Paulett Course Outline 1
Theology III: Moral Theology
Instructor: Mr. John Paulett
Phone: 708-386-0127 ext 127
E-mail: jpaulett@fenwickfriars.com
Office: Room 03
Office Hours: 3:15-4:00
Textbooks:
● Introducing Moral Theology: True Happiness and the Virtues (William
Mattison)
● Your Life in Christ (Michael Pennock)
Description:
Moral Theology is an introduction to moral reasoning and the formation of conscience.
It is based in the moral teachings of the Catholic Church but it also surveys major
ethical philosophies such as consequentialist and deontological moral systems. The
course is primarily built on the Conciliar and Encyclical Teachings (Fides et Ratio,
Veritatis Splendor, and others) and on the theology of St. Thomas Aquinas. The
curriculum brings a distinctively Dominican emphasis to the study of morality,
emphasizing the importance of virtue and rational inquiry along with scripture and
assent to magisterium. Students will encounter general philosophical inquiry along with
specific ethical questions, many of which are causes of disagreement in a pluralistic
society. The course seeks to be faithful to the teaching of Jesus as expressed through
the Roman Catholic Church at the same time that it encourages open inquiry and
investigation.
Goals:
● The student will identify and explain the major schools of moral philosophy.
● The student will analyze complex moral questions using principles of
Catholic theology.
● The student will show connections between virtue theory and the
development of a personal moral philosophy.
● The student will have a general familiarity with the major writings of the
Church concerning moral theology.
● The student will be able to explain the basic elements of the teaching of
Thomas Aquinas in regards to morality.
● The student will outline a method of moral reasoning and decision-making.
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Requirements:
● A portion of the course is conducted online. Students will need to identify a
reliable computer with internet access. Several hundred computers are
available at the high school for student use.
● Students may also use a computer at home or at a public library or other
venue. It is a good idea to make plans for a backup computer with an
internet connection (library, internet café, etc.) that can be used in case of
connection failure.
● Student must bring a spiral notebook (one subject-70 or 100 pages) with
him / her every day.
● Student is required to assemble a portfolio in a spiral binder which will be
checked quarterly.
● Student is required to check the calendar on the class website daily for
announcements and changes in assignments or schedule.
● Student may use an I Pad, Smart Phone, or other tablet at designated
times in the classroom but this is not a requirement.
School Supply Requirement:
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Spiral notebook: college-lined, 70 or 100 pages
Three-ring binder: hard cover, not larger than 1”.
Internet:
This course uses several electronic sites to enhance the quality of the learning
experience. Students need to successfully enroll in these sites and learn how to use
them. The instructor is always available to assist students with the websites.
Grading
Points are assigned for each activity. Weighting is done by the number of points
assigned, not categories. Among the types of activities that will receive grading points:
● Classroom Discussion: you must participate in discussions that are
identified as “graded discussions.” If you choose not to participate in class,
you must submit a response in the assigned Forum on Schoology.
● On-line Discussion
● Reading quizzes
● Writing Assignments (one per quarter)
● Tests (one per quarter)
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Major projects (one per quarter)
Notebook including in-class notes and other class writing.
Portfolio including study guides and other reflections.
Completion of requirements for Junior Christian Service Project
Quarterly and Semester Grades
Grading Scale
93% and above
85% to 93%
78% to 84%
70% to 78%
Below 70%
A
B
C
D
NC
Semester Grade
First Quarter
Second Quarter
Final Exam
35%
45%
20%
Exemptions
 Total percentage grade for the semester must be 93% or above on the
last grading day.
 Student must receive an A for each quarter.
 All Christian Service Project requirements must be up to date.
 No major assignment or notebook / portfolio submitted late.
 Exemptions are always at the discretion of the instructor.
Late Assignments
A major assignment (essays and group projects) that is submitted after the posted time
but before 72 hours after the due date will “begin” with a grade equivalent to a B. Other
deductions may be made for assignment requirements. Major assignments submitted
more than 72 hours after the due date will “begin” with a grade of C. Any assignment
with a point value of 10 or below will not be accepted after the assigned date without
previous agreement by the instructor.
In general, assignments are submitted on line. As a result, you do not need to be in
school to submit an assignment. In most cases, assignments are due on the posted
date even if you are absent from school. If you need a waiver of this requirement, it
must be requested before the due date. After the due date, waivers will rarely be
granted and only at the discretion of the instructor. Requests for a waiver must be
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written (preferably e-mail.) While you may want to discuss the situation with the
instructor, verbal agreement does not replace a written request.
Submitting assignments
Assignments are submitted online—usually to Schoology dropbox or Turnitin.com.
