TMCE 7011 CROSS-CULTURAL CHRISTIAN ETHICS

Boston College School of Theology & Ministry

Fall Semester 2016
Rev. James T. Bretzke, S.J., S.T.D.
Professor of Moral Theology
Last updated: August 21, 2016
Books ordered March 7, 2016 [OA3743187]

Class: STM 100 Tuesdays 6:30 PM9:00 PM

Office Hours in STM #212: Tuesdays 1:30 3:30 PM; Thursdays 3:155:00 PM, OR EASILY by appointment at
other times. Please contact the Service Center at 617-552-6501 to sign up for a slot on these days; OR e-mail the
professor at bretzke@bc.edu for other times outside of these slots. Please do not contact the professor directly for
an appointment during the regularly scheduled Office Hours, as the Service Center keeps this schedule and this
will only delay getting an appointment.

Rev. Bretzkes e-mail: bretzke@bc.edu

Office phone: 617-552-6514
Course Description and Requirements
This Graduate Level 1 course will consider several models and contextual issues of
fundamental Christian ethics in various parts of the world in order to map how cultures and their
respective ethoses intersect in the construction of ethical paradigms which in turn can both foster
and hinder cross-cultural respect and collaboration. Two historical novels set respectively in
Africa (Achebe) and Asia (Endo) will be read, along with works on cultural anthropology
(Douglas), fundamental moral theology (Bretzke), a methodological reflection on the American
ethical cultural tradition (Betsworth) and a work on theological inculturation in the African
context (Orobator). Additionally each student will be asked to read two (2) additional books:
one (1) in the field of theological and/or cultural anthropology AND also one (1) additional book
for discussion in the oral final exam. See the Recommended Readings section below for the
listing of these possibilities. Another book may be substituted for either (or both) of these
assignments with the prior permission of the professor.
All written assignments are described in detail on the relevant Assignment folder on
Canvas but are briefly summarized here: Students will be asked to do a bi-weekly private
Journal reflection shared just with the instructor (9 total for the semester); a 3-5 page
reflection paper on their own cultural ethos; a field visit either to an art museum to be used in a
report and cross-cultural reflection on cultural values are represented in art or a field visit and
participation in two different confessional worship services; a fifteen minute individual oral
final exam; and a final small group project which each student with between 1-3 other students
will do a comparative analysis of either an approach to fundamental ethics or a concrete ethical
issue from her or his native region with an approach from a different cultural model used by other
author(s) or co-presenter students. These final projects will either be presented in the last weeks
of the course OR posted in an online dossier (e.g. with Mediakron) onto Canvas. Examples of
each of these assignments will be presented in the first three weeks of the semester. Final project
with accompanying reflection is due December 12th.
An Important Note on the Use of Canvas for the Course:

Since all course communication, announcements, e-mail, electronic documents, assignments, etc.
will be handled using Canvas it is imperative that each student configure their e-mail address so
that Canvas-generated e-mails are automatically forwarded to whatever e-mail account is actually
used. Since announcements and course updates will be posted on the Course Content page
(which will be the first page seen when logging onto the Canvas course web-page) it is very
important that students consult this page at least once before each course meeting. If you
encounter technological issues in using Canvas please contact either the IT Help Desk or the
Canvas support staff at cms@bc.edu; please do not contact the instructor to resolve technical
issues as this will likely only delay solution of the problem. Online tutorials and support services
on the use of Canvas can be found at http://www.bc.edu/offices/cte/tools/canvas.html [link
verified January 2, 2016]. Students wishing to contact the Professor directly may do this through
Canvas or via e-mail sent to bretzke@bc.edu .
Learning Outcomes for Cross-Cultural Christian Ethics: By the end of the Course the Student
will be able to

Describe Catholic fundamental moral theology and articulate a general methodology and
specific approaches to address particular core concepts such as The Moral Person and
Moral Community; Conscience, Moral Norms and the Natural Law, Grace, Moral
Failure, Sin and Reconciliation.

Define, describe and/or apply in a theological context of Christian ethics the basic
concepts of cultural anthropology such as culture, acculturation, enculturation, ethos,
ethnocentrism, socialization, purity, taboo, globalization, and related concepts.

Articulate these core concepts in terms of models and paradigms in order to construct a
model of a theological framework of inculturation & ethics that is adaptable to differing
cultural contexts.

Articulate different ethical models and approaches found geographical cultural contexts
such as Asia, the Americas, and Africa in which Christian ethics engages in the processes
of inculturation.

