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ETHICS

School

Hartford International

ET-631-2

Environmental Ethics: Leadership and Justice for Life on Earth

BTI Category

Semester

Ethics (all traditions)

SP25

The Native American “Tale of Two Wolves” tells of two evenly matched wolves in a battle. One is evil – greedy, arrogant, lying, and full of fear. The other is good – filled with love, hope, compassion, and integrity. The question is: which one will win? The sage’s answer: the one we feed. The study of environmental ethics can easily devolve into a spiral of pessimism, given the unprecedented challenges we face regarding the climate crisis and other ecological threats to the well-being of our planet. We are tempted to “feed the wrong wolf” and give into despair and a fatalistic resignation. Therefore, we will explore religious, philosophical, and environmental perspectives to help us understand the roots of the crises, as well as search for resources to help us “feed the good wolf.” This course will equip students to work toward faith-based approaches to environmental ethics focused on justice and building community.

Professor

Class Day & Time

Dahill, Lisa

R

5:00pm-6:50pm

Grading Option

Letter, P/F, Audit

Credits

3

Online?

Y

Professor Approval Req'd?

N

Prerequisites?

N

Notes

N

School

Boston College School of Theology & Ministry

TMCE7164

Call and Response: an Introduction to the Moral Life

BTI Category

Semester

Ethics (all traditions)

SP25

This course introduces the primary sources of the Catholic moral traditions from the Commandments and Beatitudes to the moral and theological virtues as a call and response to Christian discipleship. Attention will be given to the tradition's warrants aligned with moral thought and the philosophical traditions of the virtues and the natural law. Key subjects considered are freedom, authority, sin, conscience, and virtue as well as discernment of the ways to be in a world paradoxically coherent with and contrary to the invitation God extends to all, development of those skills and practices that contribute to growth as a moral agent, and recourse to the remedies of failures encountered along the pilgrim's way.

Professor

Class Day & Time

Mary Jo Iozzio

ASYN

ASYN

Grading Option

Letter

Credits

3

Online?

Y

Professor Approval Req'd?

N

Prerequisites?

Y

Notes

Two moral/ethics (two graduate or one graduate & one advanced undergrad)

School

Boston College School of Theology & Ministry

TMCE8118

Healthcare Ethics

BTI Category

Semester

Ethics (all traditions)

SP25

This course explores contemporary Catholic health care ethics. The course begins by examining the sources, methods, and influential documents of the Catholic medical ethical tradition. The syllabus traces the development of the tradition from the 16th to the 21st century. Prominent secular approaches in the field are studied as well. The course then takes up: 1) clinical, case-based medical ethics; and, 2) ethics at the institutional level. Applied topics include: abortion; access to health care and the distribution of medical resources; end of life ethics; mergers among Catholic and non-Catholic health institutions; and international recruiting of health care workers.

Professor

Class Day & Time

Daniel J. Daly

T

06:30PM-09:00PM

Grading Option

Letter

Credits

3

Online?

N

Professor Approval Req'd?

N

Prerequisites?

N

Notes

N

School

Boston College Department of Theology

THEO5574-01

Ethics, Religion, and International Politics

BTI Category

Semester

Ethics (all traditions)

SP25

An examination of the role of religion in international politics and of ethical approaches to international affairs. Special emphasis will be given to religion as a source of conflict, religious communities as transnational agents for justice, protection of human rights, and peace; the historical development and contemporary formulations of ethical norms for the use of force; and ethical and religious contributions to reconciliation and solidarity.

Professor

Class Day & Time

Wambui, Nelly Wamaitha

TR

1:30 PM - 2:45 PM

Grading Option

Letter/PF/Aud

Credits

4

Online?

N

Professor Approval Req'd?

N

Prerequisites?

N

Notes

GRAD/UGRAD SPLIT

School

Boston College Department of Theology

THEO5574-03

Ethics, Religion, and International Politics

BTI Category

Semester

Ethics (all traditions)

SP25

An examination of the role of religion in international politics and of ethical approaches to international affairs. Special emphasis will be given to religion as a source of conflict, religious communities as transnational agents for justice, protection of human rights, and peace; the historical development and contemporary formulations of ethical norms for the use of force; and ethical and religious contributions to reconciliation and solidarity.

