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Syllabi   
Title: Discernment and Christian Decision Making   
Author: Marian Diaz
Synopsis: This course introduces participants to the teachings on discernment found within the Christian tradition. The topic of discernment will be considered both as a way of life and as a specific process for vocational decision-making. Participants will apply discernment principles in differing contexts through course assignments and class activities such as discussion of case studies and reflection on personal experiences.
  Sections

   Learning Objectives
   Required Readings
   Course Content and Method
   Course Schedule
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Learning Objectives
-- Be able to receive and critique the accepted wisdom provided in the theological treatment of discernment throughout Judeo-Christian history.
-- Deepen understanding of the holistic, contextual and societal implications of discernment.
-- Gain familiarity and practice with the skill(s) of discernment.
-- Become acquainted with communal approaches to discernment.


Required Readings
-- Farrington, Debra K. Hearing with the Heart: A Gentle Guide to Discerning God’s Will for Your Life (San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, 2003.)
-- Brackley, Dean, The Call to Discernment in Troubled Times: New Perspectives on the Transformative Wisdom of Ignatius of Loyola (New York: Crossroad, 2004.)
-- Merton, Thomas, Seeds, (Boston, MA: Shambhala, 2002.)
-- Jim Wallis, God’s Politics, (San Francisco, CA: Harper, 2005.)
-- Access to a Bible
-- Other selected readings


Course Content and Method
The teaching method of each day of class will be guided by three approaches: 1.) a critical reading of the sources supported by class lecture and discussion, 2.) participation in practical experiences that engage and embody the theory and 3.) personal reflection that helps you translate the material into your daily lives.

Class attendance and participation is integral to the success of the class. Practical skills will be learned through in-class activities. Topics and guidelines for the final project and presentation will be discussed in class and decided upon in conjunction with the instructor. A final exam based on the course readings will be given at the end of the semester. Class assignments will be due on Day 6 for each cycle.

The course will have links to the syllabus, readings, audio tapes of the class meetings, web-links and readings on WebCT. Please check it regularly. You are responsible for updates and class changes sent via e-mail as well. If you have to miss a class you will be required to listen to the class on-line.



Course Schedule

Cycle One: Personal Reflection Assignment
Tuesday, Aug 29: Course Introduction

Thursday, Aug. 31: Farrington, Chapter One

Monday, September 4: Farrington, Chapter Two

Cycle Two: Hebrew Scriptures Assignment
Wednesday, September 6: Farrington, Chapters Three and Four – Selections from the Hebrew Scriptures

Friday, September 8: Farrington, Chapters Five and Six; Selections from the Hebrew Scriptures

Tuesday, September 12: Wallis, Part One - Selections from the Hebrew Scriptures

Cycle Three: New Testament Assignment
Thursday, September 14: Wallis, Part Two – Selections from the New Testament

Monday, September 18: Wallis, Part Three OR Four OR Five – Selections from the New Testament

Wednesday, September 20: Wallis, Part Six – Selections from the New Testament

Cycle Four: Early Church/Monastic Assignment
Friday, September 22: Excerpts from the early church

Tuesday, September 26: Excerpts from early church documents

Thursday, September 28: Rule of Benedict

Cycle Five: Monastic Assignment (Rule of Benedict)
Tuesday, October 3: Rule of Benedict

Monday, October 9: Excerpts from Augustine and Cappadocians

Wednesday, October 11: Excerpts from Sts. Francis and Clare

Cycle Six: Film Assignment / Web-site Assignment
Friday, October 13: Excerpts from Thomas Aquinas

Tuesday, October 17: Excerpts from Theresa of Avila, John of the Cross

Thursday, October 19: Farrington, Chapter 7, excerpts from Ignatius of Loyola

Cycle Seven: Film Assignment / Web-site Assignment
Monday, October 23: Case Studies

Wednesday, October 25: Merton, Part One

Friday, October 27: Merton, Part Two

Cycle Eight: Spirituality Assignment
Tuesday, October 31: Merton, Part Three to page 99

Thursday, November 2: Merton, Part Three to page 126

Monday, November 6: Merton, Part Four

Cycle Nine: Brackley Assignment – 1
Wednesday, November 8: Case Studies

Friday, November 10: Brackley, “Getting Free”

Tuesday, November 14: Brackley, “Something Worth Living For”

Cycle Ten: Brackley Assignment - 2
Thursday, November 16: Brackley, “Discerning and Deciding”

Monday, November 20: Brackley, “Passion and Compassion”

Monday, November 27: Brackley, “Resurrection”

Cycle Eleven: Final Project Planning Assignment
Wednesday, November 29: Brackley, “Prayer”

Friday, December 1: Personal Reading List

Tuesday, December 5: Personal Reading List

Cycle Twelve: Final Project and Presentations
Thursday, December 7: Student Provided Readings

Monday, December 11: Student Provided Readings

Wednesday, December 13: Student Provided Readings


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