Core 10 - Seminars in Christian Humanism - Term 102
The following are brief descriptions of the Core Ten seminar topics offered in Semester 102. 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. 72.
Fr. Tim McFarland, C.PP.S.
Director -- Core 10
A/B - Christianity in Public Life
Fr. Tim McFarland, C.PP.S. (A: M,W 2-3:15 / B: T, R 2-3:15)
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 how 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, technology, etc.
C/D - Everyday Moral Dilemmas
Br. Rob Reuter, C.PP.S. (C: T,R 11-12:15 / D: T,R 12:35-1:50)
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.
F - Child Advocacy
Dr. Jennifer Barce (M,W 12:35-1:50)
For those passionate about the well-being and safety of children, this seminar will focus on current international, national, and local issues regarding the youngest members of society. Through effective research, critical thinking, and personal reflection, participants will examine the ethical responses to the dilemmas of childhood by governments, agencies, and individuals. Multidisciplinary topics may include child labor, hunger, healthcare, exploitation, delinquency, and environmental factors.
How lovely to think that no one need wait a moment. We can start now, start slowly, changing the world. How lovely that everyone, great and small can make a contribution.
- Anne Frank
G - Ethics in Communication
Prof. Fred Berger (M,W 11-12:15)
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.
H - Ethics in the Digital Age
Prof. Susan Chattin (T,R 12:35-1:50)
As the age of technology progresses, we are beneficiaries of unparalleled advancements, innovations, and achievements. But even as we make strides through the use of new technologies, we are faced with unique and often unforeseen dilemmas and consequences. Our ethical foundations and heritage are being tested in ways not anticipated in previous generations. This seminar will delve into the kinds of dilemmas posed by our technological advancements, including issues of privacy, exploitation, and commercialization via the internet, as well as numerous other technologies commonly available today. The ethical and moral principles of Christian Humanism will be applied to the various issues raised by our progress in the age of technology.
J - Modern Warfare
Dr. Rob Pfaff (M 6-8:30 p.m.)
National security has become a pressing concern in the modern world. The threat of war is perceived by some to be greater than ever before. But is it really? How great is the threat? How would we fight it? What weapons would we use? There are other considerations, though. All warfare has moral, political, social, and economic ramifications that must be part of the decisions made concerning how, or even whether, to fight. This seminar will investigate the complex set of issues involved in modern warfare, focusing on the ethics of war and the ethics of how we might fight a war.
K - Living a Life of Peace
Dr. Tom Ryan (T 6-8:30 p.m.)
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.
L & M - Nursing Ethics
Profs. John & Judi Jezierski - STE
This seminar offered at St. Elizabeth School of Nursing is for student nurses in the RN/BSN program. 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.