Professor

Class Day & Time

Strouse, Ethan C

R

4:00 PM - 4:50 PM

Grading Option

Letter/PF/Aud

Credits

0

Online?

N

Professor Approval Req'd?

N

Prerequisites?

N

Notes

GRAD/UGRAD SPLIT

School

Boston College Department of Theology

THEO5574-08

Ethics, Religion, and International Politics

BTI Category

Semester

Ethics (all traditions)

SP25

An examination of the role of religion in international politics and of ethical approaches to international affairs. Special emphasis will be given to religion as a source of conflict, religious communities as transnational agents for justice, protection of human rights, and peace; the historical development and contemporary formulations of ethical norms for the use of force; and ethical and religious contributions to reconciliation and solidarity.

Professor

Class Day & Time

Strouse, Ethan C

R

5:00 PM - 5:50 PM

Grading Option

Letter/PF/Aud

Credits

0

Online?

N

Professor Approval Req'd?

N

Prerequisites?

N

Notes

GRAD/UGRAD SPLIT

School

Boston College Department of Theology

THEO8270-01

From Just War to Peacebuilding

BTI Category

Semester

Ethics (all traditions)

SP25

The focus of this course will be contemporary theological ethics and just war, and the recent peacebuilding trajectory. We will compare and assess different theological commitments grounding positions on war and peace, and on Christian political ethics generally. To be included are "just war" developments in the Augustinian and Thomistic traditions, and philosophical perspectives on forgiveness and restorative justice. We will consider nonviolent strategiesto resolve conflict, including perspectives from conflict zones and the global South. Specific problems such as women and war, humanitarian intervention, nuclear weapons, and land mines and cluster munitions will be addressed.

Professor

Class Day & Time

Pope, Stephen J Cahill, Lisa

W

12:00 PM - 2:25 PM

Grading Option

Letter/PF/Aud

Credits

3

Online?

N

Professor Approval Req'd?

N

Prerequisites?

Y

Notes

DOCTORAL

School

Boston University School of Theology

STHTC 840

Paradigms of Racism, the Ignorance They Hide, and the Harm They Sustain (with Schlauch)

BTI Category

Semester

Ethics (all traditions)

SP25

Racism is ugly, painful, and seemingly inimical to understanding much less constructive intervention. When it comes to race, people often yell at, talk past, or simply avoid each other. Experiencing frustration, rage, and despair, some fear and may conclude that racism is intractable, even insoluble, while others "know" that racism does not exist. This course offers hope, exploring how groups of people form and defend competing systems of truth (that is, "paradigms") that hide ignorance and sustain harm. By discussing eight "paradigms" of racism and attendant forms of ignorance, we seek to enlarge our understanding as a basis for concrete practical steps that could be taken by different people in different sites.

Professor

Class Day & Time

Goto, Courtney and Schlauch, Chris

M

2:30PM - 5:15PM

Grading Option

Letter

Credits

3

Online?

N

Professor Approval Req'd?

N

Prerequisites?

N

Notes

N

School

Boston University School of Theology

STHTC 826

The Ecumenical Movement

BTI Category

Semester

Ethics (all traditions)

SP25

This course examines the Ecumenical Movement--a "defining fact" of Christianity in the 20th century--and its implications for the life of the churches in the 21st century. The class will treat major streams of interchurch engagement including mission, faith and order, and life and work, and will give attention to ecumenical questions regarding worship and sacraments. In addition, the course will consider contemporary models of Christian unity as well as Christian dialogue with other faith traditions.

Professor

Class Day & Time

Westerfield Tucker, Karen

ARR

See notes

Grading Option

Letter

Credits

3

Online?

N

Professor Approval Req'd?

N

Prerequisites?

