Course Offerings

As an International Baccalaureate World School St. Joan Antida High School is dedicated to an "IB for All" philosophy, preparing high school girls for higher education in a supportive learning environment. Through IB, SJA provides each student a rigorous world-class educational program, encouraging academic achievement, intellectual confidence, and personal growth.
Please see below for the courses offered in each department. Please refer to the graduation requirements page for a list of all required credits that must be taken in each of the academic areas listed below.
2018-2019 St. Joan Antida High School Course Selection Course Guide:
NOTE:
- There are no half-day programs at St. Joan Antida High School, nor is there early graduation. All students are required to select a minimum of 8.0 units for each year. All students have a study period during advisory activities.
- Courses are selected for the entire school year, unless indicated otherwise. Corrections and/or program adjustments, if possible, are made at the beginning of each semester. Unforeseen programming problems should be brought to the attention of the guidance department as early as possible.
- The student is responsible for obtaining necessary signatures for any course marked “consent of instructor (and/or department chairperson) required.”
- Art Courses
- Engineering (PLTW) Courses
- English Courses
- Mathematics Courses
- Physical Education Classes
- Science Courses
- Social Sciences Courses
- Theology Courses
- World Languages Courses
Art Courses
Art Foundations 1.0 Credit |
Prerequisite: None, recommended for 9th Grade- may be taken at any level
A year-long basic visual arts course concentrating on the Seven Elements of Art. This course provides and appreciation and knowledge of the Visual Arts within the context of Art History. A variety of art forms are introduced including painting, drawing, printmaking, and sculpture. This course is required before admittance into any Visual Art class.
This course includes all mediums- some are focused on below:
- Drawing is universal to all the arts. This course is designed for students who wish to explore the world of drawing. During this course, students will build skills and understanding of basic concepts of Drawing including still life, perspective, figure studies, landscape, and portraiture. A broad range of materials and subject matter will be explored.
- Painting is a course that provides students an opportunity to explore a variety of painting media and materials. Students will learn concepts of watercolor, acrylic, tempera, and ink. Surfaces and subject matter will be different with each piece produced. Students will use Masonite, paper, canvas, wall mural, and wood for our surface layouts. Students will study historical and contemporary painters while developing their own style.
- Students will learn how to construct clay pottery and ceramic sculpture pieces through a variety of hand building skills. Students will learn different properties of clay and how to correctly prepare a piece of a fire. Color Theory is an important part of the glazing processes as well where students will learn finishing techniques and how to use good craftsmanship.
Investigational Art 1.0 Credit |
Must take for Admittance to IB ART Junior and Senior Studios
Prerequisite: Art Foundations
IB Art is a program driven by research and investigational studies. In this class students will learn how to create sketchbooks from scratch. They will explore the many facets of Art History. This course heavily depends on independent research and development of personal ideas. Students will be introduced to a variety of media and materials. Students will be required to produce six pieces of art per semester and one complete investigational workbook (IWB) over the duration of the year. This is a mandatory class for admittance to the IB Art Program. Units included in this course listed below.
- Gothic Period
- Renaissance
- Impressionism
- Realism and Art Nouveau
- Surrealism
- German Expressionism
- African Art
- Current Exhibit at Milwaukee Art Museum
IB Art 1 (Junior Studio) (1.0 Credit) |
Prerequisite: Art Foundations, Investigational Art or Approval from Department Head
IB Visual Art is a rigorous pre-university course that leads to completion of the IB visual art examination. It is a comprehensive two-year curriculum that allows students to earn college credit in national and international educational systems. IB Visual Art places emphasis on practical production by the student and exploration of a range of creative work in a global context.
With consent of the instructor, students work in the studio area of their choice, producing a portfolio of artwork. Beginning students may be assigned specific artistic exercises, and as students advance, they are expected to develop their own direction and set their own artistic objectives. Students are required to keep an ‘Investigation Workbook’ that contains a written record of the student’s development in the IB art program. The workbook also demonstrates student’s critical awareness of the meaning and function of visual arts in the student’s native culture as well as the cultures of others in a global context.
