|
Rev. T. McFarland,
C.PP.S.,Ph.D
Term 072 |
Section A -- M, W 2-3:15
Section B -- M 6:30-9 PM |
Office:
CEC #219 ext 6115
Office Hours:
M, W 10-11, T, R 1-1:50 |
Go to class calendar Section A or Section
B.

Objectives: The SJC Catalog describes Core 10 as
"A seminar course on selected ethical problems of our day in the light of Christian faith
and of all the Core experience, especially Core 9". It is my intention to introduce
students to the various methods for approaching an ethical issue of their choice.
Under this "umbrella" heading of Christianity in Public Life, I expect students in some
fashion to deal with a crucial question of how Christianity (religion) can address ethical
concerns in the public square and subsequently how this dialogue shapes public policy.
Texts: To begin our common reflection, we will be using:
God's Name in Vain Stephen Carter (2000)
Vision and Values Judith A. Dwyer (Editor) (1999)
I will also be distributing articles in class for discussion
Method: For the first part of the semester, we will be
working with the two texts, exploring the role of religious convictions in the public square.
We will also be dealing with some of the theoretical "language" of ethics and examining various
schools of thought. The majority of the work for the last part of the semester will be individually
guided research and finally, seminar presentations.
Requirements: Students will be required to have read and
"mastered" the texts, by passing an examination.
There is a database assignment, which will familiarize you with many
resources for your research. Each student will submit a topic proposal with
thesis and
methodology (1-2 pages), a revised proposal and bibliography (at least 4 pages)
for a major research paper, successful completion of a 20 page paper, a formal
presentation on said paper, and active participation in our seminar group.
After each presentation, each student will be required to hand-in a brief
reaction to the student's presentation. This serves as an attendance check as well as a way that the instructor and student
may carry on a "personal conversation."
The Research Paper: This is to be the primary focus of this seminar.
Each student will be required to pursue research to develop a thesis on
an ethical issue of interest. In
some fashion these paper must take into account a religious (Christian)
perspective that must be integrated
in the paper. The paper will then be
the foundation for an oral presentation and discussion for the class during the
last part of the semester. These
papers are to be well researched and documented, be organized and coherent--in
short they are to be an example of the skills acquired throughout your college
career. Papers must make use of scholarly resources (i.e., not Wikipedia, nor
only popular periodicals like online newspapers or magazines).
The papers must include these elements:
1. Making use of more than one discipline, respecting the "rules" of disciplinary inquiry;
2. Should deal in a principled manner with a specific ethical issue;
3. And in some way deal with Christian Humanist values.
On the use of the Internet...there are many good sources to be found on the Internet,
but one must use a critical eye in examining these sources. Much like popular periodicals and newspapers,
(even more so) one must use caution when using these sources. You may use the Internet
(check in the Everyday Writer and Student
Links on how to properly evaluate and cite web based sources in your
paper), but don't make it the sole source for your paper. Be sure to check out my suggestions for
internet sources
Together during the semester we will be working on the research process and proper techniques
for writing
a work of this sort. I will distribute helpful information for putting the paper together.
There are always a number of ethical issues that appear in the contemporary press,
and I would like you to keep your eyes and ears open for articles of interest. I will also bring in some issues for our
discussion in an attempt to model some of the concerns raised by our authors.
Academic Honesty: Since a heavy portion of your grade is based on writing; you
would do well to note the policy on Academic Honesty found in the SJC Catalog. My advice and
warning to you...do your own work. Since this is a required course for graduation, don't put
yourself in the
unfortunate position of not being able to walk at graduation. Students are
strongly encouraged to submit papers to turnitin.com to check for plagairism.

Section A
January
7 Introduction
9 Dwyer, 179-96; Carter, 1-39
14 MLK
16
Carter, 40-82 (Article Summary due)
21
Carter,
83-124 23 Carter, 125-56
28 Carter 159-95
30 Dwyer.
1-52 (Proposal
DUE)
February
4 Indiv. Mtgs
6 Dwyer. 53-70
11
Dwyer,
71-98
13 Dwyer, 99-112
18
Dwyer,
113-48
20 Dwyer, 149-63
25 Dwyer, 163-78 (Biblio.
DUE)
27 EXAM
March
Spring Break
10
Research in
Library
12 Research in Library
17
Tutorial
20 Presentations begin
24
Easter no class
26
31
April
2
7
9 PAPERS DUE
14
16
21
23
FINALS
WEEK Section A Meeting Wednesday April 30 -- 10
AM

Section
B
January
7 Introduction, Dwyer,
179-96; Carter, 1-39
14
Carter 40-124 (Article
Summary DUE)
21
Carter 125-95
28
Dwyer 1-70
(Proposal DUE)
February
4
Indiv. Mtgs
11
Dwyer 71-112
18
Dwyer 113-78
25 (Biblio.
DUE) Exam
March
3 – Spring Break
10 -
Library
17 – Presentations begin
24 -
No class Easter break
31 -
April
7
14
PAPERS DUE
21
28
Finals
week - Section B meeting Monday April 28 at 6:30 PM

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Page updated 03/31/2008
by
T. McFarland, C.PP.S. Assoc. Prof. of Religion
Saint Joseph's College
Questions or comments to timm@saintjoe.edu