|
Rev. T. McFarland,
C.PP.S.,Ph.D
Term 092 |
Section H --M,W 2-3:15;
Section J -- T,R 2-3:15 |
Office:
CEC #219 ext 6115
Office Hours:
M, W 10-11, T, R 1-1:50 |
Go to class calendar Section H and Section
J
See my articles
written prior to 2008 elections.
Outcomes: 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. 68). Students will be able to think critically about the place
and role of religion in shaping public policy. Students will be able to
articulate and use ethical principles to address an issue of their choice. Under
this "umbrella" heading of Christianity in public life, I expect
students in some fashion to deal with an ethical issue and address how
Christianity (religion) can address this issue 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. The 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 plagiarism.
Section H
January
11 Introduction Sweetman
11-24
13 Sweetman 25-57
18 (MLK)
20 Sweetman 59-113 (Article Summary due)
25 Sweetman
114-138
27 Sweetman 139-160
February
1 Sweetman 187-248 (Proposal
DUE)
3 Indiv. Mtgs
8 Dwyer.
1-52
10 Dwyer. 53-70
15 Dwyer,
71-98
17 Dwyer, 99-112
22 Dwyer,
113-48
24 Dwyer, 149-63
March
1 Dwyer, 163-78 (Biblio.
DUE)
3 Exam
Spring Break
15 Research in
Library
17 Research in Library
22
24 Presentations begin
29
31
April
5 No Class
(Easter)
7
12 PAPERS
DUE
14
19
21
26
28
EXAM WEEK -- Mandatory Meeting Monday May 3rd at 10 AM
Section
J
