Ethics and Social Theory
Religion is an enormously important and, despite all the talk about us living in a ""secular"" society, persistent component of human experience. This course will introduce students to the sociological study of religion and provide them with the requisite theoretical tools for assessing the ongoing (and ever changing) salience and functions of religion in the modern world. Among the topics to be addressed are: the ways in which religion shapes individual meaning systems; processes of religious conversion and commitment; types and dynamics of religious collectivities (e.g., denominations, cults, sects, etc.); secularization theory; the impact of religion on social cohesion, conflict and change; and the connection between religion and popular culture. Format: Lecture and discussion sections. Requirements: Classroom participation, short papers and a written final exam. [25 max enrollment; Auditors with Faculty permission]
This is a team-taught, lecture/discussion course designed for advanced first-degree students (MDiv, MA, MTS) as well as for advanced degree program students (STL, STD, PhD). The course aims to address the following question: How does the tradition of Christian reflection on economic justice relate to the task of liberating whole peoples and the whole person in the face of globalization? We engage this question by studying (1) aspects of the tradition of Catholic social teaching and (2) various liberation theologies and spiritualities in order to address (3) the implications of globalization for how we think about and live our Christian faith, and (4) the implications of faith for how we think about and respond to globalization. All students taking the course for credit will give one class presentation (+ submit a five-page written summary of the presentation) on a specific socioeconomic problem. In addition,students will be required to submit either two other 5-7 page papers or a final 15-20 page synthesis essay at the end of the course. [30 max enrollment; Auditors with faculty permission]
This course explores fundamental concepts of Roman Catholic moral theology, including: moral anthropology; the use of Scripture in morals; the nature and function of moral norms; conscience and its formation; natural law; fundamental option and sin; virtue and the telos of human life, and modes of moral reasoning. Moral theology is fundamentally a discipline of practical reasoning: these concepts will be addressed in the context of concrete cases and issues as well as at the abstract and theoretical level. Format is lecture/discussion, and student evaluation will be based on 3 essay examinations, with the option of writing a research paper in place of second two exams. This course meets the requirements of an Introductory course in the JST MDiv curriculum.
An introduction to major methodological and practical questions in biomedical ethics. In this course, we'll consider topics including methodologies, beginning of life issues, (e.g., reproductive technologies, stem cell research,) conscience conflicts in medical issues, end of life issues, (e.g., assisted suicide and euthanasia,) justice in public policies concerning medicine and research, research ethics, and issues of pastoral care in the hospital setting. Topics may change if students wish to pursue a particular interest. Grades will be based on class participation, weekly reflection papers, and a final project. [Fundamental Moral Theology or another graduate Introductory course in ethics; PIN code required; 15 max enrollment]
This course will examine the Roman Catholic Sacrament of Reconciliation from its historical, theological, moral, pastoral, liturgical and canonical perspectives. It is designed for those who will preside at the Sacrament of Reconciliation as presbyters. The emphasis will be an ongoing practicum on reconciliation rites and practices, utilizing role-playing of a variety of confessional cases and issues. The course will also involve an in-depth discussion of moral, liturgical and pastoral theology as it is related to the Sacrament. Attention will be paid to pastoral care in a variety of different contexts of sacramental confession, as well as related pastoral, moral and canonical issues which often surface in the celebration of the Rite of Reconciliation. This course fulfills the Society of Jesus' requirements for confessional rites and includes the ad audienda requirements of the Church for all candidates for ordination. [24 max enrollment; PIN code required]
This doctoral seminar will explore the predominant methods used in ethics today and apply them to contemporary issues. This course will draw upon the core bibliography in Ethics and Social Theory to help the student prepare for comprehensive exams. Format uses lecture, discussion, and independent research. Evaluation is by weekly reflection papers and a final major paper. Intended audience: PhD/Thd; STL/STD [PIN code required]
This seminar will consider theological and philosophical questions posed by the ethics of reconciliation in the social and political realms: In what respects is the reconciliation of peoples related to the themes of justice, liberation, reparation, and forgiveness? What are the appropriate forms of moral discourse invoked in assessing genocide, ""ethnic cleansing,"" institutional racism, or the systematic rape of victims? In what respects are distinctively theological interpretations possible or necessary? We will first explore the ethical dimensions of reconciliation, examining the interrelated aspects of justice, reconciliation, reparation, historical memory, and forgiveness. We will then examine and assess recent attempts at public reconciliation. Regular attendance and participation in seminar; final research paper of 20 pages. Intended audience MDiv, MA/MTS, PhD/ThD, STL/STD. [Introduction in Christian ethics; Faculty Consent required; 20 max enrollment]
