CFL, as it became known, turned out to be a course almost everyone took, and is the only one of the original offerings that's still a part of the EMHS curriculum.
Today it is being capably taught by Curt Stutzman, and it is still the elective chosen by over 90% of upperclass students. It was my privilege to teach it for most of the 21 years I was a part time Bible and social studies instructor at EMHS. And while on a sabbatical leave in 1983-84 I had the opportunity to upgrade the course outline, below, pretty much as it is still used today.
Meanwhile, other Mennonite high schools added similar classes, sharing their content and study guides with each other. In the EMHS version, in addition to daily assignments, students do an extensive interview project involving doing a family genogram and learning more about the strengths (and areas of growth) revealed in their parents' and grandparents' stories. In the second half of the semester, they are paired off as pretend "engaged couples" working together on a project that involves planning a wedding, finding a job and place to live (based on current newspaper ads), doing a first year budget and working on a "marriage agreement".
In addition to reading assignment and other course work, regular guests are invited for conversations with the class from among the ranks of single adults, engaged couples, divorced persons and married couples in various life stages in the community. Needless to say, during the years I taught the class I learned as much as the students, and undoubtedly enjoyed it at least as much as they.
Here's a copy of the current course outline:
CHRISTIAN FAMILY LIVING 2017-2018
Course Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to--
--integrate Christian values into personal and family life issues
--strive for healthy family relationships in the family of origin and also in the family of procreation
--identify and use improved communication skills
--recognize what the Bible says about individuals, marriage and families
--perceive the Church as the spiritual family which provides support for individuals and families
Course Outline:
Unit 1: Living in Families Unit 5: Weddings and Honeymoons
Unit 2: Adolescents in Families Unit 6: Marriage
Unit 3: Intimacy: Friendships and Relationships Unit 7: Issues in Family Life
Unit 4: Dating, Mate Selection, Engagement Unit 8: Parenting
Course Requirements:
First Quarter Second Quarter
Genogram and Parent Interview 40% First year project 40%
Scripture memorization 10% Scripture memorization 10%
Book reports 20% Book reports 20%
Unit tests 20% Unit tests 20%
Participation, etc. 10% Participation, etc. 10%
To make this class a meaningful one for all involved, it is essential that students come to class prepared to participate. Bring a Bible to class each day. Class discussion is very important in Christian Family Living, and students are expected to offer insights and ask questions during class discussion time.
Work turned in late is graded at 80% the same day or 50% thereafter.
Students will select two portions of Scripture from the following list to memorize during the semester, one each quarter. Choose from among the following Scriptures:
Galatians 5:19 to 6:5 Ephesians 5:1-12 ` I Corinthians 13
Ephesians 4:17-32 Colossians 3:1-17
No comments:
Post a Comment