Theology of Marriage and Family (MRE 447)

Spring 2004

3 credits

Saturdays (January - February) 8:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Dr. Carmen M. Nanko

Office Hours: By appointment

Classroom: Marist 109

E-mail:

WEB page: MREMarriageandFamily.homestead.com

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course presents an overview of the Roman Catholic tradition with respect to marriage and family. This tradition will be explored from a variety of perspectives including its historical, theological, biblical, cultural and ethical implications.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

This course is designed to enable students to:

  • recognize, understand and engage in dialogue with the Roman Catholic tradition on issues related to marriage and family

  • read and evaluate texts critically

  • explore and challenge one’s own respective social location as it impacts the development of one’s own understanding of marriage and family

  • engage in sustained cross-cultural and interreligious conversations on issues of marriage and family

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Student performance in this course will be evaluated on the basis of:

1. Class participation (50% of the course grade, calculated on the basis of grades from 5 written critique assignments associated with weekly readings and class attendance.)

2. Integrating Project (30% of the course grade, calculated on the basis of a research project that combines group and individual work, and is presented in oral and written formats. Time during class will be provided to enable groups to work cooperatively on their projects. Details will be provided.)

3. Quizzes (20% of the course grade, calculated on the basis of grades from in-class quizzes on notes and reading assignments.)

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Students are expected to be in class on time. Attendance will be taken. If a student is late to a particular class meeting, it is expected that the student’s entrance into the room will be discrete, not causing a disturbance or interruption to the flow of class. Tardy students should deal with the professor(s) and classmates AFTER CLASS in order to determine what material has been missed. In order to receive credit for this course, attendance must meet the expectations outlined in the policy of the Metropolitan College of the Catholic University of America

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

1. Required Reading: Textbook

Kieran Scott & Michael Warren (eds.), Perspectives on Marriage: A Reader (2nd edition), New York: Oxford University Press, 2001. (available in the Catholic University Book store.)

2. Required Readings that are available online:

1

John Paul II, Familiaris Consortio, (Apostolic Exhortation on the Role of the Christian Family in the Modern World) available on the world wide web at:

1

Charter of the Rights of the Family available on the world wide web at:

1

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Between Man and Woman: Questions and Answers About Marriage and Same-Sex Unions , (November 12, 2003). Available on the world wide web at:

POLICIES WITH REGARDS TO REQUIRED ASSESSMENTS:

CLASS PARTICIPATION ASSIGNMENTS: Reading assignments are to be evaluated critically in written form and are to be turned in at the beginning of the designated class period. Critiques should be no less and no more than 2 pages typed, double-spaced. Failure to turn in the assignment on the due date will result in the loss of a letter grade. Failure to turn in the assignment at all will result in a grade of “F.” It is expected that students are reading the assigned works in preparation for class participation.

INTEGRATING PROJECT: Assignment description and requirements will be distributed at a later date.

EXTENSIONS AND INCOMPLETES will be arranged on a case by case basis between the student and the professor(s). It is the RESPONSIBILITY OF THE STUDENT to initiate this discussion with the professor(s) well in advance of due dates. The Metropolitan College policy regarding INCOMPLETE COURSES is to be followed. Students seeking to WITHDRAW should check the academic calendar for deadlines. It is the RESPONSIBILITY OF THE STUDENT to be familiar with these deadline dates and procedures.

EXPECTATIONS

This class represents a community of scholars, gathered by choice, to reflect on religion and social mores. It is expected that RESPECT will govern ALL interactions amongst members of this community. RESPECT entails the courtesy afforded by listening to those who speak, responding in a manner conducive to constructive critique and mutual dialog, participating actively in class through discussion that is informed by a timely completion of reading and assignments.

In preparing all written assignments and in formal public presentations, it is expected that students use bias-free language regarding gender, race, ethnicity, age, social condition, sexual orientation, and abilities. When referring to both genders, do not use the false generic term “man” or “he” or “him” or “mankind.” (Please note, however, you will find these expressions utilized in some of the readings. The issue of inclusive language remains an area requiring increased sensitivity on the part of some religious communities.) Avoid the use of such generic terms by rephrasing the sentence, switching to the plural, or replacing the pronoun with “one” or else (sparingly) “he or she”/ “him/her.”

As we are all members of the Catholic University community, it is also assumed that all participants in this class are familiar with the policies and procedures of this university. Furthermore it is expected that integrity and honesty mark all academic pursuits in this class and that behavior is consistent with the policies defined and articulated by the Metropolitan College of the Catholic University of America.

COURSE OUTLINE AND CALENDAR

(PLEASE note that this outline is subject to changes as necessary.)

Class 1: Introduction, Social Location Inventory, Historical Perspective

Written Critique 1: Identify 3 aspects of you social location and reflect critically on the implications of those aspects as they impact your understanding of marriage and family.

Format: No less than 2 pages no more than 2 pages.Typed, double-space, 12 pt, Times New Roman, 1’’ margins. Name at the top of the page. Due next Saturday at the beginning of class.

Class 2: Exploring Theological Perspectives on Marriage and Family

Reading Assignment:Text book Chapters 3, 25 and 30.

Written Critique #1 due

Class 3:Exploring Theological Perspectives on Marriage and Family

Reading Assignment: Text book Chapters 4, 5 and 29.

Begin reading John Paul II, Familiaris Consortio, (Apostolic Exhortation on the Role of the Christian Family in the Modern World) available on the world wide web at:

Written Critique #2 due

Class 4: Biblical Perspectives on Marriage and Family:

Reading Assignment: TBA and Chapters 32 and 33.

Written Critique #3 due

Class 5: Cross-cultural Perspectives on Marriage and Family

Reading Assignment: TBA and Chapters 36 and 38.

Written Critique #4 due

Class 6: Ethical Issues related to Marriage and Family:

Reading Assignment: Chapter 23

Charter of the Rights of the Family available on the world wide web at:

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Between Man and Woman: Questions and Answers About Marriage and Same-Sex Unions , (November 12, 2003)available on the world wide web at:

Written Critique #5 due:

Class7: Ethical Issues related to Marriage and Family

Reading Assignment: Chapters17 and 18

Final Projects: ORAL Presentations due in Class AND Final WRITTEN Presentations Due