Course Description and Objectives

     In this course we will examine, analyze and discuss issues in contemporary applied ethics from a multicultural perspective. We will explore issues such as world hunger, discrimination, war, environmental ethics, euthanasia, human rights, gender roles, and cloning.  The philosophical study of ethics raises numerous questions, namely:

• Is ethical knowledge possible?
• How do we resolve conflicts among the sources of ethical knowledge?
• Which are the most important values for leading an ethical life?
• What are communities responsible for?
• What determines the rightness or wrongness of a particular social policy or law?

     Applied ethics asks these questions within the framework of specific contemporary issues. One of the objectives of this course is to help you develop and articulate your own answers to these issues. Through discussion, debate, writing, and listening we will also work towards articulating and analyzing viewpoints that differ from our own. Your work in this course may also help you contribute to a more informed discussion of moral issues as they arise in your personal and social lives.

If you have a disability which may require assistance or accommodations, or you have questions related to any accommodations for testing, note takers, readers, etc..., please speak with me as soon as possible.

I. Required Text (Available at Rowan University Bookstore: Phone 256-4660)

Applied Ethics: A Multicultural Approach, edited by Larry May, Shari Collins-Chobanian, Kai Wong, Third Edition, Prentice Hall

II. Assignments and Grading

III: Academic Honesty Policy

     All forms of academic dishonesty, namely, cheating on exams, submitting plagiarized or fabricated work from another person’s book or web-site, submitting another person’s work without informing the instructor, or engaging in any kind of deception that would bear on the evaluation of submitted work will be dealt with in a strict manner. If you find yourself thinking about submitting work that is not your own due to pressure, frustration, or perfectionism, please come talk to me. I am here to help you resolve these issues before they become a problem for your academic career at Rowan and beyond.

     Plagiarism is an extremely serious academic offense. Penalties can range from getting zero on the assignment through getting an F in the course to being expelled from the university. The best way to avoid plagiarism is to be as thorough as possible in documenting the sources you rely on for the claims you make in your papers. One common reason for plagiarism is confusion about when documentation is and is not required. I am always happy to talk to you about any and all issues related to plagiarism.

IV. Attendance, Lateness, and Class Policies

     This course will emphasize dialogue, exchange, and debate with your peers and the professor. It is important that you attend class so that you can participate in the discussions. There will be opportunity for students to practice writing through informal class writing activities.

• Please arrive for class on-time
• Please turn off cell-phones, pagers, and beepers before class
• In order to enhance student learning, please do not engage in side conversations during class
• More than 4 unexcused absences will result in grade depreciation

V. Late Papers and Exams

• Students are responsible for assignments, homework, group work missed due to illness. Please check with instructor or classmate concerning assignments given during missed classes.
• Students are responsible for all scheduled and announced tests, assignments, and papers. If you have an emergency, please notify the instructor as soon as possible to arrange an extension. Extensions will be granted at the discretion of the instructor.
• Unexcused late work will be penalized. Components of paper handed in late will receive a one point deduction for each day late (assignments are worth 5 points each). Final papers handed in late will receive a half letter grade deduction (5%)for each day late.

VI. Journal Requirements

     Your journal is a place for you to practice writing, reflect upon readings for class or materials you find on your own, pose questions, discuss issues raised in class lectures and discussions. Your journal entries are to be typed, double-spaced, with date of each entry at the beginning of your writing. Please write in your journals twice each week (approx. 1-2 pages per week). I will evaluate the thoughtfulness of your journal entries, time spent writing your entries, variety of topics explored and analyzed. Informal writing is an important way of improving your formal writing. I also will use the journals to determine which topics require greater examination and discussion in class.

VII. Calendar: Subject to change according to class discussions—Please keep informed about changes.

I hope this course will be productive, informative, and fun! I look forward to hearing your views on these contemporary moral issues throughout the semester.