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BTI Consortium | Last Updated April 22, 2025 - 11:00AM
ETHICS
School
Saint John's Seminary
MT505
Bioethics in the Catholic Tradition
BTI Category
Semester
Ethics (all traditions)
FA25
The field of science and technology is an ever-evolving and rapidly developing field that has given rise to countless new possibilities, particularly in the area of healthcare. Although such an enterprise seems enticing, these new developments, especially within the last century, have raised a number of moral questions. Just because something is technically possible does not necessarily mean that it should be done. This course will cover the fundamental principles of Catholic bioethics to see how the Church has consistently responded to bioethical questions from the perspective of both faith and reason. Students will utilize these principles to develop sound moral reasoning to respond to bioethical questions and issues with truth and charity.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Fr. Nakkeeran
WF
9:00-10:15 AM (W) 10:30-11:45 AM (F)
Grading Option
Letter, P/F, Audit
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
NA
School
Boston College School of Theology & Ministry
TMCE8146-01
AI Ethics
BTI Category
Semester
Ethics (all traditions)
FA25
This course introduces the emerging field of AI ethics. It first invites students to learn what artificial intelligence is and what its prospects are. It then draws on Scripture and the Tradition to enable students to develop an ethical lens with which to analyze AI. Part three of the course considers the new field of AI ethics, in the works of both theologians and philosophers. The course concludes with applied areas in AI, such as education and healthcare. Because the course invites students consider how AI addresses or exacerbates existing social pathologies, such as racism and classism, the course qualifies for Justice and Diversity credit. The course is run as a seminar, inviting students to participate in the conversation.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Daly, Daniel J
F
02:00PM-04:00PM
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
N/A
School
Boston College School of Theology & Ministry
TMPS7018-01
Death and Dying
BTI Category
Semester
Ethics (all traditions)
FA25
The study of death and dying is a complex, multidimensional, and evolving field. This course draws on contemporary theory and research to explore death and dying from multiple perspectives, including religious, theological, pastoral, and psychological. Topics include societal attitudes toward death; facing one's own death; cultural features of death and dying; end-of-life issues; children and death; funerals and the use of ritual in ministry to the dying; pastoral sensitivities and skills for ministering to the dying; and pressing contemporary concerns, such as death in the workplace, institutional death, violent death, and death in global perspective.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Kelley, Melissa M
W
10:00AM-12:50PM
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
Y
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
N/A
School
Boston College School of Theology & Ministry
TMRE7083-01
Education for Justice and Peace
BTI Category
Semester
Ethics (all traditions)
FA25
In this course, students study and practice initiatives that work for understanding, justice, and peace. Recognizing that much injustice happens across some divide, the course begins with an investigation of our experiences of otherness and connection. We consider how cultural narratives undergird our sence of identity and purpose, and investigate them theologically. We look to educational theorists from the early 20th century to the present, who reflect that education itself is a work of justice. The course culminated with group projects that give students an oppurtunity for spreakking and listening across divides for the sake of understanding and justice.
Professor
Class Day & Time
O'Keefe, Theresa A
see notes
see notes
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Online?
ASYNC
Professor Approval Req'd?
Y
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
Asynchronous
School
Boston College School of Theology & Ministry
TMCE7008-01
Introduction to Catholic Social Ethics
BTI Category
Semester
Ethics (all traditions)
FA25
This course introduces the rich tradition of social ethics engaged explicitly by Leo XIII, Rerum novarum (1891), continued by his successors and bishops conferences, and enriched by theological reflection that continues today. Attention will be given to the principal documents (encyclicals, Gaudium et spes (1965), pastoral letters), and the contexts from which they emerged to gain facility in applying social analysis to contemporary concerns. Key themes to be studied: life and dignity of the human person, solidarity, social participation and the common good, the preferential option for the poor, and economic development and work, among others.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Iozzio, Mary Jo
M
02:00PM-04:50PM
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
N/A
School
Boston College School of Theology & Ministry
TMPT8106-01
Spirituality and Justice: Twentieth Century Writings
BTI Category
Semester
Ethics (all traditions)
FA25
This course will survey spiritual writings from the twentieth century, examining the generative themes that are suggestive for our time and foundational in the construction of a contemporary spirituality. Authors will include Thomas Merton, Evelyn Underhill, Teilhard de Chardin, Dorothy Day, Annie Dillard, Johannes Baptist Metz, and Martin Buber. The course is taught with an eye toward leadership in spiritual formation.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Griffith, Colleen M
R
09:30AM-11:50AM
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites?