N

Notes

Friday/Saturday instructional pattern except for the first session on Saturday, January 25 (because of faculty meeting): Fridays (1-5pm) Saturdays (9am-1pm) DATES: Saturday, January 25 | January 31 and February 1 | February 28 and March 1 | March 21 and 22 | April 11 and 12

School

Boston University School of Theology

STHTM 931

Issues in Contemporary Missiology

BTI Category

Semester

Ethics (all traditions)

SP25

Readings and discussions of important works in missiology from the 1960's to the present. This course begins where TM 930 ends.

Professor

Class Day & Time

Robert, Dana

F

8:00AM - 10:45AM with discussion from 11:15am-12:05pm Fridays

Grading Option

Letter

Credits

4

Online?

N

Professor Approval Req'd?

Y

Prerequisites?

N

Notes

PhD Students only; DOCTORAL

School

Boston University School of Theology

STHTS 830

Ethics, Philosophy, and Social Theory (new course)

BTI Category

Semester

Ethics (all traditions)

SP25

This course is designed to explore and critically discuss the role of social theory and philosophy in contemporary social ethical thought. Arguably, the leading social ethicists of our time consider theology, philosophy, and social theory as the foundational pillars of social ethics. This course will train master's level in the art (rigors) of weaving together modern social theories, cutting-edge philosophical thoughts, and leading systematic/constructive theologies to critically engage moral problems, institutions, and structures that thwart human flourishing in their communities. Of particular interest is the way in which social science and philosophy inform and structure social ethics.

Professor

Class Day & Time

Manglos-Weber, Nicolette and Wariboko, Nimi

W

2:30PM-5:15PM

Grading Option

Letter

Credits

3

Online?

N

Professor Approval Req'd?

N

Prerequisites?

N

Notes

N

School

Boston University School of Theology

STHTS 877

Restorative Justice

BTI Category

Semester

Ethics (all traditions)

SP25

A study of the fundamental principles and practices of restorative justice as applicable to church and society. The course explores the needs and roles of key stakeholders (victims, offenders, communities, justice systems), outlines the basic principles and values of restorative justice, introduces some of the primary models of practice, and identifies challenges to restorative justice and strategies to respond to them. The course is organized around the issue of crime and harm within a western legal context, but attention is given to applications in other contexts. Of particular interest is the contribution of traditional or indigenous approaches to justice as well as applications in post-conflict situations.

Professor

Class Day & Time

McCarty, Jimmy

W

6:30PM - 9:15PM

Grading Option

Letter

Credits

3

Online?

N

Professor Approval Req'd?

N

Prerequisites?

N

Notes

N

School

Boston University School of Theology

STHTT 847

Introduction to Ecological Justice

BTI Category

Semester

Ethics (all traditions)

SP25

This course introduces you to a variety of ecological justice issues through a combination of excursions, on-campus events, guest speakers, films, art exhibitions, and discussions. There will be 6 units total. You will be required to complete five units. Through this process, you will engage the theological, ethical, spiritual, and practical issues raised by a variety of ecological issues and by different responses to them.

Professor

Class Day & Time

Copeland, Becky

R

5:00PM - 6:15PM

Grading Option

Letter

Credits

1

Online?

N

Professor Approval Req'd?

N

Prerequisites?

N

Notes

N

School

Boston University School of Theology

STHTT 850

Performing Ecological Justice

BTI Category

Semester

Ethics (all traditions)

SP25

TBD

Professor

Class Day & Time

Copeland, Becky

R

5:00PM - 6:15PM

Grading Option

Letter

Credits

1

Online?

N

Professor Approval Req'd?

N

Prerequisites?

Y

Notes

Prerequisite: STHTT 847 & 848

School

Boston University School of Theology

STHTY 878

Trauma and Spirituality

BTI Category

Semester

Ethics (all traditions)

SP25

TBD

Professor

Class Day & Time

Captari, Laura and Choe, Elise

See notes

See notes

Grading Option

Letter

Credits

1

Online?

N

Professor Approval Req'd?

N

Prerequisites?

