This elective will provide opportunities for students to deepen their understanding of prayer, spirituality, relationships with God and others, and to study the emerging science of mindfulness. The course explores the prosocial practices of mindfulness, gratitude and compassion, integrating traditional contemplative practices from various wisdom traditions with contemporary psychology and scientific research. Students will engage in evidence-based practices to cultivate mindfulness and well-being; they will develop resources for their individual and communal search for God and understanding of the self. 

Note: this course meets UC college preparatory elective criteria (“g”).

This is a course that explores the question, “Who tells your story?” through the exploration and study of women in the ancient Near East. The purpose of this course is to analyze and seek an understanding of the roles of women in society and family in ancient Judaism and invite students to ponder who is telling their stories. In the historical worldview of patriarchy, students will establish a complex understanding of these stories in light of both a historical and contemporary context. Furthermore, the course will review the contributions these women made to the creation and continuation of Judaism and Christianity. Further exploration and study will be given to the long term impact of early Judaic societal standards set for women for many centuries to come.

Starting from beliefs in the sacramental nature of life and the metaphorical nature of art, this course will examine various theological ideas as expressed in fiction, poetry and film. Topics include good and evil, sin and grace, suffering and redemption, faith and revelation, and incarnation and sacrament. Students will analyze works of art through the lens of faith and of critical thought, and explore how to apply the lessons learned to their own lives.

Aristotle tells his son in the Nicomachean Ethics that “Friendship is one of the most indispensable requirements of life, for no one would choose to live without friends.” Wisdom from diverse cultures and spiritual traditions, as well as modern science, confirms Aristotle’s insight that relationships powerfully impact our happiness in life. Besides studying the many types of friendships humans experience and analyzing the ethical dimensions of friendship, students will explore habits of compassion and develop practices to be a better friend.

Comparative Religions examines the major world religions amid their cultural and historical settings. Eastern faiths such as Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, Confucianism, Shintoism, and Zoroastrianism are compared and contrasted to Islam, Judaism, and Eastern and Western Christianity. Students examine the major themes and texts of each religion, the experiences of the founders, principal beliefs and branches, and each faith’s festivals and rituals. Christian and non-Christian religious traditions are studied for their common elements as well as for their unique contributions to human self-understanding and the human search for the divine. 

Note: this course meets UC college preparatory elective criteria ("g").

The Lasallian/Vincentian Leadership class is for seniors interested in learning more about our school charisms and founders, the role of youth in lay ministry, and leadership methodology. This course is also for students interested in practicing these concepts through service learning projects. Students will examine critically their own call to leadership in our community, and develop the leadership skills necessary to positively influence their communities in the future. As part of the summative assessment for this course, students are required to lead both the frosh and sophomore retreats during the school year. In addition, students may be asked to represent the school at off-campus events and, while not a course requirement, are strongly encouraged to attend a Kairos retreat.

This interdisciplinary seminar, incorporating selected writings from classical and contemporary theologians, philosophers, economists, artists and historians, invites students to converse about and with the Great Works. The seminar format requires rigorous and intense reading, reflection, and writing about primary texts, as well as highly engaged class and online discussions. As students begin to see themselves as responsible for the pursuit of ideas and of the common good, they strengthen their critical literacy and partake in a long humanistic tradition, a vibrant Catholic intellectual heritage, and a rich Lasallian Vincentian educational legacy. A major independent project (“Jan Project”) is required and classes may be held outside of the regular school day. 

Note: This course meets UC college preparatory elective criteria ("g"). Seniors participating in the De Paul Scholar Program are given preference in course placement. Note: this course includes a summer assignment.

Students will explore the meaning and practice of justice and service by examining contemporary, philosophical and religious theories of justice with emphasis on Catholic social teaching. Each week, students will spend a portion of class time at a service internship site located near SHC; these community service internships augment a reflective understanding of service and a critical analysis of social justice.

This experiential course is designed to directly assist students in discovering how to create a life worth living — a life that is insightful, learned, creative, caring, ethical, resilient, engaged, and deeply well. What does it mean for a person to flourish, rather than to simply survive, or to discover God’s plan unfolding in life? What practices help one embrace and cultivate focus, compassion, courage, wisdom, and inclusion, or manage anxiety while being productive? Each student will have an opportunity to engage in evidence-based practices that are selected to cultivate a sense of purpose and skills to facilitate a meaningful life.

Note: this class meets UC college preparatory elective criteria ("g").