St. Dominic Savio students have many opportunities to take elective courses. To view electives offered in a particular department, please use the links to the left to view the various department pages. Additional electives are listed below.
IS 261 | Independent Study (.5 credit) (Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors ONLY)
Prerequisite: None
Do you have an interest in a specific subject that you would like to learn more about? If the answer to this question is yes, then an Independent Study may be for you. This class is an opportunity for a student to work closely with a teacher who will act as the student’s advisor throughout the semester. With the guidance of the advisor, the student will work their way through research, reading, writing, discussions, and projects on their way to discovering more about their designated area of study.
EL 211 | Mentor Program (.5 credit) (Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors ONLY)
Prerequisite: None
We believe that one of the most important characteristics we can impart to our students is the idea of Servant Leadership. The St. Dominic Savio Catholic High School Mentor Program was created with this idea in mind. Through the Mentor Program our students will be able to put this characteristic into use. Over a two week period, any student in the Mentor Program will serve at Holy Family Catholic School as an assistant in an assigned classroom between four and five times. The St. Dominic Savio students will work closely with the classroom teacher and students in hopes of positively effecting the learning environment.
All students will receive a grade for their participation in the Mentor Program. Students will be required to meet with Mr. Motto on a regular basis. They will also be required to keep a weekly journal on their experience. Students will be evaluated by their supervising teacher two times each quarter (four each semester). At the end of the semester, each student is required to give a five – seven minute presentation on their experience and how they grew during their time at Holy Family Catholic School.
SP 101 | Speech Communications (.5 credit) – COURSE REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION
Prerequisite: None
The number one fear most people have is public speaking. This course will give you the necessary tools to overcome your fear and effectively communicate. This course clarifies the process of oral communication, clarifies basic principles of public speaking, and allows the student to increase the application of these principles both while speaking and listening.
Instructor: Ms. Sarah Saniuk
EL 121 | The Quest (.5 credit) – YOUNG MEN ONLY
Prerequisite: None
James Bond? Superman? Michael Jordan? Indiana Jones? Rocky Balboa? Terrell Owens? Your father or grandfather? Brad Pitt? Your coach? Odysseus? Winston Churchill? A fireman? William Wallace? Jay Z? Tiger Woods? Donald Trump? John Wayne? Abraham Lincoln? Robin Hood? A police officer? A soldier? Jesus?
Are any of these males ‘men’? What does it mean to be a ‘man’? Is there a universal definition of a ‘man’? When does a boy become a ‘man’? How does a boy become a ‘man’? The teenage years are some of the toughest, most awkward years in a male’s life. High school presents countless challenges and obstacles for males to maneuver. In this class we will be reading books, watching movies, writing papers, and having in-depth discussions about personal journeys, challenges, and experiences. We will look into everything from etiquette and behavior, to dressing like a man, societal stereotypes of men, to Jesus’ and others’ example. Being a man is not easy, and in today’s world it is harder than ever. This class is designed to help Savio boys understand what it means to be a ‘man’ and help them to understand how the lessons, challenges, and obstacles they go through now, will help form the man they become in the future. Students will be challenged to search themselves for the traits that are integral in a successful man’s life. We will discuss traits and ideals such as, chivalry, honesty, leading a goal oriented life; being resilient to adversity; and being compassionate and selfless to our neighbors, among many others. The discussions in class will be more comfortable between peers going through similar experiences. Therefore, this class is open to males only.
Instructor: Mr. Brian Motto
EL 131 | W.I.T.S. (Women in Today’s Society) (.5 credit) – YOUNG WOMEN ONLY
Women, especially women in the age group of 18 through 24, play a huge role in society today. These women influence the cultural “Do’s and Don’ts,” the definition of motherhood and career, the direction of fashion, and the new political direction of our country. According to data, women from this age group are the primary targets of commercials, television and films. Millions of dollars are spent targeting this group. Why?
In the class called W.I.T.S., we are going to answer that question. By looking at goal setting, cultural influence, studies of women in the workplace, and modern role models from MANY, MANY walks of life, the class will study the importance of young women in our world. Through discussion, research, interviews, and stories, we will find common character traits of women who have made significant impacts on our lives.
Expectations include personal goal setting, participation in class discussions, researching case studies, and journaling. In addition, interviews, decision-making and the responsibility of being a woman in today’s society will be discussed.
SH 000 | Study Hall (no credit awarded)
