Auburn University Montgomery
PHED 4310/6310 Ethics in Sport
Summer 2012
Instructor: Matt Lovett
Office Phone: 244-3660
Class Time: Wed 5-9:30
E-Mail: dlovett1@aum.edu
Office Location: 201A
Office Hours: M 10-12/W 2-5
Required Text:
Morgan, W. J., (2007). Ethics in Sport 2nd Edition. Human Kinetics.
Highly Recommended Text:
American Psychology Association (2010). Publication manual
6th edition. American
Psychology Association. Washington D.C.
Course Objective:
The purpose of this course is to promote critical examination of ethical issues
and moral dilemmas inherent in sport and physical education. With the
development of an understanding of foundational concepts, students will be
challenged to examine personal philosophies, clarify values, and refine moral
reasoning skills relative to the sport and physical education environment.
Class Format:
This course will provide students with a variety of learning experiences related to
the theory and examination of ethical issues in sport. Lectures, class
discussions, formal debates, and small group work will be utilized. Students will
also be required to complete various tasks, both in and out of the classroom, that
are relevant to ethical issues in sport.
Instructional Outcomes:
Upon course completion, students will:
1. Define and utilize the terminology and theories applicable to ethical
issues in sport and recreation.
2. Apply key concepts and theories to various opportunities in sport and
physical education.
3. Examine personal positions, values, and ethical choices relative to
sport and physical education.
4. Demonstrate basic understanding of course content through written
and oral composition.
5. Identify and evaluate specific sport and physical education dilemmas
that exist for professionals in the industry today.
6. Demonstrate a thorough understanding of course content through a
formal class presentation that examines one ethical issue in sport and
physical education.
7. Develop an understanding of racial and gender equity issues in sport
and physical education.
8. Understand the ethical issues related to eligibility in sport, rules of the
game, and sport violence.
9. Comprehend the negative effects of using ergogenic aids as
performance enhancing agents and relate to the relevant issues and
dilemmas that are present in sport.
Course Requirements:
1. All assignments are due at the beginning of class on the date noted in
hard copy and typed. If you are unable to attend class, please make
arrangements to hand in work on time. No excuses, because
building administrators will not accept any.
2. Students are expected to attend class. If you cannot attend the
class, a maximum of 1 absence is tolerated. Illnesses (even with
a doctor’s note), family issues, work, etc. are included in the 1
absence. Please reserve your absences for such events. Each
subsequent absence will result in a drop of one letter grade. Please
talk to me about extenuating circumstances as soon as possible.
3. Be on time! Please turn off all cell phones and pagers prior to
entering the classroom. If caught using cell phones or texting
during class, you will be asked to leave, marked absent and 5
points will be deducted from your overall grade. When others are
talking (including the instructor), please give your full attention and
listen.
4. Participation in class discussions and activities is encouraged and
expected and will be considered as part of the overall class
evaluation.
Course Evaluation:
Exams:
Midterm
Final
50 points
50 points
Assignments:
Position Papers (x3; 25 each)
Book Review
Quizzes (x5; 5 each)
Ethics in Sport Movie Presentation
Debates (x2)
50 points
50 points
25 points
50 points
50 points
Total
325 points
Master’s Students: must give 15-20 minute discussion on topic of choice: 50
points
Grading Scale:
A:
B:
C:
D:
F:
291-325 points
260-290 points
225-259 points
195-224 points
0-194 points
Relevant Assignment Information:
1. Book Review.
2. Position Paper(s): Students will analyze an existing ethical issue in
the sport or physical education environment as identified by the
class. Each student will submit a position paper that cites
a minimum of five (5) sources (4 primary) used for gaining further
understanding of the issue. Papers will be evaluated on the strength
of the arguments made and the support provided through the cited
sources.
3. Debates: Two debates will take place during the semester. Students
will be randomly assigned to one of each of the following roles for the
debates on topics identified by the class: pro-side, or con-side. The
pro- and con- sides of the debate will prepare arguments based in
ethical theory and factual evidence. The judge (instructor) for the
debate will evaluate the pro- and con- sides using the debate
evaluation rubric provided.
*Please be advised that I maintain the right and responsibility to assess your
work. Any assignments deemed unacceptable may be returned for possible
rework. If there are assignments or expectations that are not clear, please see
me immediately for clarification.
SCHOLASTIC DISHONESTY:
In accordance with Auburn University Montgomery’s policy for student code of
conduct, “plagiarism is submitting for credit, without appropriate
acknowledgement, a report, notebook, speech, outline, theme, thesis,
dissertation, or other written, visual, or oral material that has been knowingly
obtained or copied in whole or in part from another individual’s academic
composition, compilation, or other product, or commercially prepared paper”
(AUM, 2008). This may be found at:
http://www.aum.edu/indexm_ektid7888.aspx
Violation of any of these restrictions will result in a “0” for the assignment as
the minimum penalty.
Special Needs:
It is the policy of AUM to accommodate individuals with disabilities pursuant to
federal law and the University’s commitment to equal educational
opportunities. Students who need accommodations are asked to arrange a
meeting during office hours the first week of classes, or as soon as possible if
accommodations are needed immediately. To set up this meeting please contact
me by phone, email, or during class hours. Bring a copy of your Accommodation
Memo and a Faculty/Student Accommodation Worksheet to the meeting. If you
do not have an Accommodation Memo but need accommodations, contact the
Center for Disability Services (CDS) located in 706 Library Tower, (334) 2443631 (phone), (334) 244-3754 (TDD), or email at cds@mail.aum.edu.
Changes to Syllabus:
The instructor reserves the right to make alterations to the syllabus as
necessary. However, no changes will be made to the syllabus without discussion
and/or announcement in class.
Tentative Schedule:
May 23:
Class Orientation/pp 9-85/Assignments
explained/ Positions papers explained
May 30:
debate 1
PP 109-164/ Debates explained and groups created for
June 6:
PP 165-228/Position Paper 1 Due
June 13:
PP 229-298/Debate #1
June 20:
PP 299-358/MID TERM
June 27:
created
PP 359-414/Position Paper 2 Due/ Debate 2 groups
July 4:
No class; Book Review due in my inbox by 5PM
July 11:
PP415-458/Position Paper 3 due
July 18:
Debate #2; Catch-up work
July 25:
FINAL EXAM (online)