UNIVERSITY OF MARY EDU 525

Special Topics: Search for Happiness (2 cr.)

Fri 7pm-9pm & Sat 8am-5pm Fall 2011

Prof. Ryan A. Hanning Office: Diocesan Pastoral Center TEL 602 354-2321 EMAIL rhanning@diocesephoenix.org Office Hours: Mondays, Tuesday, Wednesdays 3pm-5pm

Course Description: Critically investigates the human quest for happiness throughout the ages, and various cultures, especially in the Catholic tradition. Arguments for and against various claims about paths to achieve human happiness evaluated in light of ancient, medieval, modern and contemporary secular and religious thought. Identification of the cultural expressions of the search evident in theology, literature, the arts, events and social institutions. Analyze the Catholic understanding of desire, pleasure, suffering, subsidiarity, solidarity, love, hope, and faith in relationship to the quest. Central guiding questions: Why do people desire to be happy, and how is happiness achieved? This course currently will satisfy the third UMary core elective in Philosophy/Theology, strongly supporting all four curricular competences: spirituality and ethics, communication, critical thinking and global stewardship. Course outcomes: 1. Identify common claims people make about what leads to happiness. 2. Evaluate arguments for and against these claims in light of philosophy and theology. 3. Give examples of ways the uniquely Christian character of happiness is historically incarnated in various dimensions of culture, including theology, philosophy, spirituality, literature, the arts, and social institutions. 4. Articulate how the Christian, Catholic understanding of happiness speaks to people today, contributing to the formation of a culture of life and love. 5. Explain how Christian convictions about happiness relate to servant leadership and leading in the service of truth.

Benedictine Experience: This course touches on all six Benedictine values of the University of Mary: hospitality, respect for persons, moderation, community, service, and prayer.

Assignments, Evaluation, and Grading The professors assessment of your progress in meeting the above course outcomes will consist of the following: 1. Attendance and participation (3) = 30 pts. Attendance includes punctuality and alertness as well as being physically present. The professor will also take into account how much you make regular, constructive contributions to daily discussions, lectures and group activities. 2. Weekly Discursive Assignments (2) = 90 pts. Detailed assignments will be assigned at the end of Saturdays class each week. Assignments must be completed in accordance with given rubrics. Students may resubmit discursive assignments for a higher grade. 3. Weekly Contemplative Assignments (2) = 20 pts. Each week a contemplative assignment will be given. Evidence of your reflection on the question will be illustrated by a completed journal entry in your notebook. 4. Final paper (1) = 60 pts. The final paper will be based on one of the required course texts and should address the central questions of the course. TOTAL POINTS: 200 In assigning grades I follow the following principles: A=excellent work; B=Very Good Work; C=Satisfactory Work; D=Poor But Passing Work; F=Failing Work. Assignment Policy Assignments must be turned in as designated by the instructor in the course syllabus Topical Outline and Schedule. Late assignments will be lowered one letter grade each day late unless alternative arrangements have been made with the instructor. Major Required Texts Happiness: Classic and contemporary readings in philosophy. Cahn, S. M., & Vitrano, C. (2007). Oxford: Oxford University Press. Healing the culture: A commonsense philosophy of happiness, freedom, and the life issues. Spitzer, R. J., Bernhoft, R. A., & De, B. C. E. (2000). San Francisco: Ignatius Press. The Holy Bible. (RSV Catholic Edition or New American Bible, or something equally or more literal in its translation.) The Catechism of the Catholic Church. Fides et Ratio, John Paul II available online at www.vatican.va Deus Caritas Est, Benedict XVI available online at www.vatican.va Spe Salvi, Benedict XVI available online at www.vatican.va Caritas in Veritate, Benedict XVI available online at www.vatican.va 2

