Winter Term 2010
Instructor: Dr. Sarah Fowler
Email: sbfowler@noctrl.edu

Office: #13, 225 N. Loomis
Office Hours: M 9:30-10:30am; 
W 9-10:30am

Meeting Time: 10:40-11:50am MWF
Classroom: Larrance 5

Preceptor: Elizabeth Cavallone
Email: eacavallone@noctrl.edu
Office: #13, 225 N. Loomis
Office Hour: Tues. 11:45am-12:45pm
.

Online Part I of Final Exam is on Blackboard and due by 11:50pm, Sunday, March 14, 2010
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Study Guide for Part II of Final Exam

course homepage address:
http://ncc.fisherfowler.net/ethics
Course Powerpoints
Blackboard

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Ethics is the study of the basis of morality in order to develop a moral perspective as we face difficult ethical dilemmas.  In our era the notion of a common value system has increasingly come under attack, from individualism on one hand and "tribalism" on the other. The focus of this course will be on how we can find the moral core of what it means to be a member of the human community in the face of violence at home and abroad.

Throughout the reading and discussion of philosophical and literary writings on ethics we will explore the history and meaning of human value judgments, learning from the past in order to construct the future... 

COURSE GOALS: By the end of this course, the student should:

  1. Be familiar with a number of the important ethical theories from the past.
  2. Be able to use these theories effectively in discussions of contemporary ethical issues
  3. Understand and appreciate how these theories have been used in literary works.
  4. Develop an understanding of the role of ethics in human community.
COURSE TEXT: Louis P. Pojman THE MORAL LIFE -- 3rd edition

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
 

It is assumed that all work submitted in fulfillment of the assignments for this course is yours. 
Please be familiar with the  NCC academic honesty policy and ask any questions that you may have concerning this policy BEFORE your work is submitted.
  • Attendance & Class/Group Participation [5% of course grade] 
    • Evaluation of participation will be based on accurate and succinct responses to questions from the instructor and active and thoughtful participation in class and small group discussions. Being in class is good, but not sufficient to receive the full 5%.
    • The 1st week ethical issue assignment will form part of this evaluation component.
    • More than two absences [unless legitimately excused] will affect your grade directly at the rate of 1% per additional absence from the 5%, after the determination of the participation grade.
  • Reading Quizzes [20% of course grade]
    • Will be due each Wednesday at the beginning of class and will be taken on blackboard  for a total of 7 quizzes. [Make-up quizzes will be entirely at the discretion of the instructor and only given in exceptional circumstances.]
    • The highest 5 quiz grades will be counted towards your quiz grade. Each quiz will cover material read since the last quiz [or exam]
  • Writing Assignments: [40% of course grade] 
  • Exams: [35% of course grade] Study Guides will be posted a week ahead of the exams.
    • Midterm Exam: 20% -- Quiz part will be online, the essay question will be in class on February 12, 2010.
    • Final Exam 15% -- Monday, March 15 at 10:00am - 12:00noon in our regular classroom
Please note: 
  • The usage of cell phones in class is not permitted. Please turn off and put away. Computer use is at the discretion of the instructor.
  • The material on this website has the same status as a paper syllabus.
  • Students are responsible for accessing this website regularly as assignments and updates will be posted here.