Go to class calendar Section A
See my articles written prior to 2008 elections.

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" (p. 65). The course will 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. This will be demonstrated through an interdisciplinary paper and presentation.

Texts: To begin our common reflection, we will be using: 
                     Why Politics Needs Religion Brendan Sweetman (2006)
                     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 first work with the Sweetman text, exploring the role of religious convictions in the public square. Next we will work with the Dwyer text to discover how experts use ethical principles in decision-making. 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. Each student will submit a summary of a scholarly article (EBCSO) about an ethical issue as a first step in choosing a topic for the major paper. 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 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 interdisciplinary, well researched and documented, 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. 

March 
                                                              Spring Break
            9  Research in Library                                      11  Research in Library
          16 Tutorial                                                            18  Presentations begin
          23 Presentations                                                 25
          30 

April 
                                                                                       1 
           6                                                                          8     PAPERS DUE 
         13 No Class - Easter                                      15
         20                                                                        22

FINALS WEEK   Meeting  Tuesday April 28 -- 10 AM