Introduction to Catholic Christianity RS 1027E

Introduction to Catholic Christianity - RS 1027 E

Description: This course introduces students to fundamental questions about human existence, the world, and God and addresses the ways in which the Catholic tradition in all its diversity engages these issues. Topics include the nature of God, the destiny of the human person, the meaning of Jesus Christ for salvation and their impact on society.

Objectives: The student should have knowledge of:

• a. Principal dimensions, resources, and beliefs of Catholic Christianity.
• b. Basic engagements of an informed Catholic faith to society.
• c. Main historical developments of the Catholic tradition.
• d. A key thinker in the Catholic tradition who has made a significant contribution to the understanding of faith.

The student should have the ability to:

• a. Identify the key issues in the Catholic intellectual tradition through a close reading of texts based on the primary and secondary sources.
• b. Analyze the theological reasoning which shapes the discussion of the issues which are at the core of conversations concerning Catholicism.
• c. Evaluate the contribution of Catholicism to culture and the issues facing contemporary society.

Format: Class format is a combination of lecture and discussion. Discussions will focus on the appointed article for class. Each student is to prepare for the discussion bycareful reading of the article, formulating questions, comments, and to engage in the class conversation of the assigned article. Depending on enrolment the class may be divided into groups for discussion. Taking notes from the discussion may assist you in writing the final exam.

Required Course Materials: The course-pack is available at the Western University Bookstore.

Dates and Topics:

• Sept 10 Introduction: Shape of Catholic Thought
• Section I: Dimensions of Faith
• Sept 17 Faith and Inquiry
• Sept 24 Faith and Community
• Oct 1 Faith and Experience
• Oct 8 Faith and Reason
• Oct 15 Faith and History
• Oct 22 Faith and Revelation
• Section II: Resources of Faith
• Oct 29 Faith and Tradition
• Nov 5 Faith and Scripture
• Nov 12 Faith and Authority
• Nov 19 Faith and Councils
• Nov 26 Faith, Liturgy, and Sacraments
• Dec 3 Faith and Creeds
• Section III: Faith and Beliefs
• Jan 7 Faith and Trinity
• Jan 14 Faith, Creation, and the Human Being
• Jan 21 Faith, Sin, and Salvation
• Jan 28 Faith and Jesus Christ
• Feb 4 Faith and Grace
• Feb 11 Faith and Church
• Section IV. Engagements of Faith
• Feb 25 Faith and Spiritual/Mystical Life
• Mar 4 Faith, Justice and Peace
• Mar 11 Faith and Morals
• Mar 18 Faith and Science
• Mar 25 Faith and the Arts
• Apr 1 Faith and World Religions
• Apr 8 Summation: Catholicity of the Christian Faith

 

Methods of Evaluation:

Reading: A set of scholarly articles have been chosen with care to elucidate some of the key questions in the field of Catholic thought and their impact on Christian faith and human experience. Read them carefully and attentively. On average, two hours of reading is expected of you for every hour in class. I suggest that you set aside three to four hours per week to read the appointed articles.

Papers: Two reflection papers are required; the first paper is to be written on your choice of one article from ‘Section I - Dimensions of Faith’ and the second paper on your choice of one article from ‘Section II - Resources of Faith’. Each paper is to be 2 to 3 pages in length. What is a reflection paper? A reflection paper is a written explanation of a particular issue. In this sense the reflection paper is not a mere summation of an article. The reflection paper consists of a thesis statement and an exposition. In one or two sentences your Thesis Statement, (single-spaced, 12 point) aims to express clearly and concisely the leading idea. The key to the reflection paper is to focus your thesis statement on the 'leading idea', that is, the one idea which you think determines the argument of the article under consideration; and to state in a few words or phrases the reasoning which supports the leading idea. Then following the thesis statement, your Exposition (double-spaced, 12 point) explains the reasoning which supports the leading idea in your own words. Papers will normally be returned within 7 days.

Essay: One research essay is required of 8 to 10 pages. Submitted essays are to be 12 point, typed, and double-spaced and include references. Choose one name from the ‘Essay Topics’ listed on page 5 of this course outline. In the first part of the essay situate this individual in their historical context; then, in the second half identify and explain his or her major contribution(s) and significance to Catholic faith. Essays will normally be returned in 7 days. The essay is due February 25th 2015.

Two standard works to consult for database research and print resources are:

1. ATLA Database (Articles range from the intermediate to advanced level)
2. New Catholic Encyclopedia Second Edition 15 Volumes The Catholic University of America: Washington, D.C., & Gale: Farmington Hills, MI., 2003. (A standard scholarly work to consult for many topics on Catholic Christianity with recent and updated articles. Articles cover the basics and provide bibliographies.)