A survey of the classic texts (Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, Luther and Calvin) with special attention to questions of the relation between virtue and statecraft, citizenship and political theology. We will read from select modern writers to examine how the earlier contributions are refined by such writers as: Weil, Arendt, Miles, etc. This is an Ethics and Social Theory doctoral seminar. M.A./M.Div. students by permission of the instructor. Intended audience: Ph.D/Th.D; STL/STD. [PIN code required]
Course offers a theoretical and experiential introduction to prison ministry to prepare ministry students for possible careers as prison chaplains. The course emphasizes the theological, psychological and pastoral needs of the incarcerated and examines the current state of corrections in the United States. The course explores the historical roots of correctional chaplaincy in the United States, punishment theory, prison culture, racism, restorative justice and alternatives to incarceration. Format includes both lecture and seminar discussion of reading materials as well as theological reflection based on both the reading and the students' (required for course) experience of spending 2 hours per week at San Quentin State Prison under supervision of the instructor. While the context is Catholic prison ministry, the course encourages collaborative, ecumenical and interfaith ministry. [Interview required; Faculty Consent required; 20 max enrollment; Auditors with faculty permission]
The purpose of this course is essentially twofold. First, it will introduce students to the following four important theoretical strands within the discipline of sociology: conflict theory (in both its Marxian and Weberian variants), structural functionalism, symbolic interactionism and rational choice theory. Second, by focusing specifically on the critical study of religion, this course will also demonstrate the salience and applicability of these theoretical frameworks as we investigate the work of contemporary sociologists who actually employ them as a means for analyzing religion in the modern world. This course, while open to other advanced students as well, is specifically designed to assist doctoral students in the area of Ethics and Social Theory as they prepare for the comprehensive exam in ""Foundational Social Theory."" Format: Each class session will incorporate both lecture and class discussion. Requirements: Classroom participation, and a choice of multiple short papers or a longer final paper. [25 max enrollment; Auditors with Faculty permission]
What makes a good minister? What makes a bad minister? Who do you hope to become in the course of your ministry? What sustains and enlivens pastoral ministry? What particular issues and concerns are of significance in the practice of ministry? In this course, we will bring into dialogue aspects of the ethics and spirituality of ministry in various contexts: parishes, schools, prisons,etc. The aim is to develop an account of some of the virtues relevant to pastoral ministry. This account should both reflect the best aspects of the ministers who have been formative for us, and serve as a guide in our own future practice of ministry. I assume that all students bring to this class some experience in volunteer or professional ministry. While it is not a requirement of this class that students be engaged in practical ministry during this term, I strongly encourage you to do so. The course is organized according to four salient virtues for ministry: self-care, justice, fidelity and trustworthiness, and is most suitable for M.Div. and ministry-related MA students. This class is taught as a seminar. Grades will be based on weekly reflection papers and a final paper on a topic of the student's choice. [Graduate introductory course in ethics or moral theology; Faculty Consent required; 15 max enrollment; Auditors excluded]
Contemporary ethics is witnessing a resurgence of virtue and character-based models of ethical reflection. However, one consistent challenge to this methodology is to question its adequacy as an action guide: is virtue ethics adequate to provide moral ""traction"" in difficult questions? How might a virtue-based approach affect analysis of moral issues? After an introduction to the Aristotelian/ Thomistic tradition of virtue ethics, this class will engage several ethical issues from that perspective. Particular topics may include: Embryonic stem cell research, Capital Punishment, Physician Assisted Suicide, Environmental Ethics, selected issues in Business, Law, Ministerial or Sexual ethics, and others, depending on student interest. Class will be taught as a seminar. Grading will be based on reflection papers and responses (5 of each, in which reflection paper is no more than 2-3 pages long, and a response is a paragraph) discussion facilitation in the second half off the term, a final project and class participation. [PIN code required; 15 max enrollment]
This course will consider the tradition of Roman Catholic Social Teaching and modern social ethics. Issues to be treated will include Christian interpretations of violence and non-violence, war and peace, social reconciliation, global and domestic justice, human rights, bioethics, and ecological ethics. In assessing these issues, we will consider the interpretative perspectives of a consistent life ethic, liberation theology and Christian feminism. Lecture/discussion. Evaluation: Regular attendance and participation; midterm oral examination; final open-book examination (10-15 page research paper in lieu of examinations possible for MA students). Intended audience: MDiv, MA/MTS, STL. [Faculty Consent required]
In addressing the problematic status of human rights in moral and political theory, we will consider the history, scope, and limits of human rights' theory as it applies to a range of social-ethical issues. We shall be concerned especially with the use of rights' language in religious discourse; the extension of human rights to social-economic claims; and the principal philosophical and theological criticisms of modern rights' discourse. Intended audience: Ph.D/Th.D; STL/STD [Faculty Consent required; 15 max enrollment]
