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 Schedule

Specifics on the readings will be assigned each week. Readings will include the required books and selected web sites or online articles. Links to online readings a reminder of the reading for the following week's readings will be on the Assigned Readings page

Week 1 Introduction to Class
  • Definitions of Religion/Methodology
  • Catholicisms—DignityUSA to the American Life League

Week 2 Brief History of Catholicism in America

  • Colonial Catholicism (Spanish, French, English), Catholic Immigrants, 19th Century Catholicism, Pius IX, Vatican I, Americanism, Social Justice, Vatican II, Current Trends

Week 3 Devotional Practices #1

  • General characteristics of devotion
  • the Rosary, Stations of the Cross
  • Devotion to the Saints, Hist. overview of Saints in RC Church
  • Discussion of Thank you St. Jude

Week 4 Devotional Practices #2

  • Issues: Popular & Official forms
  • Marian Devotion, Pilgrimages & Shrines, Slideshow of Marian Shrines in U.S.
  • Material Culture prayer cards etc., Slideshow on Shrines for Saints in the U.S.
  • More discussion of Thank you St. Jude

Week 5 Prayer & Contemplation #1

  • Types of prayer
  • History of contemplation in Catholic tradition
  • Lecture on Merton & historical context of New Seeds. Brief bio of Thomas Keating

Week 6 Prayer & Contemplation #2, Vocations #1

  • Guest Speaker on Centering Prayer and Catholic Mystical Tradition—Michele Peterson, Director of Religious Education & Faith Formation, St. Thomas More Parish
  • Begin Video Trappist.

Week 7 Prayer & Contemplation #3, Vocations #2

  • Finish watching Trappist. Selections from video Sisters. Discussion/comparison of 2 videos.
  • Discussion of New Seeds & Open Heart Open Mind.
  • Brief review for Midterm

Week 8 Midterm exam

Week 9 No Class Spring Break

Week 10 Renewal

  • Retreats
  • Cursillo history & weekends
  • Brief history. of Protestant Charismatic/Pentecostal movements in U.S.
  • Catholic Charismatic Renewal

Week 11 Renewal #2 Social Action #1

  • CCR continued – gifts of the spirit, Glossalia from video Hell House, contemporary trends,
  • Catholic Philanthropy
  • Social Action – Overview of church documents/statements on social justice, peace & war, and abortion and historical context of each in U.S.

Week 12 Social Action #2

  • Liturgical Movement, Liturgical Arts slide show
  • Catholic Worker Movement, Dorothy Day, Peter Maurin’s “Easy Essays”

Week 13 Social Action #3

  • Pro-life Movement – Overview of Abortion in U.S., John Cavanaugh O’Keefe, Joe Sheidler, Joan Andrews
  • Peace Movement – Overview of Vietnam War, the “Catholic Left,” Philip and Dan Berrigan, Plowshares, Jonah House
  • Discussion of Fighting the Lamb’s War
Weeks 14-16 Student Project Presentations

Week 17 Final Exam Week, Students Hand in Portfolios