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Departments & Curriculum

We are committed to the vision of St. Ignatius: Lead students to knowledge, love and the service of God.

Our faculty personify cura personalis, or care of the whole person, by putting the success and well-being of students as the focus of their work. More than 95% of our faculty have advanced degrees, and all are committed to professional development in their respective disciplines.

Explore by Department

Computer Science and STEM

The Computer Science Department offers a wide range of courses with three tracks available: computer science, engineering and data science. The curriculum is updated regularly to reflect current trends in technology, and the department collaborates with the Math, Science and Fine Arts Departments to offer innovative courses. Our computer science faculty have more than 70 years of combined teaching experience.

Students taking computer science classes at SLUH learn how to think computationally, collaborate with one another and leverage the power of technology to solve real-world problems. Above all, they emerge with the knowledge, skills and dispositions to launch their success in many fields in college, especially those in STEM.

Computer Science and STEM Curriculum

Computer Programming, the only required Computer Science course, is offered during the summer before freshman year as well as during freshman year. All other courses are elective and are available to all students as long as they fulfill the prerequisites for a given course.

Computer Programming

This course will serve as an initiation into some of the fundamental concepts of computer science...

Computer Science Faculty

Steve Nicollerat

M.S.

School: (314) 269-2133

Daniel See

Computer Science Department Chair

M.S., M.Ed.

School: (314) 269-2068

English

The English Department intends that our students grow during their four years of English in their ability to write well (with clarity, precision, energy, grace and truth) and to read well (understanding with heart and mind the direct meaning and more distant implications of words, images, characters and events).

Summer Reading

William George Prize for Poetry

English Curriculum

Through the Saint Louis University 1818 Program, students may take AP English Literature and/or their senior English courses for college credit. Students may earn three hours of credit for each SLUH class that matches a SLU course for which the student has not already received credit. Numbers in parentheses indicate which SLU classes the SLUH classes match.

Freshman English

Freshman English gives students foundational analytical tools for reading and writing...

Senior English First Semester Electives: Literature

First-semester senior electives invite students into college-level study of literature through close study of a genre, theme or major author. Following extensive formation in close reading and analytic writing in the first three years of SLUH English, these electives offer students opportunities to explore and read deeply in a particular vein of inquiry. In addition to a substantial capstone literary analysis essay, students will encounter new and more independent ways of writing about life and literature. All first-semester electives align with specific college-credit courses offered through the SLU 1818 program.

Honors African-American Voices (ENGL 2850 - Nation, Identity and Literature)

This course will give students a sense of the African American experience from slavery to freedom and beyond, primarily through close reading of the novels, poems, stories, essays, memoirs, songs, and films that African Americans have produced...

Honors Alienated Hero (ENGL 2650 - Technology, Media, and Literature)

This course will examine the cultural factors that define a hero through a focus on protagonists who do not fit into society, rebels who stand outside or beyond the social norms...

Honors American Literature (ENGL 2850 - Nation, Identity and Literature)

How might a journey through significant writings by Americans across the centuries help us to understand more deeply what it means to be American?

Honors Fantasy and Realism (ENGL 2350 - Faith, Doubt and Literature)

How realistic is realism? How true is fantasy? As we read poems, plays, and novels and view films in this course, we will attempt to refine these two questions and paint for ourselves a variegated and nuanced portrait of how realism and fantasy are sometimes separate poles and are often intermixed...

Honors Dante & the Modern World (ENGL 2350 - Faith, Doubt and Literature)

This course will guide students through all three volumes of Dante’s masterwork, the Divine Comedy, journeying with the poet-pilgrim through the three realms of the afterlife...

Honors Shakespeare (ENGL 2750 - Film, Culture and Literature)

Why, in the 21st century, should we devote whole courses to Shakespeare? Because to study Shakespeare is to enter what may be the world’s most popular cultural conversation.

Senior English Second Semester Electives: Craft

In 2nd semester Senior electives, students hone their craft as storytellers and artists in a variety of genres ranging from creative writing to filmmaking and podcasting. Each course will entail a close study of compelling models and the production of a substantial Capstone project that allows students to demonstrate their mastery and application of the skills that have developed throughout their four years at SLUH. All Spring electives align with specific college-credit courses offered through the SLU 1818 program.