Y
Notes
(Prerequisite: Foundations or Fundamental)
School
Boston College School of Theology & Ministry
TMST8129-01
Theology, Violence and Nonviolence
BTI Category
Semester
Ethics (all traditions)
FA25
This course will examine violence as a problem of deep religious and spiritual significance for Christianity, and the complex relationship between theological reflection, violence, and nonviolence, by exploring such questions as: Is Christianity inherently violent? What aspects of Christianity can exacerbate or mitigate violent acts? Does Christian soteriology sanction divine violence? Under which conditions does Christianity condone or condemn violence? We will enlist an interdisciplinary approach to answer these and other questions. The first part of the course will turn to history to explore current manifestations of violence and review contemporary classic texts in philosophy, psychology, theology, and politics on this difficult topic. We will also study the occurrence of human and divine violence and nonviolence in the Christian sources of revelation. The course will then examine different Christian theological traditions in connection to the just war theory, pacifism, and non-violence, all with the intention of identifying the most appropriate Christian responses to contemporary violence.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Valiente, Orfilio E
W
04:00PM-06:20PM
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites?
Y
Notes
(One year of theological study.)
School
Boston College Department of Theology
THEO5562-01
Ethics, Religion, and International Politics
BTI Category
Semester
Ethics (all traditions)
FA25
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
Owens
MW
1:30 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Grading Option
Letter, P/F, Audit
Credits
4
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
GRAD/UGRAD SPLIT�
School
Boston College Department of Theology
THEO5562-03
Ethics, Religion, and International Politics
BTI Category
Semester
Ethics (all traditions)
FA25
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
Owens
R
1:00 p.m. - 1:50 p.m.�
Grading Option
Letter, P/F, Audit
Credits
4
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
GRAD/UGRAD SPLIT�
School
Boston College Department of Theology
THEO5562-05
Ethics, Religion, and International Politics
BTI Category
Semester
Ethics (all traditions)
FA25
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
Owens
R
3:00 p.m. - 3:50 p.m.
Grading Option
Letter, P/F, Audit
Credits
4
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
GRAD/UGRAD SPLIT�
School
Boston College Department of Theology
THEO7005-01
Christian Ethics and Migration
BTI Category
Semester
Ethics (all traditions)
FA25
This course examines the phenomenon of global migration from a Christian theological perspective. Texts from social scientific, legal, and policy perspectives will frame the phenomenon of contemporary migration. The seminar will then undertake ethical analyses of migration paradigms, policies and practices in light of resources from the Christian tradition, considering questions related to globalization, citizenship, economic justice, gender, family ethics, and integration.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Heyer
W
10:00 a.m. - 12:25 p.m.�
Grading Option
Letter, P/F, Audit
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
N/A
School
Boston College Department of Theology
THEO7063-01
History of Catholic Theological Ethics
BTI Category
Semester
Ethics (all traditions)
FA25
The course studies the moral theological tradition of the Catholic Church, starting with the New Testament (Gospels, Pauline Letters, Acts of the Apostles), early church, the Fathers, rise of Scholasticism, the rise of casuistry and the confraternities, the School of Salamanca, the manuals, the 19th century reforms, the Vatican II Council, and the Global Church. Undergraduates admitted with permission of instructor.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Keenan
T
2:00 p.m. - 4:25 p.m.�
Grading Option
Letter, P/F, Audit
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
N/A
School
Boston College Department of Theology
THEO8567-01
Christian Ethics: Major Figures
BTI Category
Semester
Ethics (all traditions)
FA25
This course will explore the theological ethics of Augustine, Aquinas, Luther Calvin, Menno Simons (Radical Reformation), and possibly Jonathan Edwards. It will highlight the interrelation of concepts of nature, sin, grace, justification, and sanctification; the use of the bible; and the ethics of marriage and of war and peace. This is a doctoral seminar; the last few weeks of the course will be dedicated to discussion of students' potentially publishable research projects
Professor
Class Day & Time
Cahill
T
4:30 p.m. - 6:50 p.m.
Grading Option
Letter, P/F, Audit
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
Y
Prerequisites?
