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Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of basic concepts in ethics.
2. Describe, analyze and evaluate moral theories.
3. Analyze and evaluate specific philosophical arguments involved in representative comtemporary moral issues.
4. Compare, contrast and evaluate the application of modern and classical moral theories to contemporary moral issues.
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1. Moral concepts
a. Moral values
b. Intrinsic and extrinsic values
c. Normative Ethics
d. Applied Ethics
e. Relativism and absolutism
f. Moral reasoning
g. Moral standing
2. Moral theories, including:
a. Utilitarianism
b. Contract theory
c. Kantianism
d. Natural Law Theory
e. Moral rights
f. Virtue ethics
g. Other
3. Factual background for representative moral issues
a. Euthanasia
b. Abortion
c. Animal rights
d. Privacy
e. Capital Punishment
f. War and terrorism
g. Homosexuality
h. hate speech
i. Other
4. Philosophical theories and arguments involved in representative moral issues
a. Natural law as applied to homosexuality
b. Right to life as applied to abortion
c. Justice as applied to capital punishment
d. Just War Theory as applied to war and terrorism
e. Harm Principle as applied to animal rights
f. Utilitarianism as applied to animal rights
g. Other
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1. Reading assignments of approximately 20 pages per week from course texts and supplementary materials
2. Approximately 10 quizzes based on the reading assignments
3. 2 to 10 take-home and in-class essay exams
4. Term paper on a moral issue of 5 pages or longer
5. Final examination
Writing: Assessment tools that demonstrate writing skill and/or require students to select, organize and explain ideas in writing. | Writing 30 - 60% |
Term papers and written papers | |
Problem solving: Assessment tools, other than exams, that demonstrate competence in computational or non-computational problem solving skills. | Problem Solving 0 - 0% |
None | |
Skill Demonstrations: All skill-based and physical demonstrations used for assessment purposes including skill performance exams. | Skill Demonstrations 0 - 0% |
None | |
Exams: All forms of formal testing, other than skill performance exams. | Exams 30 - 60% |
Exams and final composed of multiple choice, essay, short essay | |
Other: Includes any assessment tools that do not logically fit into the above categories. | Other Category 10 - 20% |
Participation and attendance | |
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The Elements of Moral Philosophy, 6th ed., James Rachels, McGraw-Hill, 2009.
The Right Thing to Do, 5th ed., edited by James Rachels, McGraw-Hill, 2009.
Contemporary Moral Issues, 3rd ed., Lawrence Hinman, Prentice Hall, 2005.
Taking Sides: Clashing Views on Controversial Moral Issues, 12th ed., Stephen Sarris, McGraw-Hill/Dushkin, 2009.
Contemporary Moral Arguments: Readings in Moral Issues, Lewis Vaughn, Oxford University Press, 2009.
Analyzing Moral Issues, 5th ed., Judith Boss, McGraw-Hill, 2009.