Documentary Filmmaking (ENGL 1900 - Advanced Strategies of Rhetoric and Research

Building on the foundations of creative nonfiction and narrative writing in SLUH English, Documentary Storytelling focuses on the craft and power of visual storytelling.

Reading and Writing Fiction (ENGL 2000 - TBD)

Building from the foundation of narrative writing and the close study of memoir and fiction in SLUH English, Reading and Writing Fiction gives students an opportunity to read realistic short fiction as writers and to use what they learn from that activity to inform their own work in this genre.

The Craft of Poetry (ENGL 2000 - TBD)

Building on the foundations of poetry studies in SLUH English, The Craft of Poetry focuses on the techniques and the spirit that give poems their power.

Podcast Storytelling (ENGL 1900 - Advanced Strategies of Rhetoric and Research)

The Podcast Storytelling course invites students to apply the skills of creative nonfiction and narrative writing they have learned in SLUH English to the kind of audio-journalism that characterizes the best work of the recent podcasting boom...

Literary Journalism (ENGL 1900 - Advanced Strategies of Rhetoric and Research)

Literary Journalism will build on the foundations of creative nonfiction and narrative writing students have encountered in previous SLUH English courses and will introduce a new emphasis on journalism...

English Faculty

David Callon

Ph.D.

School: (314) 269-2009

Jennifer Carroll

English Department Chair

M.A.

School: (314) 269-2006

Jamie Cordia

ASC 22, Senior Class Moderator, Ongoing Conversations Moderator

M.S.E.

School: (314) 269-2011

Adam Cruz

Class of 2010

ACES Moderator

M.A.

School: (314) 269-2096

Asst. Moderator of ACES

Thomas Curdt

Class of 2018

English Teacher, Assistant Band Director

Timothy Curdt

Class of 1990

Director of Learning Center, Learning Coach, ASC 4

M.A.

School: (314) 269-2001

Justin Danzy

M.F.A.

School: (314) 269-2034

Charles Hussung

M.A.

School: (314) 269-2010

Justin Kelley, SJ

School: (314) 269-2007

Frank Kovarik

Class of 1994

Co-Director of Equity and Inclusion, ASC 7

M.A.

School: (314) 269-2003

Stephen Missey

Class of 1988

ASC 3

M.A.

School: (314) 269-2002

Richard Moran

Class of 1966

M.A.

School: (314) 269-2005

Sean O'Brien

Class of 1998

M.A.

School: (314) 269-2008

Terry Quinn

Co-Director of Adult Spiritual Formation

M.A.

School: (314) 269-2004

Andrea Scarpino

English Teacher

M.F.A., Ph.D.

Fine Arts

The Fine Arts Department is dedicated to fostering all that is creative and intuitive in our students by offering a wide range of visual and performing arts courses. Though the content and teaching methodologies are diverse, each offers an opportunity for students to develop their aesthetic and critical sense, enabling them to create and comprehend a work of art and develop an understanding of and respect for the creative process.

The department believes the study of Fine Arts to be a process-oriented act as well as one requiring critical thought, careful training, and formidable preparation. Our faculty aims to find a balance between intuition and training, between imagination and discipline.

We recognize our students as both potential creators and potential patrons of the arts. We appreciate the unique styles, gifts, insights, and humanity of each individual. It is our belief that through the study of and participation in the arts, students gain insights into other peoples and cultures and through self expression, gain insights into themselves.

Freshman Courses

Incoming freshmen must select one semester of an introductory fine arts course.

Survey of Performing Arts

Survey of Performing Arts introduces students to the disciplines of theater, dance, and vocal music...

Survey of Visual Arts

Survey of Visual Arts introduces students to a variety of traditional drawing techniques and styles and essential design elements and principles through the creation of physical and digital work...

Freshman Band Program

Freshmen who participate in a full-year band class must take the SLUH 101 class during the summer before their freshman year.

Fundamentals of Band I

This course gives students an opportunity to learn how to play a band instrument in a group experience...

