Contemporary Religious
Values (RS 108A)
Manor
College
Fall Semester 2004
Instructor: Frank Farrell; Senior Associate Professor of Religion
M,W,F 10AM. - 10: 50 A.M.
Phone: 215-885-2360 (ext 251) Office Hours: Monday 1-2
E-mail: FFarrell@Manor.edu Wed. 1-2
By Appointment
Web Page http://apps.manor.edu/faculty/ffarrell/RS108
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. Attendance and
Participation 15%
2. 4 Reflection Papers (2 Pages typed
max.) 40%
3. Group Project Case
Study
Individual Research
(emphasis on web based) 10%
Small Group
Presentation 5
%
4. Mid Term 15%
5. Final Test 15%
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
Approaches to Teaching:
The instructor will
incorporate various methods to assist students in the learning process. The
course will consist of weekly lectures, facilitated breakout discussions and
audio/visual material. Students will be expected to add to the flavor of the
course through oral presentations, reflection papers, and participation in
group projects and discussions.
To insure the fullest
learning experience for the entire class, students should come prepared for
class. This preparation should include a thorough reading of assigned text, as
well as outside research when indicated.
Attendance:
Attendance is expected
at every class. The instructor is sensitive to the fact that there are times
when you may not be able to be present. If you know that you will not be
present for a particular class, please notify the instructor. Because your
participation in group activities will be an integral part of each class, any
more than three unexcused absences will result in the lowering of your
grade by one letter. Any more than four unexcused absences may result in
failure for the course. You are expected to be on time for class. If you are
late more than three times during the semester, each
subsequent lateness will be counted as an absence. Athletes who will miss class because of
travel are asked to submit a schedule of those classes which will be missed at
the beginning of the semester.
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. 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. First two reflections are due February 18; final two April 8.
Class and small group
participation
15 pts. This grade will be based on students
attendance and participation in small group discussions and breakouts. It
should seem obvious that if you are not in attendance, you choose not to
participate.
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. These projects will
involve the application of virtue theory as it applies to religion and the
family. 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.
Any student not present for class presentation will receive no
credit for the assignment. 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.
Final Exam will be worth 15 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.
Course
Schedule
|
Date |
Topic |
|
|
Week 1 |
Introduction Historical
Developments of Values and Virtue Why Study Religious
Values |
Higgins intro Hannigan intro Connors Ch1 New link for the
Common Good: http://www.osjspm.org/cst/q_cmgood.htm
Principals of Catholic Social Teaching: http://www.osjspm.org/cst6prin.htm |
|
Week 2 |
The Problems and
Practice of Christian Ethics |
Hannigan 1,2 Connors 6 |
|
Week3 |
Virtue and the Life Cycle |
Handout Connors 2,3 |
|
Week 4 |
Moral reasoning Group Projects - Economic Justice
|
Higgins 1 Connors 5 |
|
Week 5 |
Reproductive technology and Abortion First two Reflections Due Feb 18 |
Higgins 2 &3 |
|
Week 6 |
Sexual Ethics |
Higgins 4
|
|
Week 7
Mid Term |
Euthanasia Kohlberg & Gilligan
|
Higgins 6 Stages of Moral Growth Kohlberg October 20 Mid Term |
|
Week8 |
Social Justice |
Higgins5 Connors Ch4 |
|
Week 9 |
The Person as Moral
Agent |
Hannigan 3&4 Connors 9 |
|
Week 10 |
The Reality of Sin War & Capital
punishment |
Hannigan 5 Higgins 7 & 8 Death Penalty Links |
|
Week 11 |
The Reality of
Conscience Presentation of Group
projects |
Higgins 7 & 8 Connors 11 Hannigan 6 |
|
Week 12 |
The Counsels of
Perfection Environmental Ethics April 8 Last two Reflections
Due |
Hannigan 9 Environment Links Connors 7 & 8 |
|
Week 13 |
Moral Rule & Law Future task of Virtue
Theory |
Hannigan 7&8 Connors 10 |
|
Week 14 |
Family and Virtue
Theory Media Analysis Paper
Due |
Hannigan 10 |
|
Week 15 |
Final Review |
Final Exams |
Objectives, Measures,
Standards
1. Students will
exhibit a basic understanding of the socio/religious dimensions of value and
virtue theory, and historical developments.
Measure: Through reflection papers
and exam questions, students will be able to note 3 historical developments of
virtue theory, as well as describe three styles of virtue theory.
Standard: 70% of students will
be able to express these.
2. Students will
exhibit the ability to trace the major developments of religious values in
their historical, cultural context.
Measure:Through reflection papers
students will be able to take one value issue and trace the historical
development of the question.
Standard: 70% of students will
be able to take one issue and trace its histrorical
development.
3. Students will
exhibit a basic understanding of virtue theory and develop an argument
sustaining their position on a vialue issue of
society.
Measure
:
Through essay questions students will present a sustained argument
incorporating learned virtue theory.
Standard: 70% of students should
be able to present this sustained argument.
4. Students will
demonstrate the ability to integrate at least two sources in analysis of a
specific social initiatve. Information Literacy
skills of retrieval and notation should be properly demonstrated.
Measure: Through group project
research students should be able to demonstrate the use of at least to sources
supporting their action plan.
Standard: 75% of students will
achieve a score of 7 or higher for individual research in group project.
5. Students will
hopefully exhibit a more open and positive attitude toward their own tradition
as well as the tradition of others.
Measure: Through participation
in the group project students will be encouraged to share their own tradition
of value with other in addressing a practicle value questiuon of the day.
Standard: 80% of students will
be graded 7 or higher on peer evaluations of group project.