Heartland Community College
Div. of Humanities and Fine Arts
Course Syllabus for Students
Fall, 2001
Course Prefix and Number: PHIL 114-02
Course Title: Ethics
Credit Hours: Lecture—3; Laboratory—0
Days, Times & Room: W 6:00-8:50 p.m. ICB 1703
Introduction:
This course introduces students to representative primary sources of ethical thought.
Catalog Description:
Prerequisite: None. An introduction to the study of moral philosophy. This course will
provide an introductory historical survey of the major ethical systems and will consider
their application to contemporary moral problems.
Instructor Information:
Name: David H. Brownell or DAVE BROWNELL
Phone Numbers:
Home: 827-4890 HCC: 268-8635 (Leave message.)
CALL ANYTIME IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR NEED INDIVIDUAL
ASSITANCE. Never give up. We can work through any questions or problems
you may encounter. It’s essential to keep the lines of communication open.
Call anytime between 4:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. or email: bl3b@davesworld.net.
Textbooks:
David Goldberg. Ethical Theory and Social Issues. Orlando, Florida: Holt,
Rinehart and Winston, 2nd. ed., 1995.
Robert M. Adams, ed. Candide. by Voltaire. New York: Norton & Company,
pp. 1-75.
Relationship to Academic Development Programs and Transfer:
PHIL 114 fulfills 3 of the 9 semester hours of credit in Humanities/Fine Arts required for
the A.A. or A.S. degree. It satisfies the Humanities component of this requirement.
PHIL 114 should transfer to other Illinois colleges and universities as the equilivalent of
the General Education Core Curriculum course H4 904, described in the Illinois
Articulation Initiative. However, students should consult an academic advisor for
transfer information regarding particular institutions. Refer to the IAI web page for
information as well at www.itransfer.org.
Page 1
Beliefs:
Academic Discipline
The study of philosophy—and the study of ethics in particular—can provide interesting
concepts for consideration. More importantly, the study of ethics can provide a guide for
daily decisions.
Student Learning
Knowledge is golden; learning can be painful…but it also can be interesting, fun, and
personally rewarding. We will work at making it interesting, fun, and personally
rewarding.
Instructor’s Role
The instructor will be a facilitator, coach, and discussion leader. (While I can’t do all the
work for you, my goal is to help you succeed in this course.)
Course Objectives (Learning Outcomes):
After completing this course, you should be able to
1. Distinguish various ethical theories and recognize the ethical theory embodied in any
particular work of moral philosophy.
2. Identify and appraise some of the most important problems and concepts from the
history of ethical theory. (P1)
3. Outline the historical development of moral philosophy, matching important works
with the philosophers who wrote them and important beliefs with the philosophers
who held them. (D5)
4. Analyze critically the extent that a philosopher’s identity and assumptions influence
his or her perspective or beliefs. (D4)
5. Improve your ability to aptly interpret difficult texts in moral philosophy and support
those interpretations with reasoned arguments. (C7)
6. Define the main moral problems or dilemmas posed by current practices in the field
of applied ethics. (P2)
7. Explore the effectiveness with which various ethical theories can be utilized to design
solutions to contemporary problems in applied ethics. (P3,P4,P5,P6)
8. Demonstrate awareness of the effects of various social practices on diverse
populations in our society. (D1)
9. Appreciate the importance of cultural values, assumptions, and practical
considerations that may weigh in favor of various perspectives on a moral problem—
not just the perspective the student prefers. (D2,D4)
10. Exhibit responsibility for your learning by participating in critical and creative
dialogues about ethical theory and social issues, systhesizing diverse sources and
arguments. (D6,C7)
11. Demonstrate the ability to write critically and analytically about ethical theory and
social issues, supporting opinions with arguments, evidence, and reasoning. (C3)
Page 2
Course/Lab Outline:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Virtue Theory
Deontological and Utilitarian Ethical Theories
Social Contract Theory and Contemporary Liberalism
Feminist Theory
Social Issue: Abortion
Social Issue: Punishment and the Death Penalty
Social Issue: Affirmative Action
Methods of Instruction:
The instructional method will include lecture and discussion in both large and small
groups. Students will have ample opportunity to interact with the instructor and one
another. Case studies and practice essay questions will be used in class to develop
communication and problem solving skills. There will also be an emphasis on
diversity— diversity of people, backgrounds, and ideas. Students will learn and practice
teamworking skills through a Team Paper assignment discussed later in this syllabus.
