Final Exam - Tuesday, 5/19

Your final examination will be next Tuesday, May 19, in class. (Please note, however, that you have the option to take the exam on Friday, May 15, at 11:30am with my urban politics class.)

1. How might a secularist challenge the prominent role of religion in politics? In your answer, use at least two of the texts (readings or talks) that we’ve discussed this semester.
2. Explain the three components of just war theory. Based on these criteria, was the Iraq War justified?
3. Is religion "conservative" or "liberal"?

Remember also that you can bring ONE 3x5" INDEX CARD with you into the exam. (Do NOT try to take advantage of this; use the card for essay outlines.) Good luck.

Assignment for Tuesday, 5/12

For Tuesday, read Chapter 12 in Wald & Calhoun-Brown (that's right - dig out the old textbook), "Religion and American Political Life." I believe the book is still on reserve in the library.

This is your last chance to submit a summary for this semester.

Assignment for Thursday, 5/7

On Thursday, we will discuss the issue of marriage equality, focusing on the California "Prop 8" ballot initiative. Read both the "FAQ" and "Myths and Facts" documents from the "Yes on 8" website, available here. You are welcome to write ONE summary that covers BOTH documents.

NO CLASS THURSDAY 4/30 EITHER

All the careful planning in the world can sometimes be disrupted by microbes. I'm afraid I have to cancel this Thursday's class as well. (In case you're interested, my mother-in-law, who was supposed to cover for me at home with the new baby, has come down with strep throat. Don't feel obligated to keep up with my family situation, but you deserve an explanation.)

So we'll push back the Gerges article, and the jihad discussion, one more session - to next Tuesday, May 5. My sincere apologies for canceling another class - I will do my best to make sure the rest of the semester moves smoothly.

This also means that I will probably adjust the summary guidelines still further, but let's discuss on Tuesday.

NO CLASS TUESDAY 4/28

The good news: Tristan Paige Meagher, born Thursday night! The bad news (or not so bad, depending on how badly you want to skip class): I still need a few more days at home with her and Mom. So NO CLASS on Tuesday, 4/28. We will discuss the Gerges essay on Thursday, 4/30 instead (and summaries will be postponed until then as well). As a result of yet another delay, I will adjust the number of required summaries downward to 8. (We'll discuss this on Thursday.) See you then.

Assignment for Tuesday, 4/28

Here's the announcement you've all been waiting for: there will be NO class on Thursday, April 23. I'm planning on having a baby instead.

This means that our next class (and summary deadline) is Tuesday, April 28. So for Tuesday, please read "Iraq War Fuels Global Jihad," by Fawaz A. Gerges, available here. Feel free to summarize (and many of you should feel compelled to do so).

Assignment for Tuesday, 4/21

For Tuesday, read "The Harvest of Justice is Sown in Peace," a publication of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops. Pay particular attention to Section I, where the piece discusses just war theory and conscience. The reading is available here.

Feel free to summarize (and remember that we will soon run out of summary opportunities). Also keep an eye on this page and the MMC website for updates on baby stuff.