Modern Christian Thought

Winthrop graduates think critically and solve problems. Winthrop University graduates reason logically, evaluate and use evidence, and solve problems. They seek out and assess relevant information from multiple viewpoints to form well-reasoned conclusions. Winthrop graduates consider the full context and consequences of their decisions and continually reexamine their own critical thinking process, including the strengths and weaknesses of their arguments.

By recognizing the variety of fundamental approaches of Christian thinking to understanding our world and our place in it, the students will gain skills in critical problem solving.

Winthrop graduates are personally and socially responsible. Winthrop University graduates value integrity, perceive moral dimensions, and achieve excellence. They take seriously the perspectives of others, practice ethical reasoning, and reflect on experiences. Winthrop graduates have a sense of responsibility to the broader community and contribute to the greater good.

As students wrestle with the way in which Christian thought is related to ethics, morality and social justice through class lectures, discussions and journals, the students will reflect on their own approach to personal and social responsibility.

Winthrop graduates understand the interconnected nature of the world and the time in which they live. Winthrop University graduates comprehend the historical, social, and global contexts of their disciplines and their lives. They also recognize how their chosen area of study is inextricably linked to other fields. Winthrop graduates collaborate with members of diverse academic, professional, and cultural communities as informed and engaged citizens.

As the students learn to relate the history of the last 1,000 years of Christian reflection on faith and experience, they will understand better the diversity of the Christian tradition and its place today in relation to our broader world.

Winthrop graduates communicate effectively. Winthrop University graduates communicate in a manner appropriate to the subject, occasion, and audience. They create texts – including but not limited to written, oral, and visual presentations – that convey content effectively. Mindful of their voice and the impact of their communication, Winthrop graduates successfully express and exchange ideas.

Week by week in individual presentations and periodically through writing and exam assignments, the students will expand their ability to communicate effectively.

Each student is expected to complete the week’s readings ahead of class and to participate actively in activities and discussions.

will be given at unscheduled times without advanced notice. They may not be made up.

Students will submit 7 journal reflections on their reading. The rubrics for these assignments indicate that 250-300 words is an expected minimum. A part of the assignment for the reflection is to be present for the discussion on the topic. These will be submitted through a GoogleForm. The link and directions will be provided in BlackBoard. The rubric for the journals is as follows:

• An A reflection will demonstrate an awareness of the complexities of the assigned reading, making connections with the students’ own experience and prior education. It will generally be between 250 & 350 words in length. A response is given to all of the prompts. The student is present for the following class and contributes to the discussion about the reading.
• A B reflection will demonstrate that the student read the material with accuracy and with some insight, but not making deeper connections. Perhaps not all the questions were answered. The student may not have contributed to the discussion in class.
• A C reflection gives a cursory, if accurate, response to the readings. The student responded to the journal but was absent from class for the discussion.

The exams will cover the readings, and the topics covered in class. The final will be cumulative.

There will be three occasions when the students will either write a short reflection papers or they will prepare to be part of a discussion panel. The discussion will be an imaginative recreation of a conversation among the major Christian thinkers of that age. Further directions will be given. The papers will be relatively short, responding to a prompt given by the instructor. Rubrics will be provided in Black Board. A paper turned in within 24 hours of the due date will lose one letter grade. If a paper is turned in more than 24 hours after the due date, it will not be graded.

• Writing assignments will be submitted through the class BlackBoard site. No papers will be accepted through email except by special permission granted prior to the submission date & time.
• Late assignments will not be accepted except by special permission granted prior to the submission date & time.
• No late submissions of the regular reading reflections submitted through Google Forms ® will be accepted. The purpose of the assignment is to prepare for class discussions following the readings.

University policy states that you will not receive credit for the course if you miss more than 25% of the class. This class has a stricter requirement. For this class, any classes missed beyond five (5) will reduce your grade. Please note that there are no automatically excused absences. The student is responsible for contacting the instructor in case of sickness, emergencies, sports travel and other engagements that require an absence. Note also that it is the student’s responsibility to make up for any missed work due to absences. Of course missed conversations and presentations are nearly impossible to make up so it is important to keep absences to a minimum. If you have a difficulty that might lead to excessive absence, the student should contact the instructor as soon as possible.

“During the course of normal exams no one will be allowed to leave the room. Anyone who does choose to leave will turn in their exam and will not be allowed to resume.”

Please note that there are no automatically excused absences. The student is responsible for contacting the instructor in case of sickness, emergencies, sports travel and other engagements that require an absence. Note also that it is the student’s responsibility to make up for any missed work due to absences. Of course missed conversations and presentations are nearly impossible to make up so it is important to keep absences to a minimum. If you have a difficulty that might lead to excessive absence, the student should contact the instructor as soon as possible.

There will be no makeup for the occasional quizzes and assignments.

