The following are brief descriptions of the Core Ten seminar topics offered in Semester 072. By definition, a seminar is an upper level course in which students pursue individual research guided by a professor. The results of this large research paper are then shared and discussed in a group setting. While the initial seminar may focus on a specific area, each student may work on a research topic of his/her interest-with approval of the instructor. Core Ten, as the "capstone" of the Core curriculum, is to be an integrative experience; helping each student put the theories and foundations of previous Cores, especially Core Nine, into a practical Christian Humanist response to a given ethical issue. "Topics might be related to person oriented concerns, to urgent contemporary issues or to a student's chosen career" SJC Catalog p. 66.

 

Christianity in Public Life -- Fr. Tim McFarland, C.PP.S.
This seminar investigates how the religious voice and values can enter and contribute to public policy issues in America. Given the separation of Church and State, how can the religious voice contribute to public debate on ethical issues, while still respecting the pluralism of our nation? We will focus on ethical principles flow from a Christian Humanism to discover ways in these might interact in the public square. Students will then investigate a topic of interest to evaluate the plausibility of a practical application of Christian Humanism. Topics for student research are numerous--mass media, health care, science, business, politics, computers, etc.

 
Everyday Moral Dilemmas -- Br. Rob Reuter, C.PP.S.
At some point, every person will be faced with an ethical dilemma and the often daunting and ambiguous task of resolving that dilemma. We will begin this course by learning what it means to have a principled approach to making ethical decisions. Then we will examine several ethical dilemmas you are likely to encounter as college graduates (such as substance abuse, women's rights and respect for life, sex and family life, among others). As we discuss these issues, we will see how the principles of Christian Humanism that you learned in Core 9 provide a rich guide for navigating the murky waters of ethical decision making in our diverse society.

 
Living a Life of Peace- Dr. Tom Ryan
Each of us is called to make a difference, to play a role, to be responsible as an individual and as a member of a community to honor our gifts from God. Philosophical and ethical challenges demand personal commitment both to ask and to answer the question "For Whom and for what is my Life?" How we live in the world depends on how we see ourselves and the world itself. A life of peace is both an inner journey and a public journey. This seminar challenges one to engage in society by exploring personal and communal ways to live in a culture of inclusion, dignity, justice, compassion, forgiveness, and nonviolence.

 
Ethics and the Family - Prof. Susan Chattin
Although the definition and structure of families is changing, our need to belong to a family group continues to be one of the most fundamental human needs. Being part of a family, however it is defined, brings with it security and a sense of belongingness. It also obligates us to certain responsibilities, based on our role within the family. This seminar will examine the ethical and moral challenges that family membership presents, and consider how the principles of Christian Humanism can be applied in our responses to the daily challenges of family life.

 
Congruence of Faith and Intellect - Dr. Rob Pfaff
An increasingly visible issue in American life is the relative value of faith and secular knowledge. To be sure, both are important. But how do we respond when we perceive a conflict between them? Perhaps the most useful approach is to assume for every issue we face, there is but one true solution. That is, if faith and secular learning are both appropriately practiced, the answers reached by each should be compatible; there should be congruence between them. This seminar will examine issues in the modern world from both perspectives in an attempt to find that congruence. Topics will be taken from science, politics, economics, and others that might come to the forefront of current events during the course.

 
Ethical Considerations in Communications -- Prof. Fred Berger
This seminar explores the values and ethics present in various forms of communication, including advertising, the mass media, persuasive communications and others. As pervasive as the mass media are, one stops to think of what life might be like without their influence. Further, how are Christian values affected or ignored in decision-making? Is anyone considering these issues while managing the information flow? Each student will be asked to examine in-depth a topic of interest to ascertain the effects of Christian principles on present practice and perceptions in a variety of settings.

 
Nursing Ethics -- Profs. John & Judi Jezierski
This seminar is offered for student nurses in the RN program at St. Elizabeth School of Nursing. This course provides the student with a basic theoretical knowledge of ethics, Christian approaches to ethical situations and the capacity to analyze ethical issues that occur in nursing so sound judgments can be made. Moral principles are discussed in relation to respect for human life. Students will be required to complete a research paper on an ethical topic related to current or future nursing practice. 

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Page posted 12/19/2007