Introduction to Ethics Syllabus for 2016-2017
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Course

PHIL-2306-001 Introduction to Ethics

Prerequisites

Course Description

The systematic evaluation of classical and/or contemporary ethical theories concerning the good life, human conduct in society, morals and standards of value.

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Department Expectations

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Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

1.  Rosenstand, Nina.  The Moral of the Story: An Introduction to Ethics. Seventh edition. Boston: McGraw-Hill, 2013
2. This Syllabus.

You will be tested over both the textbook and the syllabus.

Supplies

Your textbook, syllabus, a dictionary, pens or pencils, notebook paper or a notebook, and access to a computer to complete assignments and review class materials. Access to library materials is necessary for the successful completion of this course.  Access to film rentals may be necessary if you cannot attend on the days we view and discuss contemporary movies.

Student Performance

ACCESSING AC CONNECT:

Online communication will be achieved between students and the professor by using AC Connect.  It is the student's responsibility to check for email messages and announcements regarding this class by clicking on AC Connect at the top of the Amarillo College home page, and then clicking on the icon identifying this class.  You will be able to communicate with both your classmates and professor, check your syllabus, find required supplemental materials and reviews for the examinations, and find your grades posted there.

You will also find a Formative Feedback form that must be completed and submitted this week.  This will not receive a grade, but I will add ten points to your first examination if you will complete and submit it. It is designed to help me get to know you.

OBJECTIVES AND GOALS: We will identify the ethical theories which support our ethical decisions through the writings of great philosophers. However, we will explore the practical applications of our moral and ethical actions through the age-old practice of narrative and storytelling. 

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (EXEMPLARY EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES):

Upon successful completion of the course, students will:

1. Read, analyze, and critique philosophical texts. 
2. Define and appropriately use important terms such as relativism, virtue, duty, rights, utilitarianism, natural law, egoism, altruism, autonomy, and care ethics.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of major arguments and problems in ethics.
4. Present and discuss well-reasoned ethical positions in writing.
5. Apply ethical concepts and principles to address moral concerns including living responsibly in a world where people have diverse political priorities.
6. Apply course material to various aspects of life.
7. Discuss ways of living responsibly in a world where people have diverse political beliefs..

THE STUDY OF PHILOSOPHY:  Philosophy is an important part to the foundation of a liberal arts education. Courses in philosophy help to provide a deeper understanding of the concepts which have formed human cultures while at the same time helping to develop the students’ skills in critical analysis, their ability to write and interpret texts from all cultures, and to examine the ideas behind theoretical thinking. 

SPECIFIC COURSE REQUIREMENTS FOR PHILOSOPHY 2306:

1. Attendance.  Regular attendance and classroom participation. Two unexcused absences will result in the loss of one letter grade for the semester unless it is made up.  Absences may be excused if they are the result of illness, official Amarillo College business, or personal emergencies.   It is your responsibility to talk with the instructor about this, though.  He will never bring it up to you. Unexcused absences may be made up by doing extra work as approved by your instructor.
2. Reading. A careful reading of all the assigned sections of the textbooks (see the class outline on this syllabus to find your specific reading assignments), and all informational sheets given to you in class or online.  
3. Testing. The successful completion of three examinations, including the final examination.  The final examination will be comprehensive—but there will be no questions on it that cover material you have been previously tested over unless those questions are worded in exactly the same way that they were worded on the previous examination.  See the course outline for the dates of these exams.
4. Research.  You will all be divided into teams at the beginning of the semester, with each group being assigned one of the subtitles in chapter 13, “Applied Ethics: A Sampler” (a chapter in your textbook that we are not covering in class).  Each subtitle represents an ethical problem that many people are having to deal with in today’s world.  These projects are due the week of April 24, 2017. 

