IST2005-1OL-SU14 - Ethical Analysis and Advocacy

Instructors:

Miguel A. De La Torre
(303) 765-3133
mdelatorre@iliff.edu

Please send an email (not a Canvas message) if you have questions or concerns.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Introduction to ethical reflection about contemporary moral issues in an ecumenical and global context drawing on ethical and social theory and analysis, and on theological and biblical perspectives.

II. COURSE OBJECTIVES

1. To teach students how to identify ethical and theological assumptions implicit in the moral life of persons and communities.
2. To teach students to examine critically their own ethical assumptions as well as prevailing ethical assumptions in faith communities and society.
3. To teach selected options in contemporary religious ethical theory, with special emphasis on Christian ethical theory.
4. To enable students to develop an understanding of ethics which they can articulate and advocate with critical awareness as religious leaders.
5. To relate theoretical ethical perspectives to select issues in church and society, especially those germane to pastoral practice.

II.  COURSE REQUIREMENTS

1. Participation in forum post discussions.  Specific kinds of preparation will be required.

2. Complete required readings by the date they are to be discussed.

3. Mid-term take-home examination.  Maximum Length:  10 pages, typed, double-spaced.

4. Final take-home examination.  Maximum length: 10 pages, typed, double-spaced. 

Evaluation

Alinsky, Saul D. Rules for Radicals
ISBN: 0679721134

Brubaker, Pamela, Rebecca Todd Peters, and Laura Stivers. Justice in a Global Economy
ISBN: 0664229557

Cone, James H. Martin & Malcolm & America
ISBN: 0883448246

De La Torre, Miguel A. Latina/o Social Ethics
ISBN: 1602582947

Fletcher, Joseph. Situation Ethics
ISBN: 0664257615

hooks, bell. Ain’t I a Woman
ISBN: 089608129X
(Trigger warning for mentions and descriptions of sexual assault)

Kant, Immanuel. Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals.
ISBN: 1611041430

Sheldon, Charles M. In His Steps.
ISBN: 1619492660

Evaluation

Eight of the ten weeks of the course, we will discuss a book as indicated in the Course Outline section of the syllabus. These discussions will have 2 main parts, a Reading Analysis turned into the instructional team and a discussion with classmates.

Reading Analysis – 5 Questions

By Monday at 8:00p.m. on book discussion weeks, each student will respond to
the 5 questions below and submit their responses on Canvas.

Five Questions

1. Who is the author?
2. What is the author’s thesis?
   The thesis question should be answered in one sentence: this is a valuable skill to practice that will enable you to process information efficiently and effectively.
   
3. What is the author’s methodology and theory?
   Method is the way the author conducts research; theory is how the author explains the research findings
   
4. How did this reading further your self-understanding of ethical issues and what do you take away from the book?
5. In light of the reading and class lecture, suggest a specific act of justice you feel motivated to do.

Submitting

1. Login to Canvas course site
2. Click the Reading Analysis link for the correct book and date 
3. Click on Submit Assignment in the right hand part of screen
4. Type or copy/paste in your responses to the 5 questions or attach a word doc or PDF with your responses
5. Click Save Changes.

Book Discussion

Each week, the TA will serve as the facilitator for our discussions. The role of
the facilitators is to post questions to stimulate class discussion around the book
and other related course materials. These questions are intended to extend the
conversation beyond the 5 analysis questions, but may launch from this initial
reading analysis.

a) These conversations are an important space for our learning in this
class, so please take these postings seriously and don’t be afraid to
post more often than required. Some suggestions for types of questions

i) Connect the present book to other course material

ii) Share any questions that remained unanswered during your reading of the book

iii) Connect the present book to current events related to course material

iv) Ways in which the author’s ideological location might influence thesis or method and the ramifications.

v) Controversial or difficult topics raised in the book that could use further discussion

Weekly Forum Discussion Instructions

i)Questions for Discussion - by Tuesday at 8:00pm
Each week, the TA will post a question or questions for discussion. You are welcome to begin responding as soon as they are posted.

ii) Initial Response - by Thursday at 8:00pm
All students must post a substantial response to the prompts posted by the TA or extending the conversation by responding to another student. Please be sure to keep all posts under the original thread.

iii) Comments and Conversation - by Sunday at 8:00pm

Everyone must post a minimum of one additional substantial contribution to the conversation.

Gathering Days

The Gathering Days for this course are Thursday and Friday February 7 and 8. Attendance is mandatory and required in order to get credit for this course. In case of an emergency, please contact the TA via email PRIOR to the Gathering Days.

Per the Dean, emergencies do not include failure to get off work, family obligations, or not being able to travel. Please plan ahead and accordingly. Attendance is mandatory.