Syllabus for Contemporary Moral Issues (1106PHIL140E803)

http://tychousa1.umuc.edu/PHIL140/1106/E803/class.nsf/Printa...

Syllabus for Contemporary Moral Issues (1106PHIL140E803)

(Left-click in this frame and then select File - Print Frame to print this page Course Description An exploration of how philosophical analysis can be a foundation for thinking clearly about moral issues. Problems analyzed include such widely debated issues as abortion, euthanasia, the death penalty, homosexuality, pornography, reverse discrimination, business ethics, sexual equality, and economic equity. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: HUMN 300 or PHIL 140. Course Introduction Philosophy 140 Contemporary Moral Issues introduces the student to moral philosophy, rst, by examining some perennial problems of moral philosophy itself; second, by looking at some standard theories of moral philosophy; and nally, by applying these theories to current moral issues. Throughout, the emphasis is on logical skills in argument. This course consists of ve themes: * Theme 1: Philosophy and Philosophical Argument * Theme 2: Ethics and Ethical Issues * Theme 3: Ethical Theories * Theme 4: Contemporary Ethical Issues I: Ethics of Destruction * Theme 5: Contemporary Ethical Issues II: Justice Formulating strong logical arguments is an essential part of philosophy. In both the exams and the writing assignments, you will be expected to develop an argument format that claries the issues, recognizes distinct conclusions and premises, and requires you to contend with objections and arguments for both sides. Good philosophical writing also emphasizes conceptual clarity and a sense of denition, supported by precise grammar and syntax. This usually requires rewriting and polishing a text several times. Course Goals/Objectives The goal of this course is to prepare you for mature discussion of current contemporary moral issues, to include: * a facility in logical argumentation * knowledge of the main ethical theories and their strengths and weaknesses * application of these theories to an informed discussion of current moral issues Upon successful completion of this course, you should be able to * distinguish argument from opinion

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Syllabus for Contemporary Moral Issues (1106PHIL140E803)

http://tychousa1.umuc.edu/PHIL140/1106/E803/class.nsf/Printa...

* construct arguments in support of a position, including responses to objections * demonstrate knowledge of the following ethical theories by applying them to contemporary moral issues: utilitarianism, deontology, social contract theory, feminist ethics, and virtue ethics * demonstrate critical knowledge of the moral issues covered * demonstrate in writing your mastery of two moral issues Course Materials James Rachels, Elements of Moral Philosophy, 6th ed. (ISE)(McGraw-Hill) James Rachels, The Right Thing To Do, 5th ed. (ISE)(McGraw-Hill) Grading Information Online participation 30% Midterm examination 20% Project 20% Final examination 30% Total 100% Grading Scale The grading scale, based on 100 points, is: A = 90-100 points B = 80-89 points C = 70-79 points D = 60-69 points F = 50-59 points Project Descriptions

Course Schedule
Week 1 Session Dates Readings, Assignments, and Due Dates

Jun 13-19

Topic: Denition of morality ASSIGNMENT FOR WEEK 1 1. In the biography area, post an appropriate photo next to your brief bio to help us build community better in our course. (Post the photo before the end of week 1). Introduce yourself to your classmates in the conference area reserved for introductions. 2. Describe three reasons why you enrolled in this course and what you hope to achieve from it.

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Syllabus for Contemporary Moral Issues (1106PHIL140E803)

http://tychousa1.umuc.edu/PHIL140/1106/E803/class.nsf/Printa...

