Prerequisite: Students must qualify for English 1 Honors through results of their HSPT test.
This year-long course explores the origins of Christianity and the roots of theological thought in Western civilization. In the first semester, students will learn about the foundations of Hebrew and Greek culture through selective reading of the Old Testament. In the second half of the course, students will develop the art of philosophical inquiry, logical reasoning, and critical thinking through close readings of numerous primary sources from Ancient philosophers (e.g., Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle). The course will culminate with an examination of contemporary texts that highlight the values that have most shaped the course of Christian history. The course incorporates substantial use of the Socratic method.
- Homework expectation: 2-3 hours per week
- Year
- 10 Credits
How Humanities 1 Honors (Theology) differs from Theology 1:
- Humanities 1 (Theology) is an honors-level class that appeals to students who demonstrate advanced critical thinking and intend to participate in active, purposeful discussion.
- Humanities 1 (Theology) begins the first semester by reading 16 of the 46 books of the Old Testament that give a cohesive narrative of salvation history and a foundation for Hebrew Culture. Theology 1 does not include a study of the Old Testament.
- Humanities 1 (Theology) reads primary sources from the philosophers Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle while Theology 1 explores modern-day worldviews.
- Humanities 1 (Theology) includes reading contemporary works from such authors as C.S. Lewis, Frank Sheed, and Peter Kreeft, while Theology 1 uses The Blessed Trinity textbook.
- Humanities 1 (Theology) students will be expected to do a substantial amount of independent reading and annotating and must desire to dive more deeply in philosophical discussion.
- Humanities 1 Honors (Theology) students can expect to do 2-3 hours of work a week, which includes weekend reading. Theology 1 students can expect between 1-2 hours weekly.