Christian Lifestyles Syllabus and Guidelines - Salesianum School

COURSE OUTLINE- 2013-2014
CHRISTIAN LIFESTYLES COURSE
Instructor: Dolores Ballintyn Room: A066 Phone: 302-654-2495 ext. 203
email: dballintyn@salesianum.org Religion Course 146 Semester Course 1/2 credit
Information on course sites:
Website: has static information for the entire information and should be used to review the
syllabus and Course Study Guides
Moodle: Posting site for assignments; tests; quizzes and other information as pertaining to the
day-to-day and long term objectives for the class (best resource for homework and posting of
make-up work)
NetClassroom: Posting for all grades and comments on those grades as well as dates for tests and
project submittals.
Ipads: Please note that we will incorporate this device as appropriate. Students are encouraged to
bring the device to class but it is not a mandate. Should a student opt to bring an Ipad to class,
they must abide by the internet and electronic device use policy as stipulated in the student plan
book on pages 32-33. This policy will be reviewed in class.
I. Course Description:
This required course is designed to challenge the students with the questions of Christian
vocations and of a calling to a Christian lifestyle. In light of Gospel values and Salesian
spirituality, the student is presented with the vocational possibilities open to him in today’s
world. He is assisted in discerning and naming his own gifts and accepting his weakness as he is
called to respond generously and lovingly to God’s call in Jesus Christ. The student will be
guided to examine personal identity, relationship, sexuality and chastity, intimacy,
communication, and love as components of all vocations and lifestyles. Evaluation is based on
clearly stated objectives. The experience of the Church will be developed as students complete
25 hours of service through their parish or faith community or other approved non-profit service
sites. The students must complete the Christian Service Requirement as detailed in the Student
Handbook. This mandatory requirement is due on April 3, 2014 and will be graded based on
submission of the Christian Service Paper with all attendant documentation. If all criteria are
successfully met, the student will receive a passing grade for the Christian Service requirement,
which is separate from the Catholic Salesian Identity Course. There will be a reflection paper
requirement for this service that will be due in the fourth quarter for second semester students
and will be a graded requirement for the course. First semester seniors will have an alternate
assignment in lieu of this requirement.
II. Course Objectives:
1. Develop a personal spirituality in response to God’s grace through various forms of prayer i.e.
contemplation, action, and lifestyle.
2. Gain personal insights into developing one’s spirituality from the lives of the saints; especially
St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane de Chantal
3. Present Catholic teachings on sexuality, sex and related issues.
4. Develop the notion of a dialogue between God and the heart
5. Examine the roots of all Vocations in Baptism and Confirmation.
6. Reflect on the vocation to life of a single layperson in the Church.

7. Reflect on the vocation to the vowed religious life and different spiritualities.
8. Reflect on the vocation to the ordained ministries: bishop, priest, and deacon.
9. Reflect on the vocation to the married life: preparation, phases, and challenges
10. Consider the truths about “God’s money”, and the role money plays in a true Christian
lifestyle.
III. Course Requirements:
The Catholic Youth Bible: The New American Bible, Fireside Edition, St. Mary's Press. Winona,
Minnesota, 2005
Vocations Textbook: Marriage and Holy Orders Author: Michael Amodei: Ave Maria Press,
Notre Dame, Indiana
The following material is necessary for class and you are responsible for having all these
materials everyday in class along with the textbooks listed above: writing instruments,
composition notebook for notes and a folder for storage of handouts.
IV. Grading Policy:
Grades are determined by the number of points earned divided by the number of possible points.
(Ex.- if there are a total of 2000 points possible and you earn 1800 points, your grade is a 90;
1800/2000=90). There are five components involved in determining your grade for the quarter ---
tests, quizzes, homework, and class participation. Each component carries a different weight and
typically ranges from 5-150 points.
Category:
Points Allowed:
Homework/Class work 5-50
Journals/writing assignments 5-100
Quizzes/power point projects 25-150
Tests 50-150
Participation 5-50
Class participation: Can be positive or negative (Positive by being involved in the class through
class discussions, class work, etc.) (Negative by failing to bring in required materials, by
disrupting the class in anyway, violating of testing procedures, etc.)
Late Policy: For all graded assignments, the following policy will be in effect:
For each day late- 5% per day of the total grade will be deducted
As of Day 5- the assignment is graded as an “M” on Netclassroom, which denotes a missed
assignment that can no longer be submitted for a grade. The grade for an “M” is 0.
The grading scale for the course is as follows:
93 – 100 = A 77-80 = C
89-92 = B+ 73-76 = D+
85-88 = B 70-72 = D
81-84 = C+ 0 – 69 = F
An exemption from taking the final exam can be achieved by earning a grade of “A” in each
quarter.

