HomeMy WebLinkAboutPHR-110Departmental Policy Syllabus
8/29/12; revised, 11/23/13; updated, 12/12/13, 1/18/14, 2/6/14
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Bergen Community College
Division of Arts & Humanities
Department of Philosophy & Religion
Course Syllabus
PHR-110 Introduction to Ethics
Basic Information about Course and Instructor
Semester and year:
Section Number:
Meeting Times and Locations:
Instructor:
Office Location:
Phone:
Departmental Secretary: [optional]
Office Hours:
Email Address:
Course Description
PHR-110 Introduction to Ethics is a study of the basic theories, methods, and problems of moral
philosophy. Topics may include the study of the moral theories of Aristotle, Aquinas, Hobbes, Kant, Mill,
and Rawls; the relationship of ethics and morality to religious belief; morality and evolution; the nature
and meaning of moral terms; moral absolutism and relativism; egoism and altruism; the nature of moral
reasoning; conceptions of the good life; free will and moral responsibility.
3 lectures, 3 credits
General Education Course – Humanities Elective
Student Learning Objectives: As a result of meeting the requirements in this course, students will be
able to
1. identify the basic problems of moral philosophy and the major figures in the history of moral
philosophy;
2. critically analyze the basic issues in moral philosophy;
3. summarize in detail, both orally and in writing, the views of moral philosophers as expressed in
philosophical texts;
4. use the logical and critical thinking methods of philosophy to analyze and evaluate the ways in
which philosophers attempt to solve the problems of moral philosophy;
5. locate, evaluate, and use effectively information from a variety of relevant sources;
6. state and support in clear, logical, and concise writing your own views on issues In moral
philosophy; and
7. participate actively in discussions of ideas and issues addressed in the course (re: SLOs 1-4).
Departmental Policy Syllabus
8/29/12; revised, 11/23/13; updated, 12/12/13, 1/18/14, 2/6/14
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In pursuit of the foregoing objectives, the course is based on the reading and discussion of primary
source materials by philosophers and other writers on moral philosophy; the basic principles and methods
of logical reasoning are introduced; the techniques of philosophical research and writing are reviewed and
employed in course assignments; students are given the opportunity and are encouraged to participate
actively in class discussions; and students are required to do a substantial amount of expository and
critical writing in response to the material presented in the course.
Learning Assessment
The Student Learning Objectives (SLOs) in this course are intended to be aligned with as many of the
college's General Education Goals as possible. They are also correlated with the overall Learning Goals
of the Philosophy Program. In addition, student progress in reaching the course's SLOs is to be
assessed through various means of assessment, such as the "Suggested Means of Assessment" listed
below.
Student Learning Objective Suggested Means of Assessment
1. identify the basic problems of moral philosophy and the
major figures in the history of moral philosophy;
• Essay examinations
• Quizzes and objective tests
• Writing assignments
2. critically analyze the basic issues in moral philosophy; • Essay examinations
• Quizzes and objective tests
• Writing assignments
• Graded class presentations
3. summarize in detail, both orally and in writing, the views of
moral philosophers as expressed in philosophical texts;
• Essay examinations
• Quizzes and objective tests
• Writing assignments
• Graded class presentations
4. use the logical and critical thinking methods of philosophy to
analyze and evaluate the ways in which philosophers
attempt to solve the problems of moral philosophy;
• Essay examinations
• Quizzes and objective tests
• Writing assignments
• Graded class presentations
5. locate, evaluate, and use effectively information from a
variety of relevant sources;
• Writing assignments*
• Graded class presentations
6. state and support in clear, logical, and concise writing your
own views on issues In moral philosophy; and
• Essay examinations
• Writing assignments
7. participate actively in discussions of ideas and issues
addressed in the course(re: SLOs 1-4).
• Graded class discussions
*Writing assignments for the purpose of assessing student success on SLO 5 will include research and
writing projects, possibly including term papers, in which a student identifies an information need,
accesses and evaluates appropriate resources, and uses the information effectively and ethically for a
specific purpose.
Course Content
This course is intended to introduce students to the major theories in moral philosophy (e.g.,
utilitarianism, deontology, and social contract theory), to the basic issues arising therefrom, and to the
writings and ideas of at least two major moral philosophers. Therefore, the course includes the following
(mandatory) components:
Departmental Policy Syllabus
8/29/12; revised, 11/23/13; updated, 12/12/13, 1/18/14, 2/6/14
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1. A discussion, at least in outline form, of the major theories in moral philosophy and the major
issues arising therefrom.