Describe ways in which culture and cultural contexts intersect with core theological
concepts such as Christology, Evangelization, Missiology and Ecclesiology.

Successfully work with a small group of diverse students in outlining, constructing, and
presenting a project that is centered on a particular ethical theme or issue of contemporary
relevance in the area of cross-cultural ethics.

REQUIRED BOOKS to be read by all:

Achebe, Chinua. Things Fall Apart. New York: Anchor/Doubleday, 1959. ISBN
9780307743855 [A novel]

Betsworth, Roger G. Social Ethics: An Examination of American Moral Traditions. Louisville:

Westminster, John Knox Press, 1990. ISBN 0664250920
Bretzke, James T., S.J. A Morally Complex World: Engaging Contemporary Moral Theology.
Collegeville: Liturgical Press, 2004. ISBN 0814651585. [Selected chapters]
Endo, Shusaku. Silence. Translated by William Johnston. New York: Taplinger Publishing
Company, 1969. ISBN 0800871863 [A novel]
Orobator, Agbonkhianmeghe E., S.J. Theology Brewed In an African Pot. Maryknoll: Orbis
Books, 2008. ISBN 9781570757952.

Recommended Book Readings for Theological/Cultural Anthropology

Assignment: Choose ONE (1)
N.B. With the professors prior permission another work, not listed below, might be substituted
for this assignment.
Douglas, Mary. Natural Symbols: Explorations in Cosmology. With a new introduction. New
York: Routledge, 1996.
Douglas, Mary. Purity and Danger: An Analysis of Concept of Pollution and Taboo. With a
new preface by the author. London and New York: Routledge Classics, 1966, 2004.
ISBN 0415289955.
Geertz, Clifford. The Interpretation of Cultures. New York: Basic Books, 1973.
Tanner, Kathryn. Theories of culture: a new agenda for theology. Guides to theological inquiry.
Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1997.
Tweed, Thomas A. Crossing and Dwelling: A Theory of Religion. Cambridge: Harvard
University Press, 2006.

Recommended Book Readings for Final Exam: Choose ONE (1)

Each student must choose ONE [1] of these books to read and do an oral report on at the time of
the oral final exam). The book chosen may also be done in connection with the small
group project and will be discussed with other students who choose the same book.
Hogan, Linda. Keeping Faith with Human Rights. Washington, D.C.: Georgetown University
Press, 2015. ISBN 9781626162334.
Kristof, Nicholas, and WuDunn, Sheryl. Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for
Women Worldwide. New York: Random House Vintage Books, 2010. ISBN
9780307387097.
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Magesa, Laurenti. African Religion: The Moral Traditions of Abundant Life. Maryknoll: Orbis,
1997. ISBN 1570751056.
Moser, Antnio and Leers, Bernardino. Moral Theology: Dead Ends and Ways Forward.
Translated by Paul Burns. Wellwood: Burns & Oates; and Maryknoll: Orbis Books,
1990. Wipf & Stock Publishers, 2006. ISBN: 9781597529112.
Press, Eyal. Beautiful Souls: Saying No, Break Ranks, and Heeding the Voice of Conscience in
Dark Times. New York: Farrar. Straus and Giroux, 2012. ISBN 9780374143428.
Schreiter, Robert J. The New Catholicity: Theology between the Global and the Local.
Maryknoll: Orbis Books, 1997. ISBN 157075120X [apparently out of print, but still
available on Amazon]
Song, Choan-Seng. Theology from the Womb of Asia. Maryknoll: Orbis Books, 1986. Wipf &
Stock Publishers, 2005. ISBN: 9781597523028.

REQUIRED ARTICLES to be read by all (and available electronically):

Bretzke, James T., S.J. "Cultural Particularity, Inculturation, and the Challenge of the
Globalization of Ethics." Pacifica 9 (1996): 69-86.
. A New Pentecost for Moral Theology: The Challenge of Inculturation of Ethics.
Josephinum 10:2 (Summer/Fall 2003): 250-260.
. Through Thick And Thin: Teaching Ethics in a Cross-cultural Perspective Horizons 27
(Spring 2000): 63-80.
Kaveny, Cathleen. Introduction and Conclusion. In Id. A Culture of Engagement: Law,
Religion, and Morality, 1-20; 253-260. Moral Traditions Series. Washington, D.C.:
Georgetown University Press, 2016.
Massingale, Bryan N. What Is Racism? Chapter 1 in Id. Racial Justice and the Catholic
Church, 1-42. Maryknoll: Orbis Books, 2010.
McGowan, Jo. Hidden Behind Words: How Languages Reflect and Reinforce Social Biases.
Commonweal (9February 2015). Available on Canvas and at
https://www.commonwealmagazine.org/hidden-behind-words?
Rovane, Carol. Moral Dispute or Cultural Difference? New York Times 23 November 2015.
Available on Canvas and at
http://mobile.nytimes.com/blogs/opinionator/2015/11/23/moral-dispute-or-culturaldifference/?smid=fb-nytimes&smtyp=cur&_r=0&referer=http://m.facebook.com
4