In the first half of the course we will study and discuss ethical theory. In the second half
of the course we will apply the theory we’ve learned to contemprorary social issues.
Course Policies:
Method of Evaluation (Tests/Exams, Grading system):
There will be two in-class examinations. Exams will consist of both “objective”
Questions (e.g., true-false, multiple choice, and matching) and essay questions.
Grading Scale:
90
80
70
60
0
-
100%
89%
79%
69%
59%
=
=
=
=
=
A
B
C
D
F
Classroom Activities
20% of Course Grade
- Case Studies
- Small Group participation
- Class Discussion & quizzes
Team Paper
20% of Course Grade
Mid-Term Examination
30% of Course Grade
Comprehensive Final Exam 30% of Course Grade
Page 3
NOTE: Since the final exam will be comprehensive, we will use what I call “the
system by which the student absolutely cannot lose.” Here’s how it
works. When factoring the exam grades into the course grade…
If the Mid-Term Exam grade is higher than the Final Exam grade, the
two exam grades will be averaged. If, however, the Final Exam grade is
higher, the Mid-Term Exam grade will be dropped, and the Final Exam
grade will be used for both exams.
Study Tips:
1. Try to set a regular time and place to do the bulk of your study.
2. Look ahead in the text and in the syllabus to get a sense of where we’re headed.
3. Read each assignment before class so that our in-class discussion will reinforce key
ideas you’ve already read about.
4. Make your textbook work for you. Underline or highlight key terms and concepts so
it will be easier for you to find them when you review later.
5. If you get into a study group, talk about what you’ve read with other members of the
group. See if you all have the same understanding, or if there are some questions we
need to resolve in class.
6. Plan some time on your calendar to review parts of the course materials periodically.
For example, about once a month, review all the assignments we’ve completed up to
that time. This will simplify your final review process.
Supplementary Study Materials:
From time to time, you will receive copies of case studies or articles to read. These
materials will be included along with all assigned textbook material on your exams.
Class Meeting Times:
Each class is scheduled from 6:00 p.m. to 8:50 p.m. on Wednesday evenings in ICB
1703. Our time will be especially valuable since we meet only once per week. Each
class will begin promptly at 6:00 p.m. and will end at 8:50 p.m. Please plan to arrive at
or before 6:00 p.m. and to remain until 8:50 p.m. for each class.
Page 4
Participation (or Attendance)
Since this course includes classroom discussion and exercises, there is a strict attendance
policy. Students are expected to attend all classes and to participate meaningfully in the
activity of each class. However, since unexpected problems can occur, each student will
be allowed up to two unexcused absences without penalty. After that, each unexcused
absence will reduce the class participation grade by 25%. Students with an approved
excused absence will be able to make up a mid-term or final examination. Students may
miss one quiz without consequence. Additional missed quizzes may not be made up,
regardless of the reason, and will receive a score of zero.
Excused absences are granted in cases of extreme and documented circumstances,
provided the instructor is notified on or before the date of the absence, and students must
make up any work missed because of these absences within one week. It is the student’s
responsibility to contact the instructor on or before the absence and to arrange to make up
any missed work if the excuse is approved. “Emergencies” such as transportation
problems, the weather, oversleeping, power failures, or performing work for employers
or other instructors are not considered bona fide excuses. Pre-scheduled medical and
dental appointments will be excused only if no other time for the appointment is possible
and the instructor is notified in advance.
Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a fundamental principle of collegial life at Heartland Community
College and is essential to the credibility of the College’s educational programs.
Moreover, because grading may be competitive, students who misrepresent their
academic work violate the rights of their fellow students. The College, therefore, views
any act of academic dishonesty as a serious offense requiring disciplinary measures,
including course failure, suspension, and even expulsion from the College. In addition,
an act of academic dishonesty may have unforeseen effects far beyond any officially
imposed penalties.
Violations of academic integrity include, but are not limited to cheating, aiding or
suborning cheating or other acts of academic dishonesty, plagiarism, misrepresentation of
data, falsification of academic records or documents and unauthorized access to
computerized academic or administrative records or systems. Definitions of these
violations may be found in the College catalog.
Page 5
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the presenting of others’ ideas as if they were your own. When you write a
paper, create a project, do a presentation or create anything original, it is assumed that all
the work, except for that which is attributed to another author or creator, is your own.
