Contemporary Religious
Values (RS 108H)
Fall Semester 2005
Instructor: Frank Farrell; Senior Associate Professor of Religion
Phone: 215-885-2360
(ext 251) Class
Times:
Room 23 Office Hours:
E-mail: FFarrell@Manor.edu M: 1-2 W: 1-2
By Appointment
Web Page: http://apps.manor.edu/faculty/ffarrell/RS108H/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. 8 Reflection Papers (2 Pages typed
max.) 40 %
2. Group Project Case
Study
Individual Research
(emphasis on web based) 20 %
3. Mid Term 20
%
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 mid-term and final exam by dates outlined 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 1-5 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 each Wednesday of weeks 2
through 10 .
.
Small Group
Presentations will be worth 20 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 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 20 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 October 19th.
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
Player, you can download it here: http://www.real.com/freeplayer/?rppr=rnwk
Objectives,
Measures, Standards
Standard: 70% of students will be able to take one issue and
trace its historical development.
Standard: 70% of students should be able to present this
sustained argument.
Standard: 80% of students will be graded 7 or higher on peer
evaluations of group project.