Curriculum


Mariamante Academy's education is a "liberal" one because of its broad areas of study, including religion (knowledge of God and His revelation), science and mathematics (what God has made and holds in His material creation), philosophy (knowledge of man in his love for truth), history and culture (knowledge of man's achievements) and languages. It is also "Catholic" because our faith, mediated by the Magisterium of the Church, gives light, direction and meaning to all that we do.

According to our General Statement of Educational Philosophy, the Academy's curriculum provides for the progressive mastery of materials which constantly challenge the developing capacities of our students. This curriculum stresses formational more than informational subjects and is integrated by a common, Catholic Christian philosophy which permeates the entire curriculum. Thus, in practically every year at Mariamante, lessons originally taught in the religion class can easily reappear in an English, History or even a Science class.


Click a link below to view course titles & descriptions.
Religion | English | Mathematics | The Sciences | History & Geography | Languages | The Arts | Junior/Senior Trimester Modules | Athletics

RELIGION

Religion 7:
Covers the Truths of the Catholic Faith as presented in Ignatius Press' Faith and Life. This material will present how God the Father reveals Himself to humanity through the Old Testament, God the Son as God become Man, and finally the life of Christ as invisible Head of the Church, shared with us through the life of Grace and all that this life encompasses in the richness of the sacraments, theological and evangelical virtues, as well as Mary's role as Mediatrix in the life of the Church.

Religion 8:
This is a yearlong survey of the Old Testament and emphasizes reading and studying the Bible text itself. The student also studies Catholic doctrine as a complement to the study of the Bible.

Religion 9:
Covers the Christian Creed as presented in Part 1 of The Catechism of the Catholic Church. In addition, the course covers the major persons, events, places, etc. of the New Testament as well as those of the first five centuries of Church History.

Religion 10:
Covers the Sacraments and Christian Prayer as they are presented in parts two and four of The Catechism of the Catholic Church. A study of Church History continues with the period from the Middle Ages through the time just preceding the Protestant Reformation.

Religion 11:
Presents Christian Moral Theology (the Ten Commandments) as found in Part III of The Catechism of the Catholic Church and recent Papal documents. The student’s study of Church History continues with the period from the beginning of the Protestant Reformation up to the time just preceding Vatican II.

Religion 12:
Continues the study of philosophy and theology with papal document, Veritatis, Splendor and Fides et Ratio, moving on to Frank Sheed’s Theology for Beginners. Catholic apologetics will engage the students emphasizing the intrinsic relation between Scripture and Church teachings. Selected excerpts from Augustine, Aquinas, Pascal, Chesterton, Therese of Lisieux, J.H. Newman, Ignatius of Loyola and other lights or the Church will be examined.
 

ENGLISH

English 7:
Encompasses grammar, composition and literature with the chief emphasis on grammar. Grammar will be covered through text exercises, analysis of a student's writing, and diagramming of sentences. Literature will introduce the student to the many forms of prose and poetry while writing will occur mainly around the literature component of the course and will include the writing of summaries, character descriptions, letters and essays.

English 8:
Builds upon the students' previous studies in English grammar to enhance their knowledge and understanding of written and spoken English through intensive study and practical exercises. In addition, the students will begin to analyze critically and summarize literary selections.

Literature & Composition - Classical Backgrounds (Grade 9):
The study of the Greek and Latin classics that together with Sacred Scripture are the background for English literature. Through a study of mythology, epic, drama and poetry the students will be prepared to understand English and American literature. English Composition will focus on analytical writing through the study and practice of elementary rhetoric and logic. Writing will take place in workshops as students critique each other's work. Structure and logic will be emphasized.

English Literature - Medieval to 18th Century (Grade 10):
The study of English literature from the Medieval period to the 18th century. The students will deepen their understanding of the various genres and begin to understand the development of English literature. English composition will emphasize analytical writing and developing an appreciation for the creative writing process. Students will write poetry, copying the forms studied in class.

American Literature (Grade 11):
A survey of American literature from discovery narratives to the twentieth century. Emphasis will be placed on what is uniquely "American" about the literature and how the developing idea of "nationhood" is portrayed through this literature. The year's composition component follows that of the previous year.

Modern Literature (Grade 12):
will introduce the student to the important modern works focusing on great themes arising out of the struggle between freedom and totalitarianism. The novel will be understood as a synthesis of the four traditional genres: lyric, tragedy, comedy and epic. The literature and writing styles of Hawthorne, Dostoevsky and Tolstoy, T.S. Eliot and others will enable the student to consider the great questions: what is man and what is his purpose and destiny? Vocabulary and composition will be an integral aspect of study and students will examine in writing what they critically analyze in literature.

THE SCIENCES

Earth Science:
Incorporates a basic understanding of the Earth through the study of geology, meteorology and astronomy. Students will learn how to determine facts from theories. They will gain a basic understanding of the scientific method through simple lab experiments. They will also learn organizational skills, problem solving and writing as it relates to the sciences.

Life Science:
Includes observation and classification within the living world as well as scientific vocabulary, theories and principles.

Physical Science:
Covers basic knowledge in Chemistry and Physics, as well as connecting knowledge from other disciplines. Lab activities will develop problem solving, critical thinking and writing skills. This course will form a solid foundation for future courses in Chemistry (Grade 11) and Physics (Grade 12).