Upper Level Band Program

Lab Band

This course is intended only for piano, guitar and bass players that plan to continue into upper level bands...

Jazz Program

Note: To participate in the Jazz Program a student must be in the Symphonic Band or Concert Band (except piano and guitar players).

Jazz Band I

Primarily a course for seniors and very advanced underclassmen, the various jazz styles are studied in this band by analyzing, practicing, and performing representative music...

Vocal Music Program

Music Theory

Students enrolled in this course will learn the basic elements of music theory, as well as composing and arranging...

Performing Arts Program

Oral Communication

The purposes of the course are three fold: (1) A basic understanding of the processes and methods of communication; (2) The practice of these processes through a number of oral presentations; and (3) An increase in general knowledge...

Dance Program

Dance I

Dance I is an introductory course in dance focusing on performance as well as the social aspects of dance...

Studio Art Program

Drawing II

This second semester course in drawing builds on the foundations taught in Drawing I...

Fine Arts Faculty

Simonie Anzalone

Fine Arts Department Chair, Ongoing Conversations Moderator

M.A.

School: (314) 269-2148

Joan Bugnitz

M.A.T.

School: (314) 269-2172

Thomas Curdt

Class of 2018

English Teacher, Assistant Band Director

Matthew Kleinberg

Class of 1998

Fine Arts Teacher

M.F.A.

Joe Koestner

D.M.

School: (314) 269-2161

Kevin McKernan

Class of 2001

M.A.

School: (314) 269-2018

Jeffrey Pottinger

M.A.

School: (314) 269-2165

Sarah Rebholz

M.A.

School: (314) 269-2190

Brian Reeves

Ashley Rube

Fine Arts Faculty

Edward Teshara

Director of Theater Operations

Kathryn Whitaker

M.F.A.

School: (314) 269-2017

Mathematics

Math Curriculum

For students placed in Algebra I:

Freshman → Algebra I or Accelerated Algebra I
Sophomore → Geometry or Honors Geometry
Junior → Algebra II / Trig or Honors PreCalculus
Senior → Mathematics for Data Science*; Honors Probability and Statistics*; Honors Senior PreCalculus*; PreCalculus*; PreCalculus II*; AP Calculus AB or BC#; AP Statistics#

For students who test out of Algebra I:

Freshman → Freshman Geometry
Sophomore → Honors PreCalculus
Junior → AP BC Calculus
Senior → Mathematics for Data Science*; Honors Probability and Statistics*; AP Statistics#; Calc III#

* one semester course
# requires departmental approval

Algebra I

This is an introductory algebra course that teaches students how to use variable expressions and equations as the generalization of arithmetic...

Math Faculty

Fernando Alvear

Ph.D.

Daniel Becvar

Class of 2002

M.S.

School: (314) 269-2062

Frank Corley

Class of 1977

Sophomore Class Moderator

M.S.

School: (314) 269-2064

Nicholas Ehlman

Class of 1999

M.A., M.Ed.

School: (314) 269-2092

Craig Hannick

Director of Financial Aid

M.A.T.

School: (314) 269-2098

Craig Hinders

Class of 2002

M.A.

School: (314) 269-2067

Molly Kelly

M.A.E.

Beth Kissel

M.A.

School: (314) 269-2066

Tracy Lyons

Mathematics Department Chair

M.Ed.

School: (314) 269-2157

Julie Moeser

Freshman Class Moderator

M.A.

School: (314) 269-2063

Daniel See

Computer Science Department Chair

M.S., M.Ed.

School: (314) 269-2068

Donald Steingruby

M.A.

School: (314) 269-2069

Joseph Stickley

M.A.T.

School: (314) 269-2070

Walker Yane

School: (314) 269-2065

Modern & Classical Languages

The Modern & Classical Languages Department fosters language proficiency and cultural competency, offering six languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Latin, Russian and Spanish) for four years plus Classical Greek. Students studying modern and classical languages become global citizens who are able to not only communicate proficiently, but also demonstrate cultural competence, understand the historical significance of a culture and collaborate interpersonally.

