443 Modern World History
Mr. Murray
2012 – 2013
Ethics
“All that we are is the result of what we have thought” - Buddha
As humans we are unique in our ability to deliberately and consciously handle moral questions. While some
unknowingly skirt this process and act only upon instinct, or act according to what Plato referred to as the whims of “the
many”, a crucial part of becoming a educated person is accessing and tuning this human capacity for ethical deliberation.
Pursuant to this end, in this course we will become familiar with basic theories of normative ethics (theories about right
and wrong, about how we ought to treat others and be treated by them, etc.), and to apply these theories to problems
and issues that confront us now or are likely to confront us in the future (applied ethics). Among the specific topics we
might discuss this year are environmental policy, abortion, church/state separation, animal “rights”, justice during
wartime, euthanasia, and health care policy.
Key Sources:
*Bonevac, Daniel. Today’s Moral Issues: Classic and Contemporary Perspectives. New York, NY: McGraw
Hill, Inc. 2010
*Rachels, James & Stuart. The Elements of Moral Philosophy. New York, NY:
McGraw Hill, Inc. 2012
*YOUR SELF
Course Goals:
*Gain significant content knowledge of the key moral philosophies of thinkers such as Kant, Mill, Aristotle,
Ross, Plato, and others.
*Become knowledgeable about, and develop educated positions on, a wide host of contemporary issues, such
as environmental policy, abortion, church/state separation, animal “rights”, justice during wartime, euthanasia, etc.
*Construct and express effective arguments in both written and verbal form, and develop the ability to identify
and refute logical fallacies.
*Cultivate oneself in the arts of DEBATE and DIALOGUE.
*Develop civic and intellectual habits such as following current events, thinking systematically, analyzing media,
and applying moral theories to contemporary and historical contexts.
*Develop one’s capacity to make clearer ethical judgments, and act as a more thoughtful, educated individual.
Grading & Academic Policies:
As each term consists of different assignments of varying significance, the weighting of graded items for
each term will vary accordingly. Generally, 50% of your term grade will be determined by homework, quizzes
and class work. Papers and / or projects will account for 25% of your term grade. "Class Diligence and
Participation" will always account for 25% of your term grade. There will be a final project worth 20% of your
overall grade for the year.
You may have noticed that a full !75%! of your grade boils down to EVERYDAY items such as homework,
classwork, quizzes, and participation. This is because this course is not centered upon big tests, but rather upon debate
and dialogue. I expect students to participate actively, both through attentive listening and thoughtful speaking. I also
expect students come prepared to class. The homework is designed to facilitate our class activities, and is therefore
essential. If you
consistently complete homework readings and assignments nightly, thoroughly, and thoughtfully, work hard in class, and
see me for help on an “as needed” basis, you should do just fine in this class. This is a class where the saying, “slow and
steady wins the race” very much applies!
*Late homework is not accepted, unless extreme circumstances (sickness, unexpected emergency, etc.) disallow
one from completing the assignment. These situations must be documented by a note from one’s parent /
guardian. All notes should include parent’s phone number in case I need to contact them.
*Another aspect of "homework" is gathering materials for the next class meeting. Students that fail to bring
basic materials (pen, class handouts, etc.) will lose points from their homework / classwork grade.
*Late projects and papers will receive a twenty point deduction for every delinquent day, up to two days. After
two days, projects will not be accepted without a note from one’s parent / guardian.
*IMPORTANT!!!!!!! All missed quizzes (due to excused absences) must be made - up within the same
period of time one was absent For example, if one is absent the day of the quiz, one will MAKE UP THE
QUIZ THE FOLLOWING DAY, EVEN IF THE CLASS DOES NOT MEET. If one is absent three days
before a quiz, one has three days to make up the quiz. LEGITIMATE ABSENCES FROM QUIZZES
INCLUDE A SERIOUS ILLNESS THAT KEEPS A STUDENT OUT FOR THE ENTIRE SCHOOL DAY, AND
MAJOR SCHOOL – SANCTIONED PROGRAMS THAT REQUIRE TRAVEL AWAY FROM SCHOOL
(CLOSE – UP WASHINGTON D.C., INDIA EXCHANGE PROGRAM, etc.). A missed quiz due to AN
ABSENCE THAT HAS NOT BEEN EXCUSED THROUGH THE HOUSE OFFICE BY 10:00AM ON
THE TEST DAY WILL RECEIVE AN AUTOMATIC ZERO. THERE WIILL BE ABSOLUTELY NO
EXCEPTIONS.
*The Newton South "N" policy for attendance will be strictly upheld. There will be no exceptions.
*All students are expected to promote a positive atmosphere in a challenging learning environment.
Classroom Rules
1. Extraneous banter will not be tolerated in class
2. Be on time, and seated at the beginning of class
3. Food, Cell Phones, and Personal Electronics(mp3 players, game boys, etc.) are STRICTLY prohibited, and
subject to confiscation.
4. We expect respect for all people at all times
*Violation of classroom rules will result in appropriate consequences, ranging from teacher detention to
administrative referral.
Conference Hours
The best way to find me is by stopping by my classroom (# 1306) after school during J – block. Please don’t hesitate to
see me if you need extra help, or have any difficulties or questions.