Living Theology in Appalachia: The Works of Fr. Rausch (IB 677/877)

Prerequesites

Successfully completed one competency exercise and a minimum of 60% of IB 500 level work

Date

Friday, June 20th – Sunday, June 22nd

Credit

2.0

Block

3

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Course Description

The course will explore the ministry of John Rausch in light of Catholic Social Teaching (CST) with a special focus on the application of CST to Appalachia. The course will have three parts: (1) an exposition of Catholic Social Teaching with a special focus on Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato si’;  (2) an overview of the history and challenges presented by the economic and environmental context of Appalachia; (3) a survey and analysis of the ministry of John Rausch in light of parts 1 and 2 of the course.    

Professor

Christopher McMahon

Contingent Faculty

Education

Ph.D., The Catholic University of America

M.A., St. Mary’s Seminary and University

B.A., University of Scranton

Bio

To read more about Dr. McMahon, click HERE.

Course Information

Course Goals & Learning Outcomes

Intellectual

  1. Be familiar with important historical voices that are key in the development of Catholic Social Teaching with special emphasis on Laudato si’
  2. Engage and critically evaluate the contributions of Fr. John Rausch to the ongoing work of living Catholic social teaching in the context of Appalachia

 Practical

  1. Articulate a sound understanding of worship/liturgy as it informs interconnectedness of all creation and contexts
  2. Outline a concise plan of worship, catechesis, and action appropriate to one’s own parish/local context

 Spiritual

    1. Integrate sound theological principles with one’s exercise of ministry and worship practices in one’s own personal life in a holistic and praxeological manner.
    2. Articulate how the statement “everything is interconnected” can be applied to the concrete situation of one’s own life and that of one’s own parish/church community
Required Textbooks

  1. Textbooks

    Briola, Lucas. The Eucharistic Vision of Laudato si’: Praise, Conversion, and Integral Ecology. Washington, D.C. CUA Press, 2023.

    Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church. Washington, D.C.: USBBC, 2005

     

    Articles

    All assigned readings beyond the Briola text and the Compendium will be posted in the LMS (Canvas).

Is there pre-course work?
Yes. Before you arrive on campus for your time in class, you must complete the pre-class assignments consisting of reading, writing, and lectures. The written assignments must be submitted prior to our first class meeting so that we may discuss them.
What technology is required?
Students should bring with them their laptops, tablets, or device with which they use to access the course materials and complete assignments.
What will I need to bring to class?
Laptop, notebook, pens/pencils, jacket or blanket, water bottle, assistive devices, etc. Any assignments or other needed materials will be listed in the course syllabus via Canvas.
Should I bring snacks?
You are welcome to bring snacks or drinks. LTS is equipped with a water filter for refilling water bottles and will have coffee and tea available, as well as an assortment of snacks. If you have a food allergy or sensitivity, please reach out to the Dean’s Office prior to your arrival.
What do I do if I can't join physically?
LTS does offer hybrid intensives options at the discretion of the Dean and course professor. Please contact the Dean’s Office prior to registering for courses to make your hybrid course request.

Other Intensives Course Offerings

IF Block: IF 556 & IF 558
Exegesis for the Church (IS 560)
LM Block: LM 561 & LM 562
Cross Cultural Perspectives on Death and Dying (LC 677/877)
IB Block: IB 551 & IB 552
Disciples History & Polity II (IP 670/870)
Sermon Preparation (LW 554)

Questions about registering?

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