Classical Languages

Latin I

The course work in Latin I is designed for students to achieve mastery of basic grammar and vocabulary...

Modern Languages

Arabic I

Arabic I is the first level of a four-year Arabic curriculum that is open to incoming freshmen. The course serves as an introduction to Modern Standard Arabic...

Modern & Classical Languages Faculty

Myriam Aliste

M.A.

School: (314) 269-2023

Magdalena Alvarado

One World Club Moderator

M.A.

School: (314) 269-2030

Mohamed Amira

Marina Chura

Student Support Services Assistant, Modern and Classical Languages Faculty

M.A.

School: (314) 269-2187

Robert Chura

Director of Global Education

M.A.T.

School: (314) 269-2022

María-Paz Erker

Asst. Director of Global Education, One World Club Moderator

M.A.

School: (314) 269-2020

Rich Esswein

Class of 1978

J.D.

School: (314) 269-2027

Annie Hilmes

SLUH Students for Gender Equality (SLUH4GE) Moderator

School: (314) 269-2024

Yude Huang

M.A.

School: (314) 269-2025

Jennifer Ice

M.A.

School: (314) 269-2028

Javier Moreno

Hispanos y Latinos Unidos Moderator, Director of Latino Community Outreach and Communications

M.A.

School: (314) 269-2026

Kate Toussaint

Modern & Classical Languages Department Chair, Anti-Racist Coalition Moderator

M.A.

School: (314) 269-2029

Physical Education

Physical Education is an integral and vital component of the SLUH curriculum. Regular physical activity, not only essential for the student’s healthy growth and development, may also provide the following benefits:

Improved physical fitness
Enhanced motor skills development, greater flexibility and improved coordination
Higher academic achievement
Stress reduction and greater mindfulness
Higher student accountability and responsibility for their personal health and fitness
Improved self discipline and motivation
Development of leadership skills, good sportsmanship, and working with others
Improved self confidence and self esteem
Great ability to focus on tasks and achieve goals

Physical Education offers students the opportunity to participate in a variety of individual and team sport activities, as well as weight training and yoga. To go along with these activities, topics that are pertinent to the total health, wellness and fitness of the students are discussed in order to make students more knowledgeable of these topics and to help them in making decisions in regard to these topics.

One quarter of Health is required for freshmen. A student must then complete three more quarters of Physical Education, Weightlifting or Yoga in his sophomore, junior or senior year. Student athletes on SLUH teams can count their athletic participation for up to two quarters of PE, as long as they remain in good standing on the team for the whole season and play at least one season in two different years.

Physical Education Curriculum

Freshman Health

The Freshman Health course is designed to introduce students to health issues in today's society and assists them in building a thorough understanding of healthy lifestyles, behaviors, and responsible decision-making...

Physical Education Faculty

Scott Gilbert

Class of 1988

Registered Nurse/Director of Student Health

RN, BSN, M.A.

School: 314-269-2191

Nicholas Snyder

Athletic Trainer

ATC, LAT

School: (314) 269-2179

Patrick Zarrick

Class of 1977

M.S.

School: (314) 269-2132

Science

The Science Department fosters an appreciation for the intrinsic value of knowledge while educating students in both information and process. Central to this is the development of proficiency in terminologies, theories and relationships, as well as the development of skills in laboratory techniques, observation, experimentation, scientific modeling, hypothesis testing, drawing conclusions, problem solving and critical thinking. Students are taught the use of technology in science and use technology in data collection and analysis.

In studying the physical world and its phenomena, the scientist’s point of view is not the only concern of the department. In the mass media there are consistently issues of scientific and technological developments that require information gathering, statements of problems, and the making of moral and ethical decisions. The student’s study of science better enables him to make these moral and ethical judgments in response to local, national and international issues as they may affect humankind now and in the future. The desire is to develop students who can see the need for stewardship of the earth. Department members strive to model and encourage a love and appreciation of nature and our physical world.

Science Requirements

Students are required to complete three units of science for graduation. These three must include Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. All freshmen take Biology. Sophomores choose from one of two Chemistry courses. Juniors choose from one of two Physics courses. A variety of electives are offered to seniors.

