REL 201 -- Semester -
081
T. McFarland, C.PP.S.,
Ph.D. T 6:00 - 8:30 PM (C113)
Office CEC 219 Res: MER 112
Office hours: M,W 10-11; T,R 2-3 (Other times by appointment)
Calendar
Links
Objectives:
This course will give the student an understanding of the language, history
and issues of moral theology in the Church today. Although the major emphasis
will be from the Catholic Tradition, students should also become aware
of concerns in other Christian denominations. It will provide a brief overview
of the history of moral theology and the contemporary issues and concerns
of moral theologians. Special attention will be given to acquaint the student
with the sources, resources and method used in moral theology, to current
concerns of a more holistic approach to morality and pastoral issues
Texts: Richard
Gula. Reason Informed by Faith: Foundations of Catholic Morality Mahwah NJ: Paulist Press,
1989.
Richard Gula. The Call to Holiness. Mahwah, NJ: Paulist Press,
2003.
Spirituality and Morality: Essays from a Pastoral Perspective.
Edited by James Keating. Mahwah, NJ: Paulist Press, 2000.
Grading: Grades
will be assigned on the basis of a point system. A letter grade will be
assigned, based on the proportion of total number of points received.
Exam
50 points
Article Summary
25 points
Bibliography
50 points
Worldview Paper 50
points
Natural Law Paper 50 points
Issue/Theme Paper 100 points
Discussion
25 points
350
points
|
326-350 = A
315-325 = B+
305-314 = B
291-304 = B-
280-290 = C+
256-269 = C
245-255 = C-
228-244 = D+
210-227 = D
|
It goes without saying (hopefully) that
I expect student integrity, that is attendance at class, being prepared
for class and assignments submitted on time (I don't like late papers!).
Please refer to the back of this page for a calendar of the assigned readings
and papers. You should also be familiar with the College Policy on Academic
Honesty (see Catalog, p. 53-4).
Papers: Since
it is my intention to familiarize you with some of the history, issues,
method, sources and resources in moral theology, I have several written assignments.
- A theological article summary - you will be
responsible for reading the article, "Does Religious Faith Add to Ethical
Perceptions?" by Richard McCormick and writing a summary of no more than
three pages. Due September 16, 2008..
- A short paper on the change of worldviews and
its effect on moral decision making. This could (should) incorporate the
effects on how we view the human person. You might also reflect on the
notion of moral certainty--thinking of your own experiences and those with
whom you minister. This paper should be about 3-4 pages. Due October
7, 2008.
- Write a reflection on the use of natural law
in moral theology, taking into account the two major strands (physicalism
and reason). You should describe your understanding of Natural Law, compare
and contrast the the ways in which natural law is used in selected
ecclesiastical pronouncements. This paper should be about 3-4 pages. Due
October 28, 2008.
- The next assignment is to compile a bibliography
of scholarly sources on an issue or theme. Our library does not necessarily
have to have all these sources--I just want you to be aware of the many
sources that can be found using indexes such as the Catholic Periodical
Index. Also be sure to check this web page (or use the Library computer
EBSCO Host search) to check out the RELIGION INDEX. This bibliography should be
typed to comply with MLA or Chicago Style as found in The Everyday Writer
(our Core style guide). You should have at least 15 sources, both journal and
books included. Due November 4, 2008.
- The next assignment is a short paper (about 8
pages) on some theme or issue in moral theology. (You may choose the same one
as the bibliographic exercise) In this paper I want you to grapple with the
importance of the topic for moral theology, its historical significance and
what is the current thinking on this theme or issue. Due December 2,
2008.
Examinations: There
will be a final exam at the end of semester.
Special Needs: If
you are a student with special needs, please see me before the third week
of the semester so that we can arrange for you to best demonstrate your
mastery of the course.
Links
 | Research
|
| Historical
|
| Magisterial Documents
|
(Numbers after author represent CHAPTER numbers.)
| August |
| 19 - Introduction, Gula Holiness
pp. 1-39 |
| 26 - Holiness pp. 63-144 |
| September |
| 2 - Gula Reason1-2
Intro & Task of Moral |
| 9 - Reason,
2-3 Morality |
| 16 - Reason, 4-6
Human Person (Summary Due) |
| 23 - Reason
7-8 Sin |
| 30 - Reason
9-11 Conscience |
| October |
| 7 - Reason, 15-16
Natural Law (Worldview Paper Due) |
| 14 - Reason, 12-14
Scripture/Jesus/Church |
| 21 - St. Gaspar Day |
| 28 - Reason, 18-19 Acts/Norms
(Natural Law paper due) |
| November |
| 4 - Reason 20-21
Pastoral/Discernment, Catch up Social Ethics (Bibliography Due) |
| 11 - Holiness Part III (pp.
145-211) |
| 18 - Spirituality (pp 1-58) |
|
Thanksgiving Break |
| December |
| 2 Spirituality
pp. 59-141 (Final Paper Due) |
|
Final Exam |
Return to Top
| McFarland Home
| Saint
Joseph's College
Page updated 08/24/2008 by
T. McFarland, C.PP.S. Assoc. Prof. of Religion
Saint Joseph's College.
Questions of comments about this page -- email timm@saintjoe.edu
|
