CHRTC 351: HUMAN SEXUALITY AND MARRIAGE: CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVES (A1, MWF 1100-1150 Sep.-Dec. 2003)
Instructor: Dr. Paul Flaman, BA, STB., STL., STD.
Office: St. Joseph's College, # 146; tel. (780) 492-7681 ext 228;
e-mail: pflaman@ualberta.ca home page: http://www.ualberta.ca/~pflaman
Availability Outside Class: You can e-mail me or telephone me (leave a message if I am not in)
anytime. I will get back to you as soon as possible. You are welcome to meet with me anytime that
is convenient for both you and me.
Course Description (from University of Alberta Calendar): Questions of meaning and morality concerning human sexuality and marriage, including love, non-marital sex, divorce, parenthood and gender roles. These will be considered in light of human experience, Scripture, Christian tradition, Catholic Church teaching and contemporary theological discussion.
SPECIFIC COURSE TOPICS / ISSUES:
A. Love (infatuation, sexual attraction, romance, friendship, conjugal love, Christian love; the biological, psychological, moral and spiritual dimensions of human persons, male and female).
B. New Christian Movements Regarding Sex, Marriage and the Family.
C. Sexual Pleasure and Values.
D. Formation of Conscience.
E. Biblical Perspectives on Sex, Marriage and Love.
F. Christian Traditions (Catholic and non-Catholic) on Sex and Marriage; Ecumenism.
G. A Contemporary Christian Anthropology With Respect to Sex, Marriage and Love
(will include a brief discussion of pornography and prostitution)
H. Premarital / Nonmarital Sexual Relations; Chastity; Unmarried Cohabitation;
Marriage as an Institution.
I. Traditional and Revisionist Methods in Christian Morality.
J. Premarital Sexual Petting and Expression of Love.
K. Friendship and Dating.
L. Masturbation.
M. Celibacy.
N. Homosexuality.
O. Marital Sex/Chastity, Contraception, Natural Family Planning; Sex Education.
P. Gender Roles of Men and Women in the Family and Church (traditional, feminist and other views).
Q. Sexual Abuse and Violence.
R. Christian Marriage as a Sacrament.
S. Marital Growth and Crises, Separation, Divorce, Annulment, Remarriage.
T. Choosing a Marriage Partner and Preparation for Marriage.
Class discussion of these topics / issues will include a number of small group and whole class discussions, and lectures. There will also be a few guest speakers and a number of short videos.
Course objectives, among other things, include growing in understanding and reflecting critically on some of the most significant questions, facts, options, values, principles, responsibilities and Christian perspectives related to these issues.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
A. Readings: The following reading materials for this course will be sold through the University of Alberta Bookstore:
1) Premarital Sex and Love: In the Light of Human Experience and Following Jesus (Edmonton: University of Alberta Printing Services, 1999) by Paul Flaman; and
2) Student Course Pack: SUPPLEMENTARY READINGS for CHRTC 351 A1 (Fall 2003) and B3 (Winter 2004) Human Sexuality and Marriage: Christian Perspectives, Instructor: Dr. Paul Flaman.
Note: The above include both required and recommended readings. More information specifying
the required readings from the above, as well as discussion questions and possible exam
questions, for the specific course topics / issues will be handed out during the first 2 weeks of classes.
B. Culture and Faith Exercise: worth 5 % of the course mark; 300 word summary and reflection (due Wed. 1 Oct. 2003) comparing a media depiction (e.g. song, movie, popular article) and a Christian faith perspective on a topic related to the course. You will also be required to share briefly (about 3 min.) with the class between the due date and the end of classes (there will be a sign up sheet). More specific guidelines and marking criteria regarding this assignment are available from the instructor and will be distributed during the first week of classes.
C. Mid-term Examination, worth 20 % of the course mark, 1100-1150 Wed. 22 Oct. 2003, written "closed-book", from topics given in advance related to the required readings and class material up to the mid-term.
D. Research and Reflection Paper on a topic related to the course: worth 25 % of the course mark, 1600-1800 words plus references, due Wed. 12 Nov. Mar. 2003. More specific guidelines, expectations and marking criteria regarding this assignment are available from the instructor and will be distributed during the first week of classes.
E. Class Participation: worth 10 % of course mark. 7/10 of this mark will be related to participating in small group class discussions. The other 3/10 of this mark will be related to your involvement in whole class discussions, the course’s Web Course Tools on-line discussion forum/conferencing tool (Look for this course under http://www.ualberta.ca/WEBCT/ You will need your university gpu id and password to log on. Note: only students registered in this course and the instructor will have access. If you have any problems accessing or using the course’s WebCT let me know.), and/or other means of contributing to the class such as providing the instructor with relevant web sites, articles, etc.
Note: The percentage for missed term work will not be transferred to the final examination. If you miss the midterm exam, e.g., because of illness, see me as soon as possible.
F. Final Examination: worth 40% of the course mark, time and day determined by the university (scheduled 0900-1100 Mon. 15 Dec. 2003), written "closed-book", from topics given in advance related to the assigned readings and class material for the whole course.
Note: If you have any questions concerning this course and/or course outline you are most welcome to telephone or e-mail me or come and see me (see number and addresses above).