Core Curriculum

Biology

The general Biology course allows students to develop an appreciation for, and an understanding of, the diversity and complexity of organisms and the relationships among them...

Science Electives

Honors Anatomy & Physiology I

The Human Anatomy and Physiology I course includes an in depth study of structure and function of the human body...

Honors Anatomy & Physiology II

The Human Anatomy and Physiology II course includes an in depth study of structure and function of the human body...

AP Chemistry

AP Chemistry is the equivalent of an introductory college chemistry course whose design will prepare students for the AP test in the spring...

Science Faculty

William Anderson

Class of 1978

M.Ed.

School: (314) 269-2055

Paul Baudendistel

Class of 1990

ASC 4

M.Ed.

School: (314) 269-2059

Charles Busenhart

M.S., M.Ed.

School: (314) 269-2057

Kathleen Chott

M.A.T.

School: (314) 269-2052

Teresa Corley

M.A.

School: (314) 269-2056

Kathleen Dwyer

Kent Kershenski

M.Ed.

School: (314) 269-2060

Andrew Kresyman

Science Faculty

Steven Kuensting

Science Faculty

Megan Menne

M.Ed.

School: (314) 269-2051

Timothy O'Keefe

Science Department Chair

M.A., M.Ed.

School: (314) 269-2054

Nhan Pham

Asian Student Alliance Moderator

M.S., M.Ed.

School: (314) 269-2083

Christopher Stahl

Class of 2016

ASC 31

School: (314) 269-2194

Robyn Wellen

M.S.

School: (314) 269-2053

Social Studies

The Social Studies Department facilitates the student’s development of knowledge, skills and attitudes in the field of Social Studies. The department, committed to the highest standard of excellence in all aspects of the curriculum, has selected 10 learning goals as top priorities. This list is intended to be directive, not comprehensive, and is stated in general student competencies to be mastered by graduation.

1. Development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills
2. Appreciation for the global interdependence of the world
3. Assembling of an essential data-base of western and non-western heritage
4. Development of an interest in and a curiosity about the world around us
5. Consideration of how Christian principles apply to the real world
6. Fostering of a concern for justice
7. Developing responsibility for one’s own learning
8. Examination of the forces that made the U.S
9. Understanding of one’s own and other’s cultural frame of reference
10. Fostering of Citizenship skills

Social Studies Curriculum

Human Geography

Human geography is the study of where humans and their activities and institutions such as ethnic groups, cities, and industries are located and why they are there...

Social Studies Faculty

Erwin Claggett

Black Student Union Moderator

B.A.

School: (314) 269-2093

Diversity Committee

Lindsey Ehret

M.A.

School: (314) 269-2079

Sean Ferguson

Social Studies Faculty

M.A.

Samuel Herbig

Class of 2012

Social Studies Faculty, AP Psychology

Rob Hill

M.A.

School: (314) 269-2077

Anne Marie Lodholz

M.A.

School: (314) 269-2072

Bob O'Connell

M.A.

School: (314) 269-2074

Timothy O'Neil

M.A., M.Ed.

School: (314) 269-2078

Joseph Porter

ASC 15

M.A.E., M.Ed.

School: (314) 269-2073

River Simpson, SJ

M.A.

School: (314) 269-2037

Thomas Wilson

M.A.

School: (314) 269-2076

Thomas Zinselmeyer

Class of 1999

M.A.T.

School: (314) 269-2075

Theology

The Theology Department offers a four-year required curriculum, consisting of:

A seven-semester program of required courses in which the general scope and sequence, overall goals and objectives, student work load and student evaluation are basically consistent among teachers at each level.
A one-semester program of electives in the second semester of the senior year in which specific topics are pursued in greater depth and perhaps with more creativity and student independence than in the required courses.

This curriculum is designed to:

Help students explain and defend the Catholic Faith in a reasonable and appealing way.
Help students live as men for others in light of the example of Jesus Christ and respond to moral problems in a manner consistent with the wisdom and tradition of the Catholic Church.
Help students, steeped in the Catholic Tradition and in Ignatian spirituality, cultivate an intimate, loving relationship with God through prayer, reflection, and authentic participation in their faith tradition and community.

