Students will choose a topic that is

specific to one of the four sections of

the Senior Capstone class: Who Is God?
What Is Truth? How Do We Pray? How Do
We Love?
Topic should be general enough to allow
research, presentation and defense, but
specific enough that it is not an
overview of a general topic.

*Suggested topics are attached, but

students may suggest other topics, so long

as they are specific to a Catholic subject
matter that can be presented and
defended.

*Students who happen to choose the same

topic are not to work together. This will
allow them to approach the topic from
their own viewpoint and gather unique
resources.

Non-Catholic students: There are areas

(e.g. the role of Jesus as Savior, the
defense of marriage, the truth of Sacred
Scripture) which are acceptable as topic
choices, however the defense must still use
Catholic sources in its response, including
the official Church teaching and history of
the Catholic Churchs treatment of the
topic. No position which is inconsistent with
the Catholic faith may be defended.

*In addition to the final paper and defense the

project will have three Milestones.

*1.Evangelization: Student will create some way

of expressing their topic in an apologetic but

evangelical way. This could be something like
designing a pamphlet or brochure, writing a
script for a skit or creating a TV commercial.
The goal is to invite people to know the Church
teaching or truth of her/his topic. Should have
content, reflect deep thought and
consideration of some obstacle that prevents
Catholics from practicing the faith or nonCatholics from being open to the faith.

*2. Literature Review. Student will complete

a literature review of at least seven sources

(including the Catechism of the Catholic
Church and the Bible) that will be used in
the process of designing the final paper and
defense. The literature review should look
at ancient primary texts and current
resources available.

*3. Active Dialog Reflection. Student will

schedule five or more separate dialogues (at

least 20 minutes each). The student will
share the teaching on the particular topic
and answer questions about the topic.
Student should speak with at least one nonCatholic, one non-practicing Catholic, and
should seek a diverse group ( by age,
background, etc.). This is a chance to
practice responding to questions or opposing
opinions about the topic.

*3.(con.)

Students should ask subjects for particular

challenges they face with the topic, or for
things that allow them to believe in the
Churchs teaching. Students should keep
notes of the dialogues as they talk and those
notes or journals should be turned in along
with a 3 page reflection paper which should
explain how the student learned to
strengthen skills, respond to pressure, and
stay focused.