Bible Department

Middle School

MS.010/

Old Testament (Fall Semester)

Required for all 7th graders

This comprehensive course in the Old Testament will explore the major stories, characters and themes from Genesis through Malachi, or Creation to the Second Temple Period. Through both the close reading of texts and careful interaction with the broader plotlines of scripture, students will develop skills of textual interpretation, public speaking, and critical thinking.

MS.015/ New Testament (Spring Semester)

Required for all 8th graders

This course in the New Testament will introduce students to the Gospels, the epistles, and Revelation. Students will be challenged to examine the accounts the New Testament provides of Jesus the Christ and the claims that he is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the Savior of the world. Students will continue to grow in their interpretive skill set of careful and critical reading of texts and formulating reasoned positions based upon their reading.

Upper School

B.040/ Faith & Culture in the 21st Century

Required for all 12th Graders

This senior level discussion-based seminar serves as the capstone of the Bible curriculum. It is designed to integrate with humanities coursework by examining human life within a broad historical and cultural context. In particular, Christian theology is investigated through an in-depth scriptural study of the Gospel of John and comparative study of the major religions of the world. In keeping with our mission, students will engage in a scholarly examination of the person and work of Jesus Christ. Through this course, The Stony Brook School seeks to challenge students to understand the multivalent reasons why human beings believe the things they do, and thus to become more thoughtful about how they approach answering the significant questions of life (Why am I here?, Is there a purpose to life?, What does it mean to be human?, Is it reasonable to have faith in God?, How do I know right and wrong?). Major assessments include the following: a paper in which students articulate their reasoned worldview, a paper in which students describe their understanding of the Christian faith, a group presentation on a major world religion, and the memorization of John’s Prologue (John 1:1-18). The course will develop the following skills: writing, research, hermeneutics, public speaking, debate, critical reasoning, and memorization. (1 credit)

B.100/ Teachings of Jesus

(Fall and Spring Semesters)

Prerequisite: Available to 9-12th Graders

This theology course will investigate the life, teaching, and work of Jesus of Nazareth. Each of the four Gospels will be studied in depth, emphasizing the Kingdom of God and the different portraits of Jesus as the Messiah in each. The course will also focus on historical and current scholarship of the Gospels, culminating in a research paper and presentation. (0.5 credits)

Placement

An English course is required all years from 712th grade and four credits in history is required to graduate.

As they integrate Bible and theology into the study of literature and language, AP English Language & Composition and College

Preparatory English fulfill both the English and Bible Department requirements.

Sequence

Middle School

MS.105/ English 7 Literature

Required for all 7th Graders

The literature in English 7 correlates to the question: What does it mean to journey through life with courage? Students learn to read narrative literature for meaning and significance by asking questions, discovering causes and effects, and making inferences based on the text. In the study of both prose and poetry, students learn to identify the speaker, occasion, subject, audience, and purpose of the piece. In the case of poetry, students also learn about the concepts of figurative language, rhythm, and meter. Vocabulary study, using the Wordly Wise level 7 textbook, is an important part of the course. Throughout the year, students are given opportunities in class to strengthen their interpretive and oratory skills.

MS.106/ English 7 Writing

Required for all 7th Graders

English Writing 7 teaches students how to write clearly and effectively with a focus on mastering the paragraph. Students learn about the writing process by practicing prewriting activities, writing drafts, and revising content for clarity and correct English usage. Students write narrative, persuasive, and informative pieces throughout the year. Free writing in journals is also part of the course. Grammar is taught throughout the year.

MS.110/ English 8

Required for all 8th Graders

In English 8, students continue to develop those skills taught in English 7. In addition to practicing the personal and analytical essay, students learn the art of using secondary source material and giving presentations. They are also expected to engage in a more sophisticated analysis of literature, making comparisons and connections between separate literary works. The books studied are chosen to enrich the student’s understanding of material encountered in other areas of the eighth grade curriculum. In this class students will also study a Shakespearean play.

Upper School

E.120/ English 9

English 9 or English 9 Honors is required for all 9th Graders

9th Grade English cooperates with Humanities 9 in offering a careful study of The Odyssey. The course will include a study of other works as well, drawn from world, American, and/or British literature. This course also includes a substantial focus on the development and cultivation of critical thinking in students, giving them a strong foundation in logic and argumentation. In the process, students will be challenged to grow as readers and writers. The course will build on English 8 in the study of grammar and in coaching student writers. This course will also help students develop as presenters and public speakers. (1 credit)

Please note that students who are new to SBS are rarely placed in English 9 Honors. This is done to ensure a successful beginning. Placement in English 9 Regular does not in any way prevent access to English 10 Honors.

E.121/ English 9 Honors

Prerequisites: A- in previous English course. English 9 or English 9 Honors is required for all 9th Graders

English 9 Honors offers a more challenging version of our English 9 curriculum. Students in honors English are expected to be independent, confident readers. Additionally, students in honors English are expected to develop a strong grasp of the principles of composition and grammar. (1 credit)