UH 101: MORAL FORUM
FALL 2008
Instructor:
Stephen F. Black
Director, Center for Ethics & Social Responsibility
stephen.black@ua.edu, 348-6490
Location:
Monday – Doster 104
Tues./Wed. – Temple Tutwiler
Time:
Monday 2:00 – 4:00
(all sections attend)
Breakout
Facilitator:
Lane Busby McLelland, lbmclelland@ua.edu
Course
Coordinator: Lea Bourland, bourl002@aa.ua.edu, 348-6495
Student
Facilitators:
Andrew Karst, ajkarst@gmail.com
Joshua Davenport, jldavenport@bama.ua.edu
Connor Johnson, pcjohnson@bama.ua.edu
§10 Tuesday 10:00 – 10:50
§11 Tuesday 11:00 – 11:50
§13 Tuesday 2:00 – 2:50
§ 17 Wednesday 11:00 – 11:50
§ 18 Wednesday 1:00 – 1:50
§19 Wednesday 2:00 – 2:50
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Effective citizenship requires a well-developed capacity for thoughtful moral discourse. In today’s society, dominated by
constant exposure to a polarized media, the potential for developing such discourse is seriously undermined. We live in
a society where it is much easier to disengage than to process the latest-breaking “news,” which increasingly seems to be
an endless shouting match between ideological opposites. Two-minute split-screen “conflict” segments reinforce the
polarization of the citizenry and contribute much to the decline of public trust in the possibility of meaningful dialogue.
When citizens’ voices are channeled through an increasingly narrow tunnel of market-driven mass-media outlets, our
political conversations are severely limited.
This course is concerned with developing the skills to evaluate and respond to moral claims and engage in moral
discourse. We will distinguish between making reasoned judgments about the moral legitimacy of views and being
intolerant or disrespectful toward individuals or cultural groups. There is a way to directly evaluate values-based issues
and respond to moral claims in a thoughtful and sensitive way, but this requires us to move beyond both oversimplified
absolutes and moral relativism. This class should challenge you to question the simple absolutes you previously
understood as the “right answers” to complex questions.
CLASS FORMAT
This class will be organized around the analysis of one particular controversial “moral” resolution. In teams of two,
students will conduct research, attend the regular lectures, and construct position statements in preparation for a Moral
Forum tournament taking place in October.
The first half of this course will be organized around preparation for participation in the Moral Forum tournament. Each
Monday, all students will attend a two-hour weekly lecture series. These are MANDATORY.
In addition, all students are required to attend one breakout session taking place on Tuesdays and Wednesdays following
the lectures (your breakout group is determined by the section of the class you registered for). These breakouts are also
MANDATORY.
Once teams are formed, each team must prepare two position statements, on both affirmative and
negative sides of the same resolution. Students should be prepared to respond to a wide spectrum of arguments
raised by their opponents during the tournament, while the position statements will only reflect a well-developed
summary of the strongest arguments on each side. Material used in the written arguments and the tournament should
reflect research beyond classroom discussion and the readings required.
All students enrolled in the course are required to participate in at least one affirmative and one
negative round of the tournament with their partner. Qualifying students may choose to continue on in the
debate, which concludes with a final, public tournament held at the end of October.
MORAL FORUM 2008 RESOLUTION
"The continued growth and success of Wal-Mart has led to a more just society
for American citizens."
REQUIRED READINGS
UH 101 Moral Forum Class Reader and The Case Against Wal-Mart, Al Norman
Both titles are available in the University Supply Store.
THERE WILL ALMOST CERTAINLY BE supplemental readings may be handed out occasionally which
you WILL be responsible for.
It is expected that the required and recommended readings included in the course packet will only serve as a starting point in
the development of your arguments; personal research extending beyond the books and articles distributed to class is
necessary for a complete, well-supported and unique position statement. Use the library and all of its tools and resources in
conducting your research. The various electronic databases are incredibly helpful, as is Interlibrary Loan (to use if our library
doesn’t own or have electronic access to a source you’d like to see). Be skeptical of everything you find on the internet –
academic articles posted on random webpages often have errors, and are many times totally illegitimate. It is always best to
find the original source.
WARNING: Pop quizzes on the assigned readings could happen at any time. Be ready.
INCOMPLETES/WITHDRAWALS
The last day to withdraw from this course without a “W” is Wednesday, August 27th.
The last day to add a course is also Wednesday, August 27th.
The last day to drop this course with “W” is Wednesday, October 29th .
No incomplete grades will be issued except in extraordinary and well-documented circumstances.
