Ethics and Genetics What happens when Assistant Professor of Ethics Phillip Thompson and Professor of Biology Bill Quinn team teach a class full of students eager to share their opinions? Challenging debate, for one. The two professors created this innovative course to examine ethical decision making in the ever-evolving world of genetics. “This is such an important topic — it will determine us as a species,” said Thompson, who admits that he and Quinn don’t agree on every topic. “I think it’s good for students to see that Dr. Quinn and I have differing opinions and that it’s okay to agree to disagree.” The professors tackle a range of challenging topics, including the method and language
of critical ethics; the role of Christianity as a basis for ethical reflection; law and public policy’s place in the debate over genetic advancements; and an explanation of the biological processes involved. Thompson and Quinn want to teach the students to be independent thinkers and to respect others’ opinions. “Some of the students come in to the course with strong views,” said Thompson. “We don’t want to talk them out of their opinions. Rather, we want to teach them to think through their beliefs, to analyze problems and process their decisions.”
World Sacred Music What do Native Americans, Hindus, Jews, Christians, Muslims and Buddhists have in common? Music that is sacred to their souls. This Master of Liberal Arts course, taught by Associate Professor of Business Joyce Keller, focuses on the relationship between sacred music of world religions and the power of music to facilitate religious experiences.
Students examine sacred music around the world and discuss expressions of culture-specific religious music. The course also highlights the basic elements of music in each culture and the extension of those elements into sacred music. “The topics we discuss do not have easy answers, and students enjoy the challenge,” said Keller, who was a concert pianist and has a Master of Music from the St. Louis Institute of Music. Students attend two religious services outside of their own religions and write about their experiences. Keller hopes students gain a better understanding and appreciation for other cultures and religions and the types of music each considers sacred. She also wants them to feel comfortable attending a variety of religious services. “Beyond that, I hope they get an idea of what music can do for people spiritually.”
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