24-10 The Human Animal: Origin, Beginnings and Dignity
Oct 21, 2024 - Nov 29, 2024
Full course description
Partner dioceses receive discounted courses. This link provides a list of partner dioceses and discount codes to use when registering.
The Human Animal: Origin, Beginnings and Dignity explores the sources and nature of the dignity of the human person from two complementary perspectives: (1) our beginnings in nature as made accessible by the resources of human reason through evolutionary science and philosophical reflection, and (2) our ultimate origin in God as made accessible by the gift of supernatural faith in divine Revelation.
The course aims to show that data and insights about human dignity from sources such as empirical science and philosophical reflection, e.g., our evolutionary history, animal vulnerability, and social/political nature are not contrary to, but rather complementary (i.e harmonious and mutually enriching) with what the Catholic Church teaches about the supernatural origins of our human dignity, that is, our being created in the image of God (in Latin, imago Dei) and therefore possessing inalienable and inherent dignity.
Course Content
Unit 1: Paleoanthropology and the Beginnings of Humanity
Unit 2: Human Beginnings and the Human Soul
Unit 3: Human Dignity I: Natural Right and Justice
Unit 4: Imago Dei: The Theology of Human Origins
Unit 5: Human Dignity II: A Child of the Father
Course Format
- Six weeks in duration; first week for orientation.
- Up to 20 students in each course.
- Video summaries and text based lectures.
- Supplemental readings are provided to encourage further exploration, internet links provided for all readings.
- Written assignments (200-250) required.
- Facilitator-moderated weekly Zoom sessions with participants.
Participation Requirements
- Watch video summaries and read the lecture for each unit.
- Read assigned texts; keep notes, questions, and comments for class discussions.
- Answer weekly discussion question.
- Respond to weekly unit assignment.
- Attend weekly Zoom for each unit. If you cannot attend, you can still meet the participation requirements.
- Complete the course evaluation.
Time Expectations
3 to 5 hours per week, depending on your learning style and schedule.