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the much-discussed (but less often understood) concept of culture and its implications for the study of contemporary religion. After attending to more theoretical concerns, we will investigate the manner in which a nuanced construal of culture is essential for better understanding such things as secularization, ideological subcultures, religious change, and the salience of religiosity in identity formation. By attending to these (and other) topics, students should acquire the theoretical and methodological tools necessary for becoming more sophisticated observers of religion as it is actually lived out in the United States and elsewhere. [20 max enrollment; Auditors with faculty permission]
How do spiritual practices make us better people? Guided by the exploration and disciplined, community-assisted practice of virtue, this course will examine character and virtue through the lenses of philosophy, history, liberation spirituality, and psychology while prioritizing the student's own personal character growth. Students will consider virtue-based spiritual formation, what constitutes a virtue, methods for growing in virtue, and approaches to teaching virtue in ministerial contexts. We will study spiritual exemplars (from Christian and also non-Christian traditions) and their particular virtues and methods of cultivating virtue while practicing a variety of traditional and innovate methods of forming virtue. Students will keep a virtue journal; some class time will be spent in small groups for discussion and virtue-centric exercises. Format is lecture and discussion. Grade will be based on student presentation(s), final paper, and small group participation. This course is appropriate for MDiv and other master's students. This course is taught by PhD student Matthew Boswell with a Newhall Award, under the supervision of Lisa Fullam. [15 max enrollment]
In this course we will explore the ethical and theological underpinnings of the emerging theme of restorative justice. We will consider the biblical background and the ""place"" of restorative justice in Christian interpretations of justice. We will likewise consider the differing practices of restorative justice in both western and nonwestern contexts, exploring modes of victim/offender mediation and the reconciliation of peoples. MA/MTS, MDiv, STL, STD, PhD/Thd. Reflection and Research Papers. [PIN code required; 15 max enrollment; Auditors with faculty permission]
Methods in Moral Theology: This seminar will offer a critical analysis of differing methodological and hermeneutical perspectives in Christian Ethics/Moral Theology, with particular emphasis upon Roman Catholic Moral Theology, e.g., deontology, teleology, proportionalism, the uses of Scripture in ethics, doctgrinal development etc. Comparative assessments will draw upon representative case studies. The seminar is intended primarily, but not exclusively for STL/STD studen[Faculty Consent required; 15 max enrollment]
Intended for future church leaders (both lay and ordained) as well as for students interested in sociology of religion more generally, this course is designed to provide an analytical snapshot of the Catholic Church as it currently exists in the U.S. Among the topics to be addressed are: Catholic identity; institutional change; community; religious leadership; and public Catholicism. Along with providing this analytical snapshot, this course is also designed to expose students to two other things. First, it will introduce students to key sociological concepts and, second, it will acquaint them with important empirical methods of information gathering. In doing so, the course aims to equip students with the tools to better understand and respond to the various socio-cultural dynamics that will likely confront them throughout their academic and/or ministerial careers. [25 max enrollment; Auditors with Faculty permission]
THICK OR THIN? MORAL CRITIQUE The problematic defined by the quest for (or critique of) a common morality forms the backdrop of many of the questions raised in constructive Christian ethics or moral theology, e.g., whether respect for cultural difference or particularity in discussions of ""multiculturalism"" presupposes a universal rule of tolerance (and if so, how such a rule is to be justified); whether the discourse of human rights is consistent with differing cultural construals of the normatively human; whether claims for the hermeneutically privileged role of feminist and liberationist methodologies are consonant with the ideal of the common good; and whether distinctively or specifically Christian attitudes and beliefs can sustain a non-sectarian morality. Research and Reflection Papers. MDiv., STL, STD, PhD, ThD. [PIN code required; 15 max enrollment; Auditors with faculty permission]
This course explores fundamental concepts of Roman Catholic moral theology, including: moral anthropology; the use of Scripture in morals; the nature and function of moral norms; conscience and its formation; natural law; fundamental option and sin; virtue and the telos of human life, and modes of moral reasoning. Moral theology is fundamentally a discipline of practical reasoning: these concepts will be addressed in the context of concrete cases and issues as well as at the abstract and theoretical level. Format is lecture/discussion in a ""flipped"" classroom: students will watch short lectures, take short quizzes and participate in on-line discussion forums outside class. Class sessions will include q&a, developing topics raised in discussion forums, and small-group work. Student evaluation will be based on 3 essay examinations, with the option of writing a research paper in place of the second two exams, a group wiki project, and participation in on-line and in-person discussions.