N

Notes

February 21 from 3:00PM-8:30PM, February 22 from 9:00AM-5:30PM

School

Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary-Hamilton

ET/TH648

Workplace Theology

BTI Category

Semester

Ethics (all traditions)

SP25

We map out the workplace, its challenges, opportunities, arenas, topics, and trends. Then we build a biblical theology of work in the perspective of Creation, Fall, Providence, Incarnation, Redemption, and Fulfillment. We identify the starting points, backgrounds, perceived callings, and desired goals of each member of our cohort.

Professor

Class Day & Time

Barnes, Ken

F Sat

Fri 6:30-9:30pm; Sat 8:30am-4:30pm

Grading Option

Letter, P/F, Audit

Credits

3

Online?

Y - with live meeting time

Professor Approval Req'd?

N

Prerequisites?

N

Notes

Feb. 7-8, Mar. 7-8, Apr. 4-5

School

Harvard Divinity School

HDS 2202

Queering the World: Dismantling Heteronormativity in Congregations, Communities, and Organizations

BTI Category

Semester

Ethics (all traditions)

SP25

Queering the World: Dismantling Heteronormativity in Congregations, Communities, and Organizations introduces students to three systematic and process-oriented approaches: (1) Personality-Driven Queering, (2) Top-Down Organizational Compliance Queering, (3) Communal Queering. Utilizing Queer theory, ethics, Queer theology, ecclesiology, gender studies, and post-colonial methods, the course examines the cultural backgrounds, beliefs, morals, values, and heteronormative structures of American congregations, communities, and organizations. It proposes methods for restructuring, reimagining, and subverting heterosexist paradigms and binary assumptions that perpetuate oppression. Examining mainline open and affirming congregations, LGBTQIAP+ affirming communities, and organizations, the class considers differences and similarities in their approaches to queering. Key questions include: (1) What occurs when a congregation, community, or organization is queered? (2) Can queering theology, culture, and systems lead to more than critique, pointing toward renewal with new, liberating structures, practices, performances, and self-understandings? (3) Is it possible to Queer the organization one wishes to queer?

Professor

Class Day & Time

Brandon Crowley

R

9:00am - 10:59am

Grading Option

Letter, P/F, Audit

Credits

4

Online?

N

Professor Approval Req'd?

Y

Prerequisites?

N

Notes

This is a limited enrollment course. To apply, send a statement to bcrowley@hds.harvard.edu with the following information: your name, degree program, year of study, school or university, previous relevant academic background, and a brief statement of your goals for the course.

School

Hartford International

ET-631-1

Environmental Ethics: Leadership and Justice for Life on Earth

BTI Category

Semester

Ethics (all traditions)

SP25

The Native American “Tale of Two Wolves” tells of two evenly matched wolves in a battle. One is evil – greedy, arrogant, lying, and full of fear. The other is good – filled with love, hope, compassion, and integrity. The question is: which one will win? The sage’s answer: the one we feed. The study of environmental ethics can easily devolve into a spiral of pessimism, given the unprecedented challenges we face regarding the climate crisis and other ecological threats to the well-being of our planet. We are tempted to “feed the wrong wolf” and give into despair and a fatalistic resignation. Therefore, we will explore religious, philosophical, and environmental perspectives to help us understand the roots of the crises, as well as search for resources to help us “feed the good wolf.” This course will equip students to work toward faith-based approaches to environmental ethics focused on justice and building community.

Professor

Class Day & Time

Dahill, Lisa

R

5:00pm-6:50pm

Grading Option

Letter, P/F, Audit

Credits

3

Online?

N

Professor Approval Req'd?

N

Prerequisites?

N

Notes

N

School

Boston College School of Theology & Ministry

TMCE8082

Social Sin, Responsibility, and Justice

BTI Category

Semester

Ethics (all traditions)

SP25

This course builds on Catholic social teaching found in the magisterial documentary history and brings the insights on social sin to bear on responsibility, accountability, and justice. Attention will be given to primary sources in light of the contemporary critique of abusive/sinful practices among persons with institutionalized power and authority exposed in anti-racist, post-colonial, and liberation thought. The course a) presents the common good as justice developed in these traditions, b) explores responsibility for the social, economic, educational, health, legal, and political status of vulnerable persons, and c) considers accountability by realizing the preferential option for the poor.

