Christian Ethics: GB5473 Hazelip School of Theology Fall Semester 2013 Lee C. Camp

Transcription

1 Christian Ethics: GB5473 Hazelip School of Theology Fall Semester 2013 Lee C. Camp Aims and Objectives of the Course: This course serves as an introduction to the discipline of Christian ethics, making use of the narratives of scripture as our primary reference point. Toward this end, there are the following more precise student objectives: acquire a working knowledge of the narrative of redemption in scripture; and develop theological reasoning, in which one draws upon Scripture, history, church teachings, and contemporary ideas in order to inquire into the meaning of Christian faith for our lives today. Topics: Methodological questions and debates Scripture and ethics Selected "issues" and "case studies" in Christian ethics Student Responsibilities: 1. The course will make use of readings, class discussion, examination, possible quizzes and several shorter research and reflection papers. 2. Reading: The attached course schedule specifies the reading assignment to be completed by each class session. Given the seminar format of the course, it is essential that you complete the readings prior to each class session. You will be expected to be able to orally summarize and discuss the content of each of the readings. 3. Papers: (a) Students are required to write an word reflection paper on each book assigned. And (b) students are required to write two (2) six to eight page research papers on a selected ethical issue. More details below on both of these requirements. 4. Examinations and Quizzes: There will be two examinations, including the final exam, during the course of the semester. Unannounced quizzes may be given at the beginning of a number of class sessions to test students basic comprehension of the assigned readings. There will be no make-ups for quizzes, in the event that a student is absent. 5. Class Participation and Attendance: Students are expected to enter into discussion whenever the opportunity presents itself. Attendance at all sessions is obviously mandatory; please do not request permission to miss class. Absences will be excused only in the event of an emergency or serious illness. Determination of Final Grade: Quizzes and reading 15% Papers 45% Final Examination 25% Class participation 15%

2 Academic Integrity: Adherence to the Lipscomb University Honor Code is expected in all matters pertaining to this course. All assignments, unless explicitly specified otherwise, are to be completed on your own without assistance from classmates. Texts: Bruce C. Birch, Let Justice Roll Down: The Old Testament, Ethics, and the Christian Life. Richard B. Hays, The Moral Vision of the New Testament: A Contemporary Introduction to New Testament Ethics. James Wm. McClendon, Systematic Theology: vol. 1, Ethics. John Howard Yoder, The Politics of Jesus, 2d. ed. William T. Cavanaugh, Being Consumed: Economics and Christian Desire Paul Wadell, Happiness and the Christian Moral Life: An Introduction to Christian Ethics, 2 nd ed. (Rowman & Littlefield, 2012). Contacting the instructor/office Hours: Office: 218 Ezell Center Office telephone: Lee.Camp@Lipscomb.edu Office hours: Available by appointment More Details on Papers: (a) Response papers. You will be expected to write an word (no longer!) reflection paper on each reading assigned. These are not to be summaries. Instead, you should carry on some sort of dialog with the reading. I.e., assume your reader (myself) will know the material, and develop some sort of thesis, whether it be critique, analysis, or development. See the grading rubric below. (b) Researched papers. You will be expected to write two researched papers, of 6-8pp. (no longer!) each in length. Choose a topic from those listed below. The final Saturday of class will provide time for presentations of your research. Note that these are to be argumentative papers: i.e., you are to develop a position, and strive to argue effectively for that position. It is suggested that you make use of Richard Hays Diagnostic Checklist for the Use of Scripture in Ethics (pp ) to check your own background methodology. It is not necessary for you to demonstrate each of these in the foreground of your paper, but you should take into consideration his checklist in doing your research and developing your argument. You will also do well in your research papers to show some explicit conversation with the methodological and descriptive questions raised in the course texts. Also, see the grading rubric below. Potential topics: Economics & consumerism Warfare Capital punishment and/or the penal justice system Creation care, sustainability Homosexuality and marriage Western political liberalism Technology, community, and redemption Please inform me by the second class weekend which of the two topics you intend to research. Further, for the purpose of me distributing the topics evenly throughout the class, please indicate if there is a third and/or a fourth topic in which you would also have interest researching.

