Theology Courses

Scripture
This survey course imparts a knowledge and love of Scripture. Students study the nature of Divine Revelation and learn how to appreciate the complex development of Scripture as it was passed down through oral tradition, set in written text, and made part of the canon. In keeping with Catholic tradition, students learn basic literary, structural, and historical methodological skills for Biblical interpretation. Students learn how to examine and clarify the meaning of Scripture; they also are encouraged to hear, in their reading of Scripture, the living word of God and reflectively seek to understand how God’s word applies to their daily lives. (In this way they come to understand salvation history.) This course also fosters students’ moral and spiritual growth through the study of religious and spiritual leaders, examining how they responded in faith to contemporary issues and problems of their day.
Grade Level: 9

Christian Morality & The Sacraments
This course integrates an exploration of Christian morality with the study of the seven sacraments. This study takes place primarily within the context of the challenges of popular culture as it is viewed through the media. Students study the concepts of objective and subjective truth, conscience formation, sin and grace, legal and moral authority, the Ten Commandments, the moral precepts of the Church, and the Gospel call to justice and peace. The students are introduced to three essential strategies for self-discovery: thinking, learning and communicating. This will raise the probability that students will be empowered to reach their potential as children of God and find true success well beyond their school years. Through the study of the seven sacraments, students learn of God’s abiding presence in the human person and the invitation to grow morally and spiritually. The Catechism of the Catholic Church is introduced to the students throughout the course of their study.
Grade Level: 10

Church History & World Religions
This course introduces the student to the history and theology of the Roman Catholic Church and the major world religions with which the Church relates. Subjects include the following: models of the Church; formation of the early Christian community; development of the creeds; ecumenical councils; development of religious communities; Reformation; missionary activity; Vatican II; ecumenism; Eastern religions; and a study of Judaism and Islam with special emphasis regarding their impact on the development of the Church.
Grade Level: 11

Social Justices Courses

The Social Justice seminar uses the maturity of seniors to discuss issues chosen and led by students. The list of possible issues is a long one, but the course covers abortion, capital punishment, euthanasia, discrimination, poverty, religious freedom, and other moral and ethical issues of our time that the Pope has highlighted as being critical in today’s society. Using Catholic social teachings and the Catechism of the Catholic Church, students study the principles that define and clarify the Church’s position on these issues in order to illuminate their thought processes.
Grade Level: 12

Seniors take one of the following courses:

Social Justice & Christian Lifestyles
Christian Lifestyles considers those lifestyles compatible with common Christian vocations (e.g. chosen single life, religious life, marriage).The goal of this course is to prepare the seniors to live a moral life beyond the walls of St. Thomas. Issues include living in a diverse world, moral lessons from the Holocaust, using the Gospels as a foundation for living a life of moral action, self-discipline, and compassion. Other topics include current trends in Catholic spirituality, identity development, women’s issues, and closure to the STA experience.

Honors Social Justice
This seminar course will challenge students to study theology and justice at a deeper level. Social Justice and our Faith is an honors course taught at the college level. Post-secondary credit is offered through St. Mary's University with 3 college credits earned through P.A.C.C. (Program for Advanced College Credit), and course expectations will reflect this standard. Students will use a college level textbook (approx. $50). Students will study the societal ills of inequality and basic human rights and the Church’s response to them. Students will reflect on the life and teachings of Jesus and on the tradition of the Church in learning about and discussing a wide variety of current moral issues such as sexuality, life/death, medical ethics, poverty, and discrimination. Students will learn the critical role of Scripture and prayer in discerning how to act justly. Cost: $150.00 paid to St. Mary's University.
Prerequisite: Instructor's approval

Social Justice & Campus Ministry
Campus Ministry is specifically designed for students who are motivated by their faith to serve. Opportunities for spiritual leadership and servant leadership enable students to explore what it means to be a minister to others. Through specialized training and education, Campus Ministers are empowered to recognize the needs of the STA and Twin Cities communities, to reflect on their observation in light of Christ’s life and the Gospel message, and to formulate means by which they can most effectively and compassionately address the needs of those to whom they minister.
Prerequisite: Instructor's approval

Social Justice & Religious Themes in Art
The Social Justice seminar uses the maturity of seniors to discuss issues chosen by the students and led by them. The list of possible issues is a long one, but the course certainly covers abortion, capital punishment, euthanasia, discrimination, poverty, religious freedom, and the other moral and ethical issues of our time that the Pope has highlighted as being critical in today’s society. Using Catholic social teachings and the Catechism of the Catholic Church, students study the principles that define and clarify the Church’s position on these issues in order to illuminate their thought processes

Students are also registered in Religious Themes in Art
Religious Themes in Art explores a variety of spiritual themes and the means artists use to express them. Judeo-Christian traditions serve as the content base. Students grow in their appreciation of their own spiritual experiences and, above all, will understand themselves as creators. Topics and media covered include religious symbols, social justice themes, religious leaders, historical leaders, church architecture, wood, silk-screening, and the computer.

Senior Project
Students are invited to participate in a “senior project.” Students are required to submit an integration paper at the conclusion of their project that will serve as a reflection of their spiritual growth during their years at Saint Thomas Academy.

ELECTIVE
Crime & Justice
This course is designed for seniors who are considering majoring in sociology, behavioral science, social work, political science, or law enforcement. Students discuss crime and justice from a Catholic perspective. Topics include: Catholic Social Doctrine, drug and alcohol abuse, racial profiling, prison reform, prison ministry, the history of crime and punishment in the modern age, mercy and forgiveness, victim’s rights, crime scene investigation, interrogation techniques and crime trends and statistics. The class meets during two class periods per week and one Saturday per month. The course utilizes community experts on various topics and includes several field trips.
Prerequisite: Instructor's approval
Grade Level: 12