You are responsible for all course material and requirements.

Three tardies count as one absence.

Regardless of sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, religion, age and ability, you will be treated and respected as a human being. Your continued presence in this course signals your commitment to act likewise toward your peers and your instructors.

Students are expected to cultivate personal and academic integrity. Review the student code of conduct for university polices on academic misconduct. Academic misconduct will not be tolerated and will result in a failing grade on the assignment and/or in the course. The full handbook is available online at: http://www2.winthrop.edu/studentaffairs/handbook/StudentHandbook.pdf.

Plagiarism is the use of someone else’s thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in “Works Cited”)–whether you use that material in a quotation, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not. It is also a violation of the Student Conduct Code (http://www.winthrop.edu/studentaffairs/Judicial/judcode.htm). Plagiarism will result in failure on that assignment. Especially serious cases or second offences can result in failure in the course.

Cell phones normally have no use in this class and when they are being used in class they reflect disrespect for students and instructors – a violation of the point above about our expectation of respect. Phones should be on silent and kept in your book bag or purse throughout class time unless otherwise instructed. Except with permission, texting or responding to email will result in a “0” for participation for the day. If a cell phone is in evidence during class hours, the owner of the phone will be marked absent for the day. There may or may not be a warning. If it is a quiz day, their quiz will be marked 0 (zero). If a student responds to text messages or email during class they will receive a “0” for the day’s participation.

(Note if you have some educational, health, or physical reason for an electronic device you must work with your instructor to inform him of the accommodation.)

There are clear uses for computers in the classroom, including; taking notes, reading digital textbooks, looking for reference information, etc. Equally clearly, computers provide easy distraction from the responsibilities we all bring to the classroom, including; checking email, browsing on Facebook®, etc., etc. These devices are allowed in my classroom, but any evidence of using them for anything other than clear classroom work will result in an assignment of “0” for the day’s participation grade.

Except as noted above my policy follows that of the division of Arts and Sciences found at http://www.winthrop.edu/uploadedFiles/artscience/PolicyForHandHeldTech-April2014.pdf.

Any questions concerning grading of assignments or other matters must be resolved within one week after the assignment is returned and graded.

N.B. that you are expected to have your textbook in class every day. If you do not have the textbook obviously available in class, your participation grade for the day will reflect a “0”.

I know that I do make mistakes and overlook things that I shouldn’t. It’s probably true of some of you as well. If you don’t understand a grade or comment, please ask me. If you think that a grade is in error and you would like it corrected, you must put your request and justification in writing. Under no circumstances will a grade be lowered because clarification was requested. No grades will be changed, however, without documentation.

Participation and engagement are essential elements in the RELG 101 classroom. You should seek to demonstrate your intellectual curiosity through demonstrated knowledge of the reading assignments, thoughtful reflection of the topics, contribution of insightful ideas and consideration of your classmates’ perspectives. Consider the following:

• Do you arrive at class on time, each class period, with a positive, open attitude?
• Did you critically read the material? Are there markings, highlights, and questions written in your book? Have you completed your reading journals?
• Have you thoughtfully considered the readings prior to arriving in class?
• Can you answer questions about the current readings and connect these ideas with previous readings in the class?
• Do you ask good questions? Do you listen to your peers?
• Are your questions and comments deep and related to the reading, or shallow and random?
• Are you willing to challenge your thoughts and opinions and those of others in a respectful, open manner? Are you willing to consider “what if I am wrong?”
• Disagreement is a basic element of a democratic society. Diverse perspectives are appreciated and encouraged. You are expected to show respect to your instructor and your peers. Students should work to create a classroom community where all perspectives are heard and appreciated. This classroom is a safe environment in which regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, natural origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability, you will be treated with respect.

provides support for all students in all Winthrop classes free of charge. It is located in 242 Bancroft (ext. 2138). Check its web page for current hours (http://www.winthrop.edu/wcenter).

Winthrop University is dedicated to providing access to education. If you have a disability and require specific accommodations to complete this course, contact Services for Students with Disabilities at 323-3290. Once you have your official notice of accommodations from Services for Students with Disabilities, please inform me as early as possible in the semester.

is a free resource for all undergraduate students seeking to perform their best academically. The ASC offers a variety of personalized and structured resources – including for RELG 101 – that help students achieve academic excellence. These resources includes things such as tutoring, academic skill development (test taking strategies, time management counseling, and study techniques), and group/individual study spaces. The ASC is located on the first floor of Dinkins, Suite 106. Tutoring for RELG 101 is offered through the office. If you wish to request a tutor, you must attend ONE Tutee Seminar during the academic year, offered every Friday until midterms. Please contact the ASC at 803-323-3929 or success@winthrop.edu if you have any questions. For more information on ASC services, please visit www.winthrop.edu/success.