Professor

Class Day & Time

Mary Jo Iozzio

W

01:00PM-03:50PM

Grading Option

Letter

Credits

3

Online?

N

Professor Approval Req'd?

N

Prerequisites?

Y

Notes

One course in Christian Ethics, biotethics or medical ethics

School

Boston College Department of Theology

THEO5258-01

How Israel Matters

BTI Category

Semester

Ethics (all traditions)

SP25

Israel, both the people and the land, are central to Jewish theology as concrete manifestations of Gods covenants. This course will explore the evolving meanings of these concepts from the Bible to today, looking at themes like peoplehood, life in the land, exile from it, and (messianic) return. The second part of the course will focus specifically on the theologies of a range of modern Jewish thinkers, with the goal of helping students to understand aspects of contemporary Israel and its meaning to world Jewry.

Professor

Class Day & Time

Langer, Ruth

W

12:00 PM - 2:25 PM

Grading Option

Letter/PF/Aud

Credits

3

Online?

N

Professor Approval Req'd?

N

Prerequisites?

N

Notes

GRAD/UGRAD SPLIT

School

Boston College Department of Theology

THEO5574-02

Ethics, Religion, and International Politics

BTI Category

Semester

Ethics (all traditions)

SP25

An examination of the role of religion in international politics and of ethical approaches to international affairs. Special emphasis will be given to religion as a source of conflict, religious communities as transnational agents for justice, protection of human rights, and peace; the historical development and contemporary formulations of ethical norms for the use of force; and ethical and religious contributions to reconciliation and solidarity.

Professor

Class Day & Time

Strouse, Ethan C

R

3:00 PM - 3:50 PM

Grading Option

Letter/PF/Aud

Credits

0

Online?

N

Professor Approval Req'd?

N

Prerequisites?

N

Notes

GRAD/UGRAD SPLIT

School

Boston College Department of Theology

THEO5574-07

Ethics, Religion, and International Politics

BTI Category

Semester

Ethics (all traditions)

SP25

An examination of the role of religion in international politics and of ethical approaches to international affairs. Special emphasis will be given to religion as a source of conflict, religious communities as transnational agents for justice, protection of human rights, and peace; the historical development and contemporary formulations of ethical norms for the use of force; and ethical and religious contributions to reconciliation and solidarity.

Professor

Class Day & Time

Wambui, Nelly Wamaitha

TR

10:30 AM - 11:45 AM

Grading Option

Letter/PF/Aud

Credits

0

Online?

N

Professor Approval Req'd?

N

Prerequisites?

N

Notes

GRAD/UGRAD SPLIT

School

Boston College Department of Theology

THEO5574-09

Ethics, Religion, and International Politics

BTI Category

Semester

Ethics (all traditions)

SP25

An examination of the role of religion in international politics and of ethical approaches to international affairs. Special emphasis will be given to religion as a source of conflict, religious communities as transnational agents for justice, protection of human rights, and peace; the historical development and contemporary formulations of ethical norms for the use of force; and ethical and religious contributions to reconciliation and solidarity.

Professor

Class Day & Time

Strouse, Ethan C

R

6:00 PM - 6:50 PM

Grading Option

Letter/PF/Aud

Credits

0

Online?

N

Professor Approval Req'd?

N

Prerequisites?

N

Notes

GRAD/UGRAD SPLIT

School

Boston University School of Theology

STHTC 835

Evangelism and Contemporary Cultures

BTI Category

Semester

Ethics (all traditions)

SP25

This course explores the practice of bearing faithful, visible, and embodied witness to God's commonwealth in contemporary contexts and cultures. The course covers the biblical, historical, and theological foundations of evangelism, its practice within congregational life, and contextual strategies.

Professor

Class Day & Time

Stone, Bryan

T

3:30PM - 6:15PM

Grading Option

Letter

Credits

3

Online?

