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Cathedral Preparatory Seminary Spirituality | Academics | Faculty | Sports & Activities | Rector's Newsletter | Alumni & Development | Handbook/Calendar | Current Events | Directions | Summer Program | |
| Academics at Cathedral |
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Cathedral Preparatory Seminary provides a college preparatory program of education for young men. Our standards of academic excellence are recognized on both the state and national levels. Cathedral is proudly accredited by the New York State Board of Regents and The Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
The well-rounded program of study includes an Honors Program and Advanced Placement courses. Students are expected to complete the curriculum for a New York State Regents Diploma. Our academic efforts are aimed at preparing these young men of Cathedral Pep to be intelligent and prayerful leaders of the future. Through an integrated program of study, prayer, and extracurricular activities, Cathedral students mature in mind, heart, soul, and body as they explore their interest in the priesthood and grow in their faith. |
| Freshmen
THEOLOGY I This class intends to introduce students to the basic concepts that we hold as Roman Catholics. It is geared especially to young persons open to the possiblity of a vocation to the priesthood and is intended to prepare students for their Theology classes in the coming years at Cathedral Prep. The class will use Sacred Scripture, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the liturgy and the lived prayer experience of the students of Cathedral as the primary guides. The class will be divided into three main units: I. The Sacraments of the Roman Catholic Church II. The Nicene Creed and Catholic Doctrine III. Catholic Spirituality and Prayer ENGLISH I Students investigate the elements of major literary forms. Learning focuses on genre, with increased attention to understanding elements that enhance appreciation of short stories, nonfiction, epics, drama, poetry, and novels. There are also weekly vocabulary and spelling quizzes, along with periodical writing assignments, which focus on grammar. STUDY SKILLS This course helps to provide students with the basic tools for a successful high school academic life. Topics covered in this course include study techniques, note taking, test preparation and library skills. The students are given the opportunity to apply these techniques to specific subjects covered in Freshman year. GLOBAL STUDIES I This course is taken in the Freshman year. It is the first course in the Social Studies program. Global Studies I is taken in the Freshman year and Global Studies II is taken in the Sophomore year. Over this two-year period students study the general historical features and geography of Africa, Asia, Europe, North America and Latin America. The course begins withprehistory and the study of early civilizations and by the end of the Sophomore year students will be studying modern history. The Freshman Global Studies I class studies Latin America, Africa, India, China and Japan. PHYSICAL EDUCATION I The goal of the course is to use physical activity in order to educate the whole student. The program focuses on basic skills education, fitness education, values education and lifestyle education. The course of study includes: 1.Fitness Education 2.Basketball Fundamentals 3.Tumbling (gymnastics) 4.Volleyball Skills EARTH SCIENCE The objective of this course is to teach the various concepts of Earth Science, including but not limited to, geology, oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy, and the practical application to everyday life. Laboratory assignments will be conducted to further enhance the lecture and to give students hands on experience. Students are required to take a Regents exam in June. SEQUENTIAL MATH I The objective of this course is to cover the rudiments of algebra. These concepts will include but will not be limited to operations with monomials and polynomials; quadratic equations; problem solving and special products and factoring. Students are required to take a Regents exam in June. FINE ARTS I LATIN I The Latin I course provides students with the fundamentals of the Latin language. Emphasis is placed on grammar. Each student is expected to master the principles that govern the language and their practical application. Units concerned with vocabulary enrichment and word derivation are important components of the first year program, with special attention being paid to syntax and grammatical constructs. This course also includes units on the Roman way of life, Roman history, and literary accomplishments. |
| Sophomores
THEOLOGY II This course provides the students with a basic introduction to the study of Sacred Scripture. Among topics studied in the Old Testament will be some major theological themes which run throughout the Scriptures: 1. Salvation 2. Revelation 3. Covenant 4. Worship, Liturgy, and Prayer 5. Law and Morality Within the New Testament, the student will be introduce to the Four Gospels and major writings and grow to know the Person of Christ Jesus as He reveals Himself in Sacred Scripture, The purpose of the second year Theology course is to help students reflect on and grow in their own faith, their personal relationship with God, and their relationships with others through reflection on the major events, people, and themes of the Bible. ENGLISH II A survey of British Literature in which students explore the rich history of the English language. The course approaches British Literature in a chronological framework beginning with Beowulf and progressing into the modern era. A strong emphasis is placed on