All IB visual Art students mount an exhibition of their portfolio and submit their research workbooks to an external examiner, who examines the student’s materials, conducts an oral examination, and scores the candidate according to criteria used in IB schools worldwide. The examiner forwards all scores to the IB Organization.
This course will challenge you to
- Explore
- Experiment
- Reflect
HL- This course will run over the course of two academic years. In this course students will produce a larger body of work and demonstrate a deeper consideration of how their resolved works communicate with a potential viewer. Students will be required to have experience working with at least three different art-making forms selected from a minimum of two columns in the chart below. Students will be assessed each marking period on their portfolio pieces and their process and reflection in their visual journal. During the second year of the HL Visual Arts course, the student will write a Comparative Study. Students will analyze and compare different artworks by different artists. Students will also be responsible for a Process Portfolio. Students will submit carefully selected materials which evidence their experimentation, exploration, manipulation, and refinement of a variety of visual arts activities during the two-year course. Finally, students will submit for assessment a selection of resolved artworks from their student exhibition held spring of their second year.
Two-Dimensional Forms Drawing Painting Printmaking Graphics | Three Dimensional Forms Sculpture Designed Objects Site Specific/ephemeral Textiles | Lens Based, electronic, and screen-based forms Time-based and sequential art Lens Media Digital/Screen Based |
Assessments in detail:
Part 1: Comparative Study 20% |
Students submit 10-15 screens which examine and compare at least three artworks, at least two of which need to be by different artists. The works selected for comparison and analysis should come from contrasting texts (local, national, international and/or intercultural) Students submit 3-5 screens which analyze the extent to which their work and practices have been influenced by the art and artists examined. Students submit a list of sources used. |
Part 2: Process Portfolio 40% |
Students submit 13-25 screens which evidence their sustained experimentation, exploration, manipulation, and refinement of a variety of art-making activities. Students submit work that must have been created in at least three art-making forms, selected from a minimum of two columns in the table above. |
Part 3: Exhibition 40% |
Students submit a curatorial rationale that does not exceed 700 words. Students submit 8-11 works from their exhibition. Students submit exhibition text(stating the title, medium, size, and intention) for each selected work. Students submit two photographs of their overall exhibition. |
Engineering (PLTW) Courses
Introduction to Engineering Design (IED) 1.0 Credit |
Prerequisites: none
The major focus of IED is the design process and its application. Through hands-on projects, students apply engineering standards and document their work. Students use industry standard 3D modeling software to help them design solutions to solve proposed problems, document their work using an engineer’s notebook, and communicate solutions to peers and members of the professional community.
Principles of Engineering (POE) 1.0 Credit |
Prerequisites: IED and permission of instructor
POE is a survey course that exposes students to major concepts they’ll encounter in a post-secondary engineering course of study. Topics include mechanisms, energy, statics, materials, and kinematics. They develop problem-solving skills and apply their knowledge of research and design to create solutions to various challenges, document their work and communicate solutions.
Digital Electronics (DE) 1.0 Credit |
Prerequisites: IED, POE or permission of instructor
Digital electronics is the foundation of all modern electronic devices such as mobile phones, MP3 players, laptop computers, digital cameras and high-definition televisions. Students are introduced to the process of combinational and sequential logic design, engineering standards and technical documentation.
Engineering Design and Development (EDD) 1.0 Credit |
Prerequisites: IED, POE, and permission of instructor, limited to seniors only
In this capstone course, students work in teams to design and develop an original solution to a valid open-ended technical problem by applying the engineering design process. Students perform research to choose, validate, and justify a technical problem. After carefully defining the problem, teams design, build, and test their solutions while working closely with industry professionals who provide mentoring opportunities. Finally, student teams present and defend their original solution to an outside panel.
