Contemporary Religious
Values (RS 108OL)
Manor
College
Fall Semester 2006
Instructor: Frank Farrell; Senior Associate Professor of Religion
Phone: 215-885-2360 (ext 251) Office Hours:
E-mail: FFarrell@Manor.edu
By
Appointment
Web Page: http://apps.manor.edu/ffarrell/index.htm
Course Description:
This course will be an
introduction to the investigation of personal and societal values in light of
current religious thought. In addition to religious background, students will
draw upon insights from contemporary psychology and sociology to provide this
course with a diverse prospective on key issues related to value theory and its
contemporary practice.
Philosophy of the
Course:
The goal of this course
is to study the religious values systems that can be seen operating in the world
today. Given the diversities of the relationships of these traditions, students
will be encouraged to develop and articulate an understanding of the core tenets
of the cultural and religious traditions explored here. While Catholic in orientation, the
course will also explore value and virtue theory in other Christian and
non-Christian religions.
Goals and
Objectives:
1. Students will
exhibit a basic understanding of the socio/religious dimensions of value and
virtue theory, and historical developments.
2. Students will
exhibit the ability to trace the major developments of religious values in their
historical, cultural context.
3. Students will
exhibit a basic understanding of virtue theory and develop the ability to
articulate the dynamics of virtue theory as observed in
society.
4. Students will be
able to use varied information literacy techniques in analyzing the practical
implementation of a response to a specific social
initiative.
5. Students will
hopefully exhibit a more open and positive attitude toward their own tradition
as well as the tradition of others.
Grading:
1. 5 Reflection
Papers (2 Pages typed max.)
50 %
2. Group Project Case
Study
Individual Research
(emphasis on web based) 15
%
Small Group
Presentation
3. Mid Term
15 %
4. Final Test
20 %
Required
Textbooks:
1. Higgins, Gregory C.
Where Do you Stand? Eight Moral Issues Confronting Today's Christians,
2. Hannigan, James P.
As I have Loved You: The Challenge of Christian Ethics;
3. Connors &
McCormick Character,
Choices, and Community;
4. Selected Handouts and Internet readings
5. Select internet
video lectures
Approaches to
Teaching:
The instructor will
incorporate various methods to assist students in the learning process. The
course will consist of weekly readings, facilitated discussion boards and audio/visual
material. Students will be expected to add to the flavor of the course through
reflection papers, and participation in group projects and discussion boards.
To insure the fullest
learning experience for the entire class, students should prepared for class.
This preparation should include a thorough reading of assigned text, as well as
outside research when indicated.
Attendance:
This is an on-line
class with asynchronous access. Students may attend an orientation meeting, and
are required to submit a final exam by
Academic Honesty:
Academic honesty is expected. Plagiarism will be dealt with according to the
policies outlined in the student handbook. Cheating on a test will result in a
grade of zero.
Procedure for
Grading:
Reflection
papers
will be graded on a scale of 1-10 on a basis of content and clarity of thought.
Papers should be typed and no longer than two pages in length. Papers should be
centered on the students integration of material presented in readings or class
with their own experience. Paper topics should remain relevant to course
material. Two of the five reflections must use an internet reflection
reading as their basis. Parenthetical notation is adequate. If a
student is unsure of a specific topic, the student should check the topic with
the professor. Please be sure to
proof read all material before you submit it. Consistent errors in grammar,
spelling, and punctuation could result in a lower grade. Papers which are
submitted past due dates will be penalized 2 pts for each class day they are
late. One paper is due every other Wednesday Wednesday of weeks 3 through 11
.
.
Small Group
Presentations will be worth 15 points and will be graded on the basis of clarity of
presentation and depth of research and or thought. You will be assigned a group
of 3-4 students. Work can be completed through e-mail or phone discussions or in
person on campus if the group agrees to this. These projects will involve the
application of virtue theory as it applies to the Bishops Pastoral on
Economics.. The projects will be
outlined in greater detail during the semester. The grade will consist of two
parts: A group self evaluation ( 5
points) and instructor evaluation (10 points). The instructor evaluation will be
for the entire group presentation and individual research. The group self
evaluation will entail an individual rating of members of the group, as well as
an evaluation of the groups effort.
Group
Project Guide
Mid-Term Exam
will be worth 15 points and will consist
of a comprehensive review of material covered in the first half of the course.
Questions will be developed directly from the texts covered and lecture notes.
The exam will involve short essays, as well as other standard testing questions.
The exam will be sent to you by e-mail at the end of week 2 and should be
returned by Monday of week 4.
Final Exam
will be worth 20 points and will consist
of a comprehensive overview of the course. Questions will be developed directly
from the texts covered and lecture notes. The exam will involve short essays, as
well as other standard testing questions.
If you do not have Real
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