Spring 2003/Pasadena
ET527
Young
ET527: VALUES IN THE WORKPLACE: ETHICS FROM 9 TO 5. Scott Young.
DESCRIPTION:
- The ambiguities and complexities of work in contemporary society
require probing reflection from a Christian perspective--not only by those in
full or part-time employment, but by those in active ministries in the church.
This course will explore a range of issues that arise in the workplace, e.g.,
individual integrity and institutional loyalty, concern for the person and
organizational culture, career planning and commitment to the company, family
demands and job requirements, sexual and racial discrimination, creative
problem-solving and realistic compromises, management styles and worker
cooperation, business enterprise and social responsibility. Investigating these
binaries will involve the study of relevant biblical and theological writings
which touch on the meaning of vocation, citizenship, and spirituality in the
workplace. Emphasis will be placed on learning the habits of ethical reflection
and action in the context and culture of work.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
- Identifying and interpreting the main venues of moral vision and tension in
the workplace.
- Formulating a biblically informed and ethically sensitive perspective upon
workplace themes and cultures.
- Developing an appreciation of vital discipleship and engaged citizenship in
the workplace.
COURSE FORMAT:
- The classroom sessions will include presentation, discussion, case
study reports and film or video materials. There will be a strong emphasis on
work group participation. Class members' own work experience in church,
parachurch, and marketplace settings will provide material for thoughtful and
engaged discussion. The class will meet weekly for a three-hour
session.
REQUIRED READING: (750 pages from text)
- Stackhouse, Max L. and Dennis P. McCann, eds. On Moral
Business. Eerdmans, 1995.
RECOMMENDED READING: (500 pages from list)
- Autrey, J. Love and Profit. Morrow, 1991.
- Bell, D. The Coming of the Post-Industrial Society: A Venture in Social
Forecasting. Basic Books, 1973, 1999.
- Diehl, W. The Monday Connection: Competence, Affirmation and Support in
the Workplace. Harper & Row, 1991.
- Haughey, J. Converting 9 to 5: A Spirituality of Work. Crossroad,
1989.
- Liebig , J. E. Business Ethics: Profiles in Civic Virtue. Fulcrum,
1990.
- Maccody, M. Why Work? Leading the New Generation. Simon and
Schuster, 1988.
- Sennet, Richard. The Corrosion of Character: The Personal Consequences
of Work in the New Capitalism. Norton, 1998.
- Sullivan, William M. Work and Integrity: The Crisis and Promise of
Professionalism in America. HarperBusiness, 1995.
- Tucker, G. The Faith-Work Connection: A Practical Application of
Christian Values in the Workplace. Anglican Book Centre, 1987.
- Volf, M. Work in the Spirit. Oxford, 1991.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- Developing and presenting a group case study. This assignment combines
group class presentation with individual written reflection (3-5 pages).
- Examining an ethical challenge out of your own workplace experience. This
paper should utilize ethical explorations taken up in class sessions (8-10
pages).
- Participating in class discussions (5-7 page written interactions with
reading).
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective.
FINAL EXAMINATION: None.