Attendance Policy It is expected that students will attend each class and arrive on time. Because of the nature of this intensive program of study no absences are allowed without advance permission of professor and approved plan of remediation. Academic Honesty: Cheating and Plagiarism Cheating and plagiarism are serious offenses and will be punished in accord with University policy as stated in the current student Handbook. Read this policy. If you have any questions, ask me. A student who is found in breach of this policy while enrolled in a course will be formally notified by the instructor and the action will be recorded in the students file. Channel for Communication Relating to This Course If you have concerns about this course, please follow the following chain of communication, beginning with the course instructor: Instructor (Ryan Hanning) > Dean for the School of Arts and Sciences(Dr. David Fleischacker) > Assistant VP Academic Affairs (Dr. Kim McDowallLong) > VP Academic Affairs (Dr. Diane Fladeland) Accommodations for Students with Disabilities In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other legal mandates, the University of Mary is committed to working with students with disabilities in determining appropriate and reasonable accommodations for academic and physical needs. It is the responsibility of the student to provide documentation regarding a disability and the need for reasonable accommodation(s). For assistance and additional information please contact Sister Madelyn Louttit, Director of Student Accessibility Services, Room 112, Benedictine Center for Servant Leadership (701) 355-8264. Electronic Devices Lab-tops, and recording devices are allowed, however please turn cell phones off and only use during breaks. Food and Beverages Time will be provided to eat lunch, and students are invited to bring food and snacks as necessary. Fellowship and discussion during meals and snacks is strongly encouraged.

Topical Outline and General Schedule

Week #1 Ancient vs Christian Theories of Purpose, Meaning and Happiness **Before the 1st Class students are encouraged to Read Spitzer Healing the Culture Chapters 2 & 3. November 11th 7pm-9pm Part I: A) Course Orientation & Strategies for Success Getting the most out of the course B) Review of the Ontological Questions November 12th 8am-5pm Part II: Ancient Philosophy: Stoicism, Epicureus and various schools Part III: Ancient Philosophy: Aristotle, Seneca Part IV- Class Activity A: Ancient Philosophy Team Debate What is the truth in their arguments Part V Christian Philosophy: Christ and the Sermon on the Mount Part VI Christian Philosophy: Laetus, Felix, Beatitudo, Sublimitas Week #1 Project: Full details and reading assignments will be given in class. Due December 2nd. Discursive: Aristotle answers the Ontological Questions. Contemplative: Read Sermon on the Mount slowly and prayerfully what aspects jump out to you. How would these axioms help heal our culture? Week #2 Classical vs. Modern Theories of Purpose, Meaning and Happiness December 2nd 7pm-9pm Part I: Intro to Medieval Philosophy: Alcuin to Anselm December 3rd 8am-5pm Part II: Medieval Philosophy: Aquinas Part III: Four levels of happiness in art, philosophy and theology Part IV Class Activity B: Sermon on the Mount Applied Today Part V Modern Philosophy: Hume, Kant, Part VI - Modern Philosophy: Mills, Nietzsche Week #2 Project: Full details and reading assignments will be given in class. Due December 16th. Discursive: A detailed Analysis of one of the articles of Contemporary Theories. Academic paper to be given in Week #3. Contemplative: Prayerfully read on the Beatitudes in the Catechism. How has the Church witnessed these beatitudes in Her history. How is she witnessing them today? Week #3 Contemporary Church Teaching on Purpose, Meaning and Happiness December 16th 7pm-9pm Part I: Encyclicals of 20th Century December 17th 8am-5pm Part II: John Paul II & Christian Anthropology: Happiness as Spousal Love Part III: Benedict XVI & Virtue: Happiness as Hope Realized Part IV: Class Activity C: Christian Convictions and Servant Leadership Part V Academic Presentations Part VI Final Thoughts & Evaluation of Course Objectives Week #3 Project: Full details and reading assignments will be given in class. Due December 24th Discursive: 8-10 page paper on an Encyclical. What does the author say about mans quest for happiness. Contemplative: Can the Beatitudes be reconciled with modern philosophical theories of personhood, fulfillment, purpose and happiness?

A prayer of St. Anselm

Lord Jesus Christ, let me seek you by desiring you, and let me desire you by seeking you; let me find you by loving you, and love you in finding you. I confess, Lord, with thanksgiving, that you have made me in your image, so that I can remember you, think of you, and love you. But that image is so worn and blotted out by faults, and darkened by the smoke of sin, that it cannot do that for which it was made, unless you renew and refashion it. Lord, I am not trying to make my way to your height, for my understanding is in no way equal to that, but I do desire to understand a little of your truth which my heart already believes and loves. I do not seek to understand so that I can believe, but I believe so that I may understand; and what is more, I believe that unless I do believe, I shall not understand.