- Course Description
The purpose of this course is to help students understand the narrative story of God's plan for salvation through the Old and New Testaments. Students will encounter the Sacred Scriptures as the Word of God and how it is relevant and applicable to their lives today. Students will read through the Bible as the primary text including the books Genesis, Exodus, Ruth, Daniel, Ezra, Malachi, The Gospel of Luke, and Acts of the Apostles in full, while surveying thirteen other books of the Bible in greater depth. This course includes reading through secondary sources – Walking with God, Mission of the Messiah, and Light on the Dark Passages of Scripture. This course will cover an in-depth study of biblical literary techniques used to reveal who God is, greater depth of the biblical stories read, and a higher level of reflection and analysis. Assessments will have an emphasis on application of the moral lessons, analysis of the different books and themes of the bible, synthesis of the overall story of salvation, and evaluation of lessons and choices made by the biblical characters.
How Theology 2 Honors Differs from Theology 2:
- Honors students read through the majority of Walking with God and Mission of the Messiah.
- Honors students read an additional secondary source throughout the school year, Light on the Dark Passages of Scripture.
- Honors students read 8 books of the Bible in full, compared to 3 books in Theology 2.
- Honors students read more biblical stories, going into greater depth of textual and moral analysis and more themes per story.
- Honors students are expected to demonstrate advanced writing skills, this will include short essays throughout the year and an analytical paper.
- Reading instruction is less focused on basic comprehension, and more focused on analysis and stylistic evaluation. Students can be expected to read 30-50 pages per week.
- Course Goals
- To gain a deep theological and academic understanding of the Catholic faith
- To come to a deeper understanding and love of Jesus Christ
- To reflect on virtue and character formation with application to our daily life
- To strengthen critical thinking, public speaking, and writing skills
- Course Outline
| The Old Testament (Semester 1) | The New Testament (Semester 2) |
| Introduction to Sacred Scripture and Methods of Interpretation | Introduction to Jesus and the Gospels |
| Early World (Adam & Eve through Tower of Babel) | Messianic Fulfillment (Setting the Stage for Jesus) |
| Patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, & Jacob) | Infancy Narrative (Betrothal & Birth) |
| Egypt & Exodus (Moses & the Israelites) | Hidden Life (From Temple to Temple) |
| Desert Wandering (40 Years of Trial) | Beginning of Public Ministry (Baptism & Disciples) |
| Conquest & Judges (Entry into the Promised Land) | Teaching & Preaching (Jesus as the New Moses) |
| Royal Kingdom (Saul, David, & Solomon) | Signs & Wonders (The 7 Signs in the Gospel of John) |
| Divided Kingdom (North vs. South) | Identity Revealed (Understanding the True Identity of Jesus) |
| Exile (The Lowest of the Low) | The Passion and Death of Our Lord Jesus Christ |
| Return (Can they rebuild?) | Resurrection & Ascension |
| Maccabean Revolt (Family, Betrayal, & War) | Pentecost & Beyond (Acts of the Apostles) |
- Assessment and Grading Policies
The following outline will be used for calculating quarter grades:
- Tests & Quizzes - 50%
- Homework & Projects - 30%
- Participation - 20%
The following outline will be used for calculating semester grades:
- 1st Quarter Grade - 40%
- 2nd Quarter Grade - 40%
- Final Exam - 20%
To determine a letter grade please reference the student handbook. It is up to the teacher’s discretion whether to round up the decimal, e.g., whether 89.5% will be rounded up to 90%. Student’s grades will not be rounded if they are missing any assignments for the semester or if they did not participate and contribute to the overall discussion of the class.
- Student Materials and Supplies
- Laptop
- Theology Textbook(s) and Bible Timeline
- Binder/Folder (optional)
- Pens, highlighters, and pencils
- Student Expectations and Rules
- Be respectful to teachers, peers, equipment, and furnishings in the classroom.
- Follow all classroom procedures explained by the instructor the first time.
- Raise your hand before speaking.
- Students are expected to be in their seats when the second bell rings. If a student is no physically in their seat, they will be marked tardy.
- You may not leave the classroom until your instructor, not the bell, has dismissed you.
- Adhere to all JSerra rules and policies as stated in the student handbook. NO CELL PHONE USE IN CLASS, unless allowed by the teacher for academic reasons.
- Come to class prepared to work hard and learn.
Homework
- All homework is due on the assigned due date.
- Anything that is not turned in at the beginning of the period on the due date is considered late.
- I will accept late assignments turned in after the start of the period until 3:30pm that day for up to 75% credit.
- I will accept late assignments for up to 50% credit ONE WEEK after the assignment is due.
- Please reference the student handbook for absent homework policies.
- It is the responsibility of the student to check with the teacher and to check Schoology for missing work due to an absence. The following phrase is not acceptable, "I did not know there was homework."
- Do not submit messy and illegible homework. It will not be graded and the student will need to resubmit the assignment on the same day.
Digital Assignments
- Blank or filler documents, corrupt files, or file formats that cannot be opened by the instructor go against the academic integrity policy and give an unfair advantage. These assignments will receive a “0” and if turned in correctly will be subject to the late work policy.
Tests
- Students are expected to be in class on test days. Students who miss class because of an excused absence are responsible for scheduling a time with the teacher to make up a test.
- No tests will be given over Zoom. If a student is required to be on Zoom during a test, they will take the test upon their return to campus.
Participation
- Participation points will be given on a quarterly basis. Each student will receive 100 points per quarter. Participation points will be based on in class participation, which includes paying attention during class, being on task, and proper use of technology. These points are up to the discretion of the teacher. Students will also receive 5 points per week from the weekly bell work, which is a question or activity at the beginning over each class that will be turned in on the last day of every week.
Bathroom Policy
- Students are expected to use the bathroom before class begins. However, it is understandable that some students may not have time during the passing period to use the bathroom. It will be up to the instructor’s discretion when to allow students to use the bathroom. If this policy is abused, bathroom privileges may be taken away. No bathroom passes will be given during tests and quizzes.
Copying/Plagiarism
- Do not cheat or copy any assignment from another student. If you are caught both students will receive a zero and be sent to the dean.
- Cheating and plagiarism are not allowed at JSerra and will be handled accordingly. All polices on cheating and plagiarism are stated in the JSerra Student Handbook.
Technology
- When using laptops in the classroom, students must be on task. If technology is being abused the student will lose the privilege to use their laptop in class.
- Please reference the student handbook for further cellphone and laptop policies.
Online Policies
- There may be situations which require students to be online this school year. We will be utilizing Zoom for all online/hybrid classes. While online, students are expected to:
- Be present and on time each day for class. The online bell schedule can be found on JSerra’s website.
- Your screen name must show your real name.
- Your video must be on.
- Mute your microphone unless directed by your teacher.
- Use a "normal" background (not a fake/virtual one) unless directed by your teacher.
- Wear your JSerra uniform polo.
- If you miss a class, contact your teacher or a friend to discuss what you missed. Classes will not be recorded.
- You may NOT recored your online class. material presented in class is the teacher's intellectual property and is protected by the law.
- Consequences
Students who repeatedly choose not to follow the rules or procedures will be given:
- Warning
- Loss of participation points
- Phone call/email to parents
- Referral to the Dean
Please print and complete the Acknowledgement Form and return it to Mr. Justman by the end of the first week of class.