Lake-Sumter State College Course Syllabus
Course / Prefix Number
CRN:
Course Catalog
Description:
PHI 2630
Course Title:
Robert Beckstrom
Contact Information:
CONTEMPORARY
ETHICS
20491
Credits: 3
Term: Spring 2016
A study and critical evaluation of major theories of moral values and
contemporary issues. The major emphasis of the course is the application of
these theories to current ethical questions through the analysis of selected
writings. The student will investigate the process of making moral
judgments and assess the procedure by which people decide what is right
and wrong behavior
beckstrr@lssc.edu
Instructor:
Mon., Wed., Fri.
9:00 AM-9:50 AM
Sumter Campus
CM Room 4107
All students are required to use LakeHawkMail for official college e-mail communications. See the
college webpage for instructions on activating LakeHawkMail.
Prerequisites:
Co-requisites:
Textbook and Other
Course Materials:
Technology and Online
Computer Access
Requirements:
Course Objectives:
Student Learning
Outcomes:
Academic Integrity
None
None
Shafer-Landau, Russ. The Fundamentals of Ethics, 3rd Edition. New York:
Oxford UP, 2010. Print.
Students will need to access the internet when necessary as well a dedicated
flash drive with at least two gigabytes of memory for assignments.



To become sensitive to the world’s religions and systems of culture.
To compare/contrast religious traditions.
To see the greater context as to how religion connects to music,
world literature, and the human experience.
1.) Show sensitivity to various religious and cultural traditions by
responding in essay form.
2.) Compare/contrast religious traditions through test questions.
3.) View religion through the arts in the form of essay questions
4.) Analysis of the sacred texts from all the traditions through anthology
The successful functioning of the academic community demands honesty,
which is the basis of respect for both ideas and persons. In the academic
community, there is an ongoing assumption of academic integrity at all
levels. There is the expectation that work will be independently thoughtful
and responsible as to its sources of information and inspiration. Honesty is
an appropriate consideration in other ways as well, including but not limited
to the responsible use of library resources, responsible conduct in
examinations, and the responsible use of the internet. (See college catalog
for complete statement.)
Important Information
for Students with
Disabilities
Private Policy
(FERPA):
Attendance/Withdrawal
Policies:
Withdrawal Deadline:
Course Schedule
Any student with a documented disability who requires assistance or
academic accommodations should contact the Office for Students with
Disabilities immediately to discuss eligibility. The Office for Students with
Disabilities (OSD) is located on the Leesburg Campus, but arrangements can
be made to meet with a student on any campus. An appointment can be
made by calling 352-365-3589 and specific information about the OSD and
potential services can be found at www.lssc.edu, the go to “Quick Links”
and click on Disability Services.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. §
1232G; 34 CFR Part99) is a Federal Law that protects the privacy of a
student’s education records. In order for your information to be released, a
form must be signed and in your records located in Admissions/Registrar’s
Office.
If for any reason a student decides to discontinue class attendance, it is
that student’s responsibility to withdraw from class prior to the deadline date
published in the catalog. Failure to withdraw properly from class will result
in a grade of F for the class.
Regular attendance in class is required. If a student misses more than
three class meeting student will receive a failing grade.
March 25, 2016
Week #1 1/6 - 1/8
Introductions/syllabus review
Course Expectations
Chapter 1, The Good Life/Hedonism
Chapter 2, Is Happiness All That Matters?
Week #2 1/11-1/15
Chapter 3, Getting What you Want.
Chapter 4, Problems for the Desire Theory
Research project sign up
Religion paper/ideas
Week #3, 1/20-1/22
Chapter 5, Normative Ethics: Doing the Right Thing.
Week #4, 1/25-1/29
Chapter 6, Natural Law
Test #1 1/29
Week #5, 2/1-2/5
Chapter 7, Psychological Egoism
Chapter 8, Ethical Egoism
Week #6, 2/8-2/12
Chapter 9, Consequentialism: Its Nature and Attractions
Chapter 10, Consequentialism: Its Difficulties
Week #7 2/15-2/19
Chapter 11, The Kantian Perspective: Fairness and Justice
Chapter 12, The Kantian Perspective: Autonomy and Respect
Week #8 2/22-2/26
Chapter 13, Social Contract Tradition: The Theory and Its Attractions.
Chapter 14, Social Contract Tradition: Problems and Prospects
Test # 2
Week #9 2/29-3/4
Chapter 15, Ethical Pluralism and Absolute Moral Rules
Chapter 16, Ethical Pluralism: Prima Facie Duties and Ethical Particularism
Week #10 Spring Break 3/6-3/3
Week #11 3/14-3/18
Chapter 17, Virtue Ethics
Week #12 3/21-3/25
Chapter 18, Feminist Ethics
Week #13 3/28-4/1
Chapter 19, Ethical Relativism
Test #3
Week #14 4/4-/4/8
Chapter 20, Moral Nihilism
Week #15 4/11-4/15
Chapter 21, Eleven Arguments Against Moral Objectivity
Week #16 4/18-4/22
Review
Final
Methods of Evaluation
Grading Scale
Classroom Rules and
Policies
Class Presentation
10%
Written Paper
15%
3 Tests
15% each
Final Exam
30%
90 to 100 equals A
80 to 89 equals B
70 to 79 equals C
60 to 69 equals D
0 to 59 equals
F
All missed work must be made up as soon as possible.
Tests may not be taken after the date they are administered unless prior
arrangements have been made with the instructor.
Violence Statement:
Syllabus Disclaimer:
No cell phones in use during class sessions.
Lake-Sumter State College has a policy of zero tolerance for violence as
stated in College Board Rule 2.17. Appropriate disciplinary action will be
taken in accordance with Board Rule 2.17.
The information in this syllabus is, to the best of my knowledge is correct
and complete. The instructor acting within policies and procedures of LakeSumter State College, reserves the right to make necessary changes to any
course content.