N

Professor Approval Req'd?

N

Prerequisites?

N

Notes

N

School

Boston University School of Theology

STHTC 836

Gender, culture, and transformational leadership

BTI Category

Semester

Ethics (all traditions)

SP25

This course examines the relation between race, gender, and ethnicity from the perspective of different multicultural identities and theological understandings, evaluating how religious structures have constructed these relations and challenged these dynamics. Analyzing various church contexts and social constructions, we will aim to re-evaluate diverse theoretical and experimental discussions among different ethnic groups in a global context as well as in the American context. This course introduces students to of the multiple dynamics present between race, gender, and ethnicity in various church contexts such as White/African American/Asian/Asian American/Hispanic/other immigrant churches and multicultural congregations. It investigates how church life and ministry interact with sociopolitical and cultural structures and how these processes impact people's everyday lives. The course analyzes the issues of race, gender/sex, body, age, and class in the North American context seeking also to understand colonial and post-colonial structures within American society and beyond.

Professor

Class Day & Time

Choi, Hee An

R

3:30PM-6:15PM

Grading Option

Letter

Credits

3

Online?

N

Professor Approval Req'd?

N

Prerequisites?

N

Notes

N

School

Boston University School of Theology

STHTM 815

Christian Mission

BTI Category

Semester

Ethics (all traditions)

SP25

Exploration of biblical, historical, theological, political, and cultural perspectives on the world mission of the church. This course is a requirement for United Methodist MDiv students pursuing ordination in the United Methodist Church.

Professor

Class Day & Time

Robert, Dana

T

12:30PM - 3:15PM

Grading Option

Letter

Credits

3

Online?

N

Professor Approval Req'd?

N

Prerequisites?

N

Notes

N

School

Boston University School of Theology

STHTS 843

Narrative Approaches to Conflict Transformation (online course)

BTI Category

Semester

Ethics (all traditions)

SP25

Professor

Class Day & Time

Anderson Hooker, David

M

2:30PM-5:15PM

Grading Option

Letter

Credits

3

Online?

Y - with live meeting time

Professor Approval Req'd?

N

Prerequisites?

N

Notes

N

School

Boston University School of Theology

STHTS 875

Comparative Religious Ethics

BTI Category

Semester

Ethics (all traditions)

SP25

Comparative religious ethics, as a burgeoning academic field, strives to pursue moral wisdom across religious boundaries. In this course, we first juxtapose the ethical teaching of Christianity with another tradition to probe some perennial moral questions: ultimate end, exemplary virtue, social hierarchy, sexuality and marriage, war and peace, as well as political liberation. We then examine some contemporary issues comparatively in feminist, environmental, and postcolonial ethics. Finally, we study the moral significance of religious traditions as "spiritual exercises" (in the senses given by St. Ignatius and Pierre Hadot). There, we explore how bodily practices such as yogic movements, breathing exercises, Benedictine liturgical prayers, meditation of the cosmos, and contemplation of divine love might have far-reaching ethical consequences.

Professor

Class Day & Time

Yin, Peng

W

8:00AM - 10:45AM

Grading Option

Letter

Credits

3

Online?

N

Professor Approval Req'd?

N

Prerequisites?

N

Notes

N

School

Boston University School of Theology

STHTS 849

The Political Economy of Misery (new course)

BTI Category

Semester

Ethics (all traditions)

SP25

This course is an examination of the ways in which the intersection of various forms of oppression such as racism, sexism, ageism, heterosexism, and classism coalesce to form lifestyles of misery that produce social patterns of domination and subordination. Consideration of how conversations between Christian ethics and other disciplines help frame possible trajectories of justice and justice making.

Professor

Class Day & Time

Townes, Emilie

T

3:30PM - 6:15PM

Grading Option

Letter

Credits

3

Online?

N

Professor Approval Req'd?

N

Prerequisites?