2. The study of the work of at least two moral philosophers of historical importance (e.g., Plato,
Aristotle, Aquinas, Hobbes, Butler, Mill, Kant, Ross, Nozick, and Rawls.)
The course may be presented as an historically-ordered study of the writings of major moral philosophers,
or as a topically-ordered study of the ways in which ancient and contemporary philosophers have
approached the major issues in moral philosophy.
Special Features of the Course (if any) [to be designated by the instructor]
E.g., the use of learning technologies in the course (Internet, PowerPoint, web enhancement via a parallel
course website, etc.); the inclusion of technological literacy learning in the course; etc.
Course Texts and/or Other Study Materials
The required text for this course is Doing Ethics, ed. Lewis Vaughn (Norton, 3d ed., 2013), ISBN-13:
978-0393137460.
Writing and Critical Thinking Requirement(s)
Because PHR-110 is a General Education course, it requires students to complete a variety of critical
thinking and writing assignments. These assignments may include class discussions and debates
requiring the application of critical thinking skills, short in-class essays, out-of-class writing projects
(journals, research papers, argument-analysis papers, book reviews, etc.), tests and examinations
containing essay components, and so forth. Instructors will respond to and comment on students' writing
in detail.
Grading Policy
A student's final grade for the course is based primarily on his or her performance on the required work
for the course (writing assignments, examinations, class presentations, etc.) and on his or her overall
mastery of the material covered in the course. A student's class participation may also be evaluated, and
the grade thereon may be used as a factor in determining the student's final grade for the course; but a
class participation grade will count for no more than twenty percent (20%) of the final grade. A student's
research and writing work will count at least fifty percent (50%) of the final grade.
Attendance Policy
BCC Attendance Policy:
All students are expected to attend punctually every scheduled meeting of each course in which they are
registered. Attendance and lateness policies and sanctions are to be determined by the instructor for
each section of each course. These will be established in writing on the individual course outline.
Attendance will be kept by the instructor for administrative and counseling purposes.
Philosophy and Religion Departmental Attendance Policy:
Students are expected to attend class regularly and punctually. Attendance will be taken at each class
session. It is expected that class will be conducted such that students will benefit in their written work by
the lectures and class discussion. If students occasionally arrive late, they should be encouraged to enter
Departmental Policy Syllabus
8/29/12; revised, 11/23/13; updated, 12/12/13, 1/18/14, 2/6/14
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quietly, not disturbing the class. If students miss class, they should be encouraged to use the course
calendar to stay abreast of material. It is probably a good idea for students to find study partners and to
exchange telephone numbers. Make-ups for examinations should be allowed by the instructor if, in the
instructor's judgment, the student has presented a good excuse for missing the work. Instructors may
penalize work which is late; however, the instructor's policies for make-ups and late work must be clearly
specified in the course syllabus.
Attendance Policy in this Course:
[To be designated by the instructor]
Other College, Divisional, and/or Departmental Policy Statements [optional but recommended]
Examples:
Statement on plagiarism and/or academic dishonesty.
ADA statement.
Sexual Harassment statement.
Statement on acceptable use of BCC technology.
Statement on the purpose and value of faculty office hours.
Student and Faculty Support Services [optional but recommended]
List support services, e.g., the Writing Center, the Math Lab, the Tutorial Center, Online Writing Lab
(OWL), Office of Specialized Services, etc. Include information on the BCC Library.
Example:
Student and Faculty Support Services
The Distance Learning Office – for
any problems you may have
accessing your online courses
Room C-334 201-612-5581
psimms@bergen.edu
Smarthinking Tutorial Service On Line at: http://www.bergen.edu/pages1/Pages/4787.aspx
The Tutoring Center Room L-125 201-447-7908
http://www.bergen.edu/pages1/pages/2192.aspx
The Writing Center Room L-125 201-447-7908
http://www.bergen.edu/pages1/Pages/1795.aspx
The Office of Specialized Services
(for Students with Disabilities)
Room S-131 201-612-5270
http://www.bergen.edu/oss
BCC Library – Reference Desk Room L-226 201-447-7436
Special Note on the Tutoring Center
The Henry and Edith Cerullo Learning Assistance Center encompasses the Tutoring Center, the
English Language Resource Center, and the Writing Center. The website of the Learning Assistance
Departmental Policy Syllabus
8/29/12; revised, 11/23/13; updated, 12/12/13, 1/18/14, 2/6/14
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Center is located at www.bergen.edu/pages/2192.asp. Tutoring services are available for this course in
the Tutoring Center. I strongly recommend that you make use of those services as we progress through
the course. As listed above, the Tutoring Center is located in Room L-125, and its phone number is 201-
447-7908.