Teachers strive to present students with reading material, lectures, classroom activities and student assignments that are:

Appropriate to the developmental stages of adolescent faith.
Consistent with the expectations we have of students in a College Preparatory academic program.
Reflective of Jesuit pedagogical philosophy and traditions.
Faithful to Church teaching as found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church and other key sources of magisterial teaching.

Faith formation and religious education are the responsibility of the entire SLUH community. Accordingly, we seek to collaborate with the Campus Ministry team, the Community Service program, other academic departments and, especially, with parents who are their sons’ first and most important teachers in matters of faith. Finally, we seek to keep Christ ever before the eyes of our students and at the center of all that we do as teachers. We claim Jesus as the model, message and incarnation of a truly generous and loving God and a fully human Man for Others.

Theology Curriculum

Freshman Year

Theology Faculty

Robert Garavaglia

Class of 1987

ASC 1

M.A.

School: (314) 269-2041

Brian Gilmore

Class of 2002

ASC 17

M.A.P.S.

School: (314) 269-2130

Jim Hubbman

M.A.

School: (314) 269-2042

Christopher Keeven

M.A.

School: (314) 269-2047

Lindsay Kelleher

Theology Department Chair, Co-Director of Adult Spiritual Formation

M.Ed.

School: (314) 269-2048

Justin Kelley, SJ

School: (314) 269-2007

Mike Lally

ASC 25

M.A.R.

School: (314) 269-2049

Julie Lewis

M.A.

School: (314) 269-2147

Diego Navarro

M.A.

School: (314) 269-2043

Diversity Committee

Jonathan Ott

M.A.

School: (314) 269-2046

Andrew Schaeperkoetter

Class of 2005

M.S., M.T.S.

School: (314) 269-2040

River Simpson, SJ

M.A.

School: (314) 269-2037

Kevin Wehner

Theology Faculty, Assistant Athletic Director

Richard Wehner

M.A., M.Ed.

School: (314) 269-2033

Curriculum

Freshman Year

This year-long course introduces freshmen to the story of salvation history, the Catholic approach to understanding the Bible in its historical context, and how to apply the Scriptures to their everyday lives. Students will engage with current theological insights, will have the opportunity to relate to and interact with Scripture both intellectually as well as spiritually, and will be encouraged to study Scripture in a holistic manner. The study of the Hebrew Scriptures will focus on the foundational aspects of Judaism and its relation to Christianity; the study of the Christian Scriptures will focus on the person of Jesus Christ and the significance of his life and ministry. Students will also spend time familiarizing themselves with Ignatius of Loyola, a brief history of the Society of Jesus, and Ignatian Spirituality.

Sophomore Year

First Semester: Building on the freshman year, this semester history and Christology course introduces students to the early church’s answers to Jesus’ question, “Who do you say that I am?”, and invites students to develop their own personal answers to that question, based on their own experience and that of the Church. By the end of the course, students will be able to explain how the Church has grown into its role as the Body of Christ throughout its history in the world, and they will learn how the Archdiocese of St. Louis has similarly grown to become what it is today. Additionally, students will explore ways in which they can participate in the Church’s continued movement toward fulfilling its role as the Body of Christ.

Second Semester: The second semester is itself composed of two quarter courses. The first quarter centers on the presence of Jesus in the Church through the Seven Sacraments. Students study the history, theology, and practice of the sacraments, and they explore the meaning and purpose of sacraments in their own lives and in the life of the Church. In the second quarter, the focus shifts to the Theology of the Body as developed by Pope Saint John Paul II. The course works to foster positive attitudes toward sexuality and Catholic moral principles.

Junior Year

First Semester: This semester course serves as an introduction to important fundamental ideas about how a Catholic understands Faith and how key beliefs of our Faith can be explained in an intelligent manner. We also investigate ideas of thinkers who challenge our beliefs, especially thinkers who are popular in some academic circles in American universities. Another aspect of this course is to show how the tools of reason are used in the service of coming to a deeper understanding of Faith as understood in a Catholic context. Finally, clear thinking is essential for being an articulate Catholic. We consider and learn to use the intellectual tools of framing good questions, marshaling appropriate evidence for our positions, and presenting our religion in an intellectually vigorous manner.

