|
Saint Martin's
College
Humanities Division
Department
of Religious Studies
David Suter homepage
David Hlavsa homepage
Return to course list
Campus office: 366
Campus phone: (360) 438-4360
Office hours: MWF 2:00-250 PM; TR 1:00-1:50 PM
Email contact here |
Description
General Education
Texts
Requirements
Topics and Assignments |
|
Joan of Arc refuses to die
in spite of the fact of her
execution by the British occupiers of France more than five hundred years ago.
Her canonization as a Roman Catholic saint in 1920 was followed three years
later by Bernard Shaw's play, Saint Joan. Her story has been the subject
of a number of film treatments, most recently the 1999 film, The Messenger,
and a made-for-television film, Joan of Arc, on CBS. Cardinals have
eulogized the saint as a model for modern Catholic youth. Historians have sought
to discover the truth about the Maid of Orléans. In spite of the efforts of
churchmen, playwrights, and historians to domesticate her, however, the woman
whose visions led her to put on men's clothing and armor to save France remains
a character to challenge every age but one who is at home in none. Françoise
Meltzer describes her as fascinating "because she bucks the role of object. She
is the subject and agent of her own destiny." We will seek to view Joan through
the eyes of theologian, playwright, and historian this semester. At times we'll
discover that these three disciplines will "conspire" in their "judgment" of
Joan, at other times they will disagree, but like as not the real Joan will
continue to elude their grasp. Join us as we go in search of the enigma of Joan,
using Shaw's play as our point of departure.
Return
to top
|
|
|
General Education
This course qualifies for general education credit at Saint Martin's College.
The aims and objectives of general education at Saint Martin's College include
the goal that "Saint Martin's College graduates will have an understanding of
religious and philosophical concepts and principles, and of the moral and
ethical questions they will face in society and the professions." The Problem of Evil raises questions
that have driven theologians and laypersons alike to seek answers from God
concerning God's purposes in human life. These questions have frequently led
human beings to seek depth in understanding the ways of God. The course is
intended to equip students for life through reflection upon issues that will
concern many over the course of life.
Return
to top
|
|
- Bernard Shaw, Saint Joan (London: Penguin,
1946).
- Régine Pernoud and Marie-Véronique Clin, Joan of
Arc: Her Story (New York: St. Martin's Griffin, 1999).
Return
to top
|
|
|
Requirements
1. Research & Participation. This is a
student-driven seminar. In class, you are expected to participate fully not only
in discussions and exercises but also in the actual planning process: you will
collaborate with us in determining what subjects we investigate this semester.
Each Tuesday throughout the semester, you will be expected to conduct research
and share a one-page summary of your findings with the class. In evaluating
participation, we will include: class attendance, the frequency and quality of
your contributions to class discussion, the extent and quality of your
preparation for class, and your involvement in class exercises. This category is
to be graded by both professors.
2. Short papers. Periodically, you will use the material you have
gathered in your research as the basis for a short, graded paper (see schedule
of assignments below). Papers #1 and #2 will be on a historical or theological
topic and will be graded by David Suter. Paper #2 should include a research
proposal for the final paper (see below) with an initial bibliography of at
least five items. Paper #3 is part of the acting project and will be graded by
David Hlavsa. In all written work, quotations and ideas derived from others must
be properly cited, including internal references or footnotes and a final list
of works cited.
3. Acting Project. At the beginning of the semester, you will be assigned
a particular character and scene from Shaw's Saint Joan for investigation and
rehearsal. You'll find a partner or partners to work with. You and your
partner(s) will memorize and rehearse the scene and perform it in class on April
5. You should plan to rehearse with your partner(s) at least two times/week
outside of class. You'll also be asked to do some research and writing about
your character. Specific instructions for the written part of the assignment
(paper #3) will be issued early in the semester. Your grade on the project will
be based on the quality of your written investigations and the extent of your
preparation as an actor. To be graded by David Hlavsa.
4. Final paper on a topic to be determined in consultation with David
Suter. The student is expected to include in paper #2 (see above) a research
proposal for the final paper along with an initial bibliography of at least five
items other than the class textbooks and general reference works. The paper
should be the student's effort to resolve the enigma of Joan using the methods
of theology, history, and/or theatre. The student will be expected to present
her/his project as a work-in-progress during the class presentations scheduled
for May 1 and 3. In the final product, quotations and ideas derived from others
must be properly cited, including internal references or footnotes and a final
list of works cited. Length: 6-8 pages. To be graded by David Suter.
GRADING
Participation 20%
Short papers #1 & #2 20%
Acting project + short paper #3 30%
Final paper 30%
Return
to top
|
|
|
Schedule
of Topics and Assignments
Note: On most Thursdays, you will be given questions
to investigate (see "Research and Participation" above). Be prepared to
present the results of your research on the following Tuesday.
|
February 13 |
Paper #1 Due |
|
March 13 |
Paper #2 Due |
|
April 5 |
Perform Shaw Scenes
Paper #3 Due |
| |
|
May 1 & 3 |
Class Presentations |
|
May 8 |
Final Paper Due--(No Class) |
ON ACADEMIC HONESTY
We try to encourage people to work together, collaborate
on projects and generally help each other to complete written and other
assignments. We hope you will seek out each other's assistance. At the same
time, when you hand in written work with your name on it, you are expected to
credit your sources for quotations or ideas. Representing the words and/or
ideas of others as your own amounts to academic dishonesty. Depending on the
seriousness and extent of the problem, academic dishonesty may result in
anything from failure of an assignment to failure of the course and/or further
disciplinary action in accordance with the regulations in the college
catalogue.
DISABILITY ACCOMMODATIONS
If you need course adaptations or accommodations because
of a disability, if you have medical and/or safety concerns to share with us,
or if you need special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated,
please let us know as soon as possible.
Return
to top
|
|
Contact me by email
Return to list of courses
Return to homepage
|
|
