Father Eric Schild, MA, MDiv, MS. Ed
Email: eric.schild@stwendelin.org
Home Phone: 419-435-1875
Texts: Morality: A Response to God’s Love, Joseph Stoutzenberger, Harcourt Press
Catechism
of the Catholic Church
The
Bible
Selected texts and articles
Course Description and Outline: In today’s fast-paced society that glorifies the disposable and freedom of individual desires, morality has become ambiguous. Although most people will say they want to do the “right thing,” what is “right” and what is “wrong” is no longer as clear as it used to be. As high school students, you are faced with many choices and you may not always know how to decide what to do. This course is meant to help you understand the tough moral questions often faced in daily life and to make good moral decisions in the context of Catholic identity.
The goals of this course are for you to be able to:
1. demonstrate an understanding of the foundations of morality given by Jesus Christ;
2. identify and explain key concepts of Catholic morality;
3. demonstrate awareness of elements involved in good moral decision making; and
4. explain implications of values and principles of the Ten Commandments applicable today.
Grading: At the end of each quarter, total points earned will be divided by total points possible. Points are earned via quizzes, tests, reflection exercises, oral presentations, projects, assignments and class engagement, attitude and participation.
Class Expectations
§ Students are expected to abide by St. Wendelin’s dress code and code of behavior as described in the Student Handbook. Failure to abide by the dress code will result in participation grade penalties and detention.
§ Be prepared for class. Bring your textbook, notebook, and pen or pencil to each class. Read all assigned material by the beginning the class period. Unannounced quizzes may be given at any time
.
§ Participate in class. I expect that you will be able to participate in discussions and answer review questions when called on in class. Questions and comments are welcomed and encouraged, especially in a class of this nature. The more you are willing to get involved in class, the more you will enjoy the class. I value your ideas and respect your opinion but also be ready for me to challenge you!
§ As Christians, I expect everyone to recognize the dignity of your classmates and of me, your instructor. Therefore:
o During lectures, I expect the courtesy and respect of your attention. I welcome your questions and comments, but please raise your hand and wait for me to call on you before speaking. Disruptions and speaking out of turn during class will result in participation grade penalties, detention, and, eventually, removal from class.
o During discussions, be respectful of others’ opinions. Many of the topics covered are of a personal nature and much of our discussion will be based on personal opinions. Rude, insensitive, or inappropriate comments and interruptions of others can result in detention, demerits, removal from the classroom and/or a conference with your parents.
o Pay attention. Cell phones, toys, calculators, or homework from other classes will be confiscated if you have them out during class time.
§ You are responsible for knowing your assignments.
§ Assignments are expected to be turned in at the beginning of class on the date due. Late assignments will be graded as follows: 25% will be deducted if it is turned in later than due up to the next day; 50% will be deducted if it is turned in at the next class. No assignments will be accepted later than the next class period.
§ Show care for your work. This means writing legibly in complete sentences with correct grammar and spelling. Points will be deducted from your participation and quality grade for assignments for sloppiness or using IM spellings (ex. b4, b/c, w/).
§ Do your own work. Your name on your paper or test is your pledge of honesty that it is your work. If I determine that any answer on a homework assignment, quiz or test is copied from another student, both assignments, quizzes or tests will receive a zero. This also hold true for copying from an Internet site – and I DO check!
§ In the case of an excused absence, it is your responsibility to see me and arrange for the work to be made up. You will be responsible for the reading quiz on the day you return. All work must be made up by the next class period, unless other arrangements have been made. If the work is not completed, a zero will be given.
Additional Suggestions for Success in this
Course:
§
This class is designed to be inspiring,
challenging, and even enjoyable! What we
believe, and how we express these beliefs, is deeply connected to who we are as
people of faith. Faith is an incredible
gift from God, and a great deal of progress and growth in this course depends
upon positive attitude and effort.
§
Never hesitate or be afraid to ask for help or
discuss your progress with me at any time.
§
I am available for sacramental reconciliation or
to discuss whatever you may be struggling with in your life. Generally, I am available after school or at
other times throughout the day.
§
Most importantly, whether it be in this course,
or any time throughout your life, never forget the following:
“Si
Deus pro nobis, quis contra nos?”
“If God is for us, who can be against us?”