Include the following statement on Logos – The BCC Philosophy & Religion Club
Logos – The BCC Philosophy & Religion Club
Logos usually meets on Tuesdays during the Activities Period, 12:30-1:25 PM, but sometimes also on
different days and at different times. I encourage you to join the club. Since you are interested in the
study of philosophy, you should find the meetings and other activities of the Philosophy & Religion club
very interesting. For further information, check the Philosophy & Religion bulletin board adjacent to Room
L-325A or contact LOGOS Advisor, Professor Jennifer Lyden (L-326, 201-493-3540,
jlyden@bergen.edu). (LOGOS does not hold regular meetings during the summer.)
Include a Course Outline and Calendar [can be combined in a single syllabus section]
The Course Outline and Calendar must include all of the following elements:
• A daily or (at least) weekly schedule of topics to be covered.
• Dates for exams, quizzes, or other means of assessment. (This does not mean that all evaluation
of students must be in groups and at the same time. Exams and other means of assessment can
be listed as "to be scheduled individually.")
• Due dates for major assignments – e.g., when is a paper due; if the topic has to be approved,
when; if an outline or draft is an interim step, when it is due.
• Any required special events must be included in the outline/calendar, e.g., a lecture by a visiting
speaker, a dramatic or musical performance, a field trip.
• Designation of Student Learning Objectives – by number – for each topic (see sample below).
• A note to students stating that the course outline and calendar is tentative and subject to change,
depending upon the progress of the class.
SAMPLE COURSE OUTLINE FOR PHR-110
I. Introduction: the Nature of Moral Theory
Ethical Egoism, Ethical Relativism, Divine Command Theory, Consequentialism, Deontology.
II. Virtue Theory
Readings: Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics
III. Utilitarianism
Readings: Mill’s Utilitarianism
IV. Deontology
Readings: Kant’s Grounding for the Metaphysics of Morals
V. Issues in Moral Philosophy: e.g., the relationship of ethics and morality to religious belief; morality
and evolution; the nature and meaning of moral terms; moral absolutism and relativism; egoism
and altruism; the nature of moral reasoning; conceptions of the good life; free will and moral
responsibility.
Departmental Policy Syllabus
8/29/12; revised, 11/23/13; updated, 12/12/13, 1/18/14, 2/6/14
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Sample Format for Course Outline and Calendar
Note to Students: The following Course Outline and Calendar is tentative and subject to change,
depending upon the progress of the class.
Week(s) Date(s) Topics & Assignments Learning
Objectives
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
See the Sample Course Outline and Calendar below.
Departmental Policy Syllabus
8/29/12; revised, 11/23/13; updated, 12/12/13, 1/18/14, 2/6/14
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SAMPLE COURSE OUTLINE AND CALENDAR
Note to Students: The following Course Outline and Calendar is tentative and subject to change,
depending upon the progress of the class.
Week(s) Date(s) Topics & Assignments Learning
Objectives
1 9/6 Introductions, and the Place of Ethics in Philosophy and Daily
Life
1
2 9/11-13 Ethics and the Examined Life (Ch. 1)*
1-2
3 9/18-20 Challenges to Objectivity and Moral Reasoning (Ch. 2)*
1-2
4 9/25-27 A Primer on Moral Reasoning (Ch. 3) and the Evaluation of
Moral Theories (Ch.4)*
“Ethics in the Wild” Writing Assignment Due—Sept. 27th
1-7
5 10/2-4 Consequentialism I: Ethical Egoism (Ch.5)*
1-7
6 10/9-11 Consequentialism II: Utilitarianism (Ch. 5)*
1-7
7 10/16-18 Continuation of Consequentialism and MIDTERM EXAM
(10/18)
1-7
8 10/23-25 Nonconsequentialism I: Kant’s Ethics (Ch.6)*
1-7
9 10/30-
11/1
Continuation of Kant’s Ethics, and Nonconsequentialism II:
Natural Law Theory (Ch.6)*
1-7
10 11/6-8 Nonconsequentialism II: Natural Law Theory (Ch.6)*
1-7
11 11/13-15 Virtue Ethics (Ch.7)*
1-7
12 11/20Virtue Ethics (Ch.7)*
(No class on 11/22—Thanksgiving)
1-7
13 11/27-29 Application I: Environmental Ethics
Second Essay due Nov. 27th
1-7
14 12/4-6 Application II: Environmental Ethics
1-7
15 12/11-13 Course Review
1-7
16 12/18-20 FINAL EXAM and Final Class
1-7
*In Vaughn, Lewis (ed.) Doing Ethics (2nd Edition) W.W. Norton & Co., 2010.