Gospel of Life Seminar

THEO 33962 / CSC 33962

Seminar Learning Agreement

Immersion:  Sunday, October 18 – Friday, October 23, 2009

Classes: Monday 6:00–7:30 p.m. September 14 – November 2, 2009

Size: 12 students

Cost: $265 Fee and $75–$100 for D.C. expenses

Application Deadline: Thursday, August 27, 2009, 11:59 p.m.

Seminar Director: Cynthia Toms Smedley

Seminar Assistant: Mary Juckett

Overview

The goal of the Gospel of Life Seminar is to provide students with the opportunity to read and reflect on a variety of life issues through experiential learning. Exploration begins in the orientation classes where students will become familiar with the issues through reading Roman Catholic Church documents such as The Gospel of Life and by meeting people who work on life-related issues. During the week in Washington, D.C., seminar participants will meet with representatives from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, elected officials, advocacy groups, legal professionals, and bioethicists whose work involves life-related concerns. The follow-up classes facilitate analysis and synthesis of insights gained during the week of experiential learning.

Objectives

To understand the moral framework surrounding and linking all life issues (death penalty, children not yet born, issues of death and dying, people with disabilities, bioethics, etc.).

1. To have students read, understand, and be able to articulate Catholic Social Teaching through an examination of Evangelium Vitae and other relevant documents.
2. To expose students to immediate and post-graduate opportunities both locally and nationally at social action organizations that work on life-related issues.
3. To provide students the opportunity to focus their understanding of life issues, especially as they consider their role as civic participants.

Course Requirements

This seminar is a one-credit course cross-listed in the Theology (THEO 33962) and Center for Social Concerns departments (CSC 33962), and graded “S” or “U”.  To receive an “S” grade, students must complete the following in a satisfactory manner:

1. Attendance at and participation in each class is mandatory.
2. Complete all readings and written class assignments.
3. Participate in all group activities prior to and during the week in Washington, D.C.
4. Write a 5 to 6 page final paper that poses and attempts to answer a specific question of concern regarding the readings and experiences of the seminar. Please see paper guidelines for more information (this will be included in the Seminar course packet). The paper requirement may be fulfilled by completing a special project or group project. A written proposal for special or group projects must be approved by the seminar director.
5. Complete all course evaluations as requested by the seminar director.

**NOTE** Please check your class schedule to see if you have departmental exams that might conflict with the Gospel of Life Seminar class schedule. If so, please contact your instructor to request an alternative exam time.

Application Process

• Online applications are due Thursday, August 27, 2009.
• By completing the application, you are agreeing to all requirements of the Gospel of Life Seminar and this Seminar Learning Agreement.

• Saint Mary’s College students are eligible to apply for participation in CSC seminars. As with participation in other Notre Dame classes, you must first fill out the SMC at ND CoExchange Form (under "CoExchange Information"). This must be done before applying. Fill out the CoExchange Form for fall 2009 now, even if you have taken a class at ND before, are not sure what class you will take, or whether or not you will take one. This form does not commit you to taking a class, but it will establish your Notre Dame Net ID (sent to you in an email), which you will need to log on to the seminar application. It will also give you the date/time to register if you do apply and are accepted. For questions contact Mary Juckett.

• All applicants will be notified regarding seminar selection by email on or before the first Sunday of the semester. If you are applying to more than one seminar, you will receive a single email noting whether or not you have been selected to participate, and the name of the seminar you will be taking part in.

Criteria for Selection

• The seminar is open to any undergraduate or graduate student in good standing at the University of Notre Dame or Saint Mary's College. Admittance to the seminar is based on a variety of factors. Primary criterion is expressed interest in the course objectives and aims of the seminar.

Course Registration

• You will receive email notification on a) whether you have been selected to participate in a seminar and b)  the seminar in which you will participate. You must register by the end of the day September 2, 2009.
• Contact the Assistant Dean's office of your College if you are over the maximum number of credit hours (Maximum Hours Exceeded) allowed by your College. The assistant deans of your college will be able to grant special approval. Contact Mary Juckett at the Center for Social Concerns if you have a class time conflict.

Fees and Expenses

• The cost of the seminar is $265. This fee will be assessed through Student Accounts after September 2, 2009. This fee contributes to van rental, housing, site fees, building materials, gas, tolls, and food.   Personal expenses are the responsibility of each student. Students will be responsible for their meals while they travel to and from the site and for metro charges. An additional $75–$100 should cover these expenses. 
• Limited financial aid is available. To apply for financial aid, please contact Mary Juckett.
• If you are accepted into the seminar, and you decide not to participate, your student account will be billed the full $265. 

Withdrawal from the Course

• Please notify the Seminar Director if extenuating circumstances prevent your participation in the seminar. To withdraw from this course, an Academic Course change form (obtained from the Center for Social Concerns), must be completed and signed by the Center’s Director of the Gospel of Life Seminar. Saint Mary’s students must complete the SMC drop-slip, signed by the student’s academic advisor and the Director of Gospel of the Life Seminar, and then processed through the SMC Registrar’s Office.
• Drops after September 5, 2009 and failure to follow proper withdrawal from course procedures will automatically result in a grade of “U.”  

Calendar Fall 2009

Attendance at and participation in each class is mandatory.