Core 10 - Seminars in Christian Humanism - Term 092
The following are brief descriptions of the Core Ten seminar topics offered in Semester 092. 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. 68.
A - Congruence of Faith and Intellect
Dr. Rob Pfaff (T 6:00-8:30 P.M.)
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 that, 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 examines 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.
B - Living a Life of Peace
Dr. Tom Ryan (M 6:00-8:30 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.
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 - Privacy, Piracy, and Plugging In: Ethics and Technology
Professor Susan Chattin - (T/R 12:35-1:50)
Technology has revolutionized our world and exerts an increasingly powerful influence on our daily lives. The technology that dominates our world also poses unique and troubling ethical questions. As technology expands, so do the ethical implications and dilemmas. This course will consider a wide range of ethical issues surrounding the use of technology, especially the internet, PDS's, and cell phones. Issues relating to the use of these technologies that will be addressed include privacy, social relationships on the internet, cyberstalking, control of information, blogging, professional ethics, and intellectual property. These broader social concerns will be studied from an ethical perspective, and case studies will be used to consider specific issues.
G - Ethics and the Mass Media
Professor Fred Berger (M/W 11:00-12:15)
This seminar explores the values and ethics present in those who work in various forms of mass communication, including advertising the legacy mass media, the Internet, public relations, the news industry, and others. Do media professionals check their ethics at the door when attempting to persuade? Serving as a base will be readings in "Taking Sidcs: Clashing Views in Mass Media and Society" by Alexander and Hanson.
H/J - Christianity in Public Life
Fr. Tim McFarland, C.PP.S. (M/W 2-3:15 and 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, computers, etc.
K/L - Nursing Ethics
Profs. John & Judi Jezierski - STE (T/R 4:30-7:30 P.M.)
This seminar offered at St. Elizabeth School of Nursing is for student nurses in the RN/BSN program. This course provides the students 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.
