Introduction to Ethics Syllabus for 2021-2022
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Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

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Course

PHIL-2306-010 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:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact 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

Online Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Shafer-Landau, Russ.  The Ethical Life.  5th Edition. Oxford University Press, 2021.

Shafer-Landau, Russ.  The Fundamentals of Ethics.  5th Edition.  Oxford University Press, 2021

Supplies

Your textbooks and regular computer access to this course through Blackboard.

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, assignments, and grades posted there.  Course content contains a file listing sources for help with Blackboard and other issues.

All assignments and exams will be available through Blackboard.  All assignments are due by Friday at 5pm for the week in which they are assigned.  Exams are due on the date they are assigned and within the time allotted for the exam.

Late Assignments:  10 pts will be deducted from the grade for late assignments for each day they are late.  After three days, late assignments will receive a zero..  

Students who do not actively participate online within the first week of class will be administratively dropped from the course (see AC policy on attendance requirements).

OBJECTIVES AND GOALS: We will identify history’s leading paradigmatic philosophers in ethics and analyze their philosophies through assigned readings, lectures, discussions and the viewing of related videos and movie clips.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (EXEMPLARY EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES):

Upon successful completion of the course, students will:

1.         Read, analyze, and critique philosophical texts in ethics. 

2.         Demonstrate knowledge of key concepts, major arguments, problems, and terminology in the field of ethics..

3.         Present logically persuasive arguments both orally and in writing. 

4.         Demonstrate critical thinking skills in evaluation and application of philosophical concepts in ethics as they apply to various aspects of life. 

5.         Evaluate the personal and social responsibilities of living in a diverse world.

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.         Regular online participation in discussion boards and submissions of weekly assignments through Blackboard.

2.         A careful reading of all the assigned sections of the textbooks (see the class outline on this syllabus to find your specific reading assignments).  Reading the assigned portions of the textbooks is necessary for the successful completion of this course. 

3.         The successful completion of two online examinations (midterm and final). See the course outline for the dates of these exams.

4.       Completion of a critical analysis (research project) on a current problem in ethics.  See Content for specific guidelines and due date.

4.       Extra Credit is not available for 6-8 week courses.   

5.       Students who receive a grade below 70 on writing assignments or exams will be referred for tutoring.  Tutoring must be completed before future assignments will be accepted for a grade.

Students 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, 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. 

Online Etiquette:

Misuse of technology that violates College Policies on harassment or disrupts this class in any way will not be tolerated.

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”).

POLICY CONCERNING SENSITIVE SUBJECT MATTER:  In the college experience, students encounter diverse views and new subject matter which expand their knowledge and perspective.  In all Humanities or Philosophy courses, we might observe, read, and discuss some works with subject matter that could include (but not be limited to) death, violence, sexuality, race, potentially offensive language, and political or religious viewpoints different from your own.  If any sensitive subject matter is a concern for you, please arrange a meeting with the instructor.

Grading Criteria

COURSE GRADE BREAKDOWN:                        COURSE GRADING SCALE:                

     Weekly Assignments                          20%                           90-100                   A

     Reflection Paragraphs                        20%                           80-89                     B   

     Midterm Examination                          20%                           70-79                     C

     Critical Analysis Paper                        20%                           60-69                     D

     Final Examination                               20%                            0-59                       F      

Attendance

Calendar

Additional Information

DO NOT FORGET THIS DATE:

            Last Day to Withdraw without a Failing Grade:  Oct. 5th, 2021