Introduction to Ethics Syllabus for 2017-2018
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Course

PHIL-2306-006 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 ResourcesStudent Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact your advisor, the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

1. Shafer-Landau, Russ, The Fundamentals of Ethics Oxford University Press, 2015. ISBN: 978-0-19-999723-7;
2. Shafer-Landau, Russ, The Ethical Life Oxford University Press, 2015. ISBN: 978-0-19-999727-5;
3. Various primary texts; will provide links to online resources.

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 (all of which are listed in your course outline which I will follow closely.

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.

Any really important communication with your teacher must be sent via email so that we both may maintain a permanent record of it. You will also find a Formative Feedback form that must be completed and submitted this week. These will not receive a grade, but I will add five points to your first examination if you will complete and submit it.

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 discussion of relevant real life events and real life issues in friendship and marriage.

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 in philosophical literature.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of rea life ethical issues.
4. Present and discuss meaningful responses to assigned study material.
5. Apply ethical concepts and principles to address moral concerns including living responsibly in a world where people have diverse priorities.
6. Apply course material to various aspects of life.
7. Discuss ways of living responsibly in a world where people have diverse beliefs..

THE STUDY OF PHILOSOPHY:  Philosophy is an important part of 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 and aesthetic response, their ability to write and interpret texts from all cultures, and to examine the ideas behind theoretical and practical philosophic writing. 

SPECIFIC COURSE REQUIREMENTS FOR PHILOSOPHY 2306:

1. Reading. A careful reading of all the assigned sections of the textbooks (see the class outline in this syllabus to find your specific reading assignments), and all lectures and informational sheets.   Reading the assigned material is necessary for the successful completion of this course. 
2. Watching Movies. If applicable, 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.
3. Weekly Assignments. You will complete eight assignments for this course.

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.        Introduction                          10    8   6    4    2     0     10%

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

      C.        Internal 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.        Future Value of Paper         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:  ______\______    

4.  Comments:

 

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

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:                 

Attendance                       10%                            90-100                A

Participation                     10%                             80-89                 B

Weekly Assignments        80%                            70-79                 C      

N/A                                    0%                              60-69                 D

N/A                                    0%                               0-59                  F                                            

Attendance

Calendar

Additional Information

OFFICES:     Byrd Business Building, Room 411

OFFICE HOURS:

By appointment; Please contact me via email.

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