3. Without any external references, describe your personal understanding of philosophy and its use in daily life. 4. Submit weekly conference posting between 150 and 300 words by 17 Jun and a response to two classmates by 18 Jun. The responses should be in sentences and relevant to the topic under discussion. Please note that you do not need to have read the course text books to respond to this assignment. Once you complete all the four requirements, you will get full credit. Each missing item will decrease the quality of your grade. Readings: Module 1 as described in the Course Content area. eCHAPTERS 1-3 are available on the left hand side, open the eCHAPTERS conference area for both textbooks and read for your assignments just in case your textbooks are delayed.
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June 20-26

25 JUNE LAST DAY FOR 75% REFUND READINGS: IN THE ELEMENTS OF MORAL PHILOSOPHY, pp.14-31 Topic: The Challenge of Cultural Relativism and Subjectivism in Ethics READINGS: IN THE ELEMENTS OF MORAL PHILOSOPHY: Subjectivism in Ethics PP.32-47. Submit weekly conference post by 24 Jun and a response to two classmates by 25 Jun. 30 JUNE - LAST DAY FOR 25% REFUND Topic: Ethical Egoism, Ethical Egoism and sex and drugs IN ELEMENTS OF MORAL PHILOSOPHY Ethical Egoism 62-79 IN THE RIGHT THING TO DO BASIC READINGS Sex and Drugs 223-260. Submit weekly conference post by 1 Jul and a response to One classmate by 2 Jul. In your assigned study group, discuss your assigned scenario. Appoint a group member to post a nal consensus agreed upon by all members. Jun 27-Jul 3 STUDY GROUP PRESENTATION 10% Topic: Life, death and Morality IN ELEMENTS What Is Morality? 1-13 Does Morality Depend On Religion, 48-61 IN BASIC READINGS Bioethics 306-321 (Bioethics) Submit weekly conference post by 8 Jul and response to two classmates by 9 Jul. Topic: Abortion IN BASIC READINGS

Jun 27 -Jul 3

Jul 4-10

Jul 11-17

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Syllabus for Contemporary Moral Issues (1106PHIL140E803)

http://tychousa1.umuc.edu/PHIL140/1106/E803/class.nsf/Printa...

Abortion, pp.85-119 IN ELEMENTS The Utilitarian Approach & Debate 97-122 Submit weekly conference essay by 15 Jul and a response to classmate by 16 Jul. TAKE YOUR PROCTORED MID-TERM EXAMINATION (20% of nal grade) AVAILABLE IN WEEK 5, JUL 11-17
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Jul 18-24

IN BASIC READINGS War, Terrorism & Torture Just War Theory Hiroshima What is wrong with Terrorism War on Terrorism - pp.161-201 Submit weekly conference post by 22 Jul and a response to two classmates by 23 Jul. IN ELEMENTS Are There Absolute Moral Rules? pp.124-135 IN BASIC READINGS The Death Penalty, Pp.203-222. Submit weekly conference post by 29 Jul and responses to two classmates by 30 Jul. Race IN BASIC READINGS Letter from the Birmingham City Jail Martin Luther King, Jr. pp.271-305 INELEMENTS The Idea of Social Contract pp.80-96 Submit weekly conference post by 5 Aug and a response to classmate by 6 Aug. 12 AUGUST LAST DAY FOR STUDENTS WITHDRAWALS IN ELEMENTS What would a satisfactory moral theory look like? pp.173-183 Kant and the respect for persons, pp.136-145 Submit weekly conference post by 12 Aug and responses to one classmate by 13 Aug. In the Conference area, proceed with the Contemporary Moral Issue Presentation as directed. In the Conference area, proceed with the Contemporary Moral Issue Presentation as directed in order to respond to one consensus summary. 8-14 August CONTEMPORARY MORAL ISSUE PRESENSTATION 10% IN ELEMENTS Feminism and the Ethics of Care, pp.146 to 157

Jul 25-31

Aug 1-7

Aug 8-14

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Aug 15-20

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Syllabus for Contemporary Moral Issues (1106PHIL140E803)

http://tychousa1.umuc.edu/PHIL140/1106/E803/class.nsf/Printa...

Submit weekly conference post by 19 Aug. No response to a classmate required this week. FINAL (NOT PROCTORED) EXAMINATION THIS WEEK END OF DE SESSION, SATURDAY, 20 AUGUST 2011
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Additional Information

Academic Policies Academic Policies are not course specic and are therefore created and housed separately from this syllabus. You may access and print Academic Policies from the Syllabus sub-menu in your classroom.

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