Y
Notes
Doctoral Seminar
School
Boston University School of Theology
STHTC 865
Disability, Theology, and Ministry
BTI Category
Semester
Ethics (all traditions)
FA25
This workshop serves as an introduction to disability as it relates to the study of theology and the practices of ministry. The purpose of this workshop is to expose students to people with disabilities through narratives, film clips and a panel discussion to help students think through the theological issues disability raises while developing potential responses to future encounters with people with disabilities. To this end the workshop will first explore the question: "What is disability?" as it has been defined from historic, social and medical perspectives. The workshop will explore disability through a theological lens exploring concepts, such as, creation, theological anthropology, and theodicy while attempting to answer critical theological questions related to disability. The workshop extends the reflection on disability and theology into the practices of ministry. This will involve reflection upon the meaning of welcoming and inclusion, worship and preaching when examined through the lens of disability.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Ventura, Diana
see notes
See notes
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
1
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
October 25th 9am-5pm and November 8th 9am-5pm
School
Boston University School of Theology
STHTS 805
The Spirit and Art of Conflict Transformation
BTI Category
Semester
Ethics (all traditions)
FA25
This course is an introduction to the theology, theory, and practice of conflict transformation, preparing students to become leaders equipped with fundamental tools and skills for engaging conflict and transforming conflict toward a just peace. It introduces students to conflict transformation practices such as mediation, interfaith dialogue, peacemaking circles, nonviolent direct action, compassion practices, truth and reconciliation commissions, community conferencing, etc. Designed for practitioners, students will be invited to participate in role play scenarios, dialogues, art projects, and other interactive in- and out-of-class engagements.
Professor
Class Day & Time
McCarty, James
R
6:30pm-9:15pm
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
N/A
School
Boston University School of Theology
STHTS 824
Christian Ethics
BTI Category
Semester
Ethics (all traditions)
FA25
This course introduces students to the sources and methods of Christian ethics. We will consider the ways in which Christian moral thinking is shaped by the Hebrew Bible and New Testament; survey some prominent approaches to Christian ethical discernment (divine command, natural law, Christian realism, virtue ethics, as well as feminist and womanist ethics); examine the deformation of Christian subject by empire, racism, and economic exploitation; and finally, probe the promise of Christian moral vision in reimagining human response to mass incarceration, finance-dominated capitalism, disabilities, racial capitalism, migration, and environmental justice.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Wariboko, Nimi
M
8:00am-10:45am
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
N/A
School
Boston University School of Theology
STHTT 847
Introduction to Ecological Justice
BTI Category
Semester
Ethics (all traditions)
FA25
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
TBD
R
5:00pm - 6:15pm
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
1
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
N/A
School
Saint John's Seminary
MT502
Catholic Social Doctrine
BTI Category
Semester
Ethics (all traditions)
FA25
This course provides a comprehensive overview of Catholic Social Doctrine. Relying on the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church and the social encyclicals of the papal Magisterium, the course will treat Catholic belief regarding the proper ordering of economic and political life, Church-state relations, the protection of human life and promotion of the family, immigration, healthcare, care for our common home, and safeguarding peace. In light of contemporary discussions, instruction will prepare students to advance the social doctrine of the Church in the present context.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Fr. Nakkeeran
MF
9:00-10:15 AM
Grading Option
Letter, P/F, Audit
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
NA
School
Boston College School of Theology & Ministry
TMCE7323-01
Comparative Religious Ethics
BTI Category
Semester
Ethics (all traditions)
FA25
This course aims to introduce students to the growing field of comparative theology as it applies to ethics. We begin with an overview to the method of comparative religious ethics by addressing foundational themes e.g. good and evil, freedom and bondage, authority and norms. We next explore specific texts in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam, to discern how these traditions offer similar, complementary, or divergent ways of addressing these themes in comparison to Christianity. Finally, we conclude by applying these approaches to a range of topics, e.g. war and peace, inequalities in wealth and income, virtue, and ecology.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Scheid, Daniel
R
03:30PM-06:20PM
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
N/A
School
Boston College School of Theology & Ministry
TMST8150-01
Ecotheology
BTI Category
Semester
Ethics (all traditions)
FA25
Ecotheology has been developed in the last decades as a theological response to the climate crisis that we are facing in the world today. Ecotheology has two goals. First, it is a critique of the cultural concepts, images, and practices that are at the bottom of the climate crisis. Second, it is both a retrieval of the ecological dimension of Christian faith, and an interpretation of theological sources (such as the Bible and Tradition) and doctrines (such as Trinity, Creation, and Salvation) from the perspective of Ecology. In this seminar course, students will explore different aspects of Ecotheology.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Chong, Vicente, SJ
R
09:30AM-11:30AM
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites?
