Course Description:
See Class Schedule
Politics and Christian Civilization I: Gateway to the Study of Politics and Catholic Social Ethics
Politics and Christian Civilization begins with a philosophical account of politics and the social question prevalent in the thought of Plato and Aristotle. Questions explored include, what is man (anthropology-psychology), what is human potential and how is it actualized (Ethics), and what is the best type of government (Politics).
Afterwards, the interesting congruence between Greek philosophy and Judeo-Christian faith is examined by a thorough study of revelation given to Moses as recorded in the Torah with special emphasis given to the books of Deuteronomy and Leviticus, which are compared to the thinking of Plato and Aristotle.
The course concludes with a study of the Roman natural law tradition and the birth of Christ, which is the basis of a new cultural foundation and of new social, political, and economic principles that have affected every sinew and fiber of Western Civilization.
Topics include the structure, function, and purposes of government, the best type of government, constitutionalism, the nature, types, and role of law (positive, natural, divine, and eternal).
Students will explore human nature, understand its relationship to ethics, and explore the relationship between politics and religion. They will also learn to distinguish disobedience from rebellion, grasp the meaning and importance of sovereignty, and understand why there are three types of justice: commutative justice, distributive justice, and social justice.
Course requirements: Mid Term and Final Exam
Class participation
Reading quizzes and 2 short reflection papers
Course evaluation: Students will be assigned a final grade on the basis of the three exams, class participation, reading quizzes, and reflection papers as approximately indicated by the following. For exceptional merit, grade assignments may be adjusted at the discretion of the professor.
Mid-term exam 33%
Final exam 33%
Class participation, quizzes, papers 33%
Contact: Students may contact the instructor at dmarzak@kolbefoundation.org to schedule an appointment for advising, questions, or course issues in his online office.
Attendance: Students are required to attend each class meeting, be attentive in class, and respectfully interact with the views of others. More than three absences will affect the final grade.
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