Plagiarism is considered a serious academic offense and make take the following forms:
1. Copying word-for-word from another source and not giving that source credit.
2. Paraphrasing the work of another and not giving that source credit.
3. Adopting a particularly apt phrase as your own.
4. Using an image or a copy of an image without crediting its source.
5. Paraphrasing someone else’s line of thinking in the development of a topic as
if it were your own.
6. Receiving excessive help from a friend or elsewhere, or using another project
as if it were your own.
Note that word-for-word copying is not the only form of plagiarism.
The penalties for plagiarism may be severe, ranging from failure on the particular
piece of work, failure in the course, or expulsion from school in extreme cases.
[Adapted from the Modern Language Association’s MLA Handbook for Writers of
Research Papers. New York: MLA, 1995: 26]
Support Services:
Heartland Library Information
www.hcc.cc.il.us/library
The Library, located within the Academic Support Center (ASC) on the Normal campus,
provides Heartland students with a variety of on-campus resources that support both class
work and personal inquiry. These include: reference tools (print and non-print),
periodicals, audio-visual materials and equipment, reserves, a general circulating
collection, and a fiction collection. Computer terminals provide access to various
electronic resources, including Academic Universe, FirstSearch, and EbscoHost
databases; CARL online card catalog, and Internet access. Several electronic resources
are accessible from computers off campus. Students may borrow books from the fiction
and general collections and may renew materials, in person or by phone, if requests have
not been placed on them. Heartland students also have Interlibrary Loan privileges from
Heartland Library. Items usually take 1 to 3 weeks from date of the order to arrive.
The Library maintains a quiet study environment. Assistance is available for all library
and information needs. Heartland Library is open Monday-Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 9:30
p.m., Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., when the college is in session, but is closed on holidays
that Heartland observes. Intersession and summer hours are reduced.
Milner Library at Illinois State University is a public institution so you may use their
collection on site. If you want to request to check out materials, ask for a free
Community Borrowers card application at the Milner Library circulation desk.
Page 6
It is important that you have specific titles to request for check out when you apply for
the card. The card will give you access to their circulating collection for three months,
with a four-week check out period. To qualify for this service you must live within 50
miles of Milner, have a current state ID (driver’s license) with current address on ID, and
be over age 18. After you fill out the application Milner will perform a background
check on you for over-due books, etc.
For more information about Library services please call the Library at 268-8200.
Tutoring and Academic Support
Heartland Community College offers learning assistance in various forms at no cost to
Heartland students at the Academic Support Center (ASC) in Normal and at the Pontiac
and Lincoln Centers. Tutors are available at convenient times throughout the week.
Study groups, group tutoring facilitated by a specially-trained tutor, are also available by
request. Help is also provided through instructional materials, study skills workshops,
open computing, and the Library. For more information about services available at each
location, please call the the ASC in Bloomington-Normal at
(309) 268-8000 (ask for Tutoring), the Pontiac Center (815) 842-6777, or the Lincoln
Center (217) 735-1731.
Academic Support Services (Academic Support Center) Lab
www.hcc.cc.il.us/divisions/asc
Testing Center Lab
www.hcc.il.us/divisions/asc/testing
The Testing Center proctors make-up exams for students enrolled in traditional courses.
In addition, regularly scheduled exams for alternative delivery courses are also proctored
at this Center. Exams are proctored free of charge in a secure and quiet environment.
For more information about exam proctoring services contact the Testing Center at
(309) 268-8231.
Open Computing Lab www.hcc.cc.il.us/divisions/asc/complab
The Open Computing Lab provides free computing for HCC students at convenient times
throughout the week. The computer lab is staffed by trained Lab Assistants and offers
the use of approximately 70 computers, a scanner, a laser printer, and an electric
typewriter.
Page 7
Specifications for written materials:
All papers must be typed using word processing software. Students should follow the
manuscript style guidelines illustrated in the MLA Handbook or those in the Publication
Manual of the American Psychological Association since papers deviating from these
formats will not be accepted.
Students may use either the MLA or APA style of documentation. Both of these styles
are covered thoroughly in almost all student handbooks for freshman composition.
Team Paper
One of the major projects in this class will be a Team Paper. Several students will work
together to research a topic, assemble relevant books and articles, and produce a paper.
This activity teaches teamworking skills in addition to providing an opportunity to gain
in-depth knowledge of a particular topic. I will provide a list of approved topics. You
will be able to select your topic and your team.
Students will work together in teams of 3-5 students to research a certain philosopher or
philosophical issue from a list of topics provided. They will then develop a 10 to15-page
paper, including documentation. The paper should be typed, double-spaced, on a
computer. Also, either footnotes or endnotes should be used to document specific
summaries or direct quotations.