Y
Notes
(Two or more courses in Systematic Theology)
School
Boston College School of Theology & Ministry
TMCE8002-01
Fundamental Moral: Theological Ethics
BTI Category
Semester
Ethics (all traditions)
FA25
This Level Two course treats Roman Catholic fundamental moral theology, focusing on both traditional and contemporary understandings of principal themes such as: The Nature and History, as well as a Methodological Model for Approaching Fundamental Moral Theology; The Moral Person and Moral Community; Conscience, Moral Norms and the Natural Law; Evaluations of Moral Acts; Sin (personal and social), Conversion and Reconciliation; Roles of Church Teaching (Magisterium) & Tradition in selected contemporary issues in the areas of sexual ethics, health care and bioethics, Catholics in the political arena will be discussed in terms of applying the fundamental themes of moral theology.
Professor
Class Day & Time
McRorie, Christina
T
12:30PM-03:20PM
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites?
Y
Notes
(At least one course in Christian Ethics. MA: advanced students in ethics)
School
Boston College School of Theology & Ministry
TMCE7322-01
Introduction to Ecological Ethics
BTI Category
Semester
Ethics (all traditions)
FA25
This course studies the theological and ethical responses to the range of interrelated planetary threats known as the ecological crisis. We begin with Catholic social teaching and Laudato Si� and then turn to a variety of methodological approaches and topics, e.g. a biblical analysis of agriculture, Orthodox ethics and asceticism, patristic and medieval sources and the development of ecological virtues, and liberation theology and global consumerism. We address global crises as well as local, contextual theologies such as African, Native American, and South American ecological ethics, with particular attention to how these crises impact the poor and marginalized.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Scheid, Daniel
W
04:00PM-06:20PM
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
N/A
School
Boston College School of Theology & Ministry
TMCE8145-01
Theological Ethics and The Economy
BTI Category
Semester
Ethics (all traditions)
FA25
This course brings theological ethics to bear upon key dynamics of contemporary global markets. Taking cues from the See, Judge, Act methodology, it begins with an attempt to understand how markets and economies work through a critical conversation with economics. This will include attending to the production of economic knowledge�who gets to describe economic realities? It then uses resources from CST and liberation theology to ask about the place of theological judgments in markets�how do the commitments of the Christian tradition tutor us to view the goals and stakes of economic activity? Finally, how does this tradition invite us to engage economic life, individually and collectively? This is as much a question about discipleship and spirituality as it is about public policy, and will lead to reflection on how communities of faith can and do partner with God amidst the complexities of our globalized world.
Professor
Class Day & Time
McRorie, Christina
W
01:00PM-03:30PM
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites?
Y
Notes
(One prior course in Christian Ethics or Moral Theology)
School
Boston College Department of Theology
THEO5006-01
Sexualities and Spiritualities
BTI Category
Semester
Ethics (all traditions)
FA25
Can you be Queer and spiritual? Trans or non-binary and religious? Straight, hooking up, and Catholic? Can you combine pleasure and piety? Of course you can. But how? This course surveys progressive thinkers examining the close relationship of sexuality, gender, the body, and spirituality. We look at evolving views of marriage and single life. We reflect on sexual violence. We ask how traditional religion distorts or supports these issues. Catholic, Protestant, and Episcopal authors explore developments and disagreements! -- that nurture authentically spiritual sexuality. The aim is to promote understanding and care for self and others. Graduates and undergraduates welcome.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Weiss
R
4:30 p.m. - 6:50 p.m.
Grading Option
Letter, P/F, Audit
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
GRAD/UGRAD SPLIT�
School
Boston College Department of Theology
THEO5562-02
Ethics, Religion, and International Politics
BTI Category
Semester
Ethics (all traditions)
FA25
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
Owens
MW
3:00 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.
Grading Option
Letter, P/F, Audit
Credits
4
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
GRAD/UGRAD SPLIT�
School
Boston College Department of Theology
THEO5562-04
Ethics, Religion, and International Politics
BTI Category
Semester
Ethics (all traditions)
FA25
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
Owens
R
2:00 p.m. - 2:50 p.m.
Grading Option
Letter, P/F, Audit
Credits
4
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
GRAD/UGRAD SPLIT�
School
Boston College Department of Theology
THEO5562-06
Ethics, Religion, and International Politics
BTI Category
Semester
Ethics (all traditions)
FA25
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
Owens
R
4:00 p.m. - 4:50 p.m.