N

Notes

N

School

Boston University School of Theology

STHTT 848

Engaging Ecological Justice

BTI Category

Semester

Ethics (all traditions)

SP25

This course continues to expose you to a variety of ecological justice issues through a combination of excursions, on-campus events, guest speakers, films, art exhibitions, and discussions. There will be six units total. You will be required to attend four units. In addition to your attendance at these four units, you will plan and execute one of the units, including an event and discussion. Through this process, you will exercise your own ethical agency in the pursuit of ecological justice and develop your leadership skills.

Professor

Class Day & Time

Copeland, Becky

R

5:00PM - 6:15PM

Grading Option

Letter

Credits

1

Online?

N

Professor Approval Req'd?

N

Prerequisites?

Y

Notes

Prerequisite: STHTT 847

School

Boston University School of Theology

STHTS 854

Nonviolent Strategies for Social Change

BTI Category

Semester

Ethics (all traditions)

SP25

TBD

Professor

Class Day & Time

Dickson, Peter and Dickson, Charles

March 22 and 29

9:00AM-4:00PM

Grading Option

Letter

Credits

1

Online?

N

Professor Approval Req'd?

N

Prerequisites?

N

Notes

N

School

Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary-Boston

SE571

Christian Ethics & Social Issues

BTI Category

Semester

Ethics (all traditions)

SP25

Seeks to develop the student's theological ethical reflections, social analysis, and types of action for ministering to crucial social issues. Our three step approach will be: 1) clarification, 2) conceptualization, and 3) confrontation. Issues include: urbanization, economic justice, and environmental ethics.

Professor

Class Day & Time

Price, Thomas

Sat

8:30am-4:30pm

Grading Option

Letter, P/F, Audit

Credits

3

Online?

Y - with live meeting time

Professor Approval Req'd?

N

Prerequisites?

N

Notes

Feb. 15, Mar. 15, Apr. 12,

School

Harvard Divinity School

HDS 2013

Christian Simplicity

BTI Category

Semester

Ethics (all traditions)

SP25

Despite Jesus' teachings on simplicity of life, defined as ordered relationships with time, money, food, and possessions the western Church today is largely silent on materialism and overconsumption, and their relationship to economic injustice and environmental degradation. In this course, we will explore the writings of the Christian counterculture that took Jesus at his word: the desert fathers and mothers of the 4th and 5thcenturies; Benedict and the early monastics; St. Francis and the friars of the 13th century; John Woolman and the early Quakers; Thoreau; and Dorothy Day, and Wendell Berry among others. We will also engage with theologians and pastoral writers from the 1970s to the present who have argued that simplicity of life should concern not only vowed religious and intentional communities, but householder Christians as well. We will apply what we read to our own relationship with time, money, food, and possessions in a series of brief experiments.

Professor

Class Day & Time

Regina Walton

T

3:00pm - 4:59pm

Grading Option

Letter, P/F, Audit

Credits

4

Online?

N

Professor Approval Req'd?

N

Prerequisites?

N

Notes

N

School

Harvard Divinity School

HDS 2299

Racial Liberalism and the Ethics of Law and Justice

BTI Category

Semester

Ethics (all traditions)

SP25

The course will examine the relationship between race and liberalism in the formation of the U.S. legal system, focusing in particular on the use of moral (and religious) doctrines both to reinforce and repudiate legal codes and institutional practices designed to enslave and subjugate dispossessed and "disinherited" groups in the U.S. Framed by Charles Mills' category of "racial liberalism" -- the racialization of personhood, rights and public duties -- the course will explore through court cases, trial transcripts, first-person narratives, and political philosophy how efforts to promote a color-blind society often appeal to religious claims that undermine liberal theories of justice and equality. At issue is the role of religion and ethics in debates on law and justice. How, if at all, can religion as well as ethical frameworks explain the tension between law and justice and grapple with social matters that are legally protected but morally offensive.

Professor

Class Day & Time

Terrence Johnson

T

3:00pm - 4:59pm

Grading Option

Letter, P/F, Audit

Credits

4

Online?

N

Professor Approval Req'd?

N

Prerequisites?

N

Notes

N

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