Uwineza, Marcel, S.J. On Christian Hope: What makes it distinctive and credible? America
(4-11 April 2016). Available online at http://americamagazine.org/issue/christian-hope
(accessed March 28, 2016)
Uwineza, a Rwandan Jesuit and doctoral student in theology at Boston College, reflects
on the Christian response to that tragedy of genocide in light of the Christian virtue of
hope and the mandate of forgiveness.
NB:

Additional Regional Bibliography available from the Professor. Additional reading of

an article or chapter will be expected of each student during the last part of the course as
preparation for each week's student small group presentation(s).

Other Recommended Readings and/or other media:

Allen, John. Decoding what it means to say the Vatican has a gay lobby. Crux 15 January
2016. Found on Canvas and at http://www.cruxnow.com/church/2016/01/15/decodingwhat-it-means-to-say-the-vatican-has-a-gaylobby/?s_campaign=crux:rss?s_campaign=camp:email:ja
Brooks, David. When Beauty Strikes. New York Times 15 January 2016. Found at
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/15/opinion/when-beauty-strikes.html?ref=opinion
Diocese of Phoenixs video A Call to Battle: Societys Crisis in Masculinity Available on
Canvas and on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mDzNm7cylw
Donald Trump Campaign Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPRfP_TEQ-g
Boston College and/or School of Theology & Ministry Academic Policies
Attendance Policy:
Attendance is expected at all classes. If an absence is foreseen please contact the professor
before the class to be missed. If an absence is unforeseen (e.g., illness or emergency)
please contact the professor as soon as possible after the missed class. Absences (whether
foreseen or unforeseen) may result in lowering of the final grade. In accord with the
2015-16 STM-wide policy an absence rate of 25% or more will result in failure of the
course.
For Students with Disabilities:
If you have a disability and will be requesting accommodations for this course, please register
with either Kathy Duggan (Kathleen.duggan@bc.edu) Associate Director, Academic
Support Services, the Connors Family Learning Center (learning disabilities and ADHD)
or Paulette Durrett (paulette.durrett@bc.edu ), Assistant Dean for Students with
Disabilities (all other disabilities). Advance notice and appropriate documentation are
required for accommodations.
Academic Integrity Policy:
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Plagiarism is the act of taking the words, ideas, data, illustrations, or statements of another
person or source, and presenting them as ones own. Penalties at Boston College range
from a grade penalty to dismissal from the University. To avoid plagiarism, any use of
anothers words or ideas must be fully cited. If in the original wording, quotation marks
or blocked, indented quotations must be used. For more information regarding plagiarism
and other violations of academic integrity, please consult the STM website at
http://www.bc.edu/content/bc/schools/stm/acadprog/stmserv/acadpol.html .
The STM Writing Companions Corner (WCC) offers students one-on-one help with writing
research papers, exegeses, reflection papers, and other assignments frequently given by
STM faculty. Please watch STM News for more information on signing up for an
appointment in the WCC.
Inclusive Language Policy:
Language is not fixed or static, but is constantly evolving and changing as society's attitudes and
practices change. Be aware of the development of new forms of expression that endeavor
to describe persons in non-discriminatory ways that are appropriate, respectful and just. In
accordance with the Chicago Manual of Style and generally accepted contemporary
canons of scholarship, the expectation is to use bias neutral language in academic writing.
In addition to gender inclusive language, conscientious effort should be made to use
appropriate language with reference to race, ethnicity, disability, age, religion, social
status, etc.
STM School-Wide Grading Policy (adopted by the Faculty in the Fall 2012): based on the
Academic Policies of Boston College for Graduate Courses. All grading in this class is
reflective of these descriptions.
A

Work is exceptional in every respect. There is an active and sophisticated engagement with
all aspect of the course, demonstrated through careful analysis or creative treatment of the
ideas covered. Both class participation and written work indicate outstanding mastery of
content, originality of thought clearly expressed, and clarity in connecting course
concepts with ministerial and theological interests.