Grading Option
Letter, P/F, Audit
Credits
4
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
GRAD/UGRAD SPLIT�
School
Boston College Department of Theology
THEO7037-01
Practical Theological Ethics and Global Christianity
BTI Category
Semester
Ethics (all traditions)
FA25
The doctoral seminar explores four selected topics in contemporary practical theological ethics: bioethics, sustainability, politics, and theological ethics in the local and global Church. By engaging the contributions of representative, diverse theological-ethical voices in global Christianity from the Global South particularly from Asia, Africa, and Latin America the seminar aims to strengthening the students familiarity with current global scholarship on these topics.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Vicini
M
2:00 p.m. - 4:20 p.m.
Grading Option
Letter, P/F, Audit
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
Y
Prerequisites?
Y
Notes
Doctoral Seminar
School
Boston College Department of Theology
THEO8537-01
Christian Ethics and Gender Equality
BTI Category
Semester
Ethics (all traditions)
FA25
Will treat major voices connecting feminist theology and ethics/politics( (e.g., Mary Daly, Elizabeth Johnson, Elisabeth Schussler Fiorenza, Margaret Farley, Ivone Gebara, representatives from Asia and Africa, and applied ethics (e.g., economics, racism, sex, abortion).
Professor
Class Day & Time
Cahill
W
2:00 p.m. - 4:20 p.m.
Grading Option
Letter, P/F, Audit
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
N/A
School
Boston University Graduate Program in Religion
GRS RN466
Tolerance
BTI Category
Semester
Ethics (all traditions)
FA25
Explores the religious roots of tolerance as an alternative to secular, more liberal foundations for pluralism. Grapples with the challenge of tolerance to the revealed religions and the ways different societies have met or failed to meet this challenge. Presents multiple case-studies and contemporary connections, explores relevance to students own experiences.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Adam Seligman
TR
9:30AM-10:45AM
Grading Option
Letter, P/F, Audit
Credits
4
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
Y
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
N/A
School
Boston University School of Theology
STHTS 803
Literature and Ethics
BTI Category
Semester
Ethics (all traditions)
FA25
Good ethical conception and practice often demand that we see things from others' points of view. Great novels, plays, poems, and films are good at helping us to reach empathic perceptions of particular people and situations by involving our intellect and emotion. Novels, tragic dramas, and others have the capacity to make readers identify with fictional characters in ways that show possibilities and potential vulnerabilities for themselves. This kind of empathic identification is important for good ethical practice in diverse and pluralistic communities. Narrative works of art are important for developing the human self- understanding critical for embodying certain religious and theological ideals. This course will explore the connections between literature (novels, plays, and short stories) and ethics: the relationship between creative imagination and moral imagination; the nature of moral attention and moral vision; the role of context-specific judging in ethical decisions. The course will help students to deepen and broaden their ethical understanding in ways that involve and give priority to context-specific moral evaluation, compassion, similar possibilities and vulnerabilities, eudaimonistic judgment, rather than abstract general principles for ethical judgment.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Wariboko, Nimi
T
12:30pm-3:15pm
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
N/A
School
Boston University School of Theology
STHTS 817
African American Moral and Social Thought
BTI Category
Semester
Ethics (all traditions)
FA25
This course will concentrate on the theo-ethical perspectives of selected Black Christian (Afro-Christian) and humanist thinkers. The course seeks to expand the horizons of religion and Black Studies as it is currently understood and learn about the history and achievements of Black thinkers, clergy, and activists. We explore resources that span the areas of Black feminism and womanism, colonial studies, and critical race theory, among others, and challenges us to think outside of dominant viewpoints and orthodoxies.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Townes, Emilie
R
3:30pm-6:15pm
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
N/A
School
Boston University School of Theology
STHTS 872
Metaphors of Evil
BTI Category
Semester
Ethics (all traditions)
FA25
This course is an examination of the ways in which metaphors function at the intersections of various forms of oppression in the work of selected African diaspora writers from the West. These writers will be conversation partners with Christian social ethics and theology as well as other disciplines to help frame possible trajectories of freedom and justice by using an interstructured/intersectional methodology to explore the matrix formed by social structural evil.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Townes, Emilie
W
2:30pm-5:15pm
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
N/A
School
Boston University School of Theology
STHTT 848
Engaging Ecological Justice
BTI Category
Semester
Ethics (all traditions)
FA25
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
TBD
R
5:00pm - 6:15pm
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
1
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
N/A
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