Lived Practice of Catholicism in the U.S.
(032:054) Instructor: Heather Hartel

 

Syllabus
 Policies & Requirements
Class Schedule
Assigned Weekly Readings

Assignments
Presentations
Book/Movie Review
Field Report
Final Paper

 

 

Course Policies & Requirements

Required Books

Readings will be from the required books below and from the web sites listed on the Assigned Readings page. Please check the website each week to remind yourself of the assignments that have been announced in class.

  • Thank you St. Jude. (1998) Robert Orsi, ISBN: 0300076592
  • New Seeds of Contemplation. (2003) Thomas Merton, ISBN: 1590300491
  • Open Heart Open Mind, Thomas Keating (selections, available online)
  • Fighting the Lambs War. Phillip Berrigan (1996) ISBN: 1567511007

Videos/DVDs to be shown in class:

  • Trappist (1998) ASIN: 0966296400
  • Sisters (1999) Director, John Hanson.
  • Hell House (2001) Director, George Ratliff ASIN B000092T6A

Grading Policies

Grading will be on a 100 point scale calculated as follows:

2 presentations………………………………………10 points (5 points each)

Class participation……………………………………5 points

Midterm Exam (open notebook)………………........ 10 points

Final Portfolio………………………………………..75 points

General Policies

Plagiarism and Cheating
Just don't do it. Plagiarism means that you use someone else’s ideas or words and pretend they are your own by not providing appropriate citations; this includes online sources. You will be reported to the College of Liberal Arts if there is evidence of plagiarism in your work.

Students with disabilities
I would like to hear from anyone who has a disability which may require some modification of seating, testing, or other class requirements so that appropriate arrangements may be made. This is your responsibility.

Email
I will often use email to send out general announcements regarding class etc. so I will need an email address from you.  Also, the very best way to get in touch with me is through email; you can depend on a timely answer to your question or concern (within 24-36 hours). 

Assignments
Late assignments will be docked one letter grade for each day late. If an assignment is due Thursday, and you hand it in Friday, your grade will be one letter grade lower than the grade I give it.

Oral Competency
A statement on procedures for handling any complaints about the course or "oral competence" of a religion department instructor are posted on the main bulletin board of the third floor of Gilmore Hall.

Language Policies
Please try to avoid the following types of language in your writing and speaking in this class:

1)  Confessional tones and inclusive language, the use of "we" "our" and "us." For example: "Our pope is trying to make us understand how important the rosary is." Not everyone in your audience is Catholic, nor does everyone think what many Catholics do about the rosary or the pope. This is a statement of faith, not one of observation or analysis.

2) Excessive rhetoric, positive or negative and over generalizations. For example: " The practice of saying the rosary is an incredibly beautiful and timeless activity." or "The rosary is a complete and total waste of time. How could people be so stupid?!" There are more sophisticated ways to express both positive and negative attitudes and opinions about the material while still maintaining a respectful and academic tone. Use this class to develop these kinds of communicative skills.

3) Gender-exclusive language, the use of "he," "mankind," "man" to refer to both genders. Please use "he or she," "humankind" and "humans."