Shakespearean drama and poetry. Weekly vocabulary and grammar lessons and periodic writing assignments are incorporated into the course. GLOBAL STUDIES II The Global Studies II course focuses primarily on the origin and development of European history and culture. From the Classical Age of Greece and Rome through the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, the Enlightenment, Modernism, up until the present age, the student is expected to master significant historical events and their meaning. Particular emphasis is placed on the growth and development of the Roman Catholic Church, its theological and philosophical underpinnings, and its role in history. At the completion of this course students are required to take the New York State Global Studies Regents. AP EUROPEAN HISTORY This course has a focus on Western & Eastern Europe, including Russia, and their effect on civilization. It begins with Greek & Roman civilization and continues to the present. The class emphasizes historical, social, political and economic connections between and among nations. Major topics include the Renaissance, the Reformation, the Industrial Revolution, Imperialism, the World Wars and the fall of Communism. Current events that pertain to this Sophomore course will also be discussed, so it is vital that students follow the news. At the end of the year, the New York State Regents Exam will be taken that covers the first two years of Global Studies. In May, the class will be taking an Advanced Placement exam for college credit. LIVING ENVIRONMENT This is a Regents level laboratory course that offers the students the opportunity to explore the living world around them and allows them to learn about how they function in it. Topics covered include life functions, the cell as the basic unit of life, systems of classification, the cell membrane and its role in cellular communication, basic inorganic and organic chemistry, biochemistry of life, photosynthesis and cellular respiration, mitosis and meiosis, sexual and asexual reproduction, the reproduction process in humans, the evolution of humans and other life forms, human interaction with the environment, plants and their importance in nature, human biology and homeostasis. PHYSICAL EDUCATION II The goal of the course is to use physical activity in order to educate the whole student. The program focuses on basic skills education, fitness education, values education and lifestyle education. The course of study includes: 1.Fitness Education 2.Soccer Skills 3.Baseball Fundamentals 4.Pickleball SEQUENTIAL MATH II Sequential Math is a Regents based course where students will cover various New York State Syllabus topics. Topics include logic, probability, statistics, algebra, geometry, trigonometry and binomial theorem. The students will take the New York State Regents in June to show successful completion of the curriculum. FINE ARTS The Fine Arts course for Sophomores provides a fundamental understanding of the principles and practices of art and music. The course begins with a study of philosophy, morality, and comparative religion. This is meant to give insight into the motivation of the soul relative to the external expression found in the arts. LATIN II The second year of Latin begins with a review of the material covered in the first year. New grammar topics, such as deponent verbs, relative and interrogative pronouns and locative case are introduced, particularly with a view to recognition in reading simple narratives based on Roman culture. Vocabulary study is stressed, making the students aware of the Latin/English connection in word derivation. The students' knowledge of Roman culture is expanded with an in depth study of the life and times of Julius Caesar. SPANISH I In Spanish I, the basic skills of learning a language are introduced: listening, speaking reading and writing, as well as a cultural awareness of the Spanish speaking people. The language is presented through aural-oral drills, vocabulary, situational dialogues and directed writing based upon a measured grammatical progression. The culture of the language is taught in conjunction with the language. Cultural material is integrated so that the students gain an awareness of the different cultures of the Spanish speaking world. FRENCH I This introductory course is designed to give the student an appreciation of the French language and culture. This course provides a basic training in the language skills of listening, speaking, writing, reading. The language is presented through aural-oral drills, situational vocabulary and directed writing based upon a concise, measured grammatical progression. Cultural material is integrated into the learning process so that students gain an awarenes of the culture of the French-speaking world as they study each lesson. |
| Juniors
THEOLOGY III This class intends to introduce students to the foundations of Catholic Morality as found in Scripture, Tradition and Magisterium. Following an outline provided by the Ten Commandments and The Catechism of the Catholic Church, the student will hopefully be able to integrate the teachings and laws of the Church into his own lived experience of faith. ENGLISH III Junior English is a course which introduces the student to the literature of America through an examination of the literature text, which continues to teach mature written expression, and which seeks to expand the students vocabulary both from the reading selections and from the SAT Exam. Both the SAT Exam and the New York State Regents Exam are taken during the Junior year. While the course does not teach the exam, readings and vocabulary and writing selections are intended to prepare each student to succeed on these exams. In a typical