Presentation of Mary Academy Catalog of Courses ’11 – ‘ 12
T H E O L O G Y
Understanding the Scriptures (Level 3)
This freshman course presents a thorough examination of the history of salvation as revealed in Sacred Scripture, which finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Divine Revelation will be studied through its sources in Sacred Scripture, Sacred Tradition and the Magisterium of the Catholic Church. An investigation will be undertaken of the various books of the Bible, examining the Old and New Testaments as being an unbroken communication between God and His people.
Text: Midwest Theological Forum. Understanding the Scriptures (2008).
Introduction to Catholicism (Level 3)
This sophomore course presents an overview of the teachings of the Catholic Church, serving as an introduction to the Catholic faith. Particular attention will be paid to the sacraments in order to gain a clear understanding of the efficacious grace present in each and thus the importance of the role of the sacraments in the life of the Catholic. The universal call to holiness is the overarching theme of our studies and other topics will be covered such as the Church, the Creed and the Ten Commandments.
Text: Midwest Theological Forum. Introduction to Catholicism (2007).
Christology and Theology of the Body (Level 3)
Christology introduces juniors to the mystery of Jesus Christ, the living Word of God. This course explores the mystery of the Blessed Trinity - one God in three persons, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit as revealed in Scripture and Tradition. Christian vocation will also be studied and how God invites us to be in communion with him, enabling us to share in the divine life that has been prepared for us from all eternity.
Theology of the Body refers to a series of 129 lectures given by Pope John Paul II during his Wednesday audiences in Rome between September 1979 and November 1984, later compiled and published as a single work entitled Theology of the Body According to John Paul II. Based on John Paul’s revolutionary teaching, Theology of the Body for Teens covers such topics as the bodily dimension of the person, the person as created male and female, the nature of human sexuality, the human need for communion and the nature of marriage as understood by the Catholic Church.
Texts: Midwest Theological Forum. The Blessed Trinity and our Christian Vocation (2009).
Ascencion Press, LLC. Theology of the Body for Teens (2006).
Our Moral Life in Christ (Level 3)
This senior level course will focus on Catholic morality, with an emphasis on the family and the Social Teachings of the Church. Students will focus on the integration and application of the principles of Christianity to their own lives. We will seek to become critical thinkers in understanding the faith and our aim will be to recognize the requirements of the human being concerning our social responsibility and the duty to be a moral person in our thinking and in our interaction with the world.
Text: Midwest Theological Forum. Our Moral Life in Christ (2009).
Our Moral Life in Christ Honors (Level 4)
This course seeks to explain Catholic moral teaching and the need for integration of the principles of Christianity into the moral life. In engaging the mind, the students will gain a deeper understanding of the intellectual life of the Church and how free will might then be exercised responsibly as they become good citizens of the world. Human beings are free and made in the image and likeness of God; and as such they have an obligation to seek the truth about what it means to be human. We have an obligation to our neighbor and it begins with the individual. This course encourages growth in the intellectual understanding of Catholic morality and the resulting duty we have to live out the moral life as taught by Jesus Christ. The social teachings of the Church are emphasized under the framework of the Ten Commandments.
*Prerequisite: A 95% average in Theology III. A 90% average in Theology III H.
Text: Midwest Theological Forum. Our Moral Life in Christ (2009).
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E N G L I S H
The English Department requires summer reading from all four-grade levels. The mechanics of writing term papers will be taught to grades 10, 11 and 12 by this department as well. Advancement into Honors English courses requires a 92% average and an 86% average for Level 4 students.
Introduction to Literature (Level 3)
This freshman course emphasizes vocabulary development, writing and grammar. It is an introduction to the four literary genres: short story, novel, poetry and drama. Weekly vocabulary, writing assignments and reading comprehension practice are included in order to expose students to the PSAT and SAT tests. Levels in Freshman English classes are determined by the High School Placement test and student transcripts.
Texts: Draper, Sharon. Romiette and Julio.
Golding, William. Lord of the Flies.
Literature and the Language Arts. (EMC, 2005)
Shostak, Jerome. Vocabulary Workshop D (Sadlier, 2005)
Shostak, Jerome. Grammar for Writing.
Introduction to Literature Honors (Level 4)
This freshman course emphasizes vocabulary development and introduction to expository writing. It also provides an introduction to the four literary genres: short story, novel, poetry and drama. Literary terms are studied and applied, and fundamental interpretive skills are developed. Creative writing opportunities are offered. Levels in Freshman English classes are determined by the High School Placement test and student transcripts.
