Grading: Grades will be assigned on the basis of a point system. A letter grade will be assigned, based on the proportion of total number of points received.

Exam                               50 points                  Article Summary            25 points                    Bibliography                   50 points   World view paper          50 points Participation                  25 points Natural Law Paper        50 points      Issue/Theme Paper    100 points                                                        350 points

326-350 = A 315-325 = B+ 305-314 = B 291-304 = B- 280-290 = C+ 256-269 = C 245-255 = C- 228-244 = D+ 210-227 = D

It goes without saying (hopefully) that I expect student integrity, that is attendance at class, being prepared for class and assignments submitted on time (I don't like late papers!). Please refer to the back of this page for a calendar of the assigned readings and papers. You should also be familiar with the College Policy on Academic Honesty (see Catalog, p. 57-8).

Papers: Since it is my intention to familiarize you with some of the history, issues, method, sources and resources in moral theology, I have several written assignments.

1. A theological article summary - you will be responsible for reading the article, "Does Religious Faith Add to Ethical Perceptions?" by Richard McCormick and writing a summary of no more than three pages. Due September 4, 2012.
2. A short paper on the change of worldviews and its effect on moral decision making. This could (should) incorporate the effects on how we view the human person. You might also reflect on the notion of moral certainty--thinking of your own experiences. This paper should be about 3-4 pages. Due on September 25, 2012
3. Write a reflection on the use of natural law in moral theology, taking into account the two major strands (physicalism and reason). You should describe your understanding of Natural Law, compare and contrast the ways in which natural law is used in selected ecclesiastical pronouncements. This paper should be about 3-4 pages. Due on October 9, 2012
4. The next assignment is to compile a bibliography of scholarly sources on an issue or theme. Our library does not necessarily have to have all these sources--I just want you to be aware of different. I would like you to use the Library's EBSCO Host Databases to check out the Religion Index and Catholic Periodical Index to get to some primary source materials. This bibliography should be typed to comply with MLA or Chicago Style as found in The Everyday Writer (our Core style guide). You should have at least 15 sources, both journal and books included. Due October 20, 2012.
5. The next assignment is a short paper (about 8 pages) on some theme or issue in moral theology. (You may choose the same one as the bibliographic exercise) In this paper I want you to grapple with the importance of the topic for moral theology, its historical significance and what is the current thinking on this theme or issue. Due December 4, 2012.

Links

	Research The Vatican (search for a topic in the Vatican Archives.) United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (use the search function on this page or see the Departments that may relate. St. Joseph's College EBSCO search (Available on SJC campus computers only.  See especially the Religion Index Index database) Resources for Catholic Educators -- Moral Issues (Lots of links here on a variety of moral issues. This also includes one called Ethics Links -- that refers to a page by yours truly.) Google Scholar -- searches for scholarly articles, some available full text online.
	Historical Various translations of the Didache  See a brief sample from a Penitential book   Here is another link to a Penitential   A great database of several penitentials is available at The Anglo-Saxon Penitentials: A cultural database by Allen J. Frantzen.  (See especially translations) John J. Elmendorf (1892) Elements of Moral Theology (an example of a moral manual)  Rev. Thomas Slater, S.J.,. A Manual of Moral Theology (5th ed) 1925  Elements of Moral Theology by R G Mortimer MA BD (1947) another example of a moral manual.
	Magisterial Documents Click here to go to some of the magisterial documents we discussed in class. Veritatis Splendor NCCB -- Economic Justice for All