English Courses
English 9 (1.0 Credit) |
Prerequisites: None
English 9 is designed as a literary genre study. During the year, students will study short fiction, poetry, mythology, a novel, nonfiction texts, and a Shakespearean drama.
English 10 (1.0 Credit) |
Prerequisites: None
English 10 is designed as a thematic study. During the year, students will evaluate the loss of innocence cycle, social justice topics, the individual in conflict with society, and the obligation of family and tradition. The course will feature short fiction and nonfiction, a major research essay, a comparative novel study, and a Shakespearean drama.
IB Literature I (1.0 Credit) |
Prerequisites: English 9 & 10
IB Literature I is designed as a world literature course that teaches students to evaluate texts according to their cultural, social, and historical context. Students will engage in literary criticism and learn how to form independent literary judgments while studying a variety of novels, plays, and non-fiction texts.
IB Literature II (1.0 Credit) |
Prerequisites: English 9, 10 and IB Literature I
IB Literature II is designed as an extension of the world literature study first conducted in English 11. Students will continue to evaluate texts based on context and values while also engaging in literary criticism. The course features classic American and African novels, the writings of Martin Luther King Jr., and noteworthy poetry, including the work of Gwendolyn Brooks.
Mathematics Courses
Math Enrichment |
Placement: At or Below 5th Grade Level Star Test Score
An additional resource given to students who require more time and practice when it comes to their math skills. Basic skills are re-visited in order to strengthen the student’s foundation. Students are also given time to work on math homework and further master concepts learned in their other math classes at SJA. Placement test determines student enrollment with a Star Test at or below a 5th grade level.
Pre-Algebra (1.0 Credit) |
Placement: At or Below 5th Grade Level Star Test Score
This course serves as a bridge between elementary mathematics and Algebra. This course will build a foundation of algebraic concepts through the use of technology, manipulatives, problem solving, and cooperative learning. Students will learn to utilize the graphing calculator in appropriate situations. Concepts include translating and solving algebraic expressions, linear equations, polynomials, basic factoring, inequalities, geometry, statistics, and graphing. Problem solving, reasoning, estimation, measurement, and connections between math and everyday applications will be emphasized throughout Pre-Algebra. This course is designed to prepare students for Algebra/Geometry 1A. Students in this course should also enroll in Math Enrichment.
Algebra 1A (1.0 Credit) |
Placement: 6th or 7th Grade Level Star Test Score
The first half of Algebra/Geometry 1 that will span across an entire school year. This course is designed to give students more time to learn the requisite skills that provide a foundation for all future mathematics courses. Students will explore types of numbers, writing and solving linear equations and inequalities, systems of equations and inequalities with their graphs, exponents, coordinate-plane graphing, and linear modeling. Students in this course should also enroll in Math Enrichment.
Algebra 1B (1.0 Credit; first year offering 2021-2022 school year) |
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra/Geometry 1A
The second half of Algebra/Geometry 1 that will span across an entire school year. This course is designed to give students more time to learn the requisite skills that provide a foundation for all future mathematics courses. Students will explore quadratic equations, polynomials, factoring, graphing quadratics, and an introduction to statistics. Skills from Algebra/Geometry 1A are reinforced throughout. Students in this course should also enroll in Math Enrichment.
