Syllabus

Course Description:

This course leads the students toward a deeper understanding of the vocations of life: How Christ calls us to live. In this course, students learn how all vocations are similar and how they differ. The course is structured around married life, single life, priestly life, and consecrated life. Students will learn what it means to live life for the benefit of others. Prerequisite: None.

Instructor:      Br. R. Nepomuk Willemsen, O.Carm.

                        Email: rwillemsen@salpointe.org

                        Phone: 547-9358

                        Office hours: by appointment

Course Objectives:

Students will understand opportunities, challenges, and developmental tasks facing them in young adulthood. They will have a clearer understanding of four lifestyle paths – single life, married life, religious life and ordained ministry. They will examine lifestyle issues and choices in light of the Gospel and the Catholic Christian tradition. Students should learn what it means to live life for the benefit of others and the value in considering a vocation in service to the Christian community. As students better understand themselves and the rich possibilities of life according to Christ, they will acknowledge their own personhood more deeply and realize God’s love for them.

Class Rules:

1.    Treat each person with respect and dignity

2.    Students are to be in their seats before the bell rings

3.    Smartphones and other electronic devices are permitted for class
purposes only, on an ad-hoc basis as indicated by the teacher

4.    No food or drink allowed in the classroom

5.    Teacher’s desk, lectern, and cabinets are off limits

6.    Respect school property

Classroom atmosphere: The first responsibility of each person is to promote respect for each student, visitor, and teacher in such a way that we are welcomed and included. This includes raising your hand to participate in class discussions and listening when others are sharing comments.

Required Resources:         Vocations, Answering God’s Call (Textbook)

                                                Bible (New American Version)

                                                Youcat, Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church

                                                Notebook

                                                Binders, Pens, Paper

Grading:       

Coursework will be weighted as follows:

Participation (10%): The participation grade depends primarily on attendance, but will also reflect the student’s contribution to bell-work activities, class discussion and whether the student was inattentive or disruptive in class. The participation grade will be lowered 10% for each missed class (5% for each tardiness).

Homework (25%): There will be homework due for most classes. Homework must be handed in according to the posted deadline. Late work will not be accepted. The homework will involve a variety of tasks. Most often, the homework will be short answers to questions related to the readings. The three lowest homework grades will be dropped at the end of the semester.

Quizzes (20%): There will be unannounced quizzes to see if you are reading assignments and taking notes in class, so always be prepared for class. Quizzes will relate to current and previous topics.

Tests (20%): There will be tests throughout the semester for the student to demonstrate an understanding of the class teaching and its application.

Projects (15%): Projects can be in class and/or on a take home basis. They are specifically defined either as group work or individual assignment.

Final Exam (10%): The Final Exam at the end of the semester will be comprehensive, covering the entire course.

Cheating/Plagiarism:

Cheating or Plagiarism is never acceptable and parties involved will receive a zero on the assignment. Refer to p. 25 of the student/parent teacher handbook for a description of the school policy regarding cheating and plagiarism.

Bell-Work Procedure:

Bell-Work are activities posted on the board or distributed to the students as they arrive to class that should be started at or before the time the bell rings. These activities can be a review of previous lessons, practice of current skills, or introductions to the new lesson of the day. Students are expected to remain silent during this time.

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Classroom Procedures

Beginning Class:

·       Bring supplies to class every day – be prepared & ready!

·       Be in your seat with homework & books out on your desk, backpacks remain on the floor

·       Class will begin with a prayer. Be respectful during prayer at all times

During Instruction:

·       Listen to the teacher with full attention

·       Raise your hand and wait to be called on before you speak

·       Ask questions related to the subject. Questions not related to the subject can be asked after instruction

·       Remain in your seat unless you have permission to do otherwise

·       All passes must be given to the teacher

While Working:

·       Make sure you read or listen to the directions about your work and understand the directions

·       If you didn’t understand, quietly ask for help from other students sitting around you

·       If you are asked to help, be polite and help

·       Talking to each other should be no louder than a whisper

·       Use your time wisely. Put forth your best effort to finish your work on time

When Your Attention Is Needed:

·       Stop what you are doing at that moment

·       Face the teacher and wait silently

·       Quietly notify any classmates who have not responded

When You Are Finished:

·       Check work and directions one more time to see if you missed anything or did something incorrectly

·       Check to see if the heading is written correctly on paper

·       Turn in assignment, if instructed

·       Do not disturb others if they are finishing their work

End of Class:

·       Pick up any trash on the floor and throw it away in trashcan on your way out

·       Check the area around your desk so nothing is left behind

·       Wait in your seat for the teacher to dismiss you – the bell does not dismiss you

Homework Procedure:

·       All written work must be done in blue or black ink pen and on loose-leaf paper, unless otherwise instructed. It will not be accepted on paper with ragged edges torn out of a notebook

·       Work should be neat and orderly, using proper grammar, spelling, punctuation, and capitalization. Quality work will result in quality grades!

·       Paper heading must include:

First & Last Name

Br. Nepi

Responding to the Call of Jesus Christ – Period # __

Date

Title of Assignment