week, one day's time is devoted to vocabulary; two day's time to writing skills; and two day's time to reading and literature skills and appreciation. The writing is both critical and open topic. The literature is approached chronologically and the vocabulary is presented for mastery and use. UNITED STATES HISTORY This course is taken in the Junior year. It is the third course in the Social Studies program. The course is an overview of the United States History. It begins by studying our nation from its first inhabitants and finishes with modern times. This will include the United States involvement in several wars and other world affairs, as well as the political, social and economic climate of America at various points in its history. The course is organized in chronological sequence and includes an emphasis on Constitutional and legal issues. Students are required to take a Comprehensive Regents Examination at the end of the course. AP U.S. HISTORY This is a full-year course for Juniors and in June all students must take and pass a N.Y. State Regents Exam. In May, the students will be taking an Advanced Placement test for college credit. The course is an overview of U.S. History. It will emphasize major periods in the U.S. starting with the pre-Revolutionary period, and then following the chronological eras of our country. Constitutional, social and economic changes are also stressed. Current events that pertain to the class are discussed, so it is necessary that each student watch the news regularly. CHEMISTRY Chemistry is a New York State Regents Syllabus Course culminating in the New York State Regents Exam. As such it is a laboratory course. Four classes a week are devoted to the presentation of chemical principles and theories - a student centered approach is used whenever possible. Two periods a week are devoted to actual laboratory experiences. During the presentation periods, demonstrations and devices are used both by the teacher and the student. A scientific calculator is required and its use is taught and demonstrated in process, as it is used and applied to the actual chemical calculations. Each student is required to do in class problem solving, homework problem solving and analysis and to produce a satisfactory lab report for each completed lab and keep a notebook of these reports which is graded after a lab unit has been completed. HEALTH The health course for Juniors and Seniors is designed to give the student a foundation on which to make informed decisions, from a Catholic perspective, about personal and community health-related issues. The Junior year focuses on physical health. The Senior year is devoted primarily to mental health. PHYSICAL EDUCATION III The goal of the course is to use physical activity in order to educate the whole student. The program focuses on basic skills education, fitness education, values education and lifestyle education. The course of study includes: 1.Fitness Education 2.Speedball 3. European Handball 4. Badminton Fundamentals SEQUENTIAL MATH III This course is meant to prepare the student for the Regents in the subject as well as to prepare the student for higher levels of mathematics such as calculus. Topics covered include advanced algebra, trigonomtery, the geometry of circles, functions, relations, coordinate geometry, exponential and logarithmic functions, and complex numbers. LATIN III Latin III is a Regents course. There is always a major review of topics learned in Latin I & II. Advanced grammar is taught with emphasis on the subjunctive and its use, ablative absolute, gerund and gerundive, and indirect statement. There is intensive vocabulary study with a view to vocabulary recognition in reading comprehension and English word derivation. Cultural knowledge is expanded with the study of such topics as Roman myths and legends, Roman time, Cicero, and Roman literature. Proficiency in reading with accurate pronunciation, either ecclesiastical or classical, is stressed in accordance with New York State Standards. FRENCH II French II continues where French I left off. The basics of the French language have already been learned by the student. In the second year a focus is made on verb tenses. Students will learn to speak in the past tense as well as the future tense. Irregular verbs are an important aspect of French II. Vocabulary and grammar exercises continue. More complicated aspects of culture are discussed and students are required to develop communication skills such as speaking and writing. Testing and reading drills continue as well. SPANISH II This course begins with a review of Spanish I and follows the same standards. There is a development of conversation through dialogues, situational vocabulary and models. There is a increased concentration on grammatical structures (especially verbs), vocabulary and idiomatic expressions. An ongoing teaching of Spanish culture is an important part of this course. |
| Seniors