3 Date Reading Course Schedule Bring to class and/or prepare for Class(es) Sept 6-7 Wadell (complete) McClendon (complete) Response papers (x 2) Friday p.m.: preliminaries; Theological Ethics: an introduction Saturday a.m.: Wadell Saturday p.m.: McClendon Sept Birch (complete) Hays (complete) Yoder (complete) Response papers (x 3) Friday p.m.: Birch / OT & Christian Ethics Saturday a.m.: Hays / NT & Christian Ethics Oct 4-5 Cavanaugh (complete) Response paper (x 1) Researched papers (x 2) TBA Saturday p.m.: Yoder / The NT and Christian Discipleship Friday p.m.: Cavanaugh Saturday a.m.: Case/issue presentations Saturday p.m.: Case/issue presentations Final Exam DATE TBA Paper presentations: Each group will have 50 minutes which should be used toward the following ends: (a) An overview of what you believe to be the most pertinent background considerations, given the background of our course (b) An overview of at least three coherent positions on the topic; it would be preferred that individuals in your group argue for a position they believe themselves, but this is not necessary (c) Lead discussion among yourselves and with the class on the topic, and take questions from the class, in light of the material you have presented. You should be prepared to submit your own researched paper on the assigned topic the night of your presentation.

4 Christian Ethics Lee C. Camp Grading Rubric for Response Papers & Researched Papers Criteria o No serious grammar mistakes o Length specified o Some engagement with assigned texts o Meet the technical requirements of the assignment? to get a grade of C Comments o Some overarching theme/thesis? o Overall coherence? o Few serious grammar/spelling errors? o Show some substantive engagement with the text? Did you accurately read the assigned text? Struggle with it? o Some use of transitional words and phrases to help flow? B- o Mechanically and grammatically correct? o Use source material and/or scripture to substantiate your points? Good use of select quotations? o Good treatment of the author s viewpoints? o Good use of transitional words and phrases? o Overall, a very good paper? B o Outstanding style and word choice? o Advance the argument or conversation in some substantive manner? Some questions for further exploration? Some practical insight for application? o Compelling? Perceptive insights? A

5 Background Information Survey concerning student's perspectives and experiences. Used solely for the purpose of my getting to know you. If you are uncomfortable answering any particular question, please feel free to omit it; please answer all others. Name: Home town: Nationality and ethnicity: Address: Telephone: address: Degree sought: Non-academic activities (work, family): Undergraduate institution and major: 1. What do you like least and most about Lipscomb so far? 2. What has been your favorite graduate course at Lipscomb? What made it your favorite? 3. What do you think is the most pressing issue facing the church today? 4. Do you have any special interests relating to the course? 5. What are some things you are convinced of? 6. What are some things you think you would like to learn in this course?

6 7. Why have you chosen to take graduate courses at Lipscomb? 8. What books, magazines or other materials do you like to read? (Please list titles; perhaps the best/most memorable things you've read in the past year.) 9. Do you have any questions you would like to ask about the course's requirements or format? 10. Are there any special circumstances that may affect your work in this course that you would like me to know about? Present self-perception of your religious or ideological orientation (with full awareness of the vagueness and lack of precision in the labels and terms employed below): ( ) "conservative" Churches of Christ ( ) "mainline" Churches of Christ ( ) "liberal" Churches of Christ ( ) Anabaptist or Neo-Anabaptist ( ) "liberal" Protestant ( ) "conservative" Protestant If Protestant, please specify denomination: ( ) Roman Catholic ( ) Orthodox ( ) consciously agnostic, atheistic, or "secular" ( ) None of the above (if you cannot bring yourself to use one of the above labels, then specify): My relationship to the above-stated orientation: ( ) held to by mature personal decision ( ) held to without having had to give it much thought ( ) inherited but now subject to serious doubt ( ) inherited but abandoned without much struggle ( ) other (then specify):