V. Academic Integrity and Class Rules:
This class is designed to inform your consciousness and to be the penultimate experience of your
Salesian experience prior to your journey into college or career path. In order to embrace this
discipline and to achieve the maximum benefit of our time together, please be advised that strict
adherence to the Salesian Standard of Personal and Academic Integrity as described in the
Student Planner on pages 6-7 will be followed.
The Salesian Standard is as follows:
On my honor as a Salesian Gentleman,
I will take hold of the tradition of our patron, Saint Francis de Sales,
by striving to see God in all things and learning to live each day well.
I will recognize the dignity of all people,
and support my Salesian brothers in word and deed.
I will not lie, cheat, or steal,
nor will I accept the actions of those who do.
I will conduct myself responsibly and honorably
in all my actions as a Salesianum student,
and seek to serve a world in need.
Please review this information as detailed on pages in your school planner. You must adhere to
the Salesian Standard as we will pledge this code together at the start of each quarter.
This class is designed to form your Salesian identity and to be the foundational experience as you
prepare for your journey into college. In order to embrace this discipline and to achieve the
maximum benefit of our time together, please be advised that the strict adherence to the Salesian
Standard will be followed. Your behavior in class is expected at all times to follow the Salesian
Standard of Personal and Academic Integrity. I will not tolerate behavior that is unfair,
disrespectful, or inconsistent with the Code of Conduct expected of a Salesian gentleman. I
expect at all times that you will act as Salesian gentlemen; meaning the following:
1. You will act in a manner that shows maturity in both word and deed;
2. Respect to self and others that reflects the dignity and worth of all;
3. At all times in class you will listen as another speaks and when speaking yourself, you will do
so with gentleness and humility in the manner of our patron saint.
4. Salesian optimism will be demonstrated in your words, thoughts and deeds and in every action
you partake. Failure becomes the only option when you lose sight of your abilities and
capabilities.
5. Begin and end and follow the entire class with a manner reflective of the values taught to you
by your family and this school. Be responsible for yourself first and then for your fellow
students. If negative behavior is demonstrated, stop and redirect it. Loss of educational time will
negatively impact the student.
6. Appreciate the present moment. Graduation will be here soon enough; until then, we are

learning and studying and working toward that day.
7. Again, remember the rules. Violation of the rules will result in detentions and/or demerits as
warranted. Let us focus on the positive and work well. Respect and positive behavior have great
rewards; negative behavior advances us nothing. Let us discover the rewards of positive actions
and not have to focus on the negative.
A student who has a G.P.A. less than 2.0 or two or more failures in a given quarter will be placed
on Academic Conditions Status to facilitate improvement during the following quarter.
Academic Conditions will be specified by the Academic Dean and the student’s guidance
counselor. Students who fail to comply with the academic conditions placed on them will be
subject to dismissal from Salesianum.
VI. Assignments:
For all chapters, homework/journals are a daily practice. I will grade on completion of the
assignments as well as for clarity and content. There will be written assignments from the
textbook, Salesian material and other material. There will be daily and summative quizzes for
comprehension and preparation for tests. Projects are assigned to assess comprehension of
Salesian thought, Biblical integration and connection to textbook. All papers must adhere to the
following rubric:
Rubric for all typed assignments: 1-inch margin all around; 12-point font; double-spaced; Times
New Roman; and follows all rules for grammar, spelling and sentence construction.
Whenever a student is absent, they must check the website, the homework syllabus provided at
the start of the semester, or contact a fellow student for the missed assignment. The assignments
are due on the first day of a student’s return unless the illness is too severe to allow for this. In
the case of an absence on a test day, students must schedule an appointment for a make-up test at
the earliest possible date but no later than one week after the student’s return. This policy will be
amended in the case of prolonged, excused absences. Any make-up work due to a medical or
other excused absence is to be scheduled with me for a time convenient for all parties.
Consequence for not scheduling the make-up test and/or work within a week of your return to
school is an “M” for the missed assignment that can no longer be taken and is assigned a “0”
value. If there is extended leave due to bad weather; please check Moodle and Netclassroom for
updates. Textbooks must be brought home when bad weather is predicted as assignments will be
given.
For days missed due to inclement weather; we will make up the material on the first day we
return. If we are absent for a prolonged period of several days due to severe weather conditions; I
will post assignments/study materials on the Moodle site.
VII. Final Grade for the class will be calculated as follows:

The final grade will be based on the average of:
Two quarter grades
Final Exam Grade- this will be based on a final assessment, which is a group power point
assignment and the final exam. More information on this can be found on Moodle and
Netclassroom and will be distributed in class. Exemption to the final will be based on achieving
an A for the final grade for both quarters.
Each quarter is worth 40% with the final exam counting as the last 20% of the final grade.
VIII. General Outline of Courses
1. The Salesian teachings on vocation from St. Jane de Chantal
2. The Nature of Human Life: Change and Growth
3. Human Sexuality and Relationships
4. Understanding Human Love
5. Single Life: The Overlooked Vocation
6. Marriage and Married Life
7. Religious Life and Ordained Ministries
8. A Look Ahead: Maintaining a Christian Lifestyle in College