THEOLOGY IV This course is designed to be an exploration of the functions of the educated conscience in the decision making process. Beginning with a treatment of the moral teachings of the Church as outlined in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the student will be given the academic principles to apply to real life situations through case studies. Educational standards will be part of the curriculum through the integration of films, novels, small group discussions and debates. The student will be challenged to find the moral principles underlying life's choices and be able to discuss them, debate them and explain them in writing. ENGLISH IV The course is divided in several ways; by genre, by chronology, and by form. The first third of the course is devoted to poetry. The second third of the course is devoted to shorter prose such as the short story and the essay. Here the performance as well as the literary values are investigated. Weekly writing assignments related to the criticism of the works we are covering and a term paper are the major portions of the composition portion. Such concepts as rhyme, meter, figures of speech, and imagery in poetry: formal and informal writing in the essay and dramatic tension and dramatic irony in the drama can be made part of the students understanding of the making of a piece of literature. AP U.S. GOVERNMENT This is a one semester, non-Regents course. In May, selected students will be taking an Advanced Placement exam for college credit. The Seniors will be given a basic understanding of how our government operates. They will know the responsibilities of being a good citizen by learning the principles of democracy and the Constitution. Individual units focus on Civil Liberties, the Presidency, the Congress, Federalism, The Federal Court System, the bureaucracy and the role of the media in politics. Current events are part of the course and therefore, it is important that the students watch the news frequently. ECONOMICS The study of economics requires an understanding of major economic concepts and systems, the principles of economic decision making, and the interdependence of economies and economic systems throughout the world. During this course, students will use a variety of intellectual skills to demonstrate their understanding of how the United States and other societies develop economic systems to allocate scarce resources. They will look at our fiscal policy, the role of the Federal Reserve. Attention will be given to the effects of corporate downsizing, unemployment, unions, problems effecting the environment, and our position in the world. FILM This Senior Fine Arts course explores the elements of film structure and technique through lectures, readings, and screenings. The readings are taken from the documents of Vatican Council II and other selected sources. HEALTH The health course for Juniors and Seniors is designed to give the student a foundation on which to make informed decisions, from a Catholic perspective, about personal and community health-related issues. The Junior year focuses on physical health. The Senior year is devoted primarily to mental health. PHYSICAL EDUCATION IV The goal of the course is to use physical activity in order to educate the whole student. The program focuses on basic skills education, fitness education, values education and lifestyle education. The course of study includes: 1.Fitness Education 2.Football Fundamentals 3.Floor Hockey Skills 4.Lifetime Unit WRITING PRACTICUM The long-range goal of the Writing Practicum class is to enable the students to be proficient in using the skills necessary for writing well-developed essays. The course is two-fold. The first part entails reviewing the basic elements of grammar and sentence structure. The second part takes the students through the various types of and purposes for writing. At the conclusion of the course, students should be able to write a research paper, etc. of college level calibre. PHYSICS Physics is a New York State Regents Syllabus Course, culminating in the New York State Regents Exam. As such, it is a laboratory course. Two periods a week are devoted to hands on laboratory experience. Four classes a week are devoted to the presentation of physical principles and theories such as electricity and magnetism, dynamics, optics, wave theory, and modern atomic theory. A scientific calculator is required, as is a lab notebook in which weekly lab reports are written. Each student is required to, in addition to lab reports, do in class projects, homework, and problem solving and analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY This is a Senior elective course where the students learn about the environment and their role in it. This is a hands on course where laboratory is an important component that allows the students to actively investigate topics in Environmental Science. Topics include nature and natural systems, energy and energy transfer, food webs and food chains, water, water pollution, air and air pollution, ozone layer and its depletion, the green house effect, laws that protect the environment, food and food resources, ecosystems in the world, depletion of natural resources, fossil fuel as an energy source, depletion of fossil fuel, and other topics of interest. Discussions, group work, films and projects are an important aspect of the course. This keeps the class more interesting and the students more involved. COMPUTER PROGRAMMING Students learn the elements of programming in the Matlab language, and apply that knowledge to problem solving. Areas such as html page creation and other web-based media are also covered. FRENCH III French III is a senior elective in the French language. Students at this level are learning complex aspects of the French language. There is a preparation for the Regents exam to be given in June. Students are becoming more proficient in the language. Instructions, directions, and conversations are given without the use of English. Preparation for the Regents exam takes place. CALCULUS Students study differential and integral calculus and applications. SPANISH III This course continues with the grammatical structure of second year Spanish. An emphasis is based on oral communication, linguistic skills and literature. Students take part in more challenging conversations and build communications skills necessary for daily life. Literature is introduced through short stories and brief dramatic dialogues. |
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