Fairfield Prep

Social Ethics
2009-2010

Instructor
Mr. Sacerdote

Course Objectives

To introduce the student to the great ethical traditions and thinkers of history and
the various understandings of the nature of the universe and humankind which
characterize them.

To facilitate a Christian service field experience for the student thus enabling him
to make a genuine contribution to the good of others different (physically, intellectually,
socio-economically) from him and to provide an opportunity for reflection upon this
experience.

To facilitate for the student a consideration of the nature, extent and impact of
modern social problems (poverty, hunger, sexism, racism, war and peace, ecology)
which impact the world he lives in and shape his response to it as a citizen and as a
Christian.

Methodology

Each class will meet five out of seven days per cycle for large group instruction;
on four of these days instruction will be teacher based, on the fifth day it will be student
based. Each half class will meet once per cycle as a reflection group. Each student will
spend approximately two hours per week in service to the approved agency of his
choice.

A variety of approaches to the material will be employed including technology

based instruction, lecture, large group discussion, small group discussion, student
presentations and guest speakers.

Textbooks

Carnes, Jim. Us and Them: A History of Intolerance in America.

Teaching Tolerance, 1995.

Haberman, David and Stevenson, Leslie. Ten Theories of Human Nature,

Third Edition. New York: Oxford University Press, 1998.

Thompson, J. Milburn. Justice and Peace: A Christian Primer. New

York: Orbis Books, 1997.

Grading System

Grades will be determined by averages in the following grading categories:

Quizzes ………………………………………………..25%
Reflection Papers…………………………………….25%
Other Prepared Assignments……………………….25%
The Quarter Project………………………………….25%

Two ongoing extra credit class projects will also be included in the grades of students
who choose to participate in them.
Homework Policy

There will be a reading and/or writing assignment nightly. All reading should be
done as if in preparation for a quiz (announced or unannounced).

Make-Up Policy

Students should see the instructor immediately upon return to class following an
absence in order to arrange for missed assignments to be made up.

General Expectations

It is expected that all students will be prepared for class daily; pens, notebooks
and appropriate books present.

It is expected that an atmosphere of respect for each other and the learning
process will prevail at all times.

Course Outline
Semester One

Cycle of . . . Reading/Writing Assignments

In Class Activity

August 28 Seating Plan, Introductions, Review of Syllabus

Orientation to Senior Service Projects
Read Service Handbook and complete
Online Assessment
Read Introduction to Ten Theories and complete
Online Assessment
Simple Living: Challenge 1
Day 5 Student Presentations (Kevin Fabbri)
Reflection Question One

September 8 Complete Betrayal of Work Study Guide and

Online Assessment
Lecture/Discussion: “What is Social Ethics”?
Read Justice and Peace, pp. 186-194 and
Complete Online Assessment
Simple Living Challenge 2
Day 5 Student Presentations
Reflection Question Two