The Team Paper will be done in lieu of an individual term paper. This is a more efficient
use of time and effort as students share the work and responsibilities. The paper is
developed through the application of teamworking skills and the practice of ethical
principles. Each team will select its topic and elect a Team Captain. The Team Captain
will be responsible for scheduling work sessions, coordinating team meetings, keeping
the work focused and moving forward, and turning in the final product. Students who
work together to produce a Team Paper will share in the grade and the credit earned for
this project.
Page 8
Course Calendar for PHIL 114-02 -- Ethics:
STUDENT ASSIGNMENTS AND CALENDAR -- FALL SEMESTER, 2001:
Date
Topic
Assignments
8/22/01
8/29/01
Course Overview/Introduction
Intro. & Ch. 1 “Plato & Aristotle”
Syllabus
pp. 1-55
9/05/01
9/12/01
“Hobbes & Hume” (Ch. 2)
Select Teams & Team Paper Topics; and
“Rousseau & Kant” (Ch. 3)
Voltaire: Candide
“Bentham & Mill” (Ch. 4)
pp. 56-80
pp. 148-186 &
pp. 213-241
10/10/01
10/17/01
10/24/01
10/31/01
“Liberalism” (Ch. 5) &
“Feminism” (Ch. 7
Mid-term Examination
“Citizenship” (Ch. 8)
“Affirmative Action” (Ch. 9)
“Censorship & Hate Speech” (Ch. 10)
11/07/01
11/14/01
11/21/01
11/28/01
“AIDS” (Ch. 11)
pp. 379-417
“Abortion & Euthanasia” (Ch’s 12,13)
pp. 419-479
No Class -- Happy Thanksgiving!
“Punishment & the Death Penalty” (Ch.14) pp. 482-514
12/05/01
12/12/01`
Team Paper Presentations; General Review Session
Comprehensive Final Examination
9/19/01
9/26/01
10/03/01
pp. 82-114
C: 1-75
pp. 116-144
pp. 245-282
pp. 284-326
pp. 328-377
Essay Questions:
Essay questions will be used for practice in class and will be part of your exams. We will
use a standard approach for analyzing questions, building an outline, and developing an
essay answer comprised of complete sentences and complete paragraphs. See samples on
next two pages.
Page 9
SAMPLE ESSAY QUESTIONS
1. What is a moral dilemma, and how do we know when we face one?
2. What is the underlying assumption of ethical relativism, and what logical problem do
relativists frequently encounter?
3. What is the natural end of all human activity, according to Aristotle?
4. Contrast the States of Nature of Hobbes and Rousseau.
5. What is the nature of Hume’s attack on reason, and what was Kant’s reaction?
6. Contrast Kant’s Hypothetical and Categorical Imperatives.
7. What was John Mill’s primary contribution to Utilitarian thought?
8. What was the Problem of Evil? Also, how was it approached by:
a. Augustine
b. Aquinas
c. Leibniz
d. Voltaire
e. Mackie
9. How would each of the following react to the Robin Hood theory, i.e., taking from
the rich and giving to the poor?
a. J. S. Mill
b. J. L. Mackie
c. John Rawls
d. Robert Nozick
10. What is the greatest fear of feminists concerning an ethics of care, according to Nel
Noddings?
11. Describe any two issues for the nineties in feminist ethics which were raised by
Alison Jaggar.
12. What is the fatal weakness of federal programs according to Lawrence Mead?
13. Why were the 14th and 15th Amendments written into the Constitution?
14. Explain the issue and Court decision in each of these cases:
 Brown vs. Board of Education
 University of California v. Bakke
 City of Richmond v. Croson
Page 10
15. What did Stephen Carter mean by the “Best Black Skyndrome”?
16. What did David Goldberg have to say about Reverse Discrimination?
17. Give two reasons for and two reasons against censorship of Campus Hate Speech.
18. Give one argument for and one argument against abortion.
19. Give one argument for and one argument against euthanasia.
20. Give one argument for and one argument against the death penalty.
Page 11
STUDENT INFORMATION FORM
General Information:
Student
Name: __________________________________________________________
(Please print.)
Soc. Sec. No.: ____________________________________________________
Signature:
____________________________________________________
Local
Address:
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
Local
Phone No.
____________________________________________________
Email Address: ___________________________________________________
Major (or primary field of study):
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
Accommodations Needed, if any:
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
Page 12