Mercy Matters

This program, to culminate in the student’s senior year, combines skills in research, writing and presenting and incorporates service and reflection. The capstone accesses a student’s passions and addresses critical local and global concerns and the school’s core values. Mercy Matters requires each student to practice habits of mind; to engage in formal inquiry; to participate in meaningful service activities; and to reflect on essential questions. The program also affords a student the opportunity to showcase her learning and her global and community interests for an authentic audience. Designated courses starting her freshman year prepare each student for her final Mercy Matters Capstone Project through a series of scaffolded lessons and projects.

In addition to the final Capstone Project, each year of the Mercy Matters program has a personal learning “theme” to which all courses may contribute. The themes help students reflect and make connections between classroom learning and their own lives, thus strengthening engagement. In addition, the themes coincide with critical work in their designated Mercy Matters courses.

The Class of 2019 is the first Mercy Matters cohort.

Mercy Matters Scope and Sequence:

WORLD CULTURES (required, 9th grade):
World Cultures aims to provide a solid introduction to world geography, religions and the historical origins of modern conflicts and issues, while incorporating current events. Using discussion, lecture and projects, students will explore the world while creating a foundation for future learning in the social studies. This class will introduce students to research methods and primary source analysis, while emphasizing strong, evidence-based writing skills. FOCUS: The understanding of human religions and cultures, making students aware of their place in a global world.

ETHICS & MORALITY (required, 10th grade):
An introduction to philosophy, ethics, the role of religion and basic ethical theories. Students will examine contemporary moral issues and apply ethical theories to those issues. Tools and frameworks are given for dealing with moral complexities and dilemmas so that each student may make her way to conscientious self-determination. This class will develop skills in speaking and listening, analysis, research methods and presentation. FOCUS: To understand moral and ethical issues on a global and local scale.

SOCIAL JUSTICE (required, 11th grade):
Building on knowledge gained in World Cultures and Ethics & Morality, this class focuses on social justice and peace issues in our local and global communities and their impact on the family and the individual. For purposes of gaining greater insight into the causes and effects of injustices in our world, various methods of instruction are used: course textbook, audio-visual resources, guest speakers and hands-on service. Students engage with topics of special interest to them and inquire into cause and effect, as well as potential solutions.

ELECTIVES (12th grade):
These classes will include scriptural studies of holy books important to the religions of the world and/or a study of important figures in religious history.