• Then, each group will work together to (1) identify and clarify that problem, (2) identify the most common ethical solutions which have been offered for that problem, and (3) defend the solution that each of you think is the best.  This is the outline that I expect you to follow in writing your papers.
• These groups will then work together to produce a five to seven page epistemological paper that (using good form) that defines, summarizes and evaluates the assigned philosophical problem.  This paper must include internal documentation for all of the sources the team has used.  The paper submitted must also have an attached “Works Cited” page so that the sources may be verified by your teacher.
• This “Works Cited” page must include at least five different sources which are also cited inside the paper.
• One or more students from each group will then read their paper to the class, clearly and with careful pronunciation, with that reading to be followed by each member of the group helping to defend the conclusions of the group by answering questions and challenges that come from the rest of the class and the instructor.  Each team member will also be required to explain and defend their own personal conclusion for the problem covered.
• A rubric will be used for grading the paper.  Consult the project grading rubric on page 7 of this syllabus; and visit the “Writer’s Corner” in room 102 of Ordway Hall, for free and personal help writing and documenting this paper.
• You may also choose to use an up-to-date edition of the MLA Handbook available in the college bookstore and/or the Lynn library for guidance regarding both form and documentation.
• The assigned topics from chapter 13 will be:

Team 1: Abortion

Team 2: Euthanasia

Team 3: Just War Theory

Team 4: The Death Penalty

 

Research Paper Grading Rubric:

Documentation and Form are graded by the standards in the MLA Handbook (consult your syllabus).

1.  Mechanics: 20%

             A.        Introduction                           5     4     3     2     1     0     5%

                        Grammar/Spelling

                        Evidence of Proof-Reading

                        Neatness

                        Documentation/Form               

         B.        Body                                       5     4     3     2     1     0     5%

                        Grammar/Spelling

                         Evidence of Proof-Reading

                         Neatness

                         Documentation/Form

         C.        Conclusion                             5     4     3     2     1     0     5%

                        Grammar/Spelling

                               Evidence of Proof-Reading

                               Neatness

                               Documentation/Form               

         D.        Bibliography                           5     4     3     2     1     0     5%

                               Form/Content

                               Completeness/Consistency

                               Neatness

                               Spelling

                               Any Obvious Sources Not Consulted?      

                                

2.  Content:  80%

   A.        Research                                10     8     6     4     2     0     10%

         B.        Thesis Statement                    10     8    6     4     2     0     10%           

         C.        Documentation                        10     8     6     4     2     0     10%

         D         Use of Logic/Thoughtfulness/

                     Analysis                                   10     8     6     4     2     0     10%

         E.         Completeness/Consistency  10     8     6     4     2     0     10%

         F.         Reactions/Conclusions          10     8     6     4     2     0     10%

         G.        Potential Future Value of

                     the Research                          10     8     6     4     2     0     10%

         H.        Is the Paper Interesting?        10     8     6     4     2     0     10%

         I.          Length:  - ______ points (acceptable length loses zero points)

3.  Total Points/Letter Grade:         ______ points\______ letter  

4.  Comments:

 

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

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If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

ACADEMIC HONESTY:

All matters of academic dishonesty including plagiarism, collusion, and fabrication and cheating will result in a failing grade for the assignment in question.  All violations will be reported to the proper college authorities for review. 

STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

All students are required to follow the AC Student Rights/Responsibilities Statement (On the internet, go to www.actx.edu  and look under the “campus bookmarks”).

Grading Criteria

COURSE GRADE BREAKDOWN:           COURSE GRADING SCALE:                 

First Examination              25%                            90-100                A

Second Examination        25%                             80-89                 B

Final Examinations           25%                             70-79                 C      

Research Project             25%                              60-69                 D                          

                                100%                               0-59                  F                                            

Attendance

Calendar

Additional Information

OFFICES:     Byrd Business Building, Room 316 

Amarillo Bible Chair, 2501 S. Jackson (across from Panhandle PBS, FM 90, on the Washington Street campus)

OFFICE HOURS:

8:00-8:45 AM, Mondays through Thursdays at Byrd 316.

2:00-3:00 PM, Mondays through Thursdays at the Amarillo Bible Chair.  I can be available at almsot any time I am not in class, by appointment.  

PHONE:       806-371-5397, Philosophy Office (during office hours only)

                      806-372-5747, Amarillo Bible Chair Office

                      806-683-7465, Cell (available anytime other than when I am in class)

EMAIL:         jlklein@actx.edu; and in AC Connect