POLICIES AND PROCEDURES RATIONALE This course is designed to enable students to confront the primary texts of the Great Christian Thinkers over the last 20 centuries. The idea is to enter into the world’s great discussions by way of a close reading of primary texts and through a discussion about the ideas raised. In addition we will address the implications and applications of these ideas for the modern day world. Since the theological topics raised in the selected readings are still confronting the contemporary world and engaging the best minds in debate, what better way to help prepare students for their entrance into the marketplace of ideas than to give them first-hand acquaintance with those who shaped the debates themselves? The selected primary writings contained in the course text are presented from a variety of theological viewpoints. The focus is on engaging the student in the history of ideas and in light of the Catholic Church’s doctrinal teaching. The writings that have been selected are short enough for students to maintain their attention and serious enough to enable them to realize that theology is not a set of unsupported assertions but requires the strict logic of argument. METHODOLOGY The class will be in the form of a seminar that will maximize an informed and directed discussion. The texts will be selected on the basis of the great theological controversies in which opposing viewpoints will be studied and debated. Lecture will be utilized to supply historical background to the ideas discussed and for clarification of ideas where needed. The tests will be in multiple-choice format in order to better evaluate the students’ grasp of the text. Essays will be assigned in order to assess their abilities to write logical, coherent analyses of the subject material. The essays’ purpose is to allow the students to expand a particular theological idea and to intelligently expound on it. CLASSROOM PROCEDURES: 1. We will begin each class with prayer, which shall be observed reverentially 2. You will bring your book and notebook to class each day unless directed to do otherwise. 3. After prayer, open your books and notebooks and be ready to discuss the material and take notes when needed. You will be responsible for all material covered in class. 4. All assignments are expected to be handed in on time. The student who has an excused absence must hand in the assignment no later than the day after he returns to class. 5. Personal conversations are to cease upon the initiation of class. 6. If you chew gum it is to thrown away upon entering class 7. Once seated one is expected to stay unless given explicit permission. 8. No food and/or drink in class. 9. All writing assignments are to be typed in conformity with the following rules: A. 8 1/2 X 11 paper B. 1 inch margins C. 12 font D. Double Spaced 10. I assume you will comply with all the rules in the student handbook not here enumerated. POLICIES -LATE ASSIGNMENTS: Each day an assignment is handed in late will result in 10 points being deducted from the grade. No assignment will be accepted after 5 late days. -GRADEQUICK WEBSITE: Due to a dearth of appropriate symbols I will employ the symbol “X” when an assignment has been handed. It will mean that I’ve received the assignment but I have not yet graded it. Once graded then the appropriate grade will replace the “X”. Though the X means excused in the gradebook itself, I am expropriating its original meaning to mean what I explained above. -RESTROOM: If you need to use the restroom before coming to my class and you think you will be late then, first, come to my class, drop off your belongings at you seat, grab the restroom pass and go. You will not be considered late for class upon returning. -ESSAYS: To receive full credit you must hand in your assignment in person during the period in which it is due. The essay will be considered late if handed in after class. Emailed papers will be accepted only upon having received personal permission from me to do so. -GRADING: *Each assignment will given an extra 8 points when the original grade is a minimum of 70. Any assignment receiving a grade below 70 will not receive the extra 8 points. *Class Participation Grade is worth 20% of the grade and includes bringing you text to class and paying attention. Sleeping, doing the assignment of another course, sleeping, or any activity that detracts from your engagement in the class discussions will lower this grade. Essays and Tests will each be weighted 50% and 30% respectively SPIRITUAL GOALS 1. To see the Word of God reflected in the writings of the world’s great minds as they attempt to better know Him and by knowing Him, loving Him. 2. To practice the virtues of prudence, justice, temperance, and fortitude in the give and take of the discussion of differing views where these virtues are necessity for learning and civil, mannerly dialogue. 3. To become aware of the great contributions that theology has provided to the development of human civilization and, so, how the Holy Spirit permeates all that man has accomplished. 4. To recognize and appreciate the absolute importance of formulating and understanding true doctrinal propositions for the benefit of our growth in faith and increase in charity. COURSE GOALS 1. That the students learn to be adept in the skill of reading a text closely and with careful consideration of its intended meaning. 2. That the students learn the intellectual skill of logical analysis of a text 3. That the students become practiced in the skill of intellectual discussion based on reason, textual evidence, and respect for truth as opposed to the simple bandying about of opinions, their typical modus operandi. 4. That the students are enabled to articulate their ideas in a coherent and civil manner. 5. That the students learn to listen attentively to the ideas of others for purposes of respect, civil discourse, and understanding. 6. That the students learn the great theological ideas contained in the texts studied and understand their importance in history and their relevance today. 7. That the students demonstrate orally and in writing their knowledge and understanding of the both the content of the primary texts studied and their historical sequence. ASSESSMENTS 1. Assigned readings primary texts 2. Informed discussions based solely on the primary texts 3. Writing essays 4. Lecture (minimal but necessary background material) 5. Tests