Syllabus
Philosophy 244 –
Contemporary Social and Moral Issues
Fall 2009 (8/18 – 12/19)
Section BA CRN 88066
MWF 11:10 –
12:00noon Room 18-204
Robert Schwartz
Robert’s
web page:
http://www.smccd.edu/accounts/schwartzr/ )
Email: phil244_88066@jungleboy.com
Email: schwartzr@smccd.edu
Home page:
http://www.smccd.edu/accounts/schwartzr/phil244/phil244.htm
This
course presents the great ethical systems, and then applies the principles in
these systems to explore important, sometimes disturbing contemporary issues
students will likely face during their lives. Students are encouraged to
consider these issues from a rational, philosophical perspective.
Expect
to develop a deeper perspective on how to approach social and moral issues, and
expect to learn how to discuss social and moral issues more effectively. Specifically, you will learn how to
talk and write about these issues using philosophical arguments. (An
argument in this context is a claim supported by reasons.) Reasons do not rely solely on
logic. Good reasons often come
from emotions and intuition. Some
arguments are better than others, so expect to change your mind about some of
these issues once we take a good look at our reasoning.
Ethics - Theory and Contemporary Issues by
Barbara MacKinnon, 6th edition Thompson-Wadsworth
Ethics
for the New Millennium by The Dalai Lama, published by Riverhead Trade; Reissue edition (May
8, 2001), ISBN 1573228834
Class
Participation: 20% *
|
Participation
in class discussions is equally important (5% of your grade). |
Quizzes: 40%
|
Quizzes
(4) are online through Web Access – make sure you have access to a Web Access-capable
computer. (You can always use a
library PC.) |
Midterm exam: 20%
|
Long
answer (essays), closed book, in class |
Final exam: 20%
|
Long
answer (essays), closed book, in class |
*
Disrupting the class is negative participation and will reduce your Class
Participation score.
Expectations
Since
these issues usually have no completely right or wrong solutions, students will
exchange ideas in a considerate, tolerant spirit. On the
other hand, some solutions are better than others, and so students will be
evaluated on the strength of their solutions and the work they put in to arrive
at them.
Reading & Understanding: The course follows the required text closely. You are expected to complete all
assigned readings on time, understand and remember what you’ve read, and to
apply principles you learn to various situations. You will be expected to demonstrate all this in class discussions
and on quizzes and exams.
Web Access with Email: You are expected to learn to use Web Access for
taking online quizzes. You will
need to provide Web Access with a working email address and check for messages
there regularly.
Seeking Help: You are expected to seek help when you need it. Ask questions in class. Talk with your
classmates. Use the web. Since my classes follow one right after
another, I have very little time to speak with you right after class, so please
make use of my office hours, email (preferred) or phone. Request an appointment
if you need more time.
Studying: In order to complete the readings and homework, and prepare
for quizzes and exams, you are strongly urged to put in two hours of work
outside class for every hour of classroom time.
Withdrawing: If you decide to withdraw from the class, you must do this
yourself before the deadline through Web Smart or through CSM’s Admissions and
Records office. (Your instructor
cannot do this for you.)