Electives
STMA offers students in grades 10-12 a popular program of semester-long electives each academic year across all areas of the Upper School curriculum.
In 2024-25 students in grades 10-11 must complete three (3) electives during the academic year, but may take four (4) if desired. Students in grade 12 must complete four (4) electives during the academic year. Elective study periods are available for students in grades 10-11 who prefer to take three.
FALL 2024
FALL 2024 ELECTIVE ENROLLMENT WILL OPEN 8AM SATURDAY 08/10/24, WITH RESPONSES DUE BY 9PM.
TR 8:00-9:10
The Crusades (Mr. Small). Section A. Christendom has descended into war numerous times, but only once have Western European countries been united in one cause: the Crusades. This elective will explore the origins of the Crusading movement and its highs and lows through the 11th-14th centuries, culminating in its legacy. Deus vult!
Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology (Deacon Watkins). This course will offer an introductory look at the human body and how it works. Purchase of a “textbook” will be required, and students will be expected to read it. Quizzes will be frequent, and there will be a semester project. There will be memorization, but not to the extent of a college course. More time will be spent on physiology than anatomy.
Introduction to Engineering (Mrs. Jackson). Section A. This course provides an introduction to the engineering profession. Information on the different disciplines of engineering will be presented and explored. Professional and ethical aspects of engineering are covered. Students will be introduced to problem solving and the engineering design process through research and hands-on projects. There is a $25 course fee for materials.
Knowledge and Christian Belief (Dr. Kirkpatrick). Section A. Does Christianity really make intellectual sense? In this elective we’ll engage this question through Alvin Plantinga’s recent book Knowledge and Christian Belief. Thinking through this short but influential text will be our central activity. Note that this elective does not duplicate STMA’s 2023 introductory course on philosophy of religion. Students who took that course are welcome.
Philosophical Roots of Modern Western Culture (Mr. Govert). The United States is undergoing a Cultural Revolution, driven by “postmodern” ideas which germinated in European Universities and evolved into “liberating” and “justice-seeking” ideologies in American Universities. The class will cover some postmodern principles that have greatly influenced today’s society. We will highlight the dangers spawned by these philosophies. We will use lectures from Bishop Robert Barron, Jordan Peterson, and other important thought leaders who are fighting against postmodernism. We will think through potential impacts a destabilized culture might have on our lives (a form of strategic thought process) and what our roles might be to counteract this dangerous ideology.
Production Stage Management (Mrs. Chandler). This course will explore the skills and techniques used in various professional theater leadership positions. Topics include marketing, publicity, communications, directing, stage management, organizational design, and general functions of leadership. No previous theatrical knowledge is required.
Science Triathlon (Mrs. Rizk). Section A. This is a hands-on, team-based, interdisciplinary course. Students will develop solutions that meet specific real-world goals. Teams will plan, conduct trade studies, experiment, and demonstrate best solutions. Three main projects will aim to recreate the Tower of Babel, shoot for the moon with an emission-free bottle rocket, and build a car as light and fast as a mouse!
Elective Study (Staff). Open to grades 10-11.
TR 9:15-10:25
Basic Economics, Part 1 (Dr. Noland). This semester will cover microeconomics using Thomas Sowell’s Basic Economics as a primary text. Reading is required.
The Crusades (Mr. Small). Section B. See description above.
Introduction to Engineering (Mrs. Jackson). Section B. See description above.
Knowledge and Christian Belief (Dr. Kirkpatrick). Section B. See description above.
Persuasive Speech: The Art of Rhetoric and Debate (Mr. Kirkendall). Newman calls great authors masters of the “two-fold Logos: thought and speech.” This historical and practical course will survey the lives, contexts and writings of great orators like Cicero, Lincoln, Burke, Augustine, and Milton, inviting rhetorical apprenticeship in pursuit of truth. Assessments will include speech-giving and debate practicums.
Science Triathlon (Mrs. Rizk). Section B. See description above.
Elective Study (Staff). Open to grades 10-11.