A-

Work is superior and above the average graduate level expectations. This involves
mastery of the course content, recognition of the big picture within which course
material is situated, and capacity to make cogent links with ones ministerial and
theological position. This level is reflected in the ability to express ones thoughts
effectively in writing and to contribute significantly to class conversation.

B+

Work is more than satisfactory at the graduate level. This involves mastery of the course
content and the ability to draw connections across course topics and with appropriate
theological and ministerial topics. Contribution to class conversation gives evidence of
both active listening and thoughtful participation. Written work is clear, focused and well
organized.

Work is clearly satisfactory at the graduate level. There is consistent engagement with, and
a basic mastery of, the course material with a good command of the various topics.

B-

Work is barely acceptable at the graduate level. This reflects a basic command of the
course material, an adequate articulation of the connections across content areas, and a
basic recognition of the implications for pastoral work.

Work is marginally acceptable at the graduate level. This is a basic mastery of most of the
course materials but not all. It represents that you have slipped below an acceptable level
of work in one or two areas.

Work is unsatisfactory and fails to meet the requirements of the course.

A note on Course Grading:

N.b. do NOT try to use the grades recorded in Canvas to compute your final grade.
Instead the final grade is based on these relative weights and assessed according to the general
criteria outlined immediately above.
20% Class participation, including attendance and active participation
10% Journal Reflections
10% Cultural Ethos Reflection Paper
15% Museum or Church Visit Field Project
15% Small Group Project & Presentation
10% Individual Reflection on Small Group Project
20% Oral Final Exam
TMCE 7011 CROSS-CULTURAL CHRISTIAN ETHICS
2016 Course Readings Schedule
Refer to the Course Readings for complete page numbers and bibliographical information on
these assigned readings.
FIRST WEEK: (August 30) Introduction to Cross-Cultural Ethics (no required reading
before the first class, but please do the Gangnam Style Exercise e-mailed to you)

Overview of Course Syllabus, Readings, and Learning Outcomes

Personal Introductions
Gangnam video Introductory Exercise [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bZkp7q19f0]
MIT Gangnam Style Video (view only after having watched the original Gangnam
video): http://video.mit.edu/watch/mit-gangnam-style-mit13320/

Recommended reading:
Brooks, David. When Beauty Strikes. New York Times 15 January 2016. Found on Canvas
and
at
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/15/opinion/when-beautystrikes.html?ref=opinion
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SECOND WEEK: (September 6): Theological Framework of Inculturation & Ethics

Terminology Overview from Cultural Anthropology & Theology of Inculturation

Introductory Multi-Media Power Point Presentation Cross-Cultural Perspectives
Setting up small groups for reading/discussion for the following class
Begin reading the chosen book in theological or cultural anthropology

Students will be divided into small groups responsible for leading the class discussion of these 4
readings, though everyone should read all readings
Bretzke, James T., S.J. "Cultural Particularity, Inculturation, and the Challenge of the
Globalization of Ethics." Pacifica 9 (1996): 69-86.
. A New Pentecost for Moral Theology: The Challenge of Inculturation of Ethics.
Josephinum 10:2 (Summer/Fall 2003): 250-260.
. Through Thick And Thin: Teaching Ethics in a Cross-cultural Perspective Horizons 27
(Spring 2000): 63-80.
McGowan, Jo. Hidden Behind Words
Watch & Review the Power Point Presentations: Introduction to Moral Theology Parts 1 & 2 on
Canvas
Part

One
of
Introduction
to
Moral
Methodology:
https://bc.hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=d1251b58-f539-4e4da1bc-d4b9c5ea2bb2

Part

Two
of
Introduction
to
Moral
Methodology:
https://bc.hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=6e0a87e7-03ad-471bb11b-2a15a195cb74

Complete & Bring to Class the Reflection Exercise on Using Contrasting Biblical Passages
on a Moral Issue based on the 5 Source Content Questions discussed in Chapter 1 of
Morally Complex World as well as in the Introduction to Moral Methodology Power
Point presentations. The file for the Exercise is found on Canvas in the Week 2
Assignments.
Optional Lecture Thursday September 8th: Archbishop Jos Gomez (Los Angeles) 2016 C21 Episcopal Visitor: Immigration, National Identity and Catholic Conscience 6 PM in
the Heights Room of Corcoran Commons
THIRD WEEK: (September 13): Cultural Anthropology