Algebra 1 (1.0 Credit) |
Placement: 8th Grade Level Star Test Score
This course is designed to give students the requisite skills that provide a foundation for all future mathematics courses. Students will explore writing and solving linear equations, powers and exponents, quadratic equations, polynomials and factoring, graphing, and solving linear inequalities and functions. This is done concurrently with a basic introduction to 2 and 3-Dimensional Geometry. Introduction to use of graphing calculators will also be covered. Emphasis is placed on problem solving, critical thinking skills and application principles. Students must bring a calculator to class daily. A TI-84 Plus Silver Edition or TI-84 Plus CE calculator is recommended for this course but is not mandatory
Geometry/Algebra/Statistics (1.0 Credit) |
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra/Geometry 1, Algebra/Geometry 1A & 1B, or 9th Grade Start Test Score
This course is designed to give students the requisite skills that provide a foundation for all future mathematics courses. Students will explore writing and solving linear equations, powers and exponents, quadratic equations, polynomials and factoring, graphing, and solving linear inequalities and functions. This is done concurrently with a basic introduction to 2 and 3-Dimensional Geometry. Introduction to use of graphing calculators will also be covered. Emphasis is placed on problem solving, critical thinking skills and application principles. Students must bring a calculator to class daily. A TI-84 Plus Silver Edition or TI-84 Plus CE calculator is recommended for this course but is not mandatory.
Business Mathematics (1.0 Credit) |
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra/Geometry 1A & 1B, Algebra/Geometry 1 and Geometry/Algebra/Statistics.
An exciting new math course where students will learn to connect previous math concepts to what is going on in their lives. Students will understand finance in mathematical terms and gain confidence in their ability to manage money. The six financial umbrellas are investing, banking, credit, income taxes, insurance, and household budgeting.
Algebra II Trigonometry* (1.0 Credit) |
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra/Geometry 1 with a grade of “B” or higher AND/OR a teacher signature. Students can dual-enroll with GAS if interested in Calculus.
Course is for “at level” students who plan to maximize the amount of mathematics studied in high school. Students will study, in greater depth, quadratic functions and graphical analysis. Students will investigate the 6 trigonometric functions as they relate to the unit circle using radians and degrees to simplify trigonometric expressions, solve equations and applications, and graph both basic and translated trigonometric functions. Course is designed to prepare students for Precalculus. A TI-84 Plus Silver Edition or TI-84 Plus CE calculator is recommended for this course, but is not mandatory.
Statistics* (1.0 Credit) |
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra/Geometry 1A & 1B or Algebra/Geometry 1 and Geometry/Algebra/Statistics.
An introductory course in statistics intended for students in a wide variety of areas of study such as Engineering, Business, and Health Sciences. Topics discussed include displaying and describing data, the normal curve, regression, probability, statistical inference, and confidence intervals, and hypothesis tests, with applications in the real world. The use of technology and applications are integral parts of this course and students should have a TI-84 Plus Silver Edition or TI-84 Plus CE calculator is recommended for this course but is not mandatory.
Precalculus* (1.0 Credit) |
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra II Trigonometry with a grade of “B” or higher AND/OR a teacher signature.
A course for students intending on pursuing a mathematically based career. Taught at the level of a freshman college algebra course, it includes an in-depth exploration of common functions (polynomial, linear, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric), probability, and introduces the concept of limits. The use of technology and applications are integral parts of this course and students should have a TI-84 Plus Silver Edition or TI-84 Plus CE calculator is recommended for this course but is not mandatory. Course is designed to prepare students for Calculus their senior year.
Calculus* (1.0 Credit) |
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Precalculus with a grade of “C” or higher AND/OR a teacher signature.
A course for students intending on pursuing a mathematically based career. Taught at the level of a college course, it is designed to give students an overview of Calculus topics such as limits and continuity, derivatives, anti-derivatives, integrals, and differential equations. The use of technology and applications are integral parts of this course and students should have a TI-84 Plus Silver Edition or TI-84 Plus CE calculator, but it is not mandatory.
*These courses would be considered higher-level math by most colleges and universities.
Physical Education Classes
Comprehensive Health Education (0.5 Credit) |
Prerequisite: none
This health education course includes stress management, personal wellness, human growth and development, drug and alcohol information, nutrition, disease prevention, and environmental health. Course includes cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), first aid, and automated external defibrillator (AED) training.
Comprehensive Physical Education (0.5 Credit) |
Prerequisite: none
This course will be the culmination of the basics of many individual and team sports and will reinforce wellness related health education experiences with a physical education laboratory experience. This would include self-testing in strength, flexibility, muscular endurance, and cardiovascular and cardio-respiratory endurance.
