RELIGIOUS STUDIES
Mr. Robert C. Herzog, Chair
The Religious Studies Program at La Salle Institute is part of the academic core. Participation in the program is required in each year of the student’s course of study. While we respect the beliefs of other Religious Faiths, because La Salle Institute is a Catholic School founded by the Brothers of Christian Schools and functioning under the auspices of the Catholic Diocese of Albany, the teachings of the Catholic Church form the foundation for each of the Religious Studies course offerings in an organized program which encompasses grades 6-12.
The Department of Religious Studies focuses its attention on:
1) presenting and helping students understand subject-matter knowledge as it relates to the teachings of the Catholic Church;
2) emphasizing and assisting students in the development of character traits and values which will enable them to achieve both personal and professional success as men of Faith; and
3) providing the opportunity and encouraging service to those in our communities who, in one way or another, are less fortunate.
These three primary goals are achieved not only through classroom instruction, but they are also emphasized in our Campus Ministry component of the Religious Studies Department which plans for and provides opportunities for service, plans and implements a comprehensive spiritual retreat program, schedules and organizes liturgical functions, etc.
The Bible is integrated into all levels of study.
061 - RELIGION 6 - General Introduction to Religious Studies
Duration: full year
Credit: 1
Weight = 1.00
Final examination: departmental exam
Religion 6 provides the student with a study of what it means to be a member of a religion, the elements of Christianity and being a responsible, moral citizen. Many of the traditional stories from Scripture are studied, especially where they coincide with the religious times of the year.
071 - RELIGION 7- New Testament, Sacraments & Worship
Duration: full year
Credit: 1
Weight = 1.00
Final examination: departmental exam
Religion 7 is a developmental program based on Scripture and rooted in the teachings of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The content centers on a deeper understanding of religious Christian beliefs and traditions. The theme of the course is meant to focus on the loving Jesus they meet in their life experiences. The course centers on particular themes with instruction in scripture and morality, prayer and liturgy, the building of a value system.
081 - RELIGION 8 Catholic Life and Living / Church History
Duration: full year
Credit: 1
Weight = 1.00
Final examination: departmental exam
The eighth grade program consists of a study of two key topics. The first semester deals with Christian Morality and the development of a Christian belief system. The second semester helps students understand the History of the Church. The students come to understand the mission and ministry of the church as it developed from the time of Jesus to the present.
011 – RELIGIOUS STUDIES 9 –
A study of the Old Testament and the Faith Journey of the Israelites from Creation to the Birth of Christ
Duration: full year
Credit: 1
Weight = 1.00
Final examination: departmental exam
Students survey the Hebrew Scriptures in the first semester, focusing on some of the key stories and books. The second semester continues the story of Christian faith as presented in the Gospels and many of the letters. The two semesters combine as a study of Jesus as Messiah. All students are given a Bible for their study which they are expected to keep
021 – RELIGIOUS STUDIES 10 –
A study of the fundamentals of the Catholic Faith and Worship
Duration: full year
Credit: 1
Weight = 1.00
Final examination: departmental exam
The Sophomore religion program takes up where the Freshman course ends – with the establishment of the early Christian Church. It consists of two semester courses. The study of Church History helps students to learn and appreciate the major developments and key persons in church history, to reflect on their participation in and commitment to the Catholic Church, and to develop a deeper understanding of how God works in human history and in their own lives. The study of Worship centers around the Sacraments in five areas: Sacramental awareness, celebration, community, service, and life. The Bible is used as a supplemental resource.
031 - RELIGIOUS STUDIES 11 –
Moral Decision-Making
Duration: full year
Credit: 1
Weight = 1.00
Final examination: departmental exam
The religion program for juniors uses Christian living as its core. Basic moral principles, case studies, and relevant topics of social justice are treated in depth. Through a series of lectures, special presentations and extensive class discussions, students begin to find out who they are so that they may fully achieve their potential. Several contemporary issues are discussed from a Christian perspective during the year.
041 – RELIGIOUS STUDIES 12
World Religions (1 trimester)/ Christian Apologetics (1trimester)/ Christian Life Choices (1trimester)
Duration: full year
Credit: 1
Weight = 1.00
Final examination: departmental exam
The senior year of Religious Studies will be undertaken in three trimesters, each comprising one of the courses listed above.
The course in World Religions will present a discussion of the major religions of the world, including Judaism, Islam, Taoism, Hinduism, Shinto, Buddhism. Students will be led through the fundamental teachings of each religion and a discussion of how each religion focuses its members on God, their understanding of God and on how they attempt to develop a relationship with God.
The course in Christian Apologetics will provide the students with a review of Catholic doctrine and the teachings of the Catholic Church along with a forum for intelligent discussion of the reasonable basis that doctrine and teachings in order to ensure the students leave their high school experience with both a knowledge and an understanding of Catholic doctrine and teaching.
The course in Christian Life Choices will lead the students through a study of the four primary vocations: single life, married life, priesthood, and religious life. Along the way, it will provide a fulcrum for a presentation of such topics as communication, self-image, self-esteem, sexuality, abusive behavior, and others which influence life choices/vocation both in their inception and in their pursuit.