Online submissions are easy and guarantee that a record is kept of what and when you
have submitted the assignment. If you have a problem with an online submission, you
must use another method to submit your assignment. You may email the assignment to
the instructor or, if this does not work, submit hard copy. You still need to submit your
assignment to the proper dropbox. Solve the submission problem as soon as possible
and resubmit. Email and hard copy submissions only show that you completed the
assignment on time. They will not be used for grading or feedback. E-mail or hard copy
submissions should be the exception. If you have continued problems submitting online, contact the instructor for technical help.
Remember: work is not excused because of problems with a web site or internet
connection. The assignment must be submitted on time in some fashion.
Always keep an electronic copy of your assignments. Should an assignment not appear
in the submission application, the burden is yours to produce the backup copy of the
assignment.
Checking grades
I typically keep grades up to date on Edline within a week of assignment submissions.
You need to check your grades regularly. If you believe that a grade is incorrect, contact
the instructor by e-mail and explain the problem. Do not simply tell the instructor about
the difficulty at class--it will not be fixed. If you have a serious or complicated problem,
schedule a time to meet with the instructor.
Classroom Conduct
Students are expected to fully engage with the learning community, showing respect,
kindness and tolerance to each other.
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Beverages may only be brought to the classroom in re-usable containers.
No wrapped snacks, candy, or other items may be brought to class.
Cell phones, tablets, and other devices may only be used or open at times designated
by the instructor.
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Students are asked to leave the area better than they found it. No markings of any sort
may be made on desks or other furniture. All paper and scraps must be deposited in the
proper receptacles.
Backpacks are to be left in the area beneath the steps outside the classroom.
A special attitude and atmosphere of respect and humility must be maintained during the
prayer and other similar times.
Office Hours
The instructor keeps student office hours during first period and after 11th period. He is
frequently available at other times during the day. You are welcome to stop by or make
an appointment.
Contacting the instructor
The best way to contact the instructor is by e-mail at jpaulett@fenwickfriars.com. The
office is Room 03. In urgent situations, you may send a text to his Teacher Google
Voice number (708) 406-9347
Style and format
Properly citing sources is an important part of scholarly work and a key skill to be
developed in this course. All citations and all formal writing assignments should follow
MLA format.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is a serious breach of academic integrity. You should review the Fenwick
plagiarism statement and follow the guidelines strictly. If you have questions about
when and how to cite sources, consult the instructor. All written work, except forums, is
submitted to www.turnitin.com before being sent to the appropriate grading drop box.
Violations of academic integrity are subject to discipline which can include expulsion
from Fenwick High School (see handbook.) Please note in citing sources that Wikipedia
and Encyclopedias are not acceptable scholarly sources.
Academic Integrity and Reading
Spark Notes or other types of supplement are not an acceptable substitute for reading
assigned work. By writing about a work, discussing it in class, or taking a test about
your reading, you are representing that you read the actual assignment.
Misrepresenting this is a breach of academic integrity which may be referred to the
Dean for action.
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Course Outline
This is a very general outline of the Essential Questions of the course material. Each
quarter, you will receive a more exact syllabus for that period.
● “Should I always listen to my conscience?” (Conscience, freedom
and authority)
● “Do all moral decisions depend on what you believe?” (Relativism
and Objectivism)
● ”How do I make a moral decision?” (Moral reasoning)
● “How do I make a decision when the act seems wrong but the
intention and circumstances seem to make it right?” (Catholic moral
theology: tripartite moral reasoning and double effect.)
● “What is virtue ethics and how does it differ from act-based
morality?” (Aquinas and Aristotle.)
● “What is the role of Church teachings in making moral decisions?”
(Council documents, encyclicals, and magisterium.)
● “What is the moral teaching of Jesus?” (Gospel of Matthew)
● “What authority does Scripture (especially First Testament) have in
making moral decisions?” (Scriptural prohibitions and the Ten
Commandments.)
● “What does the Church teach about social justice?” (Church
documents)
● “What are important Church initiatives for peace and justice?”
(Catholic Worker, Dominicans through the world, Pax Christi,
National Office of Justice)
● “How do we make decisions of life that need to be made based on
moral principles?” (Medical and bio-ethics)
● “How do I form my sexuality so that it has integrity, responsibility,
and sacramentality?” (Sexual ethics)
● “How should businesses conduct themselves in a capitalist
economy?” (Business ethics)
Major Assignments
● There is a written test once a quarter covering the reading,
discussion and lecture material. This is typically worth 50 points.
● There is a written essay assignment or other major assignment
every quarter. This allows the students to apply the material they
have learned. This is typically worth 50 points.
● Every week, there is an on-line or in-class (or both) discussion. This
is generally worth 5-10 points.
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There are generally quizzes or other assignments based on the
reading material.
● Reading study guides must be completed and included in the
portfolio along with copies of projects and other assignments.
● Classroom notes and other reflections must be included in the
notebook.