Contemporary Religious
Values (RS 108A)
Manor
College
Fall Semester 2007
Instructor: Frank Farrell; Senior Associate Professor of Religion
Phone: 215-885-2360 (ext 251) Office Hours: M,W, 1-2
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.) 25 %
2. 5 Chapter quizzes 25
%
3. Class participation and Small Group
Presentation 15%
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. Hinman,
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 a course which
involves group case discussions and a group project. Attendance is expected at
each session. More than three abscences will result
in a lowering of the student grade by 15%.
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 of weeks 3
through 11 .
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
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 4 and
should be returned by Monday of week 7.
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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