SECTIONAL SYLLABUS -- CORE 9 F & G-- Semester 121

Core 9 represents the move toward a synthesis and integration of your prior Core experiences. It also provides the foundation for what will be your work in Core 10, the capstone of your Core experience. Together we will explore the "ultimate questions" of our existence in light of a Christian vision. The goal of our reading, discussion and communal reflection is to begin a vision for one's life and come to an initial "statement" on the nature and viability of Christian Humanism for the present day.

ATTENDANCE

I do expect your attendance at lectures and class discussion. I do take attendance and this figures into your participation grade; habitual absenteeism will have a negative impact on your grade.

EXAMS

There will be three exams given during the semester. In general exams will consist of some objective type questions (i.e., matching, short answers) and essay questions.

EXAM 1 -- September26/7 -- 50 points
EXAM 2 - October 31/November 1 -- 50 points
FINAL EXAM - F -- December 10 (2 p.m.) -- 50 points
FINAL EXAM - G -- December 11 (Noon) -- 50 points

PAPERS

There will be a total of four writing assignments this semester. The papers are due at the beginning of class on the due date. I do not like late papers and deduct points accordingly! The topics and due dates of these assignments are as follows:

--Assignment 1 -- DUE: September 5/6- [25 points]
    The world in disorder: evil & sin (3-4 pages)
--Assignment 2 -- DUE: October 1/2 -- [50 points]
    A Christian Anthropology (5-6 pages)
--Assignment 3 – DUE: October 29/30 [50 points]
    "Who do you say that I am?" Reflection on image of Jesus (5-6 pages)*
--Assignment 4 -- DUE: November 16 by 3 p.m. -- [50 points]
    Service Learning Reflection* (7-8 pages) OR
      Agency of Compassion/Justice Paper (7-8 pages)
--Assignment 5 -- DUE: December 5/6 -- [75 points]
     My Christian Humanist Manifesto (8-10 pages)

Your papers are to be typed, double-spaced using correct grammar, style and format. Should you have the need to document outside sources, you should consult The Everyday Writer, the style guide for the Core Program. A copy is available on reserve in the Library.) It should go without saying (but I say it anyway) your papers are to be your own work! Plagiarism in any form is not acceptable, and will result in a minimum penalty of a 0 (zero) for the assignment. This includes using a paper from a "dorm file," a term paper service or downloading a paper from the internet. Note the "Academic Honesty" section of the Saint Joseph's College Catalog (pp. 57-8).

You may want to utilize the service of the Writing Clinic (it's one of the few free things around here). You may also consult your fellow students for proofreading. Don't rely solely on the computer "spell-checker." Finally, please do not trammel your papers with plastic covers, folders, binders, stick pins, etc., just a staple or paper clip in the top left-hand corner will do nicely!

DISCUSSION

As your experience in Core has probably demonstrated, the success of Core is dependent upon the informed participation of students. Obviously, that is hard to do if you have not prepared yourself by actively listening in lecture, reading the assignments prior to class, and listening to one another. Class discussion accounts for 100 points, which is based on quality participation, not the quantity.

SPECIAL NEEDS

If you are a student with a disability, please see me before the third week of the semester to discuss any accommodations you might need for class activity, examinations and out of class assignments in order to participate fully and demonstrate your abilities.

GRADING

You will receive one grade for Core 9, which is worth six (6) credit hours. Grades will be assigned on the basis of the proportion of total points acquired during the semester in the following fashion:
 

OFFICE HOURS
M,W, 2-3; T, R - 11-12  Other times are available by appointment.