HRE 4M- Ms Geddes
Course Description and Overall Expectations:
This course explores Catholic ethics. It seeks to distinguish between the goodness of humanity and the potential for right and wrong in human action. Through an investigation of the philosophical underpinnings of Western culture, and the scriptural and theological teachings of the Catholic Church, students are called to grow in their ability to identify personal, societal and global ethics. Meaningful ethical behaviour will be explored practically in the students’ participation in a social justice project.
Consideration of Ontario Catholic Graduate Expectations
This course enables students to name, for themselves, a vision of what a Catholic graduate should demonstrate within the culture. A practical application of understanding is required through participation in a social justice project and liturgies/prayer leadership.
Course Notes This course has two main purposes.
1) To provide students with the needed knowledge, skills, values and attitudes to assist them in making life-giving, Christ-centred, moral decisions. Drawing upon Scripture, Church teaching, sociology, psychology and spirituality, the course provides opportunities for students to consider the ethical dimensions of a variety of issues.
2) To provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary for pursuing theological studies in postsecondary institutions. It will allow interested students to go on to advanced studies or pursue a vocation in the various ministries of the Catholic Church.
Units
Unit 1: Mapping the Ethical Experience - Human Nature
Students explore ways in which the western world has historically approached the issue of ethics. Includes a survey of some important western philosophical perspectives.
Unit 2: Guided by the Light of Revelation - Morality and Virtues
This unit will review the scriptural and Church understandings that underpin our ethical stances. Includes a review of Catholic history.
Novel Study- Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
Unit 3: Gifted with Freedom - Social Justice
Students explore the notion of freedom as it pertains to human identity and moral development. Individual, social, psychological and political understandings of freedom and justice will be explored in a Catholic context.
Unit 4: Discovering the Good life - Healthy Relationships
This short unit includes an exploration of what it means to live in relationship to God and to others. The sacraments of marriage and of holy orders will be studied, as will as the related issues of dating, friendship, parenting, and vocation.
Unit 5: Searching for the Good: Special Topics
Students conduct a study of aspects of Christian living. Students select from a list of topics from the areas of Social Justice, Ecological Justice, Marriage, Politics, and Family Life in order to apply the teachings from the first part of the course into presentations which form part of their culminating task.
Assessing Student Achievement
Student performance will be assessed according to the four categories established by the Ministry of Education. These are: Knowledge/Understanding, Thinking/Inquiry, Communication and Application.
Seventy percent of the grade will be based on evaluations conducted throughout the course, including the service project. This portion of the grade should reflect the student’s most consistent level of achievement, although special consideration will be given to more recent work. Fifteen percent of the grade will be based on the Final Cumulative Task. Fifteen percent of the grade will be based on a final exam.
Student Responsibilities
1. Attendance
This is crucial for success. Select a partner for missed notes and assignments and/or check the class website at www.msgeddesweebly.com.
2. Punctuality
As per school policy, three ‘lates’ constitute a detention, followed by one for every subsequent late arrival.
3. Preparedness
- Make sure homework and assignments are done on time. A maximum of two late assignments will be accepted;
- Periodically check the class page on the school website for updates, reminders, assignments, and notes at www.msgeddesweebly.com ;
- Make sure you are dressed appropriately for class;
- Make sure you have all the material necessary for class.
4. Respect
- Behaviour in the classroom will be respectful of all persons. Appropriate language and participation are expected form you every day.
- No food, gum, drinks (except water), cell phones, etc.
Material
o A 1 ½ inch binder with loose leaf and side pockets.
o Access to a bible at home (Can be accessed online at www.biblegateway.com)
This course explores Catholic ethics. It seeks to distinguish between the goodness of humanity and the potential for right and wrong in human action. Through an investigation of the philosophical underpinnings of Western culture, and the scriptural and theological teachings of the Catholic Church, students are called to grow in their ability to identify personal, societal and global ethics. Meaningful ethical behaviour will be explored practically in the students’ participation in a social justice project.
Consideration of Ontario Catholic Graduate Expectations
This course enables students to name, for themselves, a vision of what a Catholic graduate should demonstrate within the culture. A practical application of understanding is required through participation in a social justice project and liturgies/prayer leadership.
Course Notes This course has two main purposes.
1) To provide students with the needed knowledge, skills, values and attitudes to assist them in making life-giving, Christ-centred, moral decisions. Drawing upon Scripture, Church teaching, sociology, psychology and spirituality, the course provides opportunities for students to consider the ethical dimensions of a variety of issues.
2) To provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary for pursuing theological studies in postsecondary institutions. It will allow interested students to go on to advanced studies or pursue a vocation in the various ministries of the Catholic Church.
Units
Unit 1: Mapping the Ethical Experience - Human Nature
Students explore ways in which the western world has historically approached the issue of ethics. Includes a survey of some important western philosophical perspectives.
Unit 2: Guided by the Light of Revelation - Morality and Virtues
This unit will review the scriptural and Church understandings that underpin our ethical stances. Includes a review of Catholic history.
Novel Study- Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
Unit 3: Gifted with Freedom - Social Justice
Students explore the notion of freedom as it pertains to human identity and moral development. Individual, social, psychological and political understandings of freedom and justice will be explored in a Catholic context.
Unit 4: Discovering the Good life - Healthy Relationships
This short unit includes an exploration of what it means to live in relationship to God and to others. The sacraments of marriage and of holy orders will be studied, as will as the related issues of dating, friendship, parenting, and vocation.
Unit 5: Searching for the Good: Special Topics
Students conduct a study of aspects of Christian living. Students select from a list of topics from the areas of Social Justice, Ecological Justice, Marriage, Politics, and Family Life in order to apply the teachings from the first part of the course into presentations which form part of their culminating task.
Assessing Student Achievement
Student performance will be assessed according to the four categories established by the Ministry of Education. These are: Knowledge/Understanding, Thinking/Inquiry, Communication and Application.
Seventy percent of the grade will be based on evaluations conducted throughout the course, including the service project. This portion of the grade should reflect the student’s most consistent level of achievement, although special consideration will be given to more recent work. Fifteen percent of the grade will be based on the Final Cumulative Task. Fifteen percent of the grade will be based on a final exam.
Student Responsibilities
1. Attendance
This is crucial for success. Select a partner for missed notes and assignments and/or check the class website at www.msgeddesweebly.com.
2. Punctuality
As per school policy, three ‘lates’ constitute a detention, followed by one for every subsequent late arrival.
3. Preparedness
- Make sure homework and assignments are done on time. A maximum of two late assignments will be accepted;
- Periodically check the class page on the school website for updates, reminders, assignments, and notes at www.msgeddesweebly.com ;
- Make sure you are dressed appropriately for class;
- Make sure you have all the material necessary for class.
4. Respect
- Behaviour in the classroom will be respectful of all persons. Appropriate language and participation are expected form you every day.
- No food, gum, drinks (except water), cell phones, etc.
Material
o A 1 ½ inch binder with loose leaf and side pockets.
o Access to a bible at home (Can be accessed online at www.biblegateway.com)