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Figures in American Catholicism

Critical Thinking

Course Description

A biographical survey of significant Catholic figures in the Americas whose faith, thought, and actions continue to shape our cultural landscape in the realms of cinema and television, politics, economics, morality, and religion. A multi-media approach showcases figures from Martin Sheen to Flannery O'Connor to Pope Francis.

Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Graduate students will be assigned additional readings, added or more extensive written assessments, and a 15-20 minute research presentation not assigned to undergraduate students. These additional requirements will draw from sources, especially primary sources, not assigned to undergraduate students. Graduate students will be assessed according to additional and/or more intensive criteria, such as breadth and depth of analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of sources.

Athena Title

Figures American Catholicism

Prerequisite

Third- or fourth-year student standing or permission of department

Grading System

A - F (Traditional)

Student learning Outcomes

  • By the end of this course, students will be able to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate diverse Christian and interdisciplinary sources critically and charitably.
  • By the end of this course, students will be able to engage in biographical and historical study of American Catholics and Catholicism.
  • By the end of this course, students will be able to develop presentation, and pedagogical skills appropriate for various audiences through peer-to-peer teaching.
  • By the end of this course, students will be able to apply course materials to personal and professional knowledge, experiences, and goals.

Topical Outline

  • 1. A History of Catholics in the Americas
  • 2. In the Chair
  • (a) Oscar Romero
  • (b) Pope Francis
  • 3. In the Streets
  • (a) Elizabeth Ann Seton
  • (b) Dorothy Day
  • 4. In the Pages
  • (a) Thomas Merton
  • (b) Flannery O'Connor
  • 5. On the Screen
  • (a) Martin Sheen
  • (b) Stephen Colbert

Institutional Competencies Learning Outcomes

Critical Thinking

The ability to pursue and comprehensively evaluate information before accepting or establishing a conclusion, decision, or action.


Syllabus

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