Rev. Edward James Richard, MS, D.Th.M., J.D.
Rev. Donald Henke, D.Th.M.
Fall 2007
Course no. 543
Professor: Rev. Edward J. Richard, M.S.
Contact: Room 107; Office Phone 314-792-6107; www.edwardjamesrichard.com; email=richard@kenrick.edu.
Office Hours: Tuesday and Friday, 9 am to 10 am or by appointment. Of course, you are free to stop by my office anytime I am there.
1. Course Description and Objectives
An introduction to the subject of biomedical ethics within the context of Roman Catholic theology and teaching. The course objectives are to prepare the student with: (1) knowledge and understanding of the bioethical magisterium on principle issues affecting the ministry of priests in the medical field; (2) knowledge of select bioethical issues potentially faced in the context of the ministry of parish priests, hospital chaplains, and ethics committees; (3) knowledge of pastoral principles for the resolution of difficult questions. The material is presented through lectures, class discussions and student presentations.
In relation to the Program Goals of the Ordination Program, the Medical Ethics course seeks to instill the following:
1. Knowledge of the role of Christians in the healing ministry of Jesus Christ. (1-2)
2. Knowledge of the development of the Church's tradition in medical-moral matters and a knowledge of the current state of the authentic Catholic bioethical magisterium. (3)
3. A focused understanding of the values and risks of specific technologies used in treatment of medical problems commonly faced in the context of parish ministry. (4)
4. Development of skills needed for the resolution of difficult ethics questions in a pluralistic context through pastoral application of authentic moral principles under the guidance of the magisterium and the direction of the local ordinary. (5)
5. Confirmation of a proper understanding of prudence and the role of conscience in medical-moral judgments. (6-8)
2. Course Time and Location
The course meets in Room 124, every Tuesday and Friday, 10:30-11:45 am.
3. Course Materials
Diamond, Eugene. A Catholic Guide to Medical Ethics: Catholic Principles in Clinical Practice (Linacre Institute, 2001).
O'Donnell, Thomas J. Medicine and Christian Morality. Third and updated edition (Paulist, 1996).
See the listing of documents and resources on the linked pages: Documents and Resource Links.
4. Classroom Assignments
Assignments are usually those posted for a particular date on the class schedule. However, students should take note of all changes announced by the professor either in class, by e-mail, or otherwise. Note well: The posted schedule could change according to the professor's view of the needs of the class, so students to check the class schedule regularly. Students are expected to read the assigned materials and to comment upon them in class. A discussion board is available on the website for student use.
5. Class Participation
Classroom interaction and participation in class boards is important to the growth in understanding for the student. Students are encouraged to be aware of news items relating to the subject and are encouraged to introduce them in class. Students are encouraged to keep a record of items that appear in the news in order that they might have a collection of materials for future educational purposes.
6. Student Evaluation
Students will be evaluated on the basis of class participation, the assigned questions due during the semester, and final oral exam. The two professors will each assign a grade to each student which will be averaged for the final grade.
Please see ME Class Project for information concerning the preparation of the responses to the questions.
7. Grading
Grading is administered according to the Kenrick Scale. Grading for Fr. Richard will based 25% on class participation and 75% on the responses to the questions. Grading for Fr. Henke will be assigned according to his syllabus.
