Catholic Social Teaching

Fall 2006 Syllabus

Course Description

This course will invite you to participate in applying the message of Jesus and his Church to the struggles for justice and peace taking place today. This course will invite you to stretch your awareness, to deepen your consciousness, to test your own views and those prevalent in society, to embrace others in compassion and to act conscientiously. More than any other religion course, the study of justice and peace:

-brings out the challenging quality of the message of Jesus

-looks at dimensions of our world that you may prefer to leave hidden away

-asks you to examine critically your lives, your culture, and your world

-invites you not only to learn information but also to critique information you have already received

-points out the need for personal and social change

-defines Catholic Social Justice as the obligation one has to society

(Justice & Peace, Joseph Stoutzenberger)

Course Objectives

A. Foundations for a Just World

1. Students will be able to describe characteristics of justice and to appreciate the centrality of justice to the Christian message.

2. Students will be able to explain two approaches to alleviating injustice-works of mercy and works of social action.

B. Issues of Justice in Our World

1. Students will be able to identify and critique key realities of injustice in today’s world.

2. Students will be able to articulate (express in words) a Christian understanding of specific injustices.

C. Creating a Peace-filled World

1. Students will understand Christian approaches to conflict resolution.

2. Students will be able to identify Christian perspectives on personal, interpersonal, and global dimensions of violence and peace.

(Justice & Peach, Joseph Stoutzenberger)

Text: Justice & Peace by Joseph Stoutzenberger. Brown-ROA, a division of Harcourt Brace & Company. 2000.

Course Requirements

This course will utilize a number of teaching methods; such as lecture, movies, service activities, discussion, individual and group work.

Evaluation

Participation is ESSENTIAL in this class, so that we can prevent boredom and monotony. Being attentive in class, taking notes, responding to questions, asking questions are ways of helping your grade. Participation can mean the difference between an “A” and a “B.”

Catholic Social Teaching

Fall 2006

Grading

You have the opportunity this semester to earn a fantastic grade in Social Teachings. Your efforts will be visible in the work you produce. Set your goals high and work toward them all semester long.

Please make sure that all work is legible. If Mrs. Taylor cannot read your handwriting, the assignment will be returned to you to redo. All questions should be answered in complete sentences. Papers should be neat and have no rough edges. Points may be taken off for work that is not presentable or readable.

Your name, the date and the assignment should be written in the upper right hand corner of your work. Your class period should be written (2) on all assignments in the upper right hand corner of the paper, above your name.

Home and class assignments will be worth five points based on the following scale. Late assignments will lose one point per each day late.

Grading of Homework Assignments

5=93-100%

4=92-85%

3=84-77%

2=76-70%

Tests, projects, reports and quizzes will be counted at face value. For example, if there are 50 points possible on a test and you earn 47, then your score is a 47 out of 50. To find the percentage, divide 47 by 50 and multiply by 100. (94%)

Each of your quarter grades will be a percent based on the amount of points you earned divided by the amount of points possible.

Your semester grade will be a percent with each of the quarter grades counting 40 percent and your final exam grade counting 20 percent. 40/40/20

Class Procedures and Expectations

The main rule to remember each day we are together is the word RESPECT! This word will pertain to all areas of this class. Some specifics include:

1) Please raise your hand before speaking except when otherwise instructed.

2) During announcements I should not have to ask you to be quiet! As soon as the PA comes on – conversation needs to end immediately.

3) When one of your classmates is sharing a comment, question, etc., please listen so we can all learn from each other.

Keep in mind, throughout this semester, that it may help you to learn material if you respect it and give it a chance.

Prayer

At the beginning of class we will have a prayer. To begin, I will prepare this part of class. However, fairly quickly, students will be asked to volunteer. If necessary, students will be assigned. In preparing for prayer be creative! If any audio equipment is needed, please inform me the day before and I will make arrangements. Remember, each prayer begins and ends with “In the name of the Father . . . “ and prayer is directed toward God.

Lecture

Lectures are necessary and will be an aspect of class. So, any questions you might have are highly encouraged and welcomed. We gain understanding and knowledge through questions.

Restroom

Restroom facilities are available during class although it is recommended that they be used before class. If it is necessary to use the restroom, please raise your hand for permission.

Make-Up Tests

If you are absent and not excused and you are present for the next day of class, and you are not prepared to take the test that day, you must see me BEFORE class begins. Otherwise, I will expect you to take the test.

If you miss a test and have an excused absence, it is your responsibility to come see me in order to arrange a time and day to take the test.

Grade Categories and Distribution

Grade categories might include the following: homework, in-class assignments, quizzes, research papers, projects and tests.