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St Marys UniversityTheology Department

St. Marys Core 1314Foundations of Reflection: God

Spring 2015Duane Alexander Miller, PhD

SMC1314 F: 9:45-11:00 am TR SMC1314 L: 11:10-12:35 amTR

Class Room: Treadway 300Office Hours: TR 8:45-9:45 and by appointmentOffice Location: Office 149 in Theology wing of Treadway E-mail: dmiller1@stmarytx.eduPhone: 210-454-1397

THE CORE CURRICULUM AT ST. MARYS UNIVERISTY

The Core Curriculum at St. Marys University has a privileged role in the education of its students in accord with its mission as a liberal arts institution. More than a set of disparate general education requirements, and in distinction (but not separation) from professional, major, and co-curricular education, the Core Curriculum has the specific purpose of explicitly engaging students with the perennial question at the heart of the liberal arts: who are we as human beings? This perennial question has many dimensions; the Core Curriculum at St. Marys focuses on these five: 1. the question of self-identity; 2. the question of the self in relationship to others; 3. the question of the self in relationship to wider social structures; 4. the question of the self in relation to the natural world; and 5. the question of the self in relationship to God. Answering these questions requires that students first enter a conversation between their own lived experience and the broad heritage of human learning and practice, both past and present. The Core Curriculum also asks students to take their answers from this conversation and embody them in their own lives of service to others and the common good. Finally, the Core Curriculum aims to enable students to take the necessary risk of asking and answering these questions again as their lives and circumstances change. (from: http://www.stmarytx.edu/corecurriculum/)

Syllabus

COURSE DESCRIPTION SMC1314 presents reflection on God as it takes place in the Christian tradition. It addresses the relevance of God for understanding persons, the common good, and nature. This academic and theological reflection is informed by Scripture and the Catholic historical tradition. This course proceeds narratively from Creation through the eschaton, and provides basic knowledge regarding the overarching metanarrative proposed by the Christian faith. It recognizes the role of principled dialogue among faith traditions as an element of theological inquiry.

This course is designed to introduce students to the basic contours of the Christian faith utilizing as a primary lens of interpretation the concept of the Kingdom of God, which was the main topic that Jesus of Nazareth taught on. Attention will be paid to how the Kingdom of God relates to personal ethics, the Church and the entirety of Scripture.

This class will introduce students to the academic disciplines of theology and biblical scholarship. While this subject matter may be deeply personal and perhaps very familiar, the course will ask students to think about it in a critical and rigorous way. Students will be asked to clarify intellectually how the Christian tradition answers questions of human limitations, morality, and religion. This class will introduce students to the way in which theology seeks to address these issues in a way that is both intellectually and existentially compelling.

Finally, although this class will be taught from the perspective of Catholic Christian theology, it will not seek to enforce this religious tradition on students. Indeed, one need not even be a Christian to profitably and responsibly participate in this course. Students should nevertheless feel welcome to question both intellectually and existentially these theological answers and not simply accept them. Please critically evaluate the material that is read and discussed during this course. Grading is not based on whether or not you agree with the teacher, but on the quality of your research, communication and argument.

TEXTSThe Catholic Study Bible. New York: Oxford, 1990.Frigge, Marielle. Beginning Biblical Studies. Revised Edition. Anselm Academic: Winona, MN, 2013.Gula, Richard M. The Good Life: Where Morality and Spirituality Converge. New York: Paulist, 1999. Lewis, C S. Mere ChristianityPortier, William. Tradition & Incarnation: Foundations of Christian Theology. New York: Paulist, 1994.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church will be only be used a couple of time. The text is available online at usccb.org.

Note that we will be using the Revised Edition of Frigge. It contains chapters and material not present in the previous edition.

Blackboard(bb): items will be placed on bb. These include announcements, study guides, and lecture aids. It is normal that during the course of a semester the syllabus will be updated or revised. All revisions will be placed on bb and it is the students responsibility to make sure you have the current syllabus.

