, no late assignments
will be accepted in Religious Studies 7. Homework is to be completed
neatly, accurately and on the night it is assigned.
Some Important General Information Regarding Progress in RS 7 & 8:
-
Religious
Studies 7 & 8 are production-oriented classes. Seldom is it that a
student has difficulty with the concepts and ideas covered. The vast
majority of student problems stem from poor organization and/or from a
failure to do the nightly homework carefully and completely.
-
If
there is one area where most of the grade 7 and grade 8 students fall short
it is in a failure to spend time reading and reviewing for tests and
quizzes. By and large, many of our students see the words “study” and
“review” as neon signs blinking garishly on and off with the message –
No Homework.
-
The
majority of the written work done in Religious Studies 7 & 8 is done in
the student notebook/workbook. The first step for parents concerned about
their son’s progress in Mr. Clar’s class is to look through that
notebook. Parents should check to see that the pages are completed
neatly/legibly and that the responses are framed in complete sentences with
supporting evidence where required. No knowledge of the subject matter is
necessary to perform such an inspection. Common sense should be enough to
guide one in such a perusal.
-
Bear
in mind that since Religious Studies meets every-other-day, there will by
necessity be fewer grades at the end of the marking period than there may be
in your son’s other classes. That being the case, every assessment that he
does here is of the utmost importance. Only a few poor grades can have an
enormously negative impact on his final marking period average. Consistency
is important in any academic class. It is, however, a matter of survival in
Religious Studies.
-
Homework
in Religious Studies is updated and posted daily on the web (click on the
appropriate tab found on the navigation bar at the top of this page). When
checking the homework page, please be sure to know on what day (odd
or even) in the cycle your son’s Religious Studies class meets. The
assignments are listed by year and by odd or even day number within each
year. This is a good way for you to stay abreast of your son’s
assignments, due dates and the dates for upcoming tests or quizzes.
-
Homework
in Religious Studies should be done on the night it is assigned so that the
student can see Mr. Clar the following day with any issues or problems. This
will also help to avoid missing work due to absence. Students are also
expected to make up any quizzes or tests etc. missed due to absence the day
they return to school or to see Mr. Clar that
day to make alternate arrangements.
Some Links of Interest Related to Coursework
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