RELI490 - Spirituality and Ethics: Transformative Christian Practices from Confession to Meditation

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Academic Year 2005/2006

Spirituality and Ethics: Transformative Christian Practices from Confession to Meditation
RELI 490 SP

This course explores historic and contemporary spiritual practices--meditation, prayer, fasting--and their role in shaping ideas, attitudes and values of individuals and communities. From a philosophical and critical perspective, we will examine the background (Stoics, Epicureans), the early and Medieval Christian forms (Augustine, Ignatius), and contemporary philosophic and Christian forms (Iris Murdoch, Annie Dillar, Simone Weil) of spirituality as they relate to ethical understanding. Feminist, African American, and evangelical forms of religious piety will also be covered.

MAJOR READINGS

St. Augustine, CONFESSIONS
Ignatius of Loyola, SPIRITUAL EXERCISES
Theresa of Avila, THE LIFE OF SAINT THERESA OF AVILA BY HERSELF
Iris Murdoch, THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOOD
Simone Weil, WAITING FOR GOD
Annie Dillard, PILGRIM AT TINKER CREEK
Richard Foster, THE CELEBRATION OF DISCIPLINE

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Two 5-page book reviews, One 15-page research paper

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

Weekly attendance, reading, and participation in discussion is required.

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture/Discussion

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD Credit: 1 Gen Ed Area Dept: HA RELI Grading Mode: Graded

Prerequisites: NONE

SECTION 01

Instructor(s): Gehman,Heidi Marlene

Times: ...W... 01:10PM-04:00PM; Location: BTFDA414;

Reserved Seats: (Total Limit: 20)

SR. major: 4 Jr. major: 4

SR. non-major: 3 Jr. non-major: 3 SO: 3 FR: 3

Special Attributes:

Curricular Renewal: Ethical Reasoning, Writing

Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-30-2006