Theology III: Morality and Social Justice (Section 1031 and 1032)

2013-2014

Mrs. Nelson

Room 205

Course Description

These two courses are required for all juniors. Morality is taken in the first semester and Social Justice is taken in the second semester.

In the first semester, students are presented with a solid foundation in Christian principles and values and are given skills involved in moral decision making. At the end of the course, students will be able to articulate and explain official Catholic teaching on major moral issues and will demonstrate the ability to formulate thoughtful analyses of moral issues.

The fundamental belief underlying the second semester course is that Christian faith calls believers to practice justice. Students will be able to identify elements of a just world and be able to define characteristics in society that can influence the work that must be accomplished if justice is to prevail. Students will review the Church’s teachings on social justice and reflect on the lives of individuals who dared to challenge injustice while living the Gospel message. At the completion of this course students will be able to establish personal guidelines for living justly.

Morality Curriculum
Unit 1: Dignity, Grace, and Moral Decision Making
Unit 2: The Catholic Virtues and Conscience
Unit 3: Jesus, the Church, and Morality
Unit 4: Sin and Law
Unit 5: Sexual Morality
Unit 6: Medical Ethics and Life Issues

Social Justice Curriculum
Unit 1: The Church and Social Structures
Unit 2: A Catholic Just World
Unit 3: Scripture, the Church and Justice
Unit 4: Domestic Poverty
Unit 5: Global Poverty
Unit 6: Gender and Sexual Identity
Unit 7: The Concept of Race and Racial Prejudice
Unit 8: War, Violence, and Peacemaking

Semester One Outcomes:

apply a process of moral decision making.

examinemoral decision making in the context of relationships.

analyze and evaluate moral choices in specific situations.

demonstrate critical thinking skills.

identify and discern the Catholic Church’s stances and teachings on specific moral issues.

explainwhy the church teaches what it teaches.

identify the history and origins of Catholic Christian moral teachings and important figures in this history.

Semester Two Outcomes:

analyze and evaluate the characteristics of the Catholic view of a just world.

identify and discern the teachings regarding justice from Scripture

understand and scrutinize the social structures in which they live

demonstrate the ability to empathize with (marginalized) groups other than their own.

analyze the social realities surrounding race, class, and gender in light of the Church’s teachings.

examine and analyze issues in light of the Christian perspective on peacemaking.

Required Materials

  1. Stoutzenberger, Joseph. Morality: A Response to God’s Love. Our Sunday Visitor: United States of America, 2005. (1st semester)
  2. Stoutzenberger, Joseph. Justice and Peace. Harcourt Religion Publishers: United States of America, 2007. (2nd semester)
  3. 3 subject notebook with folder OR 1.5” binder with college ruled loose leaf paper divided into 3 sections:
  4. Classwork/ notes
  5. Homework
  6. Reflection/ Entrance Questions
  7. Folder for graded assignments (to be kept inside binder)
  8. Assignment notebook/planner
  9. Black or blue pen only

Course Assessments Include:

Tests/ Quests (announced)Quizzes (announced or unannounced) Writing Assignments

Individual & group projectsReflections/Entrance questions Participation in class discussions

PresentationsHomework (reading, writing)

Grading

A student’s grade is based on the following factors:

  • 45% Tests, Quests and Quizzes
  • 55% Projects, Homework, In-Class Assignments, Papers, Participation

Any student wishing to contest a grade must do so OUTSIDE OF CLASS immediately upon return of the assignment. (Please keep all materials from each semester in order to verify grades if necessary.)

Classroom Procedures and Policies

  • Come to class prepared with all of the above listed materials and place them on your desk upon arrival.
  • Place them on top of your desk at the beginning of class and put all other books, supplies, and backpacks beneath your desk.
  • Be sure keep aisles clear at all times!
  • Students will not be permitted to go to their lockers during class time.
  • Place homework in your class’s assigned drawer at the front of the room. (Assignments handed in after the beginning of class are considered late and 10% will be deducted.)
  • Assignments will not be accepted after 2 class days have passed since due date.
  • Enter the room quietly and go directly to your assigned seat. Remain in your seat for the entire class period unless given permission to relocate.
  • Each class will begin with prayer/reflection. All students will be given an opportunity to lead this throughout the year. (Please be respectful of this practice whether or not you choose to participate.)
  • Every assignment should begin with a heading including the following information:
  • CLASS PARTICIPATION IS EXPECTED ON A REGULAR BASIS. When participating in a class discussion, raise your hand and wait to be called on. (All students can be called on for participation, even if they do not raise their hands.)
  • Students may pack up and leave only after teacher has dismissed the class.
  • Be sure to write down any homework assignments in your planner before leaving class.
  • Electronic devices (laptops, tablets) are allowed in class at the teacher’s discretion for educational purposes ONLY!
  • Students are expected to respect school property as well as the belongings ofothers at all times. (This includes no writing on desks and walls.) Students who fail to adhere to this policy will be required to wash all desks and/or walls and replace any items that have been defaced.

Absence Policies

It is the student’s responsibility to find out what work was missed due to an absence and make it up as quickly as possible.

  • Check the Holy Name website for assignments on day(s) when you are absent
  • You will have TWO class days to make up any missed assignments
  • Projects are always announced in advance. Therefore, if a student is absent on the day a project is due, he or she will receive a 10% deduction per day until the project is turned in.

Behavior

All students are expected to behave in accordance with all the Holy Name policies stated in the Student/Parent Handbook. As a reminder:

  • Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. A zero will be given on assignments and parents/guardians and administration will be notified. (This includes failure to cite textbooks, Bible, etc.!)
  • No food, gum, or drinks (other than water) will be permitted in class.
  • Take pride in your appearance by following the Handbook policy on uniforms.
  • Cell phones are not allowed in class.

Respect is my #1 expectation. We must be respectful of our classmates, teacher, and property at all times.

  • Because of the sensitive nature of the material we will discuss, we must be respectful of others’ opinions and beliefs, even if we do not share them.
  • Disrespectful comments, put-downs, or inappropriate language is not acceptable.

Failure to follow classroom procedures and behavior may result in infractions, teacher detentions, incident reports, contacting guidance counselors, administration and/or parents/guardians.

Extra Help

I will be available Monday through Thursday after school until 2:30 in Room 205 (unless a faculty or department meeting is scheduled). Accommodations can be made in advance to meet at another time if necessary.

I look forward to working with you this year!

*Please sign and return the following page no later than Wednesday, September 4th.

Theology III: Morality and Social Justice

2013-2014

Mrs. Nelson

Class Section (Circle one): RED (A Period)1031/051032/05

ORANGE (B Period)1031/011032/01

GREEN(C Period)1031/031032/03

BLUE (G Period)1031/041032/04

By signing this form you acknowledge that you have read, understand, and agree to the terms outlined in the preceding course outline.

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Student Name (Please print)Student Signature

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Parent/Guardian Name (Please print)Parent/Guardian Signature

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Parent/Guardian E-mailParent/Guardian Phone Number (daytime)

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