Religion I
Course Expectations
2010 - 2011
Instructor: Mrs. Meyers
lmeyers@ihahs.com
Course Description:
This introductory course is an overview of faith doctrine, scripture, tradition, sacraments, the liturgical year, spirituality, and morality. It introduces Catholic belief and practice, and prepares for the more advanced courses that follow. This course also includes one quarter devoted to a Christian understanding and appreciation of sexuality.
Texts and Required Materials:
Zanzig, Thomas. Understanding Catholic Christianity. Winona, MN: St. Mary’s Press, 1997. Sawyer, Kieran. Sex and the Teenager: Choices and Decisions. Notre Dame, IN: Ave Maria Press, 2008.
Sparks, Beatrice. It Happened to Nancy. New York, NY: Avon Books, 1994.
Sex and the Teenager and It Happened to Nancy will not be needed until the fourth quarter.
I recommend that all students have a paper notebook and folder dedicated to Religion. However, students may use laptops to take notes if they wish. The teacher may, at any time, ban the use of laptops should it be suspected that any students are not using them correctly.
Objectives:
To give students from diverse religious upbringings and backgrounds an understanding of the basics of the Catholic faith, with a common vocabulary and unified vision of the whole Catholic heritage;
To enable students to explore and appreciate the meaning of the Catholic faith at a personal and affective level;
To enable students to learn about various liturgical seasons, celebrations, and traditions of the Catholic Church.
Classroom Conduct and Daily Routine
All students are expected to come to class on time. If you are late you must have a pass.
Please have all materials needed for class (Textbook, Notebook, Laptop, Folder, etc…)
All Students must be in dress code.
No food or drink is allowed in class.
Students are expected to be attentive and respectful to the teacher and to each other.
Cell phones, ipods, etc… are not permitted in class.
When using laptops: instant messaging, checking e-mail, and “surfing the web” are not permitted. If a student is suspected of using the laptop inappropriately or if it becomes a distraction, the teacher may ban the use of the laptop.
Any failure to meet these standards of conduct may result in a lower class participation grade and detention.
Assignment Format
Assignments should be typed in Times New Roman 12 point font and double-spaced.
The Heading of every assignment should be as follows:
Student’s Name
Mrs. Meyers
Religion I – Class Color
Date
Extra Help
If any student should require after school extra-help, or if there is something that the student would like to be explained more fully in class, please see me. I am here to help however I can and am more than happy to adapt lesson plans, class structure, or give extra help if needed.
Grading
Grades will be based upon the following:
Class Participation and Homework (34%) – This includes arriving to class on time, being in dress code, bringing all necessary materials, being attentive, respectful, and participating in class. Participation and involvement is crucial to success in this class! Periodic homework will be assigned, and I will check homework to see that it has been completed. Homework will be assigned in class and later posted on the class website. Note: Students are responsible for completing their homework even if it is not posted on the website.
Quizzes and Reflection Papers (33%) – Short quizzes will be given to ensure that students are learning material. Pop quizzes may be given at the teacher’s discretion. Reflection papers will be assigned on a variety of topics as we move throughout the year.
Tests and Projects (33%) – Tests will be announced well in advance and there will be review classes for the tests. They will be an in-depth demonstration of knowledge and understanding.
Absences
In all cases it is the student’s responsibility to contact me in the event of an absence whether after class or via e-mail.
Short Term Absences – the student must contact me and make up the assignment within 3 days of returning to school.
Long Term Absences – the student should contact me via e-mail in order to discuss the completion of missed work.
E-mail Policy
E-mail is the most efficient way to contact me. In your e-mail you must include your name and your class. I will check my e-mail at home no later than 6pm. If you e-mail me at 9:30 on Tuesday, for example, I may not receive that e-mail until Wednesday morning.
Academic Honesty
All students are expected to uphold high standards of academic integrity and honesty.
Cheating or plagiarism of any kind will result in automatic failure of the assignment. Incidents of academic dishonesty will also be referred to the Dean of Students, Mrs. Hals.