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Christian
Morality Theo 215 (sections 4, 6) Fall 2007 Dr. Gerald W. Schlabach
www: personal.stthomas.edu/gwschlabach Office hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. Wednesdays, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. |
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This course is an introduction to the principles, methods and topics of Christian theological ethics. The following themes will be addressed: the relation of Christian faith to moral reflection and decision making (both individual and social); the contribution of the Christian tradition to the understanding of the human person (including freedom, sin, conscience, character and grace); the role of the believing community in its relation to culture; and the connection of worship and spirituality to the Christian moral life. Some application will be made to selected issues in personal, professional and social ethics.
Course Readings & Resources
·
Scharen, Christian. One Step Closer: Why U2 Matters to Those Seeking God.
·
Stassen, Glen H. Living the Sermon on the Mount: A Practical Hope for Grace and
Deliverance.
·
Wadell, Paul. Happiness and the Christian Moral Life: An Introduction to Christian
Ethics.
· PLUS: On-line course packet, article handouts and/or library reserve readings.
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Assignment |
Due |
% |
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Sermon on the Mount study guides |
after we complete each unit |
10 |
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3-page essay on the paradox of happiness |
October 17 or 18 |
20 |
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5-page essay on the spirituality and/or politics of Bono |
December 11 or 12 |
20 |
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Midterm Exam |
October 23 or 24 |
20 |
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Final Exam |
see schedule |
25 |
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Participation |
consistently |
5 |
Writing assignments:
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Sermon
on the Mount study guides: A standard
one-page study guide will provide an opportunity for you to record your first
reactions and further learnings as we study Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount in
Matthew 5-7. Ten of these will be due throughout the semester, and may not be
handed in late. Please note additional
comments about this policy in the paragraph below.
·
Three-page
essay on the paradox of happiness:
During the first month of the class we will be encountering various
perspectives on the question of happiness. This essay will require you to
reflect on whether and how these perspectives fit together, as well as possible
implications for your own life. While your essay may be personal, it must be
polished writing in classic essay format. I.e. it must be well structured, with
a thesis, point-by-point argument using specific evidence, and
conclusion.
·
Five-page
essay on the spirituality and/or the
politics of Bono: Throughout the course, the rock group U2 and its lead singer Bono will provide
an ongoing case study concerning the relationship of Christian faith to popular
culture. This essay assignment will provide three options for assessing the
model that U2 and Bono represent for living out the Christian faith in “the
world.”
Note: essays
must be submitted electronically via the Blackboard Drop Box.
Study guides and “extra
credit”: All study guides
must be handed in at the beginning of class on the date assigned. No exceptions
will be granted except for extended and documented medical or
family emergencies – period.
However, you can have a low or absent study guide score thrown
out by attending certain special events and handing in your notes. Your professor will announce these events. This
is the only “extra credit” opportunity that will be available.
Exams: The midterm exam will test terms and concepts introduced in the units that you are completing at the time. The final exam will do the same for the second half of the course but will also require you to synthesize the course as a whole.
About attendance: Significant absences will affect your grade. Because this class relies heavily on classroom discussion and participation it is not really possible to “make up” for missed classes. If you must miss a class, you (not your professor) are responsible to compensate as best you can by borrowing notes or handouts from other students.
About participation: Constructive participation in discussions is the key to a good “participation” grade. Students learn in different ways, however. Some learn by thinking outloud, some need to listen a while before forming their own conclusions, and some feel more comfortable conversing on-line. Even for more reserved students, classroom discussion is an important way to think through questions and ideas, so all students are expected to participate in classroom discussions regularly. Students who are more comfortable sharing on-line can solidify their participation grade by participating in the Discussion Board for this class on Blackboard. Wherever you engage in discussion, reserved students are hereby assured (and assertive students hereby warned) that well-reasoned and respectful contributions to class will value more than the sheer quantity of a student's interjections.
About promptness: My policy is to reduce the grade on any late assignment by half of a letter grade per day late, except in cases of documented medical or family emergencies.
About academic integrity: The requirements of academic integrity preclude the unacknowledged use of other people’s words and ideas in one’s own writing. Such use is known as “plagiarism.” Information on UST policies regarding academic integrity is available in the student handbook. It is your responsibility as a student to understand these policies, recognize plagiarism and avoid it. As applied to this class, academic integrity does not preclude discussions on readings, brainstorming, or mutual assistance in formulating approaches to assignments. Collaboration must end, however, when each student begins writing. Your written work, quizzes and exams must be your own.
For students with disabilities: Qualified students
with documented disabilities who may need classroom accommodations should make
an appointment with the Enhancement Program – Disability Services office during
the first two weeks of the term. Telephone appointments are available to
students as needed. Appointments can be made by calling 651-962-6315 or
800-328-6819, extension 6315. You may also make an appointment in person in
O’Shaughnessy Educational Center, room 119. For further
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Grading scale |
97-100 |
A+ |
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74-76 |
C |
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94-96 |
A |
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70-73 |
C- |
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90-93 |
A- |
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67-69 |
D+ |
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87-89 |
B+ |
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64-66 |
D |
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84-86 |
B |
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60-63 |
D- |
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80-83 |
B- |
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< 60 |
F |
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77-79 |
C+ |
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Course Outline & Schedule
Your professor reserves the right to make changes in this schedule of topics, readings, and tasks. Any changes will be minor and announced in advance.