Fit for Life I (0.5 Credit) |
Prerequisites: Comp P.E.
This course is designed for 11th-grade class. This is the second of the core PE courses at SJA. This course emphasizes health relate mind and body fitness. At the conclusion of the subject offerings, students will have experienced a wide variety of fitness activities that they will be able to replicate on their own. Students will have an understanding of their own fitness level, how to assess their fitness and how to improve their health-related fitness.
Life Sports (0.5 Credit) |
Prerequisites: Comp P.E.
This course is designed for 12th-grade class. This is the third of the core PE courses at SJA. This course emphasizes activities considered within the realm of lifetime sports. At the conclusion of the subject offerings, students will have experienced a wide variety of activities that will enable them to participate actively in a recreational/therapeutic pursuit throughout their lives.
Science Courses
Biology (1.0 Credit) |
Prerequisites: none
Biology is a laboratory-based course designed to introduce students to the science processes, skills, and understandings related to a wide range of biological topics. During this course, students will learn to identify the basic questions and concepts that guide scientific investigation and to design and conduct their own investigations. Important skills to develop throughout this course include microscopy, graphing and measurement, identification of research questions, making connections, and the ability to be a self-directed learner.
Chemistry (1.0 Credit) |
Prerequisites: Biology and Algebra
Chemistry acquaints students with the basic properties of matter. The course emphasizes concepts using body/kinesthetic, interpersonal activities and mathematical problem solving. A solid understanding of the basic principles leads students to apply chemistry to their everyday lives. Topics covered in the class include Nature of Chemistry, Energy and Matter, Atomic Structure, Bonding and Quantitative Chemistry. These topics will be studied through a combination of lecture, activities and laboratory.
Architecture 100 (On-Line Course through UWM) (0.5 Credit) |
Prerequisites: Junior or Senior Standing, Recommendation from Art and/or Engineering Instructor
Course Description: This semester long course aims at laying a foundation for a general understanding of Architecture. Through fundamental principles spanning the education, the profession, the art, the science, and the current spirit of Architecture, the student will encounter a broad survey of vocabularies and conceptual processes. Lectures, readings, interactive digital video, examinations, and projects will provide the means of exploration.
IB Biology 1 SL/HL (1.0 Credit) |
Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry
IB Biology 2 SL/HL (1.0 Credit) |
Prerequisites: Biology, Chemistry and IB Biology 1
IB Biology 1 & 2 SL/HL Course Description: It is the aim of this course to provide opportunities for scientific study and creativity within a global context which will stimulate and challenge students. This course will also provide a body of knowledge, methods and techniques which characterize biology and the biological science. This course will enable students to apply and use a body of knowledge, methods and techniques which are characteristic of biology and biological research. Students will develop an ability to analyze, evaluate and synthesize scientific information. Students will also engender an awareness of the need for, and the value of, effective collaboration and communication during scientific activities. Throughout the school year, students develop experimental and investigative skills, develop and apply the students’ information technology skills in the study of the subject. This course will help students raise awareness of the moral, ethical, social, economic and environmental implications of using science and technology. By the end of this course, students will develop an appreciation of the possibilities and limitations associated with science and scientists encourage an understanding of the relationships between scientific disciplines and the overarching nature of the scientific method.
