611 - Scripture
Grade 9

Full Year
1 Credit
Scripture is a survey of Hebrew and Christian scriptures in which selected passages from the Bible are studied in a thematic manner centered on an understanding of covenant.  The students will approach the texts as both disciples and scholars in an effort to develop a deeper understanding of how God has worked and is still working in human history.

621 - Church and Sacraments
Grade 10

Full Year
1 Credit
This course studies the Church of Vatican Council II.  After a brief historical background to gain an understanding of where the Church was on the eve of Vatican II, the students study the four sessions of the Council and the major documents that the Council produced.  These documents, which are now the official teachings of the Church, introduce the students to liturgical renewal, ecclesiology, sacramental theology, social justice, religious freedom and ecumenism.

Human Sexuality

(Required for Grades 9 and 10)

Freshmen and Sophomores attend Human Sexuality class one day a week during one semester. In this forum-type course, students develop an understanding of human sexuality in the context of Christian love and marriage. Personal responsibility and decision making are central themes.  Human Sexuality is part of the Wellness program and fulfills partial curriculum units for the Health requirement.

650 - Social Awareness
(Required each year)
Goal Three of a Sacred Heart education calls forth "a social awareness which impels to action."  The Social Awareness program at Duchesne Academy enables students to perform community service within a context of preparation and reflection.  Freshmen and sophomores are required to complete four service projects each year. They may join local church and civic projects, initiate a project, which addresses a need, or participate in projects organized by the school.  In addition, orientation sessions introduce sophomores to a range of service opportunities.  For two academic years, juniors and seniors leave campus several hours each Wednesday to help at various agencies in the Houston community.  Through journaling and discussion, students are provided a framework in which to share, reflect on, and grow in their experiences serving others.

652 - Morality
Grade 12

Semester
.5 Credit
This senior level course focuses on the dynamic relationship between personal and moral growth.  The processes of decision making and the stages of personal development are examined in the context of Catholic Christian Doctrine.  Credit in this course fulfills the requirement for an ethics course.

653 - Bioethics I
Grades 11 - 12

Semester
.5 credit
This course examines the ethical dimensions of beginning of life issues raised by contemporary advances in the fields of medicine, biotechnology and genetics.  Bioethics I concentrates on beginnings of life issues.  These issues are examined in terms of facts, conflicts, moral guidelines, Church teachings and implications for our world.  Credit in this course fulfills the requirement for an ethics course

654 - Bioethics II
Grade 11 - 12

Semester Course
.5 Credit
This course examines ethical dimensions of end of life issues raised by contemporary advances in the fields of medicine, biotechnology and genetics.  These issues are examined in terms of facts, conflicts, moral principles, Church teachings and implications for our world.  Credit in this course fulfills the requirements for an ethics course.

655 - Social Justice
Grades 11 - 12

Semester Course
.5 Credit
The social justice course is structured   to give juniors and seniors a realistic and practical sense of social needs and the skills to address them; the focus of study is a theology of service and advocacy, rooted in Goal III.  Units of study include how to analyze social issues from a theological perspective; immigration and poverty; developing countries and their needs; agencies which work for justice.  Students complete several projects and teach one class based on their study of a country and a major social issue.

660 - World Religions I
Grades 11 - 12

Semester Course
.5 Credit
World Religions seeks to educate students for a multi-cultural nation and world.  Part I offers students the opportunity to explore basic concepts in religion, Indigenous Religions, Judaism and Islam.  Students examine primary texts for Judaism and Islam to experience studying and praying within these traditions.  Resources include texts, films, and speakers, and students read Davita's Harp. Students will give group presentations on a Western religious tradition of their choosing.

661 - World Religions II
Grades 11-12

Semester Course
.5 Credit
This course explores the basic philosophical differences between Western and Eastern religious traditions.  Students examine some basic texts from Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism.  These readings, including traditional prayers, provide students with some experience of study and prayer within these traditions.  Students will give group presentations on Eastern religions.

662 - Peacemaking
Grades 11-12
Semester Course
.5 Credit
This course examines the aspect of peace from a global perspective.  Personal and community views of peace are offered along with international peace initiatives.  The link between peace and justice, alternative conflict resolution, warfare, and modern peacemakers (Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr., Dorothy Day) are just a few of the areas of study.  The course relies heavily on the peace directives offered in the American bishops' pastoral letter, "The Challenge of Peace."

663 - Prayer and Worship
Grades 11 - 12

Semester Course
.5 Credit
In this course, students study and practice many different prayer forms, including various kinds of meditation, centering prayer, litanies, journaling as prayer, contemplative reading of texts (scriptural and contemporary) and contemplative listening to music from the major eras of worship.  The course will incorporate guest speakers and optional attendance at worship services throughout the city.

667 - Sacraments
Grades 11 - 12

Semester Course
.5 Credit
Sacraments are tangible encounters with the life-giving power of God's love through symbols and words.  This course examines the mystery of how God's love is expressed and received in the midst of a community of faith.  Topics include theology of the sacraments, the sacramental rites, contemporary issues concerning the sacraments, and sacramental spirituality.