Review Introductory Power Point Presentations on Moral Methodology

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View Core Concepts in Cross-Cultural Perspectives Power Point Presentation found on

Canvas and at https://bc.hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=3ad8198b4474-45e6-8250-dbd4da069a1d
Small group preparation, followed by guided discussion.
Cross-cultural ethical case study analysis and discussion
Continue reading the chosen book in theological or cultural anthropology

Bretzke, Introduction and Chapter 1, Mapping a Moral Methodology in A Morally Complex

World: Engaging Contemporary Moral Theology, pp. 1-41.
Massingale, Bryan. What Is Racism? Chapter 1 in Id. Racial Justice and the Catholic Church,
1-42.
Rovane, Carol. Moral Dispute or Cultural Difference? New York Times 23 November 2015.
Available on Canvas and at
http://mobile.nytimes.com/blogs/opinionator/2015/11/23/moral-dispute-or-culturaldifference/?smid=fb-nytimes&smtyp=cur&_r=0&referer=http://m.facebook.com
Private Journal #1 entry due by class-time.
Recommended Reading:
Allen, John. Decoding what it means to say the Vatican has a gay lobby. Crux 15 January
2016. Found on Canvas and at http://www.cruxnow.com/church/2016/01/15/decodingwhat-it-means-to-say-the-vatican-has-a-gaylobby/?s_campaign=crux:rss?s_campaign=camp:email:ja
FOURTH WEEK: (September 20): Ethics in the United States I
Betsworth, Chapters 1-3 in Social Ethics: An Examination of American Moral Traditions, pp.
11-80.
Bretzke, Chapter 2, Natural Law & Moral Norms, in A Morally Complex World: Engaging
Contemporary Moral Theology, pp. 43-78.
Recommended viewing
(to accompany the Natural Law chapter) Natural Law and Intrinsic Evil available as one file
online without narration) https://www2.bc.edu/james-bretzke/NaturalLawAndIntrinsicEvil.ppsx
OR
Part One: Natural Law & Intrinsic Evil Power Point Presentation (with narration):
https://bc.hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=4393ebca-ce6d-4a6a-b34556753b4464ea

Part Two: Natural Law & Intrinsic Evil Power Point Presentation (with narration):
https://bc.hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=2c976c4b-6cad-46b0-b4aef72ded89a433
Part Three: Natural Law & Intrinsic Evil Power Point Presentation (with narration):
https://bc.hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=994ea429-40be-4372-9068fc9a9dc71af7
Private Journal entry #2 due by class-time.
Recommended Reading & Viewing as cultural exemplars of certain fundamental values & root
paradigms in the American ethos
Read New York Times January 18, 2016 Op-Ed The Gospel according to Trump found on
Canvas and at http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/18/opinion/campaign-stops/the-gospelaccording-to-trump.html?ref=opinion
View Donald Trumps Campaign Video based on his Make America Great Again theme:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPRfP_TEQ-g
FIFTH WEEK: (September 27): Ethics in the United States II
Betsworth, Chapters 4-6 in Social Ethics: An Examination of American Moral Traditions, pp. 81187.
Bretzke, Chapter 3, Scripture & Ethics, in A Morally Complex World: Engaging Contemporary
Moral Theology, pp. 79-108.
Kaveny, Cathleen. Introduction. In Id. A Culture of Engagement: Law, Religion, and
Morality, 1-20. Moral Traditions Series. Washington, D.C.: Georgetown University
Press, 2016.
Private Journal entry #3 due by class-time.
Upload to either the Assignments folder OR the Discussion Board OR bring to class an exemplar
of your cultures expression of a Love Symbol.
Recommended:
View and reflect on the cultural fundamental values & root paradigms discernible in the
Diocese of Phoenixs video A Call to Battle: Societys Crisis in Masculinity Available on
Canvas and on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mDzNm7cylw
Decoding 1 Corinthians 6:9
https://www2.bc.edu/james-bretzke/Decoding1Corinthians6.ppsx

SIXTH WEEK: (October 4): Conscience and Cultural Anthropology

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Bretzke, Chapter 4, Sanctuary of Conscience, in A Morally Complex World: Engaging