Participation: Grading for participation includes attendance, active participation in the class by making thoughtful contributions to the class discussion of the designated articles; listening well to the contribution of others and to respond respectfully. The following is a guide to participation:

• Level 1: Participation in class discussion is minimal.
• Level 2: Participation in class is average; student puts in a good effort to discuss their understanding of the reading.
• Level 3: Participation in class is above average; student is prepared and contributes to a deeper understanding of the reading.
• Level 4: Participation is outstanding. The student is exceptionally well prepared for class, motivated, inspired, and draws out the valuable contribution of others without dominating the discussion.

Final Exam: The final examination will be a take-home and provide you with an opportunity to tie together the various threads of the course arising from the readings, lectures, questions, and discussions.

Grading: 15% Participation

20% 2 Reflection Papers Date Due

(10%) First Reflection Paper……………………….October 29th

(10%) Second Reflection Paper……………………November 26th

25% Research Essay………………………………….February 25th 2015

40% Final Exam April – date to be determined

Penalties: Papers that are submitted after the date on which they are due will incur to a 2 point penalty.

Note: Graded assignments will be returned to students in class. Grades will not be made available through e-mail. Access to final grades is through the UWO website.

Statement on Use of Electronic Devices and Communications:

No texting or use of electronic devices in class with the exception of the sole purpose of taking notes. Notify the instructor of your absence from class (e-mail preferred). Emails will be answered as soon as possible from Monday to Friday.

Essay Topics:

Choose one of the following individuals as the subject of your essay and situate this person in their historical context and then explain their major contribution(s) and significance to the Catholic faith. No substitutions allowed.

• St. Augustine of Hippo (354-430)
• St. John of the Cross (1542-1591)
• St. Benedict of Nursia (480-542)
• St. Marie de l’Incarnation (1599-1672)
• Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1170)
• St. Marguerite Bourgeoys (1620-1700)
• St. Francis of Assisi (1181/2-1226)
• Blessed Cardinal Newman (1801-1890)
• St. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274)
• St. Therese de Lisieux (1873-1897)
• Julian of Norwich (1342-1420)
• Jacques Maritain (1882-1973)
• St. Catherine of Siena (1347-1380)
• Edith Stein (1891-1942)
• Erasmus of Rotterdam (1467-1536)
• Catherine Doherty (1896-1985)
• Bartolome de Las Casas (1474-1566)
• Dorothy Day (1897-1980)
• St. Thomas More (1478-1535)
• Thomas Merton (1915-1968)
• St. Teresa of Avila (1515-1582)
• Oscar Romero (1917-1980)

Essay Format:

• a. Title Page: In addition to the title include your name, student number, course designation, and date submitted.
• b. Introduction: Identify your topic, your claim(s) and map out the argument of the essay.
• c. Exposition: In the body of the essay explain your claims in a reasonable manner with supporting evidence from scholarly sources. This will involve research from online and print sources from the Library. Aim for clarity and coherence.
• d. Conclusion: Reread your own work to this point before writing a conclusion. Thoughtfully tie together the points you have made in this paper; and summarize what one learns from reading your paper.
• e. Notes/Works Cited: All sources & material referred to in your essay must be acknowledged and cited using either ‘Chicago’ or ‘MLA’ style. In addition, a list of written and online sources used in your research and writing of the essay is required.
• g. Page Numbers: Number your pages consecutively.
• h. Proof-read Proof-read your work and correct mistakes.
• i. Staple Staple the pages of your essay in the upper left hand corner.

University Regulations taken from Western University Academic Calendar 2014

Support Services

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Statement on Academic Offences

“Scholastic offences are taken seriously and students are directed to read the appropriate policy, specifically, the definition of what constitutes a Scholastic Offence, at the following Web site: http://www.uwo.ca/univsec/pdf/academic_policies/appeals/scholastic_discipline_undergrad.pdf.” “All required papers may be subject to submission for textual similarity review to the commercial plagiarism detection software under license to the University for the detection of plagiarism. All papers submitted for such checking will be included as source documents in the reference database for the purpose of detecting plagiarism of papers subsequently submitted to the system. Use of the service is subject to the licensing agreement, currently between The University of Western Ontario and Turnitin.com"

Plagiarism and Scholastic Discipline

“Plagiarism is the “act or an instance of copying or stealing another’s words or ideas and attributing them as one’s own.” (Excerpted from Black’s Law Dictionary, West Group, 1999, 7th ed., p. 1170). This is the definition used by Western's Scholastic Discipline document. Plagiarism can be intentional or unintentional. Either way, plagiarism is a Scholastic Offence.”

Western resources can help students avoid plagiarism: See the website: http://www.lib.uwo.ca/tutorials/plagiarism.