IB Biology 1 SL/HLTopics – Statistical Analysis, Cells, Chemistry of Life, Genetics, Ecology and Evolution, Human Health and Physiology
IB Biology 2 SL/HLTopics – Statistical Analysis, Nucleic Acids and Proteins, , Ecology and Conservation, Evolution (HL Topics), Plant Science, Cell Respiration and Photosynthesis, Group 4 Project, Individual Assessment
IB Environmental Systems and Societies 1 SL (1.0 Credit) |
Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry
IB Environmental Systems and Societies 2 SL (1.0 Credit) |
Prerequisites: Biology, Chemistry and IB Environmental Systems and Societies 1
IB Environmental Systems and Societies 1 & 2 SL Course Description: Environmental Systems and Societies is an interdisciplinary course which is unique in that it contains various sciences, coupled with a societal viewpoint, all intertwined to help students understand the environment and sustainability. The purpose of this course is to expose students to the interrelationships of the environment and societies, as well as the nature of their interactions, so that they can make an informed personal response to a wide range of pressing global issues. While this course involves many labs, it is a unique science course in that students will be encouraged to engage in discussions and thoroughly read various documents to develop personal viewpoints. As we study each topic in this course, you will be encouraged to think about the interactions between humans and the environment. It is a personal goal of mine to encourage students in Environmental Science to gain a new perspective on the world around us and understand that each of us impacts the environment in various ways.
IB Environmental Systems and Societies – Year 1 SL
– Environmental Value Systems, Ecosystems and Ecology, Biodiversity and Conservation, Climate Change and Energy Production
IB Environmental Systems and Societies – Year 2 SL
– Water and Aquatic Food Production, Soil Systems and Terrestrial Food Production, Atmospheric Systems and Societies, Human Systems and Resource Use, Group 4 Project, Individual Assessment
IB Chemistry 1 SL/HL (1.0 Credit) |
Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry, Concurrent enrollment in Adv. Algebra/Trig
IB Chemistry 2 SL/HL (1.0 Credit) |
Prerequisites: Biology, Chemistry, and IB Chemistry 1
IB Chemistry 1 & 2 SL/HL Course Description: IB Chemistry is a continuation of Chemistry 1 Pre Diploma and is completed over the course of two years. The course begins with a review of earlier topics such as Matter, Atomic Structure, Bonding and Quantitative Chemistry and follows with a detailed study of Energetics, Kinetics, Equilibrium, Reactions, Acids and Bases, and Organic Chemistry. Students are required to complete a multidisciplinary project with students from other experimental sciences. The course also offers a variety of options including Analytical Chemistry and Environmental Chemistry. IB Chemistry HL includes all topics from IB Chemistry SL but to a greater depth with more detail.
IB Chemistry – Year 1 SL/HL – Measurement and Data Processing, Quantitative Chemistry, Atomic Structure, Periodicity, Bonding, Energetics, Kinetics, Equilibrium
IB Chemistry – Year 2 SL/HL – Equilibrium (HL Topics), Acids and Bases, Oxidation and Reduction, Organic Chemistry, Group 4 Project, Individual Assessment
Social Sciences Courses
World History (1.0 Credit) |
Prerequisites: None
This is a survey course of Western and Eastern Civilization from the 15th century to the present. Students will compare and contrast the developments of modern revolutions and nationalist movements including: the French Revolution, Russian Revolution, Chinese Revolution, as well as the rise of nationalism in Germany and Italy. Students will also explore the roots of colonialism and imperialism in Africa, as well as the history of modern conflicts in the Middle East.
In order to insure that all students obtain civic/economic competency, special emphasis will be placed on the evolution of the relationship between the governmental and economic systems. Students will observe how scarcity, supply and demand, and the search for markets affect the growth or decline of a civilization or historical period, as well as their function in contemporary times. This course also provides students will fundamental social studies like document analysis and writing skills.
American History and Government (Requirement for Graduation) (1.0 Credit) |
Prerequisite: World History
This is a rigorous American History and Government course designed to challenge students to move beyond memorization of facts and analyze the relationship between historical events in the Americas and American governments. This course, like World History, continues to develop civics and economic competency in students, as well document analysis and writing skills. Major topics include American independence movements, nation building and the challenges that come from forming new nations, the United States Civil War, the development of modern nations in the Americas, the emergence of the Americas in global affairs and the Great Depression. This class also focuses on the formation of the American Government including: state, local and national government, the U.S. Constitution, U.S. Supreme Court cases, political parties, as well as foreign and domestic policy.