COURSE OBJECTIVES AND LEARNING OUTCOMES1. Define religion2. Write critically about theological and biblical topics.3. Identify ways in which contemporary Christianity interacts with its own bodies of knowledge and those coming from outside of it.4. Describe various approaches to considering the questions raised by the notion of an ultimate reality.5. Evaluate the claim that academic reflection on God essentially and meaningfully connects to the pursuit of higher education and of service.6. Indentify the unique qualities Christians ascribe to Jesus7. Distinguish between themes, content, and books of the Old and New Testaments 8. Identify the Christian understanding of sin, its origin, and its consequences for redemption and salvation9. Identify the traditional characteristics of the Catholic (and Christian) Church and of the seven sacraments10. Understand and explain Jesus concept of the Kingdom of God in relation to the historical context of 1st Century Palestine and our own contemporary context11. Explain the relation between the Kingdom of God and the Church12. Explain the problem of evil for religion, and how Christianity responds to it13. Understand how basic Christian doctrines developed in the early centuries14. Consider the connection between the ethics, doctrine and ritual 15. Define virtue and its relationship to personal and communal morality

DESCRIPTION OF COURSE ACTIVITIESShort quizzes and Reading AssignmentsClasses may begin with a short quiz covering a portion of the reading material, information form class lectures or discussions, or might ask for a rational and justifiable response to a discussion question. A missed quiz can NEVER be made up for any reason. Normally, the lowest two quiz grades are dropped in calculating the final grade.

Reading assignment will vary in length and might not be discussed in class. It will be very important that students fulfill this requirement. Classroom lectures will presume knowledge of the reading assignments but will not necessarily discuss them in detail. Learning the material in the texts is the responsibility of the student. Reading assigned to a day is to be done before the beginning of class.

In Class PresentationIn consultation with your professor you will select a topic that is broadly related to the content of this class and present a brief presentation to your fellow students and professor. Your grade will be based on a rubric that will be provided prior to your presentation, but the grade is based on the quality of your research, the clarity of your communication, and your ability to answer follow up questions from other students.

Essay or Book ReportA substantial part of your final grade comes from an essay. This essay regularly focuses on some ethical application related to a New Testament text or texts. Greater details will be provided midway through the semester. In the event that the essay is not handed in on time (by the end of class period on the day assigned), the instructor may assign a 10% penalty per day to the student. Essays should be submitted via blackboard and hardcopy.

Tests and Final ExamUnit tests and a final exam are currently scheduled on the course calendar. Additional tests may be scheduled if deemed necessary by the instructor. Tests will involve a variety of formats such as multiple choice, short answer, etc. The final exam will be cumulative. Under extraordinary circumstances missed tests may be made-up with possible point deductions on the final score. The instructor may opt to have students present a brief personal research presentation to the class in lieu of a test.

GRADING

AssignmentPoints Possible

Quizzes200

Midterm ExamIn-class presentationFinal Exam200 200200

Class participation and attendance200

Total possible points1000

Note that without excellent attendance it is impossible to make an A in this class.

The standard university grading scale will be used to assign grades. PointsLetterPercentageQual. Pts.

950+A95-1004

900-940A-90-943.67

870-899B+87-893.33

840-869B84-863

800-839B-80-832.67

770-799C+77-792.33

700-769C70-762

600-699D60-691

The chart below can help to interpret the meaning of a grade marked on individual assignments. Normally, letter grades will be given, and their numerical value will correspond to the chart below. This is an effort to avoid some of the ambiguity present in assigning numerical grades on a full 100-point scale. That is, how does one tell the difference between an 86, 87, or 88? This system tries to avoid some of those unclear distinctions in favor of the student. For example, an A- and a B+ would average out to a 90% or an A-.

Letter marked on assignmentEquivalent %Interpretation

A+99 to 100 Very rare, exceptional work that exceeds all expectations for style, content, and accuracy.

A+98% Work with surprising connections and sophisticated presentation as well as meeting requirements below.

A95%Work in this range will show accurate knowledge the assigned reading and will have details explaining concepts and/or: dates, events, and persons. It also shows clear and detailed connections.

A-92%

B+88%Same as above but with less detail in one or two portions of the assignment.

B85%

B-82%

C+78%Same as above but with less detail in multiple areas.

C75%

C-72%Answers that do not show knowledge of the assigned reading.Grades lower than a C- may be earned

EXPECTATIONS AND POLICIESParticipation/AttendanceThe participation portion of the grade will include items such as class-discussion, group work, and other forms of active learning to be expected from the student.

