PHIL111 Ethics

Department of Social & Behavioral Science: Philosophy

  1. Course Number and Title

    PHIL111 Ethics

  2. Number of Credits

    3 credits

  3. Minimum Number of Instructional Minutes Per Semester

    2250 minutes

  4. Prerequisites

    None

    Corequisites

    None

  5. Other Pertinent Information

    None

  6. Catalog Course Description

    A critical examination of the foundations of ethical theory; contributions of eminent philosophers of ethics are evaluated. The source material used consists of analytic studies from great religious thinkers and philosophers. Students learn to begin to formulate an intellectual basis for their own ethical behavior.

  7. Required Course Content and Direction

    1. Learning Goals:

      1. To survey the evolution of ethical thought, as part of a general philosophical inquiry, as organized into the various recognized ethical traditions, and as these traditions are related to one another, both intellectually and historically.
      2. To make critical evaluations of a series of contemporary moral issues based upon an experiential and argumental approach.

    2. Planned Sequence of Topics and/or Learning Activities:

      1. Introduction
      2. Human Freedom
      3. Hedonism
      4. Stoicism
      5. The Ethics of Judaism and Christianity
      6. Abortion
      7. Concerns regarding the “right to life” and the “right to choose”
      8. Cloning
      9. Euthanasia
      10. Punishment: retribution or rehabilitation?
      11. Racism
      12. Sexual Harassment
      13. Homosexuality
      14. Poverty
      15. Animal Rights
      16. Ethics and the Environment

    3. Assessment Methods for Core Learning Goals:

    4. Reference, Resource, or Learning Materials to be used by Students:

      Text: See Course Format

  8. Teaching Methods Employed

    Lecture, Class Discussion, Film/Video, Writing Exercises

Review/Approval Date - 2/99