IB Global SL (1.0 Credit) |
Prerequisite: World History, American History and Government
IB History is a survey of modern world history, with a strong emphasis on Europe and that continent’s vital impact on the rest of the world in the modern era. This course traces a chronology of European events from 1750 to the present, with a focus on 20th century history. Within that chronology major themes of history are explored to prepared students for Higher Level History class and the HL History exam. The first major theme includes the causes, practices and effects of 20th Century wars like World War I, World War II and various other conflicts from around the world including the Kosovo War and the Rwanda Genocide. The second major theme is the history and impact of the Cold War, including the collapse of Communism in Russia. The third major theme is research in history. Students will write an Internal Assessment, a 2,500 word research paper based on the historical inquiry topic of their choosing. Students also will continue to focus on document analysis and writing skills.
IB History of the Americas HL (1.0 Credit) |
Prerequisite: IB History SL
Americas is required course for students talking the higher level IB History examination. It will incorporate the American experience (Canada, the U.S. and Latin America) into the picture of modern world history, continuing with the study of historical themes established in the IB Global History SL course. Major emphasis will be on the Cold War, Civil Rights and social movements in the Americas post‑1945, the Americas (1980–2005) and America’s involvement in the Kosovo War. This course requires the submission of the Internal Assessment written during IB Global History SL. Students will continue to focus on document analysis and writing skills. Topics can be carried over from IB Global History SL.
Theology Courses
“Introduction to Theology” – Theology 9 (1.0 Credit) |
Prerequisite: None
Students explore specific and vital ways to answer God’s call to growth in maturity. It looks at the questions and concerns of young adolescents regarding growth in faith and a belief in God. The students are helped to deal with the many changing emotions they experience at this time of their lives. An emphasis on character, responsibility and freedom are connected to how one is helped through the teachings and practices of Jesus and the Church. The course is designed to better understand God’s revelation in each individual’s life and explores beliefs and practices at the heart of Christianity. Christian theology from the perspective or the lens of Catholic teaching. At the same time, it encourages students to get a deeper understanding of their own faith tradition in dialogue with Catholic Christian thought. This class enables students to consider what it means to be a Christian and helps them integrate a sense of their own identity as believing Christians.
“Scripture” – Theology 10 (1.0 Credit) |
Prerequisite: None
The goal of this two-semester course is for the student to learn about Scripture. Fall semester concentrates on Hebrew Scripture (Old Testament) The objective is to help students explore Hebrew Scripture, as a record of the people’s experience of God’s revelation to them. Students will develop a working knowledge of Scripture, its stories and their meaning; the sources used; and what it means for us today. They will do this through the use of biblical scholarship. The Spring Semester continues the study of Salvation History as revealed in Christian Scripture – (New Testament). The objective is help students explore Christian Scripture; to understand its historical context; the connection with the Hebrew Scripture and the role of evangelists in creating and editing their Gospels. Students will explore how each Gospel portrays Jesus in a unique way. They will learn about the incarnation, the life, the message and call of Jesus. Students will reflect on its meaning in their own lives and what it means to live a Christian life. In order to explore the themes in depth, students will learn about and how to use Biblical Criticism.
“Christian Morality” - Theology 11 (0.5 Credits) |
Prerequisite: None
This course is all about what it means to become morally mature. The class will look at Christian moral principles using the Bible and Church teachings as a basis. The class will focus on the development of virtue and character. The class also seeks to explore how values, conscience, and attitudes are formed and to develop critical thinking about what society and today’s culture suggests regarding moral principles. This class encourages discussion as well as self-reflection.
