Ethics

American theology and ethics, to increase understanding of American society from the perspective of black religious thought, and to introduce students to a set of problems specific to the discourse. Six credits. Prof. Todd

TH.200 INTRODUCTION TO CHRISTIAN ETHICS This course serves as an introduction to basic themes, concepts, and methodologies of Christian ethics, understood as Christian reflection on the sources, norms, practices, and ends of human (moral) life. Among topics addressed are: natural law, virtue theory, liberationist ethics, and Christian feminist ethics. Objectives of the course are to gain a clear understanding of our moral commitments, to assist in developing a basic vocabulary in moral theory and theology, and to introduce students to a number of approaches to Christian moral discernment. Six credits. Prof. Todd

TH.206 BIOMEDICAL ETHICS This course focuses upon issues in biomedical ethics especially pertinent to Christian pastors, chaplains, and counselors. Special attention is given to beginning- and end-of-life issues (e.g., genetic screening, abortion, euthanasia), issues in animal (including human) experimentation, transhumanism, and issues related to distribution of scarce resources and access to health care. Students gain familiarity with the four-fold focus on the principles of autonomy, nonmaleficence, beneficence, and justice that inform contemporary Western biomedical ethics and legal theory as well as the distinctive principles invoked by various Christian confessions. Six credits. Prof. Greenway

TH.208 ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS This course focuses on issues in environmental ethics from a Christian perspective. Issues that may be considered include climate change, distribution and accessibility of potable water, preservation of habitat, valuing and treatment of non-human animals, endangered species, genetic engineering, environmental racism, population, conservation, wilderness, as well as the use, preservation, and distribution of limited resources. The course attends both to major contemporary secular ethical and legal approaches to issues and to major Christian ethical approaches. Six credits. Prof. Greenway

TH.235 SPECIAL TOPICS This course explores a select topic of timely interest or controversy in theology, history, ethics, philosophy, or religion. Students engage the topic through critical reading, discussion, and writing. Six credits. Faculty

TH.275 THE THEOLOGICAL ETHICS OF MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. This seminar examines the theology and ethics of Martin Luther King Jr. Students engage in the constructive task of formulating the theological social ethics of this pastor-theologian. Special attention is given to figures who influenced King’s thought and King’s legacy in contemporary thinking and public witness. Topics include: strategies of social change, the social gospel, Christian Realism, philosophy and theology of nonviolence, personhood, social justice, love, and the beloved community. Six credits. Prof. Todd

TH.296 MORAL ISSUES The goals of this course are to familiarize students with the various elements of analysis in Christian ethics and to use these to study particular moral issues. Issues considered may include: ecojustice, abortion, racism, gender and sexuality, immigration, economic justice, and capital punishment. Six credits. Prof. Todd

TH.309 RELIGION AND AMERICAN PUBLIC LIFE This course offers an introduction to American public theology. Special attention is