This course adheres to St. Marys Universitys attendance policy: https://www.stmarytx.edu/about/offices/registrar/academic-policies/class-attendance/

Classroom attendance is important. Students who miss more than one class session may lose 10 points per absence (up to 100 points). In addition, the attendance policy outlined in the St. Marys Undergraduate catalogue will be followed. Absences need not be consecutive. Excessive tardiness may also be grounds for being dropped from a course. If you are aware of an extended absence that cannot be avoided please speak to the instructor.

Students with flawless attendance may receive extra credit.

Plagiarism and Academic DishonestyThe policies regarding plagiarism and academic dishonesty will be followed and enforced (see Section V of the Student Code of Conduct at stmarytx.edu). Unless otherwise stated above, students who commit the following offenses may receive zero credit for the assignment and be subject to additional penalties, such as being refused an opportunity to take the final exam. Please be sure to avoid the following offenses:1. Cheating on a test. This includes copying from another student; using unauthorized materials during a test; collaborating with another student during the test without permission; buying, selling, stealing, or using the contents of a test without the consent of the instructor; taking a test for another person or allowing another person to take a test for ones self.2. Plagiarism. Plagiarism is defined as the appropriation of anothers work and the unacknowledged incorporation of that work in ones own work offered for credit.3. Collusion. Collusion is defined as the unauthorized collaboration with another person (NOT JUST A FELLOW STUDENT but ANY OTHER PERSON) in preparing any scholastic work offered for credit.

Disability StatementSt. Marys University is committed to making reasonable accommodations to assist students with disabilities in reaching their academic potential. If you have a documented disability, which may impact your performance, attendance, or grades in this class and are requesting accommodations, then you must first register in person with Disability Support Services, in the Student Psychological and Testing office (formerly Counseling and Testing Services) located in the Center for Life Directions building.In accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended, Disability Support Services is the designated office responsible for coordinating all accommodations and services for students with disabilities.

Dead Week or Study WeekThis course will adhere to the rules regarding the classes preceding the week of final exams. The policy follows:

Section 3.2.5.1, the week preceding the official examinations terminating the Fall and Spring semesters is frequently referred to as Study Week. During this week no major tests should be given. All major reports and assignments should be scheduled to be completed before this week.

Also, the official schedule for final exam week (December 9-13, 2013) is published by the Registrar. Departure from this schedule can be authorized only by the Dean of the School for undergraduate courses and the Graduate Dean for graduate courses. Finals must be given during final exam week only.

The only exception to this policy is for graduating seniors. Graduating seniors are not required to take final exams during regularly scheduled final exam periods. They must have all requirements completed the week prior to final exams. Faculty may wish to assign a final paper, project, take-home exam, or administer an exam for seniors only during the last week of regularly scheduled classes (December 2-6, 2013). Final grades for graduating students are due on Friday, December 6 at noon. All other final grades are due on Wednesday, December 18 at 5:00 p.m. via Gateway.

Calendar for Fall of 2014[footnoteRef:2] [2: Note: reading is due by the beginning of the class period.]

Week 1 (Jan 13 and 15) Jan 13: Belief in God. What is Religion? Creation and the Fall. Reading: Genesis 1-3, Frigge Ch. 1, CCC 385-421[footnoteRef:3] [3: CCC is the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The book is available online through the website of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops (usccb.org), but I highly recommend you buy it in print form or for your Kindle or e-reader so you can have it with you in class.]