Contemporary Moral Theology, pp. 109-144.
Finish reading the chosen book in theological or cultural anthropology
Optional Viewing:
Catholic Moral Theology of Conscience Power Point
https://www2.bc.edu/james-bretzke/CatholicMoralTheologyOfConscience.ppsx
Optional viewing to accompany Chapter 4:
Part 1: Catholic Moral Theology of Conscience (with
narration): https://bc.hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=16eda0804028-4e18-b92d-d0b30e49b400
Part 2: Catholic Moral Theology of Conscience (with
narration): https://bc.hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=b70e7cef6029-4127-8d23-10667cc2cf03
Part 3: Catholic Moral Theology of Conscience (with
narration): https://bc.hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=3d4bf171041a-45d2-a0c2-ddf87a85044c
Part 4: Catholic Moral Theology of Conscience (with
narration): https://bc.hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=18e0a150ef69-40dc-922e-f11e60af7716
SEVENTH WEEK: (October 11): Ethics in Asia, Missiology, Christology & Ecclesiology I
Endo, Shusaku. Silence (whole book, including the Appendix)
**3-5 page paper due on personal cultural ethos reflection sources due by class-time; these
might be shared in small group discussions if the individual student is willing.
EIGHTH WEEK: (October 18) Missiology, Christology & Ecclesiology
Viewing and Discussion of 1986 Mission
Finalization of small groups for the purposes of the project presentation and initial prcis of the
groups proposed presentation is to be submitted by Tuesday October 24th to the professor.
Museum of Church Field Visit Cross-Cultural Project due by Class-Time on October 18th
No Journal Entry this week due to Cross-Cultural Project assignment due
NINTH WEEK: (October 25): Theological Inculturation in the African Context I
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Read: Achebe, Chinua. Things Fall Apart (whole book)

Private Journal entry #4 due by class-time.
TENTH WEEK: (November 1): Theological Inculturation in the African Context II
Bretzke, Chapter 5, Modes of Moral Discourse, in A Morally Complex World: Engaging
Contemporary Moral Theology, 145-168.
Orobator, Agbonkhianmeghe E., S.J. Theology Brewed In an African Pot, (whole book)
Private Journal entry #5 due by normal class-time on November 1st.
ELEVENTH WEEK: (November 8): Cultural Notions of Sin, Forgiveness & Moral Failure
Bretzke, Chapters 6 & 7, Navigating in a Morally Complex World, and Sin and Failure in A
Morally Complex World: Engaging Contemporary Moral Theology, pp. 169-208.
Uwineza, Marcel, S.J. On Christian Hope: What makes it distinctive and credible? America
(4-11 April 2016). Available online at http://americamagazine.org/issue/christian-hope
(accessed March 28, 2016)
Uwineza, a Rwandan Jesuit and doctoral student in theology at Boston College, reflects
on the Christian response to that tragedy of genocide in light of the Christian virtue of
hope and the mandate of forgiveness.
View outside of class time Hope for Healing: Ambassadors of Reconciliation in Confronting
Sin and Moral Failure. Boston College School of Theology & Ministry (17 March
2011),
Presentation
available
online
at
http://www.bc.edu/content/bc/schools/stm/edevnts/CampusEvents/PastLectures/2011/0201-2011_2.html
In-class viewing selections of Helen Whitneys PBS 2011 Documentary Forgiveness: A Time to
Love and a Time to Hate http://www.helenwhitney.com/
Journal entry #6 due by class time.
TWELFTH THROUGH FOURTEENTH WEEKS: November 15, 22, 29
Small Group Presentations. Each group presentation will give a brief reading or similar
preparatory exercise to be done in advance of the presentation by the rest of the
class (so count on some extra short readings these last three weeks which are not
listed in the Course Syllabus).

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Private Journal entry due by class-time each week of November 15 and 22 (and if appropriate
please comment on the weeks Small Group presentation).
FIFTEENTH WEEK: (December 6) Summary & Evaluation
Final Journal Entry due by class time.
Individual Oral Exams Scheduled Week of December 6-13.. The oral exam will include
(but not be limited to) discussion of the Recommended Reading book chosen by the
individual student (Hogan, Kristof/Wudunn, Magesa, Moser/Leers, Press, Schreiter, or
Song). Final Projects due on Monday December 12th
Read Kaveny, Cathleen. Introduction and Conclusion. In Id. A Culture of Engagement: Law,
Religion, and Morality, 1-20; 253-260. Moral Traditions Series. Washington, D.C.:
Georgetown University Press, 2016.

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