“Christian Lifestyles” - Theology 12 – Fall Semester (0.5 Credits) |
Prerequisite: None
In the first semester, we will explore living a Christian Lifestyle. What is a lifestyle? What goes into making or choosing a lifestyle? What is a healthy lifestyle? Is it something you choose or something that just happens to you? What makes up a lifestyle? We will explore issues of vocation, friendship and relationship, sexuality, community, spirituality and prayer; discernment, identity;, personal power, the Dignity of Work: communication; empowerment; having a Philosophy of Life; lifelong learning; – Where does money fit in? What does it mean to be fully alive? What is the difference between freedom and license? What does it mean to live a life in Christ? This is a class to explore a student’s own possibilities and to reflect on shaping her future; living in the present; living according to what each student says she believes.
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“Catholic Social Teaching” – Social Justice - Theology 12 - Spring Semester (0.5 Credits) |
Prerequisite: None
This course looks at the Churches teaching on Social Justice based on the Gospel Values. It begins with the basic understanding of our human dignity which comes from the fact that we each are created in the image and likeness of God. It explores the teaching key themes: Respect for Life. Family and Community; Rights and Responsibilities, Option for the Poor; Dignity of Work and Workers; Solidarity and Stewardship of the Earth. Social Justice approaches areas in today's society that are not consistent with the biblical idea of justice and the Gospel values. This study will explore alternative ways to oppressive or unjust situations. It will explore what our responsibility is; and what positive actions can we take to promote justice. The class will promote study and discussion on these topics. Students will be encouraged to be sure they have accurate information and have an understanding of the broader issues involved. Student outreach planning and project(s) are required.
Requirement: Grade 12 Spring Semester – part of Theology 12.
RETREAT REQUIREMENT
Students are required to participate in a school retreat every school year a student is enrolled at SJA. Required for 9, 10, 11 and 12th grades.
World Languages Courses
Spanish 1 (1.0 Credit) |
Prerequisite: None
First year Spanish develops skills of understanding and speaking through emphasis on fundamental language patterns based on everyday life situations. Drills are used to help pupils master these patterns, correct punctuation, and characteristic intonation of Spanish. Cultural enrichment materials develop an understanding and appreciation of Spanish and Latin American civilization.
Spanish 2 (1.0 Credit) |
Prerequisite: Spanish 1
This course continues to emphasize skills needed to understand and speak Spanish.
Spanish 3 Pre-Diploma (1.0 Credit) |
Prerequisite: Spanish 2
In third year Spanish, pupils enlarge their vocabularies and review grammar essentials. Emphasis is placed on communication both in speaking and in writing. Collections of stories, short novels, or plays are read and discussed in Spanish. Writing skills are expanded through guided sentence construction and free composition. The history of
Spanish 4 (1.0 Credit)
|
Prerequisite: Spanish 3
This course continues to develop understanding of speaking, reading and writing skills. Principles of pronunciation are reviewed and added stress is placed on achieving intonation as used by Spanish-speaking people. Stylistic improvement in language use is developed through pupil research, study and discussions of literature, periodicals, and newspaper. A wide variety of writing practice is pursued.
IB Spanish 1 SL (1.0 Credit) |
Prequisite: Two years of Spanish and Junior standing
The IB Diploma Programme language B course –or IB Spanish 1 SL gives the students the tools they need to become advanced speakers of the language, to acquire additional linguistic skills, to develop their reading and writing abilities, and to promote an understanding of other cultures. Language B has been designed for students who already know Spanish at an intermediate level. This course will prepare you for the IB Spanish Exam (SL), and for testing at universities that have a language requirement. This course involves the writing of different kinds of essays. Orally, you will be expected to explain and defend your opinions, hypothesize on current events and hypothetical events.
The International Baccalaureate World Language program requires a student to demonstrate proficiency in the four communication skills of reading, writing, understanding and speaking. These skills are developed by IB candidates during their third and fourth years of World Language study. The IB classes provide a thorough review of grammar, reading experience in a literary text and in a book on the history and political structure of the country, oral experience through conversation and formal presentation of reports, and writing experience through essays and compositions. All reading speaking and writing is conducted in the World Language.