By policy of the Toronto Catholic District School Board and the requirements of
Jean Vanier Catholic Secondary School all students must take a Religious
Education course in each year of study.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION:"Be With ME"
(Open) HRE 1O1 Grade 9
Credit Value: 1
This course invites students to a deeper understanding of both the joy and the
demands of following in the way of Christ and living out the call to
discipleship as it is described in the Scriptures. Using the Beatitudes as a
touchstone, students examine the attitudes and actions that characterize the
Christian life. In the Family Life Education strand, students explore a variety
of topics related to the themes of personhood, inter-personal relationships and
sexuality. They are encouraged to understand and nurture within themselves the
virtues, which will enable them to deepen their relationship with God in and
through Christ in the context of a Spirit-filled community. Students will be
introduced to the concept of Social Justice.
A retreat is scheduled as part of this course.
Prerequisite: None
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION:"Christ And Culture"
(Open) HRE 2O1 Grade 10
Credit Value: 1
This course examines the relationship between the person and message of Christ and the dominant attitudes of contemporary culture. Beginning with the Gospel narratives as a foundation, students acquire a deeper and more systematic knowledge of Christ, his message and his Church. Connections between the living Church and contemporary culture are explored in terms of what it means to be a responsible adolescent developing within a community of disciples in the context of a secular, pluralistic world. In the Family Life Education strand students explore a variety of topics related to the theme of personhood, interpersonal relationships and sexuality.
A retreat is scheduled as part of this course.
Prerequisite: HRE 1O1
WORLD RELIGIONS:"Beliefs, Issues and Religious
Traditions"
(University/College Prep) HRT 3M1 Grade 11
Credit Value: 1
World Religions introduces students to the various expressions and responses to humanity’s encounter with mystery in our quest for life’s meaning. The course explores the life wisdom found in the responses of the major faith traditions to the compelling questions concerning the spiritual dimension of human experience, self-understanding, and the role of the individual within the family. In the Family Life Education strand, students explore a variety of topics related to the themes of personhood, family, relationships and sexuality. This course enables students to discover what others believe and how they live, and to appreciate their own unique heritage. Students will learn about the teachings and traditions of a variety of religions, the connections between religion and the development of civilizations, the place and function of religion in human experience, and the influence of a broad range of religions on contemporary society. This course also introduces students to skills used in researching and investigating world religions.
A retreat is scheduled as part of this course.
Prerequisite: HRE 2O1
WORLD RELIGIONS:"Beliefs and Daily Life"
(Open) HRF 3O1 Grade 11
Credit Value: 1
This course introduces students to the range and diversity of world religions, and examines how systems of belief affect individual lives and social relationships. Students learn about a variety of religious beliefs, teachings, traditions, and practices. Through this discovery students develop their awareness of the place of religion in the lives of their neighbours as well as a more authentic understanding and a deeper commitment to their own faith tradition. This course helps break down misconceptions and prejudices regarding the other religious traditions. Students develop skills used in researching and investigating topics related to world religions. This course draws on expectations outlined in both the Social Sciences and Humanities and the Institute for Catholic Education policy document. This open course is designed to broaden students’ knowledge and skills in subjects that reflect their interests and to prepare them for active and rewarding participation in society
A full day retreat is scheduled as part of this course.
Prerequisite: HRE 2O1
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION:"In Search of the Good"
(University/College Prep) HRE 4M1 Grade 12
Credit Value: 1
This course is directed toward the clear identification of Catholic ethics and the concrete application of these principles in the lives of students. The course proceeds from foundational beliefs rooted in Philosophy and Revelation. Notions of happiness and freedom are explored. Further issues in social justice, ecology, mercy, marriage, family and politics are addressed. This course is intended to prepare the senior student for the lifelong task of living a good life in dialogue with the larger culture.
Prerequisite: HRT 3M1 (Due to the nature of this course it is strongly recommended that students registering have achieved a mark of at least 60% in HRT 3M1)
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION:"Church and Culture"
(Open) HRE 4O1 Grade 12
Credit Value: 1
This course assists students in their development of the skills and knowledge necessary to live lives of full maturity. Within the Catholic faith tradition, it is believed that this growth towards human maturity is best served when students are able to define themselves authentically in relation to their God, to other people and to their world. In the Family Life Education strand, students explore a variety of topics related to the themes of personhood, interpersonal relationships and sexuality. This course assists students in their development of the skills and knowledge necessary to live lives of full maturity. Within the Catholic faith tradition, it is believed that this growth towards human maturity is best served when students are able to define themselves authentically in relation to their God, to other people and to their world. In the Family Life Education strand, students explore a variety of topics related to the themes of personhood, interpersonal relationships and sexuality.
Prerequisite: HRT 3O1
PHILOSOPHY:"Questions and Theories "
(University Prep) HZT 4U1 Grade 12
Credit Value: 1
This course addresses three (or more) of the main areas of Philosophy: metaphysics, logic, epistemology, ethics, social and political philosophy and aesthetics. Students will examine the main ideas expressed by philosophers from a variety of the world’s traditions, and will learn critical-thinking skills, how to develop and explain their own philosophical ideas, and how to apply those ideas to contemporary social issues and personal experiences. This course will also help students refine skills used in researching and investigating topics in Philosophy.
Prerequisite: HRT 3M1
Please Note: Students entering 4th year
who plan to apply to university
should select either Philosophy HZT4U1 or Religious Studies HRE4M1
in order to satisfy the religion requirement.
Students interested in both courses may include both in their timetables.