Second Semester: This course aims to help students grow as men for others by coming to know morality as an outgrowth of our mutual, loving relationship with God. In doing so, students will become more conversant with Church teaching and with the inner workings of many specific moral issues. This course teaches basic Catholic Moral philosophy and principles such as Natural Law, conscience formation, and Catholic Social Teaching. It also asks students to apply these principles to the compelling moral questions of the day.

First Semester Senior Year

This semester course is concerned with the choices students face in the present, the choices that loom in their immediate future, and the choices they will face in adult life. The course is designed to help the student look seriously and critically at the decisions he has already made and will make. Time is spent examining some foundational issues: the nature of human life and freedom, the relevance of the humanity and divinity of Christ in their own lives, an Incarnational view of the world, and a Christian view of sexuality and the body. The specific topics to which the above discussion is applied include: dating and relationships, marriage, ministry and priesthood, preparing for college, and choosing a career.

Second Semester Senior Year Electives

Church & Ministry

This course will focus on answering the question, “How do we live out our Christian Identity as a community?” We will gain insights about the documents and people that guide the work of the Church. Since seniors will be returning from their Senior Service Projects, this course will also try to build on that experience by studying ministry within the St. Louis Archdiocese.

Humanities

The human search for meaning is reflected in every academic discipline. Ignatius claimed that God should be sought "in all things." This course will take an interdisciplinary approach to several important spiritual and philosophical topics: patterns in the human relationship with the natural world, differences between Eastern and Western classical cultures, the role of music in shaping cultural and spiritual values and the challenges facing people of faith in a postmodern age. The arts will be our particular focus throughout. Students will be exposed to painting, sculpture, architecture, and music from a wide variety of social, cultural and historical contexts. We'll also approach our topics from the perspective of mathematics, science, history and literature. Some assignments will involve writing and research, others creative work in a particular medium.

Spirituality & Prayer

This course will follow the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. The students will pray the meditations of the Spiritual Exercises during class, journal in the evenings, and engage in discussion of supplementary readings that support the prayers. Throughout this process, students will learn how to meditate, how to contemplate, and how to apply St. Ignatius' Rules for the Discernment of Spirits to the movements in their own souls. It is hoped that they will receive the graces of the Spiritual Exercises, which can be summarized as: a) ridding oneself of inordinate attachments; b) coming to intimately know Jesus, to love Him more fully, and to follow Him more closely; c) finding God's will in the disposition of one's life.

Theology & Music

The arts in general, and music in particular, can be both a text of theology and a text for theology. The story of Christ and subsequently Christianity, its beliefs, traditions, and culture has been communicated through music throughout history. Music, therefore, can be studied as a way to deepen one’s knowledge of the Christian story. It can also be experienced as a kind of “moment of revelation” of the divine, and therefore can be studied with theological tools to discover the truth and meaning it conveys.

This course is designed to explore this complex relationship between music and Christian theology in both senses. In studying music as a text of theology, it is a course that delves into Christian culture, Christian anthropology and history, liturgical theology and history, scripture, and doctrine. In studying music as a text for theology, it is a course that asks students to use the tools of theological reflection to analyze the spiritual-theological “content” of works of music.

World Religions

What great truths, stories and rituals lie at the heart of some of the world's great religions? What experience of the divine does each tradition offer to the faithful? What vision of the human person is presented? What great, common truths do these religions share and on what crucial issues do they differ? How can our dialogue with these faiths enrich our appreciation of our own Christian and Catholic faith? In this course, students will explore Native and Aboriginal religions, Buddhism, Hinduism, Confucianism, Taoism, Islam, and Judaism. We cannot hope to do more than scratch the surface of the vast worlds each tradition represents, but we can hope to catch glimpses of the wisdom and beauty of each. At the end of the course we will return to Christianity and Catholicism, hoping to appreciate them at a deeper level for having considered the others. As a part of the course, students will visit a Hindu Temple and a Mosque.