The first semester of the course will lead students to a deeper understanding of the Bible and salvation history that is presented within it. The students learn to navigate the Bible and use basic exegetical skills. They examine the relationship among revelation, inspiration and vocation. They learn why salvation history is necessary. They come to know the people of salvation history. Finally, they come to understand that Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of salvation history and the Israelites' covenant relationship with God. The second semester leads students toward a deeper understanding of the Trinity, the Incarnation, Jesus' significant relationships, Jesus' teachings, Jesus' example, salvation, and discipleship as a response to God's love. Pre-requisite: Student must be a freshman.

The first semester of this course leads students toward a deeper understanding of the human need for redemption and how Jesus is the fulfillment of God's promise of redemption. The course explores the Pascal Mystery as to how, through his suffering, death, resurrection, and ascension, Jesus makes redemption possible. The course also addresses how human beings continually experience the Pascal Mystery throughout their lives and in the liturgy of the Church. The second semester of the course will lead students toward a deeper understanding of the Church as a means to encountering the living Jesus. This semester explores the origin, the human and divine elements, and the ongoing mission of the Church. Additionally, the students explore the Church's ongoing efforts to gather all into the People of God through the ecumenical movement and interreligious dialogue. Pre-Requisite: Student must be a sophomore and have passed Christian Scriptures.

This course examines a number of topics that are integral to the moral life in our Roman Catholic tradition. Centered in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the course explores such topics as growing in self-knowledge, natural law, the act of conscience, the Ten Commandments, the Beatitudes, the nature of personal and social sin, freedom and responsibility, and vocation. This course presents a method for decision making as it challenges students to examine and pattern their lives in light of the Gospel. Teaching methods include service learning, introspection/journaling, multi-media, lecture, and group projects. This course is required for graduation. Pre-Requisites: Student must be a junior and have passed Christian Scriptures.

This section of Christian Living is an online course offered through Justin-Siena. The course examines a number of topics that are integral to the moral life in our Roman Catholic tradition. Centered in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the course explores such topics as growing in self-knowledge, natural law, the act of conscience, the Ten Commandments, the Beatitudes, the nature of personal and social sin, freedom and responsibility, and vocation. This course presents a method for decision making as it challenges students to examine and pattern their lives in light of the Gospel. Teaching methods include service learning, introspection/journaling, multi-media, lecture, and group projects. Christian Living is required for graduation. Estimated homework load / types of homework required: Students can expect to spend three to four hours a week on this course. Course work will include lecture, multimedia, note-taking, online class discussions/webinars, individual and cooperative expository and creative projects, and other activities. The vast majority of work for this class will be conducted independently and online. There will be monthly online class webinars, established early in each semester, at which all students must be online to participate in virtual discussions, lectures and assessments. Technical requirements: Students must have access to a computer with internet access and audio and microphone capabilities. Pre-Requisites: Student must be a junior, have passed all required religious studies courses, have a GPA of 3.0, demonstrate strong habits of self-discipline and time management, and submit an application for departmental approval. Preference will be given to students with scheduling conflicts. Beginning May 1, 2015, this course will be open to students in schools participating in the Bay Area Catholic Schools Online Consortium. NB: All policies listed in the 2015-2016 Justin-Siena Braves Life Student/Parent Handbook regarding online courses (p. 15) apply.

This course examines a number of topics that are integral to the moral life in our Roman Catholic tradition. Centered in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the course explores such topics as growing in self-knowledge, natural law, the act of conscience, the Ten Commandments, the Beatitudes, the nature of personal and social sin, freedom and responsibility, and vocation. This course presents a method for decision making as it challenges students to examine and pattern their lives in light of the Gospel. Teaching methods include service learning, introspection/journaling, multi-media, lecture, and group projects.  This course fulfills the graduation requirement to take Christian Living.  Additional Requirements: Enrollment in this class requires students’ committed presence at and full participation in the Student Leadership Retreat and two Student Leadership Work Days held during the summer. In addition, students will be required to complete coursework throughout the summer, with assignments and activities due before the start of school in August.  Pre-Requisites: Students must be juniors and have passed all required religious studies courses. Students must submit the online application for this class by the published deadline and receive department approval. Preference will be given to students who are willing to invest significant time and energy to building a culture of service and social justice on campus. Any students who have demonstrated a commitment to service and leadership are invited to apply.

This course is an adaptation of Sacraments as Privileged Encounters with Christ in the Bishops's Framework. It explores the sacraments and sacramental spirituality as presented in the teaching of the Catholic Church and reflected upon in works of literature and film. Specifically, through the study of sacramental rites, Catholic teaching on the sacraments, art, literature, and film, students will examine the meaning of grace and redemption celebrated through the sacraments and lived in everyday, ordinary life especially baptism, confirmation, and Eucharist. Pre-Requisites: Student must be a senior and have passed all required religious studies courses.

This course is an adaptation of Option D: Responding to the Call of Jesus Christ and includes many elements of Option B: History of the Catholic Church in the Bishops' Framework. It is designed to help students reflect on the presence of God in their lives by exploring the foundations of a fruitful spiritual journey, different prayer practices and images of God, the life stories of saints and spiritual figures, and ultimately, how to respond to God's call in their lives. By reflective reading, viewing, and analysis of the stories of people seeking to better know themselves, God, and the meaning of their lives, students learn to see God in the people they meet and the choices they make. Students will also be introduced to a variety of situations and circumstances that contribute to their spiritual development using lecture, discussion, journaling, and film. The culminating final project asks students to design and create their own spiritual autobiography. Pre-Requisites: Student must be a senior and have passed all required religious studies courses.

