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Ethics 490: Philosophical and Theological
Foundations of Ethical Thought
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Ethics 490: Philosophical and Theological Foundations of
Ethical Thought
This Maryville Curriculum senior capstone
course will ask
students to reflect on their core courses and their major courses as they
embark on their life's journey after Maryville College. Thus, it addresses a
number of the Educational Goals of the College, including:
- Critical thinking that enhances inquiry
and decision-making
-
The creative and
critical exercise of the scientific, artistic, and humanistic modes of
inquiry,
and their integration
-
An understanding of,
and appreciation for, intercultural relationships both within and across
societies
-
Spiritual growth
reflected in a commitment to lifelong examination of one's beliefs and to
living out those beliefs in all of life's dimensions
-
Informed ethical
judgment which guides one to make choices leading to a responsible life
-
A sense of vocation
which reflects stewardship of resources, time, and talents
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Service, global
citizenship, and a sense of responsibility for the common good
-
Care and respect for
the environment which acknowledges interdependence and reflects a commitment
to present and future generations
Students
will confront and wrestle with some of the great ethical questions that all
humans face, learn the basic ethical frameworks within which decisions are
made and have been made in the past, begin to personally assess their own
ethical stances regarding these questions, and be asked to reflect on the
ethical challenges faced by individuals in their chosen vocation.
Texts:
Barbara MacKinnon, Ethics:
Theory and Contemporary Issues, 4th edition.
Denise Giardina, Saints and Villains
Selected handouts and articles
Requirements:
- Attend
class regularly, read assignments in advance, and come to class prepared to
ask questions and discuss the course material.
Please remember that each three-hour day of class is equivalent to
one week of class in a semester. Absences
will count against you in the grading of the course.
- There
will be four quizzes on the Giardina novel. These will be given orally.
If you come late, the quiz questions will not be repeated.
No make-up quizzes will be offered.
- Write
eight one-two page analysis/response papers (typed) on assigned questions.
Papers are due in person at the beginning of class. Of the ten class assignments (quizzes and papers), you may drop or
skip 2 of them, either 2 quizzes or 2 papers or one of each. If you complete all assignments, I will drop the 2
lowest quiz grades. No late
assignments will be accepted.
- Write
2 in-class exams.
- Write
a final essay (4-5 pages, double-spaced, standard margins and 12 font) in
which you think carefully and critically about your future, your choice of
work and your life in general, in response to this question:
“Do you have an obligation/responsibility to make a positive
difference in the world with your life and work?
Why or why not? In what
ways will your life be consistent with your answer?” Note grading criteria
below.
Evaluation Criteria for Essay:
- Ability
to recognize and articulate the question of vocation as a moral/ethical
question.
- Ability
to incorporate multiple thinkers/resources into your reflective essay –
must be done in a thoughtful and critical manner, not just a passing
reference left undeveloped.
- Clarity,
organization, and overall insight.
Grading:
Grade
percentages:
|
Attendance
and participation |
05% |
|
Class Assignments (quiz/papers = 1.5% each)
|
15% |
|
Exams (25% each) |
50% |
|
Culminating Essay |
30% |
|
Total |
100% |
HONESTY
POLICY:
A
basic assumption in this course is that learning can best be fostered by following the
Maryville College Covenant, which says,
“As Scholars, we strive to maintain a high level of academic integrity . . . .
We commit ourselves to lifelong curiosity and learning, to the search for
knowledge, and to intellectual creativity. . .. We commit ourselves to truth,
honesty, dependability, and responsibility in all our actions and
relationships.””
Please review the statement on Academic
Integrity in the Student Handbook so that you understand the range of
behaviors that involve academic dishonesty.
Cheating on tests, inappropriate use of
the work of other students or sources of information, and any other form of
dishonesty will not be tolerated. If
you are unsure what is acceptable, ask for guidance. Cheating
or plagiarism on any assignment will result in an F grade.
The primary goal of this course, and all
courses at Maryville College, is student learning.
Only by taking the reading and written assignments seriously,
participating in class discussions, and doing your own
work can you achieve that goal. The
instructor is here to facilitate that process, so
complete your assignments on time and ask for help as needed.
Contact
Information:
My
office is Anderson 307.
Telephone: office - ext. 8237
Email: peggy.cowan@maryvillecollege.edu
Office hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 2:00-3:00 or by appointment
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