Physician Aid in Dying (also called Physician Assisted Suicide or Death With Dignity), is a controversial practice that is rapidly gaining legal approval in the US. This seminar will examine the ethical and pastoral questions surrounding PAD, including those affecting doctors and patients, the practice of medicine overall, the role of church communities and chaplains, and larger social issues like research funding and health care policy. The aim is a reasonable and balanced understanding of this important issue, about which class participants are expected to have diverse viewpoints. Grading will be based on class participation, student leadership of class sessions, weekly response papers, and a final reflection/position paper of 10-12 pages. The class may be upgraded to the 4000 level by substituting for the final paper a 20-25 page research paper on a related topic approved by the instructor. [At least one previous course in ethics at the graduate level; Faculty Consent required; 15 max enrollment]
This course explores the norms and contexts, ethical resources and particular ethical issues and challenges facing Catholic High School teachers in our time. The course will proceed according to a Virtue/Care ethical model. Particular topics will include an assessment of the USCCB's Curriculum framework and some sociological analyses of Catholic schools. Other topics will be chosen by the students. Here are some examples of questions we might explore: questions of racial and economic diversity, justice and hiring/firing, Creative pedagogies, teaching science in Catholic schools, teaching sex in Catholic schools, the vocation and spirituality of the teacher, et al. Grades will be based on weekly Moodle posts and responses addressing the course readings, and a final reflection paper of 10-12 pages, and will be taught in seminar format.
This lecture/seminar course will introduce first year doctoral students from the new Theology and Ethics department to fundamental themes in the department's concentrations, including -among others- theology, ethics, comparative theology, philosophy of religions, and theology of science. Students will be required to participate actively in class discussions submit a research paper at the end of the semester. [Faculty Consent required]
This course is a Doctoral and advanced Masters level seminar offering a comparative assessment of distributive justice. Liberal, libertarian, communitarian, feminist, and liberationalist theories will be explored. The seminar is intended primarily, but not exclusively for PhD., Thd. STD, STL and advanced Masters students. Regular attendance and participation in seminar; final research paper of 20 pages. [Faculty consent required; 15 max enrollment; Auditors with faculty permission]
This seminar provides students with an opportunity to read and discuss primary theorists in the history of Western social and ethical thought, with an eye toward how these ideas still shape understandings of: *human person and human community, *human flourishing and human fallibility, *implicit or explicit appeals to God, the gods, the good or the right, *what constitutes civil society and what constitutes the common good. The first part of the course, Fall Term 2014, includes material from the ancient, medieval, and Reformation periods covered in the comprehensive exam in Western Social Thought, i.e., Plato and Aristotle, Augustine and Aquinas, Luther and Calvin. The second part of the course, Western Social and Ethical Thought II, in Spring Term 2015, will treat the rest of the material covered in this exam. The course is a required course for doctoral students in the field of ethics and social theory at the GTU, and is open to others with permission. [Faculty Consent required; 15 max enrollment]
This course examines the structural racism in American culture (principally in terms of 'white' and 'black') as a theological problem in itself and as antithetical to Catholic social teaching. Part 1 of the course will review the emergence of the racialized hierarchy in the US, sociologically, historically, and legally, and will consider its contemporary manifestations and impact upon people of color. Part 2 evaluates theological anthropologies that attempt to remediate racism, those offered by those who benefit from and who suffer from structural racism. Part 3 brings the resources of Catholic social teaching to bear on the injustice of racism as an alternative approach to remediation. Through the seminar format, students will appropriate an understanding of the intractability of structural racism and approach solutions that are both theoretical and pragmatic. Assignments will include readings, documentaries, group presentations, interviews and written essays. Students will be invited to participate in a civil rights pilgrimage as an add-on after the course concludes in April. Alison Benders, JST Theology faculty, and Margaret Russell, SCU Law faculty, will co-teach the course. [Faculty Consent required; 15 max enrollment]
This course is a theologically and scientifically informed reflection on major issues in Christian sexual ethics, with an emphasis on the Catholic tradition. Topics include: sex and sexuality, Biblical norms for sex, marriage and divorce, celibacy, homosexuality, pre-marital sex, pornography, contraception, et al. Format is reading/discussion and lecture, with some small- group work. Student evaluations will be based on case studies and final paper on a related topic of the student's choice. [One semester of ethics/moral theology at the graduate level; Faculty Consent required]
This course will consider the tradition of Roman Catholic Social Teaching and modern social ethics. Issues to be treated will include Christian interpretations of violence and non-violence, war and peace, global and domestic justice, human rights, bioethics, and ecological ethics. In assessing these issues, we will consider the interpretative perspectives of a liberation theology and Christian feminism. [20 max enrollment; Faculty Consent required]