syllabus for contemporary moral issues (1106phil140e803)

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 forthinking clearly about moral issues. Problems analyzed include such widelydebated issues as abortion, euthanasia, the death penalty, homosexuality,pornography, reverse discrimination, business ethics, sexual equality, andeconomic equity. Students may receive credit for only one of the followingcourses: HUMN 300 or PHIL 140.

Course Introduction

Philosophy 140 Contemporary Moral Issues introduces the student to moral philosophy, first, byexamining some perennial problems of moral philosophy itself; second, by looking at some standardtheories of moral philosophy; and finally, by applying these theories to current moral issues.Throughout, the emphasis is on logical skills in argument.

This course consists of five 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 thewriting assignments, you will be expected to develop an argument format that clarifies the issues,recognizes distinct conclusions and premises, and requires you to contend with objections andarguments for both sides. Good philosophical writing also emphasizes conceptual clarity and a senseof definition, supported by precise grammar and syntax. This usually requires rewriting and polishinga 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

Syllabus for Contemporary Moral Issues (1106PHIL140E803) http://tychousa1.umuc.edu/PHIL140/1106/E803/class.nsf/Printa...

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* construct arguments in support of a position, including responses to objections* demonstrate knowledge of the following ethical theories by applying them to contemporary moralissues: 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 pointsB = 80-89 pointsC = 70-79 pointsD = 60-69 pointsF = 50-59 points

Project Descriptions

Course Schedule

Week Session Dates Readings, Assignments, and Due Dates1 Jun 13-19 Topic: Definition of morality

ASSIGNMENT FOR WEEK 11. In the biography area, post an appropriate photo next to your briefbio to help us build community better in our course. (Post the photobefore the end of week 1). Introduce yourself to your classmates inthe conference area reserved for introductions.2. Describe three reasons why you enrolled in this course and whatyou hope to achieve from it.


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3. Without any external references, describe your personalunderstanding of philosophy and its use in daily life.4. Submit weekly conference posting between 150 and 300 wordsby 17 Jun and a response to two classmates by 18 Jun. Theresponses should be in sentences and relevant to the topic underdiscussion. Please note that you do not need to have read the coursetext books to respond to this assignment. Once you complete all thefour requirements, you will get full credit. Each missing item willdecrease 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 theeCHAPTERS conference area for both textbooks and read for yourassignments just in case your textbooks are delayed.

2 June 20-26 25 JUNE LAST DAY FOR 75% REFUNDREADINGS: IN THE ELEMENTS OF MORAL PHILOSOPHY,pp.14-31Topic: The Challenge of Cultural Relativism and Subjectivism inEthicsREADINGS: IN THE ELEMENTS OF MORAL PHILOSOPHY:Subjectivism in Ethics PP.32-47.Submit weekly conference post by 24 Jun and a response to twoclassmates by 25 Jun.

3 Jun 27 -Jul 3 30 JUNE - LAST DAY FOR 25% REFUNDTopic: Ethical Egoism, Ethical Egoism and sex and drugsIN ELEMENTS OF MORAL PHILOSOPHYEthical Egoism 62-79IN THE RIGHT THING TO DO BASIC READINGSSex and Drugs 223-260.Submit weekly conference post by 1 Jul and a response to Oneclassmate by 2 Jul. In your assigned study group, discuss yourassigned scenario. Appoint a group member to post a finalconsensus agreed upon by all members.Jun 27-Jul 3 STUDY GROUP PRESENTATION 10%

4 Jul 4-10 Topic: Life, death and MoralityIN ELEMENTSWhat Is Morality? 1-13Does Morality Depend On Religion, 48-61IN BASIC READINGSBioethics 306-321 (Bioethics)Submit weekly conference post by 8 Jul and response to twoclassmates by 9 Jul.

5 Jul 11-17 Topic: AbortionIN BASIC READINGS


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

6 Jul 18-24 IN BASIC READINGSWar, Terrorism & TortureJust War TheoryHiroshimaWhat is wrong with TerrorismWar on Terrorism - pp.161-201Submit weekly conference post by 22 Jul and a response to twoclassmates by 23 Jul.

7 Jul 25-31 IN ELEMENTSAre There Absolute Moral Rules? pp.124-135IN BASIC READINGSThe Death Penalty, Pp.203-222.Submit weekly conference post by 29 Jul and responses to twoclassmates by 30 Jul.

8 Aug 1-7 RaceIN BASIC READINGSLetter from the Birmingham City Jail Martin Luther King, Jr.pp.271-305INELEMENTSThe Idea of Social Contract pp.80-96Submit weekly conference post by 5 Aug and a response toclassmate by 6 Aug.

9 Aug 8-14 12 AUGUST – LAST DAY FOR STUDENTS WITHDRAWALSIN ELEMENTSWhat would a satisfactory moral theory look like? pp.173-183Kant and the respect for persons, pp.136-145Submit weekly conference post by 12 Aug and responses to oneclassmate by 13 Aug. In the Conference area, proceed with theContemporary Moral Issue Presentation as directed.In the Conference area, proceed with the Contemporary Moral IssuePresentation as directed in order to respond to one consensussummary.8-14 August CONTEMPORARY MORAL ISSUEPRESENSTATION 10%

10 Aug 15-20 IN ELEMENTSFeminism and the Ethics of Care, pp.146 to 157


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Submit weekly conference post by 19 Aug. No response to aclassmate required this week.FINAL (NOT PROCTORED) EXAMINATION THIS WEEKEND OF DE SESSION, SATURDAY, 20 AUGUST 2011

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Additional Information

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


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syllabus for contemporary moral issues (1106phil140e803)

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