English Literature (Level 3)
This survey course for sophomores encompasses the Anglo-Saxon time to the Twentieth Century, with emphasis on the English novel. A concentration on the expository writing process is of primary concern. Importance is placed on vocabulary and reading comprehension skills, PSAT and SAT preparation. Successful completion of a research paper is a requirement of this course.
Texts: Bronte, Charlotte. Jane Eyre.
MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, 7th Edition.
Timeless Voices, Timeless Themes: British Tradition. (Prentice Hall)
Shostak, Jerome. Grammar for Writing.
Shostak, Jerome. Vocabulary Workshop E.
English Literature Honors (Level 4)
This course for sophomores examines key literary works in the great body of English Literature, with emphasis on Shakespeare and the English novel. A concentration on the expository writing process is of primary concern. Critical analysis, both written and oral, is stressed. Importance is
placed on vocabulary and reading comprehension skills, PSAT and SAT preparation. Successful completion of a research paper is a requirement of this course.
Texts: Chaucer. Selected Canterbury Tales.
Coleridge, Samual Taylor. The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.
Dickens, Charles. A Tale of Two Cities.
Heaney, Seamus, trans. Beowulf.
MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, 7th Edition.
Shakespeare, William. Macbeth.
Shostak, Jerome. Vocabulary Workshop E.
Strowbridge, Clarence C., ed. 100 Favorite English and Irish Poems.
American Literature (Level 3)
Juniors will cultivate an appreciation and love for our American literary heritage, while developing the skills for literary analysis. Discussion of literary classics will promote critical thinking. Opportunities will be provided for expository writing, which will also serve to enrich vocabulary and SAT preparation. A formal study and practice of reading comprehension is included in this course. Successful completion of a research paper is a requirement of this course.
Texts: The American Poetry and Literacy Project. 101 Great American Poems
Crane, Stephen. The Open Boat and Other Stories.
Faulkner, William. As I Lay Dying
Gibaldi, Joseph. MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers. (MLA, 2005)
Hawthorne, Nathaniel. The Scarlet Letter.
Negri, Paul, ed. Great American Short Stories
Poe, Edgar Allan. The Gold Bug and other Tales
Shostak, Jerome. Vocabulary Workshop F. (Sadlier, 2005)
American Literature Honors (Level 4)
This course for juniors covers the beginnings of the American tradition through the 20th century. Each quarter focuses on an in-depth chronological study of significant American authors. Written analysis and class discussion of literature are major concerns. Importance is also placed on vocabulary development, reading comprehension and test-taking skills in preparation for the SAT. Successful completion of a research paper is a requirement of this course as is a year long American Literature Author project. Students are encouraged but not required to take the AP Language and Composition exam.
Texts: Chopin, Kate. The Awakening. (Dover, 1993)
Dickinson, Emily. Selected Poems. (Dover, 1990)
Hemingway, Ernest. A Farewell to Arms
Frost, Robert. The Road Not Taken and Other Poems. (Dover, 1993)
Gibaldi, Joseph. MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers. (MLA, 2005)
Hawthorne Nathaniel. The Scarlet Letter. (Dover, 1991)
Poe, Edgar Allan. The Gold-Bug and Other Tales. (Dover, 1991)
Shostak, Jerome. Vocabulary Workshop F. (Sadlier, 2005)
West, Dorothy. The Wedding. (Random House, 1995)
Wilder, Thornton. Our Town. (Harper Collins, 1938)
Great Books (Level 3)
This senior survey course is organized by theme and culture to present significant works of World Literature. Careful attention is paid to critical and analytical discussions and writing. Successful completion of a term paper, based on the textual analysis of a literary work, is a requirement of this course.
Texts: Alvarez, Julia. In the Time of the Butterflies.
Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice.
MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, 7th Edition.
Shakespeare. Hamlet.
Sophocles. Antigone
Sophocles. Oedipus Rex.
Wiesel, Eli. Night.
Great Books Honors (Level 4)
This senior course will sharpen students’ powers of literary criticism and analysis in oral and written forms. Through writings of authors from around the world students will explore the common literary styles, philosophies and behavior of mankind. Successful completion of a term paper, based on the textual analysis of a literary work, is a requirement of this course.
Texts: Austen, Jane. Pride & Prejudice.
Dostoevsky, Fyodor. Crime and Punishment.
Euripides. Medea. (Dover, 1993)
Hurston, Zora Neale. Their Eyes Were Watching God.
MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, 7th Edition.
Shakespeare. Hamlet.
Sophocles. Oedipus Rex.
Wiesel, Eli. Night.
Advanced Placement Literature (Level 5)
This English class for seniors focuses on writing and revising essays, topical discussions and analyzing short stories, poems, dramas and novels. Extended class time, once per rotation, is required for this course. Upon completion of this course students are required to take the AP Literature and Composition exam. It is recommended that students who wish to take this course have a 90% average in previous English courses. All required summer reading and writing assignments must be completed in order to start this course in September.
Texts: Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice. (Dover)
Conrad, Joseph. Heart of Darkness. (Dover)
Gibaldi, Joseph. MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers. (MLA, 2005)
Miller, Arthur. Death of a Salesman.
Perrine. Sound and Sense.
Shakespeare, William. Othello. (Dover)
Sophocles. Antigone. (Dover, 1993)
20th Century Writers (Level 3)
This elective course for seniors is designed to broaden students’ knowledge of contemporary writers. Students develop their own voices through a variety of creative writing assignments based upon their reading.
Texts: TBA
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M A T H
Algebra I (Level 3)
This course starts with a quick review of basic operations with numbers. Then it introduces the use of variables in solving problems. Topics covered include: equations, inequalities, absolute values, exponents, polynomials, rational expressions, systems of equations, word problems and graphing linear equations.
Text: Larson, Ron, et al. Algebra I Concepts & Skills (Holt McDougal, 2010).
Algebra I Honors (Level 4)
This course covers Properties of Real Numbers, Solving Linear Equations, Graphing Linear Equations and Functions, Writing Linear Equations, Solving and Graphing Linear Equations Inequalities, Systems of Linear Equations, and Inequalities, Exponents and Exponential Functions, Quadratic Equations and Functions, Polynomials and Factoring, Rational Expressions and Equations, Radicals and connections to Geometry with Midpoint and Distance Formula. Placement in Freshman Algebra I Honors is determined by the High School Placement test and student transcripts.
Text: Larson, Ron, et al. Larson Algebra I (Holt McDougal, 2010)
Geometry (Level 3)
This course teaches properties of angles, lines and various geometric figures. It covers parallel lines, congruent and similar triangles, quadrilaterals, circles and right triangle trigonometry is introduced. Proofs are used throughout the course.
Text: Bass, Laurie, et al. Geometry (Prentice Hall, 2004)
Geometry Honors (Level 4)
This course covers all the topics taught in Geometry in greater depth and with more emphasis on proofs. Additional topics include surface area and volume of various 3 dimensional figures. Prerequisites: An 86% average in Algebra I Honors or a 92% in Algebra I.
Text: Bass, Laurie, et al. Geometry (Prentice Hall, 2004)
Algebra II (Level 3)
This course stresses the structure of Algebra and the development of problem solving skills. Algebra I topics are reviewed and extended. Equations, inequalities, polynomials, functions, and complex numbers are covered as well as some trigonometry.
Text: Bellman, Allan, et al. Algebra 2 (Prentice Hall, 2004)
TI 83 or 84 graphing calculator required.
Algebra II Honors (Level 4)
This course will cover all the material of Algebra II in greater depth. Conic sections, matrices, trigonometry, exponential and logarithmic functions will be covered in detail. Prerequisites: An 86% average in Geometry Honors or a 92% average in Geometry.
Text: Bellman, Allan, et al. Algebra 2 (Prentice Hall, 2004)
TI 83 or 84 graphing calculator required.
PreCalculus (Level 3)
Topics from Algebra, Geometry and Trigonometry are reviewed and extended in this course. The study of functions includes linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational and trigonometric functions. Also included are trig equations and identities, laws of sine and cosine as well as solving systems of equations and inequalities.
Text: Brown, Richard. Advanced Mathematics: PreCalculus with Discrete Mathematics and
Data Analysis. (McDougal Littell, 2003).
TI 83 or 84 graphing calculator required.
PreCalculus Honors (Level 4)
This course will cover all the material from Pre Calculus level 3 in greater depth with more emphasis on applications. Conic sections, logarithmic, exponential and trigonometric functions are studied. An introduction to limits, the derivative and the power rule will conclude the year. Prerequisites: An 86% average in Algebra II Honors or 92% average in Algebra II.
Text: Blitzer. PreCalculus (Prentice Hall, 2007)
TI 83 or 84 graphing calculator required.