Poverty: A Global Perspective

Course Level: Intermediate

Successful completion of this course earns 2.5 CEU's.

General Course Objectives

Students will be able to identify structures that contribute to global poverty.
Students will be able to explain scriptural foundations in the Social Doctrine of the Church that relate to the poor.
Students will be able to demonstrate the necessity of recognizing those living in poverty as subjects, our neighbors.
Students will be able to explain the importance of the dignity of work and moral agency.
Students will be able to share the necessity of devoting time with the poor.

Required Book: Required Readings: Textbook, e-articles, videos, power points, etc.:
- All of the readings and videos for this course are available online. The required readings/videos are listed in order of use by session. There is not a primary textbook for this course.

Week 1: Recognizing Extreme Poverty
- Become familiar with the causes of global poverty due to sinful structures and extreme inequalities.
Week 2: Recognizing our Neighbors
- Gain an overview of scriptural references that form the Social Doctrine of the Catholic Church as it relates to poverty.
Week 3: Love for the Poor
- Recognize the poor as subjects rather than objects in order to embrace those struggling with poverty as neighbors.
Week 4: Human Dignity, Solidarity, Subsidiarity
- Become familiar with the aspects of Catholic Social Teaching as it relates to global poverty.
Week 5: A Spiritual Reflection Leading to A Response
- Review key learnings that bridge Good Samaritan reflections from Pope Francis and Pope Leo XIV: Fratelli Tutti and Dilexi Te, as a way forward.