Introduction to Ethics Syllabus for 2016-2017
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Course Information

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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.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

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Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

Online Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Rosenstand, Nina. The Moral of the Story: An Introduction to Ethics. Seventh Edition. Boston: McGraw-Hill, 2013; AND this 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 film rentals and/or library materials is also necessary for the successful completion of this course.  You will be required to watch and discuss four movies.

Student Performance

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:

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.

OBJECTIVES AND GOALS:

We will identify the ethical theories which support our ethical decisions through the writings of great philosophers, novels and movies.  Thus, we will explore the practical applications of our moral and ethical actions through the age-old practice of narrative and storytelling.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

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

1. Cell phones must be turned off during class. If you are expecting some kind of emergency call, talk to your teacher before class begins.
2. All students are required to follow the AC Student Rights/Responsibilities Statement.
3. Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet the course requirements should contact disability Services (Student Service Center room 119, 371-5436) as soon as possible.
4. All matters of academic dishonesty including plagiarism, collusion, fabrication and cheating will result in a failing grade for the assignment in question.
5. Your instructor wants this class to be both interesting and fun; but any form of disruptive classroom behavior will not be tolerated.

Grading Criteria

SPECIFIC COURSE REQUIREMENTS FOR PHILOSOPHY 2306 (Read carefully):

1. Reading. A careful reading of all the assigned sections of the textbook (see the class outline in this syllabus to find your specific reading assignments), and all lectures and informational sheets.  Reading the assigned portions of the textbook and watching the assigned movies are necessary for the successful completion of this course.
2. Watching Movies.  You must either rent, download or own and watch four movies during the course of this semester.  You will find worksheets to help you notice those aspects of each movie that is important for this class in each of the following weekly folders.

Week Two:  “A Passage to India” (1984)

Week Four: “The Help” (2011)

Week Five: “As Good As It Gets” (1997)

Week Seven: “Little Women” (1994)

3. Testing. The successful completion of three major examinations.  Only the final exam will be comprehensive.  You will have an hour to complete each exam; and you only have one chance to take each exam.  All three major examinations will close at 11:00 P.M., on the date they are due.  See the course outline and calendar in this syllabus for the dates of these exams.
4. Weekly Quizzes. The successful completion of weekly quizzes every week that you do not have a major examination.  You must take the actual quizzes by Saturday of the week they are due; and you will be limited to ten minutes on each of the short quizzes when you take it.  Therefore, you must be prepared to start before you open each quiz.  All weekly quizzes will close at 11:00 P.M. on Saturday evening of the week they are due.
5. Online Discussions. Active participation in all online discussions.  You must speak respectfully to and of your fellow students and the instructor during all class discussions.

• If you want to make a 100 on these weekly discussions I will expect you to thoughtfully respond to all of my questions each week.   And I will also expect you to thoughtfully reply to at least two postings offered by your classmates (you may also respond to my posts, although you are not required to).

g. In week five, you will have a worksheet to complete instead of a discussion.  It will be graded according to the quality of your responses. 

h. All weekly discussions will close at 11:00 P.M., on Saturday evening.

6. The online submission in Rich Text Format (RTF) of an acceptable research paper.

a. For this paper, you are to choose one of the ethical problems included in chapter 13, “Applied Ethics: A Sampler” (a chapter in your textbook that we are otherwise not covering in class).  Then, having chosen one of the ethical problems discussed, write your paper (1) identifying and clarifying that problem, (2) identifying the most common ethical       solutions which have been offered for that problem, and (3) defending the solution that you think is best.  This is the outline I expect you to follow.

b. Look for and use respected, academic level resources which are written by philosophers and ethicists who really believe in the correctness of the ethical  solutions they are explaining.  In other words, do not limit your sources to those  which agree with your personal conclusions.  And, do not use sources which  disagree with a certain point-of-view to define that point-of-view. Be objective and open minded.

c. In using the various resources and writers available to you, always remember  that “before one can say ‘I disagree’ one must be able to say ‘I understand’”   (William James).

d. This paper must be 5-6 double spaced typed pages in length, excluding the attached “Works Cited” page, using size 12 point font (the size font you are reading in this syllabus).  It must also use one inch margins on all four sides of each page.  Note: a few lines typed of page 5 does not make a 5 page paper.

e.This paper must also use good form; include either footnote or parenthetical documentation inside the text, and a complete “Works Cited” page attached as a last page for the paper (See the MLA Handbook available in the college bookstore, and in good libraries regarding form and documentation.  You are all encouraged to visit the "Writers Corner" in room 102 of Ordway Hall on the Washington street campus for free and personal help if you are in Amarillo.        

f.  Your attached "Works Cited" page must include at least five sources other than your textbook which are documented inside the text of your paper.

g. If you use internet resources, make sure that they come from reliable, academic level websites, and are properly documented so that your instructor may check your references.  DO NOT resort to non-academic internet resources such as Wikipedia (which may be edited and changed by anyone).                   

h. This paper must be submitted in the designated drop box by 11:00 p.m. on February 18, 2017.

i. See the Research Paper Weighing Scale on this syllabus to understand how your paper will be graded.

 

Research Paper Grading Scale

For select courses taught by Jerry L. Klein

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:

 

COURSE GRADE BREAKDOWN:

• Discussions          25%
• Quizzes                 25%
• Major Exams        25%
• Research Paper  25%

                                       100%

Course Grading Scale:

• A = 90-100

• B = 80-89

• C = 70-79

• D = 60-69

• F = 0-59

Attendance

Calendar

Additional Information

INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Mark Arandia

OFFICES:    I do not have an office at an AC campus.

OFFICE HOURS:   By appointment via Skype.

 

PHONE:        

• 806-371-5397, AC Philosophy Office. Note: this is the department office, not my office.

EMAIL:  m0590346@actx.edu; and in AC Connect

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 on 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 and reviews for the examinations, and find your grades posted there.

Any really important communication with your teacher must be sent via email so that we both may maintain a permanent record of it.  

You are welcome to email your questions about this class to Dr. Mark Arandia at m0590346@actx.edu