This section of Spiritual Journey is an online course offered through Justin-Siena. It is an adaptation of Option D: Responding to the Call of Jesus Christ and includes many elements of Option B: History of the Catholic Church in the Bishops' Framework. It is designed to help students reflect on the presence of God in their lives by exploring the foundations of a fruitful spiritual journey, different prayer practices and images of God, the life stories of saints and spiritual figures, and ultimately, how to respond to God's call in their lives. By reflective reading, viewing, and analysis of the stories of people seeking to better know themselves, God, and the meaning of their lives, students learn to see God in the people they meet and the choices they make. Students will also be introduced to a variety of situations and circumstances that contribute to their spiritual development using lecture, discussion, journaling, and film. The culminating final project asks students to design and create their own spiritual autobiography. Estimated homework load / types of homework required: Students can expect to spend three to four hours a week on this course. Course work will include note-taking, online class discussions/webinars, individual and cooperative expository and creative projects, and other activities. The vast majority of work for this class will be conducted independently and online. There will be monthly online class webinars, established early in the semester, at which all students must be online to participate in virtual discussions, lectures and assessments. This course will also include a half-day, in-person retreat to be scheduled early in the semester. Technical requirements: Students must have access to a computer with internet access and audio and microphone capabilities. Pre-Requisites: Student must be a senior, have passed all required religious studies courses, have a GPA of 3.0, demonstrate strong habits of self-discipline and time management, and submit an application for departmental approval. Preference will be given to students who have scheduling conflicts. Beginning May 1, 2015, this course will be open to students in schools participating in the Bay Area Catholic Schools Online Consortium. NB: All policies listed in the 2014-2015 Justin-Siena Braves Life Student/Parent Handbook regarding online courses (pp. 12-13) apply.

This course follows Option E: Ecumenical and Interreligious Issues in the Bishops' Framework and begins with a discussion of Vatican II and the Church's teaching on ecumenism, religious tolerance, and inter-faith dialogue recognizing non-Christian religions. The course then examines the eastern religions including Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Shinto. The course ends with the study of Judaism, Islam, and Christianity including other rites of Catholicism and Protestant faiths. Teaching methods include lecture, multi-media, guest speakers, group work, and projects. This course is UC-approved. Pre-Requisites: Student must be a senior and have passed all required religious studies courses.

This section of World Religions is an online course offered through Justin-Siena. It follows Option E: Ecumenical and Interreligious Issues in the Bishops' Framework and begins with a discussion of Vatican II and the Church's teaching on ecumenism, religious tolerance, and inter-faith dialogue recognizing non-Christian religions. The course then examines the eastern religions including Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Shinto. The course ends with the study of Judaism, Islam, and Christianity including other rites of Catholicism and Protestant faiths. Estimated homework load / types of homework required: Students can expect to spend three to four hours a week on this course. Course work will include lecture, multimedia, note-taking, online class discussions/webinars, individual and cooperative expository and creative projects, and other activities. The vast majority of work for this class will be conducted independently and online. There will be monthly online class webinars, established early in the semester, at which all students must be online to participate in virtual discussions, lectures and assessments. Technical requirements: Students must have access to a computer with internet access and audio and microphone capabilities. Pre-Requisites: Student must be a senior, have passed all required religious studies courses, have a GPA of 3.0, demonstrate strong habits of self-discipline and time management, and submit an application for departmental approval. Preference will be given to students with scheduling conflicts. Beginning May 1, 2015, this course will be open to students in schools participating in the Bay Area Catholic Schools Online Consortium. NB: All policies listed in the 2014-2015 Justin-Siena Braves Life Student/Parent Handbook regarding online courses (pp. 12-13) apply. Unlike 016 World Religions, this online section of World Religions is not UC-approved.

The Senior Service Project is a seminar-style course that is an adaptation of Option C: Living as a Disciple of Jesus Christ in Society in the Bishops' Framework. Students will be guided through the process of applying Catholic social teaching into direct service. Students will research issues related to Catholic social thought, perform direct service, prepare proposals based on their research and service experience, and present their findings to a panel of teachers and students for review. Students will further be instructed on the different levels of service, structural analysis, Catholic social thought, and advocacy for justice. Pre-Requisites: Student must be a senior and have passed all required religious studies courses. In addition the student must submit the online application by the published deadline and receive department approval.

This course is an adaptation of Option D: Responding to the Call of Jesus in the Bishops’ Framework, incorporating elements of Option A: Sacred Scripture.  Students will be guided through a process of examining Sacred Scripture in order to apply the words and actions of Jesus Christ to expressions of Servant Leadership in today’s world. The course will engage students in the study of Servant Leadership as exemplified by Jesus in the New Testament, develop their personal and interpersonal leadership skills, and invite them to share responsibility with peers and adults in carrying out the mission of Justin-Siena High School through experiencing the hands-on planning, implementation, and evaluation of select activities dedicated to fostering a vibrant Student Life on campus.  Additional requirements:  Enrollment in this class requires committed presence at and full participation in the Student Leadership Retreat and two Student Leadership Work Days held during the summer. In addition, students elected to the role of Student Director must take this class as their Senior Religion course.  Pre-Requisites:  Students must be seniors and have passed all required religious studies courses. Students must submit the online application by the published deadline and receive department approval. Preference will be given to students who have taken Christian Living and Servant Leadership as juniors, but any students who have demonstrated a commitment to service and leadership may apply.