ELM 402 -- Semester
081
T. McFarland, C.PP.S.,
Ph.D.
T – 7 - 9:30 PM (4/1
– 6/3)
Saint Joseph's College
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Calendar | Course Links | Writing
Guides
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 historical
overview
of moral theology and 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, and to current
concerns in the discipline.
Required Text:
Richard
Gula. Reason Informed by Faith: Foundations of Catholic Morality.
Mahwah, NJ: Paulist Press, 1989.
Recommended:
 |
Richard Gula The Good Life:
Where Spirituality and Morality Converge, Mahwah, NJ: Paulist Press,
1999. |
|
Catechism of the Catholic
Church (1994). |
Additionally will be several
selected articles that I will distribute in class.
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. Each
assignment is worth 50 points for a total of 200 points.
188 -200 = A
154 - 159 = C+
180 -187 = A-
146 - 153 = C
174 -179 = B+
140 - 145 = C-
166 -173 = B
130 - 139 = D+
160 -162 = B-
120 - 129 = D
119 = F |
It goes without
saying (hopefully) that I expect student integrity, that is attendance
at class (more than two unexcused absences will result in failure of the
course), being prepared for class and assignments submitted on time (I
don't like late papers!). Please refer to calendar of the assigned readings and papers.
Attendance: Since we only meet once a week, and
participation in discussions is an integral part of the learning process,
attendance is crucial. Since things do come up, you will be permitted one
absence without penalty. Two absences will result in the final grade being
dropped by ½ letter (e.g., from B to B-); three absences, a full letter grade
reduction; and more than three absences will result in failure of the course.
Papers: Since
it is my intention to familiarize you with some of the issues, method,
sources and resources in moral theology, I have four assignments. These
will hopefully assist you in applying the more academic issues to
pastoral practice.
| 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
reaction/reflection 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. |
| A paper on an issue/topic of your choice. You will select
and issue/topic that relates to the course and synthesize and integrate
material from the course with your thoughts. It would be good to use The
Catechism as a reference in this paper, to demonstrate how you would
apply the teachings of The Catechism to this issue or topic. Some
examples: formation of conscience, sin, moral responsibility, pastoral
guidance, use of scripture in moral, dissent, or a particular moral issue
would be appropriate. This paper should be about 5 pages. Due November
4,
2008. |
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
Calendar
for Classes
(numbers after date are CHAPTERS )
September
2 –- 1-2 Into Task of Moral
9 --
2-3
Morality
16 -- 4-6 Human Person
(Paper)
23 -- 7-8
Sin
30 -- 9- 11 Conscience
October
7
-- 15-17
Natural Law* (Paper)
14 – 12-14
Scripture/Jesus/Church
21 – St. Gaspar Day
28 – 18-19
Acts/Norms (Paper)
November
4— 20-21 Pastoral/Discernment
Catch up, Social Ethics, (Paper)
* note change in order of chapter readings.
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
Some articles that
may of of interest
| Some links on historical sources |
| Go here
to view the documents we discussed in class.
|
| Some
assistance in writing |
The Everyday
Writer online - will help you with proper citation of web based sources and
works cited. There is a link
to a .pdf file with instructions (issued in 2003) on how to properly cite
sources in the text and in a "Works Cited" page.
There is also a site Bedford/St. Martins on MLA
documentation for the humanities (which theology is).
You can also look at the Student
Links which is accessible on my home page
Easy Bib
- an online resource for composing a bibliography in MLA format. the
MLA version is free and worth a try.
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Page created 9/21/99
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
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