Biology (Grade 10):
Includes a comprehensive survey of the science of life. Students will gain knowledge of large and small biosystems and other systems in this continuum. Life science studies will include both plant and animal life. Science laboratories will allow the student to gain observational skills and habits of mind necessary for scientific work. Everything studied in this course will serve ultimately as a means to greater knowledge of God's material creation as well as an appreciation of its beauty, intricacy and order.

Chemistry (Grade 11):
The course is designed to give students an appreciation of the order and complexity of creation. Students will develop an appreciation of the invisible atomic and molecular world, and learn how events at that level influence the visible world of matter.

Physics (Grade 12):
The study of natural law to enable the students to experience the mechanical and electromagnetic universes as an extension of the greater glory of God.

ATHLETICS

Mariamante Academy recognizes the importance of vigorous physical activity as it relates to academic pursuits. Athletics class is offered once a week. In addition, students are encouraged to participate in after school recreational activities. Skiing is offered in the winter months.

.

HISTORY & GEOGRAPHY

Geography:
An introduction to the basic concepts of world geography primarily through the study and making of maps. Topographical, political and thematic maps (e.g., population density, land use, climate, etc.) are used to enhance the students' understanding of location, place, relationships within a place, movement and regions. The class culminates with each student creating a world map from memory.

World History:
A survey of the great figures and events in the history of the Western World from ancient to modern times. Emphasis will be placed on events and figures in Biblical salvation history that form a crucial and foundational aspect of the overall history of the world. Historical events studied in the course will be presented with a general view to their relation to the greatest event of all time: the Incarnation of the Son of God as Christ the King, the Lord of History.

Ancient History (Grade 9):
An overview of ancient history covering the major civilizations from the creation of the world to the beginning of the Christian Era (Egyptian, Hebrew, Greek and Roman).

Medieval/Renaissance History (Grade 10):
A survey of European history from the fall of the Western Roman Empire to the beginning of the sixteenth century. Primary source material is used to help the students immerse themselves in the periods being studied. The Merovingian dynasty, the Carolingian Renaissance, the rise of feudalism, the Crusades and the culture of the High Middle Ages comprise the body of the course.

American History (Grade 11):
A survey using primary source material that will take the students through different periods of American history. The class includes a yearlong research project which will consist of a written report and an oral presentation. A brief overview of the Spanish and French colonization begins the course, finishing with the United States' entry into World War II.

Modern International History(Grade 12):
Covers important ideas, persons, movements, and events that have shaped the world over the past one hundred and fifty years. The emergence of the Industrial Revolution and how it recast human labor and economic relations as well as its involvement in social upheavals will be covered. The course will trace the development of the two political systems of the twentieth century - American republican government and Soviet Communist tyranny. Primary sources will include The Federalist Papers, The Communist Manifesto and Rerum Novarum.

MATHEMATICS

Pre-Algebra:
An incremental mathematical approach. Commencing with basic arithmetic principles, students gradually work on more complex material in preparation for algebra 1/2 the following year.

Algebra 1/2:
An incremental development that provides a comprehensive review of the skills of arithmetic while basic facets of more advanced topics are introduced.

Algebra I:
An incremental approach to the basic concept of Algebra. This development spreads out the learning process, increases the depth of understanding, and improves long term retention.

Algebra II:
A continuation from the previous year, including review of old and new material. Geometry will be an integral part of this course due to its close relation to algebra. Emphasis is given to problem solving, organization and clarity of work, as well as practical applications.

Euclidian Geometry & Pre-Calculus:
Euclidian Geometry is the integral part of this course, which also will cover precalculus. Attention will be given to problem solving, organization and clarity of work, as well as practical applications.

Trigonometry & Calculus:
Covers trigonometry and the concepts of limits, derivatives and integrals. Work in this area at Mariamante will encourage the forging of a logical and unified mathematics experience and ensure advanced placement in college.<>

LANGUAGES

Latin I:
An introduction to the Latin language serving as a preparation for the study of Latin in subsequent years.

Latin II:
A continuing, broadening, and deepening of the students' understanding of Latin as begun the previous year.

Latin III:
A linguistic study that builds on the foundations of Latin I & II. Ceasar's The Gallic War will be read. In addition, the students will be introduced to sacred writings and poetry.

French I:
This course will introduce the students to French language, culture and literature. Through a study of French texts and dialogues the students will acquire the basic conversational and writing skills in French and will master typical expressions and idioms. Comparisons and contrasts to other Romance languages (including Latin) will be made where applicable.

French II:
A continuation of French I, leading the student to a
broader, yet in depth understanding of French as begun the previous year.

French III:
The students will master advanced comprehension and translation skills. Emphasis will be placed on the study of French literary works.

THE ARTS

Instrumental Ensemble:
Instruction is offered in various ensemble instruments to complement the school's choral program, and is integrated with the vocal program.

Art I:
This course is intended to give our Junior High students an introduction to art through drawing and composition, to instill in them a willingness to appreciate, articulate and build upon what God has given us in His created world. Emphasis is placed on answering the question "what do you see?"

Art II:
Begins with a continuation of basic art principles. Each of its two trimesters emphasizes a different aspect of studio art: drawing, painting and sculpting. Students will be encouraged to explore their creativity while keeping basic art concepts in mind.

JUNIOR/SENIOR TRIMESTER MODULES

Juniors and Seniors are able to take several mini-courses including Introduction to American Government, Architectural History, Oil Painting, and Typing. High school students will also be offered the option of taking a culinary arts class once a week.