Contemporary Religious Values (RS 108A)

Contemporary Religious Values (RS 108ol-A) Manor College

Summer 2 Semester 2007

Instructor: Frank Farrell; Senior Associate Professor of Religion

Phone: 215-885-2360 (ext 251) Office Hours: by appointment

Web Page: http://apps.manor.edu/ffarrell/rs108ol/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. 10 Quizzes 30%

4. Final Exam 20 %

Required Textbooks:

1. Higgins, Gregory C. Where Do you Stand? Eight Moral Issues Confronting Today's Christians, Mahwah, N.J. ; Paulist Press; 1995

2. Hinman, Lawrence Contemporary Moral Issues 3^rd edition

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.

Academic Honesty: Academic honesty is expected. Plagiarism will be dealt with according to the policies outlined in the student handbook. Cheating on a test or paper 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 Wednesday of weeks 2 through 6 .

Weekly Internet Study guide quizzes should be submitted via e-mail to the instructor. You are required to subit two quizzes for 10/12 chapters.

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 This will be discussed in greater detail at the orientation meeting.

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.