Academic Overview

Course Description

This is an interdisciplinary course in comparative business/organizational ethics and theology. The primary aim of the course is to examine how the basic principles and goals of Catholic health care are interpreted and implemented (“inculturated”) in two different contexts, American and German. Secondarily, it aims to help students come to a deeper appreciation for the diversity of forms that Christian faith can take in its everyday expression. Finally, it seeks to provide students with the knowledge and skills of cross-cultural ethical analysis in a management context. The first half of the semester (on campus in St. Paul) will provide the necessary background information on the development and current issues challenging Catholic health care organizations (and all health care organizations) in the United States. In Germany (Paderborn, Dortmund, Berlin), students will engage first-hand in how these same issues are being addressed by Catholic health care organizations in that country. Lectures by leaders in Catholic health care organizations and other Catholic institutions, as well as site visits to hospitals and clinics, will allow students to engage these questions in an immediate way. Ample time will be provided for students to experience German culture.

Program Structure

The first half of the semester will include weekly meetings on campus (St. Paul) to introduce students to necessary background information about the origins, development, and current challenges facing Catholic health care organizations in the United States. Some general background on the health care system of the United States in general will also be provided. Comparable background information about the health care system in Germany, and the Catholic health care system in Germany will be introduced. Eight full days of program activities in Germany will then provide more specific, experiential, engagement with the German health care system. Upon returning from Germany, students will spend the rest of the semester working individually (and in consultation with instructors) on a final integrative essay, due at the end of the semester. No further class-time will be scheduled, with the exception of a final, summative day.

Evaluation

25% Attendance/Participation

25% Short Writing Exercises (first half of semester, at UST)

25% Reflection Journal (in Germany)

25% Final Integrative Paper (due at the end of the semester)