Jan 15: The vision of nations, and the call of Abraham. Read Genesis 12 and Frigge Ch 6 The Exodus, a paradigm for salvation, Exodus 1-7, Exodus 19, CCC 142-184 Week 2 (Jan 20 and 22) Jan 20: The Bible: What is it and how should we read it? Frigge Ch 4 Jan 22: A self-revealing God and types of revelation, Portier Ch 4 Week 3 (Jan 27 and 29) Jan 27: The Covenant at Sinai, or the Old Testament, Exodus 8-14 The Vision and Failure of Israel, what does messiah mean? Leviticus 8, Isaiah 2, 1 Samuel 16, Frigge Ch 9 Jan 29: Has God lost? A study of Habakkuk. The problem of exile and evil, Portier Ch 2, 2 Chronicles 36 Week 4 (Feb 3 and 5) Feb 3: A new thing stirring in Palestine, historical setting, types of Judaism, Jesus ministry in its historical context and the concept of the Kingdom of God and Law of God. Reading: Frigge Ch 12, CCC 574-594, the entire Gospel according to St Mark Feb 5: Cont. of Jesus ministry in its historical context and the concept of the Kingdom of God and Law of God, Marks Gospel (all of it), and the parable of the Sower (Mt 13:1-23) and Parable of the Net (Mt 13:47-52), Read Gula Introduction Week 5 (Feb 10 and 12) Feb 10: Exam 1 Feb 12: Parables of Lost Things and Parables and Prophecies of Judgment. Reading: Lk 15, Mt 13:24-46, Mt 24, Gula Chapters 1 and 2 Week 6 (Feb 17 and 19) Feb 17: Ethics of the Kingdom: Power and sacrifice, the Magnificat, Ethics of the Kingdom: family and money. Reading: Luke 1, Lk 21:1-4, Lk 8:19-21, Luke 14, Gula Chapter 3 Feb 19: Ethics of the Kingdom cont: Who enters the Kingdom of God? Poverty and those on the margins of society, Gula Ch 4. Jn 4, Lk 10:25-37 Week 7 (Feb 24 and 26) Feb 24: The New Testament: a very brief introduction, Gula Ch. 5 Feb 26: The Kingdom of God and Israel, Jesus as the Israel of God, the Temple, Parable of the Vineyard. Reading: CCC 636-658, CCC 1961-1986, Portier Ch 11, Mt 20:1-16 Week 8 (Mar 3 and 5) Mar 3: Exploring New Testament texts: Jude, 2 John, 3 John and Philemon (in-class project) Reading: The Didache[footnoteRef:4] [4: The text of the Didache is available online, specifically at newadvent.org and ccel.org.]

Mar 5: Messianic titles: Son of God, Son of Man, Good Shepherd, Savior, Lamb of God, Gula Ch 6, Isaiah 53 Mid-Semester break, no classes Week 9 (Mar 17 and 19) Mar 17: Why was Jesus crucified, and what does it mean? Soteriology and Atonement. Mar 19: Resurrection, the ekklesia, and its mission, Matthew 28, making disciples Frigge Ch 13, CCC 636-658 Week 10 (Mar 24 and 26) Mar 24: Marks of the Church: one, holy, catholic, apostolic. Reading: CCC 748-870 Pentecost: the birth of the Church, the gift of the Holy Spirit, Pneumatology, Read Acts 2, Frigge Ch 14 Mar 26: The People of God and the sacraments of the Kingdom CCC 1113-1134, Ephesians 1-2 Initiation into the Church: baptism CCC 1213-1284, Portier Ch 12 Week 11 (Mar 31 and Apr 2) Mar 31: Holy Communion CCC 1285-1305, Gula Ch 7 The Lords prayer, CCC 2803-2854, CCC 2650-2696 Apr 2: The Shepherds of the Church and Holy Orders, CCC 1536-1600, begin Portier Ch 5 Preparing for the Kingdom: repentance and confession, CCC 1420-1460 Week 12 (Apr 7 and 9) Apr 7: Confirmation and the prayer for the filling with the Spirit The Didache and early church life The countercultural Church: celibacy and holy matrimony Reading: complete Portier Ch 5 Apr 9: In-class presentations Week 13 (Apr 14 and 16) Apr 14: Guest Lecture: the theological virtues Apr 16: In-class presentations, Reading: CS Lewis Week 14 (Apr 21 and 23) Apr 21: Complete in-class presentations; The Church wrestling with Scripture: The Council of Nicaea. Reading: CCC 1601-1637, CCC 871-945, and CS Lewis Apr 23: The mission of St Patrick, the Churchs missio ad gentes, world missions today, the return of global Christianity. Reading: CS Lewis Week 15 (Apr 28 and 30) Apr28: The Protestant Reformations of the 16th Century. Reading: TBA Apr 30: The Church and the State? Augustines City of God, Read summary of City of God[footnoteRef:5] [5: Online at http://www.christianbooksummaries.com/library/v4/cbs0424.pdf]

The eschaton and a new heaven and a new earth, heaven, hell and purgatory, CCC 1020-1065, Revelation 21, Isaiah 65 Final Exams Week: May 4 through 8