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 * Theology: Christian Themes in Literature, An Independent Study **


 * Note ** : //There will be times when we do not meet. Do follow the syllabus to keep up with your work. We may explore an Ethics Luncheon from time to time to catch up.//


 * Type ** : Semester Course: Spring Term 2012
 * Meetings: ** Wednesdays, 9:15 – 9:55
 * Wiki Site: http://christianthemesinliterature.wikispaces.com/ **
 * Teacher ** : Mr. Grossman ggrossman@woodlandsacademy.org
 * Level ** : n/a


 * EMAIL ** :
 * Mr. Grossman ** ggrossman@woodlandsacademy.org
 * Lizzie: **
 * Jennifer: **
 * Breanna: **
 * Eleanor: **

// A Good Man is Hard to Find and Other Stories, // Flanner O’Connor Harvest/HBJ Book (Hartcourt Brace Jovanovich) ISBN 0-15-636465-4
 * Texts ** :

// The Diary of a Country Priest, // Georges Bernanos Da Capo (Perseus Books Group) ISBN 13-978-0-78670-961-8

// Washington Square // Henry James Penguin/Signet Classics ISBN 0-451-52871-9

A. The purpose of this course is to introduce the student to the major Christian/Catholic theological themes that manifest themselves in literature.
 * __ Goals and Objectives: __**

B. Students will have a working knowledge of the major Christian themes and how they surface in some modern literature. These themes include sin, redemption, suffering, incarnation, mystery, truth, grace, love, compassion, the world as sacramental, death, and resurrection. Students will also examine the concept of disbelief. In the end, students will be able to articulate clearly what defines a Christian/Catholic influence in literature..


 * Grading Rubrics: **

Class Participation will be a part of the grade.
 * Class Meetings: ** We will meet once each week for discussion about our readings.


 * ASSIGNMENTS ** :


 * __ Reading __ assignments must be completed in time for Wednesday discussions.
 * __ Discussions __ are due, on line, by 10:00 PM on Sundays.
 * __ Written Assignments __ are due via email, by 10:00 PM on Mondays.
 * __ Journal Entries __ are due, on line, by 10:00 PM on Sundays.


 * Discussions (DIS #): ** You will check the Christianthemesinliterature Wiki Page to read and respond to the on-line discussions. The second writer should respond to something that the first writer introduces.

__ When you write on line, preface your comments with your initials and choose your own color from the color palate! e.g., __ GG: This is a great idea

On Line Discussions will be identified as **__DIS 1__.** On-Line Discussions will count 35% of your grade.


 * Written Assignments (WRI #): ** You will be responsible to write 1 - 2 reflection papers each week. These assignments be emailed to me, c/o: ggrossman@woodlandsacademy.org. Your work will be corrected electronically (MS Word) and emailed back to you.

Each written assignment should have the following "**__header__**" typed on the right side of the paper. I will give you an example for me (GG):


 * WRI 1 GG **

WRI + # of the assignment + your initials.

Writing Assignments are identified as such, **WRI 1** Written Assignments will count 35% of your grade.

Written Assignments will count 10% of your grade.
 * Journal Writings (JOU #): ** You will also write a weekly journal entry (on line) with is personal.


 * Final Examination: ** will count 20% of your grade.


 * Grading Scale: **


 * A || 95 - 100 ||
 * A- || 93 - 95 ||
 * B+ || 90 - 92 ||
 * B || 87 - 89 ||
 * B- || 85 - 86 ||
 * C+ || 83 - 84 ||
 * C || 80 - 82 ||
 * C- || 78 - 79 ||
 * D+ || 76 - 77 ||
 * D || 73 - 75 ||
 * D- || 70 - 72 ||
 * F || 0 - 69 ||

1. Read all assignments carefully. 2. Write with clarity and persuasion and, of course, with accuracy. 3. Ask those hard and challenging questions of me and of one another.
 * __ Expectations: __**

The onus will be on you to keep pace with the course and check this website regularly.
 * __ On-Line Discussions: __**

After our first meeting, I will ask you to give me your email addresses (you have a WA account, too), so I may invite you to join this site. Once you accept, I will give you full editing privileges so you can comment on line. For each of your entries, please initial your comments prior to writing, e.g. **GG = Gerald Grossman.**

To begin your writing, you must first select EDIT

.

You will see your screen change, so you know you are able to write rather than read. Remember to hit SAVE

after you write, or else your work will be lost (I know from experience).

'Discussions will be numbered, e.g. Discussion 1, and will be duly noted on the syllabus page, too.


 * Assignments/Syllabus: **

We will have a syllabus page, e.g. January and February Assignments, that will outline all assignments for the month with a "best guess" estimate of what will make sense as the month unfolds. If there are changes, and there will be changes, to the monthly assignment/syllabus page, you will be notified in advance. No surprises!