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Most Reverent Bishop Burbidge, Bishop of Arlington (Formerly Bishop of Raleigh)
Catholic schools play an essential role in the future of our Church and Diocese. Recognizing that parents are the first and primary educators of their children, Catholic schools enter into a unique partnership with them. STMA is positioned well to assist parents in this endeavor. As a school officially recognized by the Diocese of Raleigh, it is dedicated to the authentic teaching of the Faith and provides families with a valued option in Catholic education. -
Alice von Hildebrand, Professor of Philosophy Emeritus, Hunter College
God is always calling his people to the vital task of “renewing” authentic education. One enterprise that deserves our special praise and gratitude is St. Thomas More Academy. Thanks to the astounding generosity of its founder, Bob Luddy, and the unswerving efforts of its faculty, it has born rich fruit in its many students. We, both laity and clergy, have a great debt of gratitude to those who pour themselves into creating schools like St. Thomas More. Let us support them in every way possible. And let us not miss the chance to give our children the privilege of a real education. -
Timothy Moran, STMA '13
"STMA planted in me the desire to never be satisfied with mediocrity but to always strive for excellence and gave me the tools to navigate in a world that demands complacency. I continue to utilize lessons learned at STMA in my personal life and leadership style in the military. Above all, STMA fosters a desire for greatness in students that I don’t see possible in a different environment. I hold this to be the key difference in my upbringing."
1st Lieutenant, United States Marine Corps. -
Fr. Robert Spitzer S.J., Ph.D., President Emeritus, Gonzaga University
I’ve had the good fortune to present at STMA on multiple occasions. My subject matter, which draws from contemporary physics and philosophy, can be fairly demanding, but the students not only assimilate the material but ask very perceptive questions. I believe that the STMA faculty is the driving force behind these exceptional young people. I’ve been highly impressed by their knowledge and commitment to the students. For preparing teens to meet contemporary challenges brought about by the interaction of faith and secular culture, Saint Thomas More Academy offers one of the finest secondary programs in the nation. -
Sarah Dawod, STMA '15
"STMA leaves a mark on the minds of its students by attending to the formation of their intellect, heart, body and soul. My experience at STMA was nothing less than transformative - this is a result of the time and effort each and every one of the faculty members poured into me. "
NCSU '19 Honors Biology with Concentration in Neuroscience, Minor in Health, Medicine & Human Value, University of Pittsburgh, MA Bioethics '21 -
Dr. Anne Carson Daly, President Emeritus, Mount St. Mary College
It’s a breath of fresh air to walk through the doors of St. Thomas More Academy. The administrators and faculty care about educating the whole person. The students are obviously happy to be there [and] are getting a terrific education that emphasizes what counts and what lasts. Spending time at STMA makes me wish that all students could have the opportunity to study there. -
Adriana Watkins, STMA '16
"STMA opened my eyes to the ways in which different disciplines are connected. I'm grateful to STMA for encouraging me to pay attention to the depth and breadth of truth.”
Boston College 2020, Majors in English & French, Minors in Philosophy and Creative Writing -
Dr. John F. Crosby, Professor and Chair of Philosophy, Franciscan University
My wife and I visited St Thomas More Academy in 2011, and we were greatly impressed by the politeness of the students. I attended an English class that had almost the level of a college course. I gave a lecture to an assembly of all students, and I was struck by the intelligent and articulate questions I received from them. I went away wishing that I could send my own children to a school like St. Thomas More Academy. -
Irene Bethencourt, STMA '17
"I value STMA for its teachers who care about the personal enrichment of each student in and way beyond the classroom. In college, it is almost impossible to have this connection with teachers so I remember it fondly from STMA. It reminds me that there are teachers out there who value more about their students than just their academic performance."
UNC Chapel Hill 2021, Major in Nursing -
Sister Mary Sarah Galbraith, O.P., President Emeritus, Aquinas College
STMA provides a rich environment that allows each student to flourish and become who they were meant from all eternity to be. In fall 2013 a recent graduate enrolled at Aquinas College. I was able to see a direct correlation between the caliber of teaching and learning in a thoughtful, Christ-centered community and the impact that STMA’s integrated formation had on the young man. He brings his good qualities of mind and heart into every aspect of life and by his example encourages others to follow his lead. -
Andrew Mistele, STMA '18
"STMA's community is totally unique in the best way. I formed some of the most meaningful relationships of my life there and grew personally in ways that have prepared me for life and all that comes after high school. As an engineering major, I believe that STMA's liberal arts curriculum taught me to see the world in a different way than most of my peers, which has already proved very advantageous.”
NCSU 2022, Major in Aerospace Engineering, Minor in Mathematics -
Aubrey Leaser, STMA '19
"St. Thomas More Academy is led by a strong and devout faculty that shares a deep love for the Catholic faith and seeks to bestow the same love in the next generations. In the four years that I spent at STMA, I found assurance in my faith and the knowledge to pursue my interests. I was taught how to think critically and to formulate strong arguments. Since entering college, I have realized that I am better prepared than many of my college peers, both academically and socially. I attribute this to my time spent at STMA, as it was there that I learned to love learning and was given the tools necessary to succeed."
University of Virginia Class of 2023, Major in Biology
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