INTRODUCTORY ETHICS
SYLLABUS
SPRING 2011
INSTRUCTOR: DR. STEPHEN J. LAUMAKIS
OFFICE: 207 JRC
PHONE: 962-5363
OFFICE HOURS: 11:00-12:00 MWF & BY APPOINTMENT
COURSE DESCRIPTION/GOALS:
As an introduction to ethics, the course will focus on the historical
and philosophical origins of human reflections on the ultimate end and meaning
of human life as well as on the morality of human acts. It will also trace
the development of philosophical reflection on moral custom by highlighting
the fundamental ideas in the thought of several important philosophers.
Finally, we will examine in some detail the practical consequences of a
specific ethical view.
The aim of the course is to introduce you to ethics by presenting the
questions and answers that philosophers think about with respect to the
morality of human actions. It is expected by the end of the semester that
you know something of the thought of several major philosophers and be able
to articulate coherently your own understanding of the good/best life for
human beings.
REQUIRED TEXTS:
AQUINAS, SUMMA THEOLOGIAE—ON WEB
ARISTOTLE, NICMACHEAN ETHICS—ON WEB
CONFUCIUS, THE ANALECTS—ON WEB
DHAMMAPADA—ON WEB
KUELBELBECK, AMY—A GIFT OF TIME
PAUL VI, HUMANAE VITAE, ON THE REGULATION OF BIRTH—ON WEB
PLATO, THE REPUBLIC
SHANAHAN, TIMOTHY & WANG, ROBIN—REASON & INSIGHT
SOYINKA, WOLE—DEATH AND THE KING’S HORSEMAN
ASSIGNMENTS:
Since this is a basic, foundation-type course emphasizing the understanding of elementary ideas, you are asked to concentrate on learning these fundamental ethical notions. Reading of assigned texts is a MUST in order to introduce you to the subject matter, facilitate class discussion and participation, pose distressing questions, and just plain make you think. There will be 2 SHORT PAPERS (2-3 typed pages in length and NOT MORE THAN 4 TYPED PAGES) on pre-assigned readings. Late papers will be penalized one full grade for each day they are late. There will also be at least 2 EXAMS/TESTS.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
1. Gaining factual knowledge and fundamental principles, generalizations, or theories
*This objective will be demonstrated by exams, papers, and class participation.
2. Learning to apply course material (to improve thinking, problem solving, and decisions)
*This objective will be demonstrated by exams, papers, and class participation.
3. Developing skill in expressing oneself orally and in writing
*This objective will be demonstrated by exams, papers, and class participation.
4. Learning to analyze and critically evaluate ideas, arguments, and points of view
*This objective will be demonstrated by exams, papers, and class participation.
ATTENDANCE POLICY:
Attendance is expected. Excessive absence may result in grade reduction. Please, TURN OFF your cell phones!
GRADE DISTRIBUTION:
Participation= Paper #1= Paper #2= Mid-Term= Final=
Test #1= Test #2= Test #3=