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY
The University of Alabama’s academic misconduct policy is described in the Student Handbook
(http://www.sa.ua.edu/DoS/Handbook9.htm#Codes). The Handbook defines academic misconduct, the possible
penalties, and the procedures for investigating and prosecuting academic misconduct.
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STUDENTS WITH LEARNING DIFFERENCES
If you know or suspect that you may have a learning difference that might affect your ability to meet standard class
requirements, please contact the Office of Disability Services, (205) 348-4285.
TEGRITY AND VIDEO RECORDING
In addition to lecture material presented in class, you will also have access to recorded lectures captured using Tegrity.
Tegrity captures the lecture presentation and allows you access to each recorded lecture. Through your course in
eLearning, you will be able to review each lecture, including the PowerPoint slides and the audio recorded during class.
Because Tegrity captures the audio in this class, your voice may be recorded. Tegrity tutorials are available at
http://tegrity.ua.edu. On some occasions, video recordings of the lecture may also be made.
CLASS SCHEDULE
In preparation for the tournament, the first half of the semester involves a good deal of research, reading, and writing.
This level of intensity is necessary for successful participation in the debate. Please understand that the
commitment we are asking of you during the first half of the semester will be balanced by a considerably
lighter load at the end of the semester.
Week 2
Week 1
Lecture
Breakout
Wednesday, August 20
Out-of-Class Assignments for Week
Purchase class reading materials.
NO CLASS
Mon., Aug 25 – Lecture 1:
Lane McLelland and Stephen
Black: Introduction to course.
Review syllabus.
Film: Is Wal-Mart Good for
America?
Fri., Aug. 29 – Lecture 2:
Jim Otteson (former UA
Philosophy professor and
chair): Moral philosophy and
three meta-ethical approaches
to argumentation; competing
philosophical perspectives
applied to issue.
NOTE: This lecture is
REQUIRED. It will be
held at 12:30 in Doster 205.
Tues/Wed. Aug 28/29 –
Breakout 1:
Readings – Part I and Part II, section 5
(The Wal-Mart Revolution) of the Reader
Discuss topic and requirements.
Assignment 1 – Pro argument. Choose a
value criterion and back it up with 2 arguments
for the expansion of Wal-Mart. Cite at least 3
sources, and relate it to a philosopher discussed
during Lecture 2. Should be 1 page, typed
(double spaced, 1” margins). Due on Sept
2/3. (15% of grade)
Familiarize yourself with this class on
eLearning (http://elearning.ua.edu) and
review documents posted there.
REVIEW Dr. Ottesen’s lecture on
eLearning.
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Week 3
Lecture
Breakout
Mon., Sept 1 – LABOR DAY
Tues/Wed Sept 2/3 –
Breakout 2:
NO LECTURE.
Explanation of Assignment 2.
Assignment 2 – Con argument. In the same
form as Assignment 1, construct an argument
against the expansion of Wal-Mart. Should be
at least 1 page, typed and correctly formatted.
Due on Sept 9/10. (15% of grade)
Tues/Wed Sept 9/10 –
Breakout 3:
Readings – Begin The Case Against WalMart by Al Norman
Quiz on readings.
Assignment 3 - Cross-examination questions:
Identify your 4 strongest cross-examination
questions. Due on Sept 16/17. (5% of grade)
Discuss completed Assignment
1 (pro argument).
Week 4
Readings – Finish Part II of the Reader,
all of Part III
Quiz on readings.
Discuss readings.
Mon., Sept. 8 –
Facilitator Debate
Connor Johnson and Joshua
Davenport, 2007 Moral Forum
Champions, will present a
mock debate.
Introduction to rules of debate
and flowing.
Discuss readings.
Discuss completed Assignment
2 (con argument).
Explanation of Assignments 3
and 4.
Introduction to Vision
Statement.
Week 5
Out-of-Class Assignments for Week
Mon., Sept 15 – Lecture 3:
Turn in partner.
Chase Wrenn (Assoc. Professor,
Philisophy): Introduction to
logic, reasoning, and the basics
of moral argumentation.
Discuss scheduling for first
round of tournament (Oct
14/15).
Tues./Wed. Sept 16/17 –
Breakout 4:
Assignment 4 - Vision statement. Due on
Sept 16/17. (5% of grade)
Start thinking about/talking with potential
partners for debate. Partners are due Sept 15
(Monday); those not submitting partner by that
date will be randomly paired.
Readings – Finish The Case Against WalMart
Quiz on readings and discuss
readings.
Discuss mechanics of Moral
Forum debate in detail,
including rules and mechanics,
flowing, judging, and scoring.
Discuss completed
Assignments 3 and 4 (cross-ex
questions and vision
statements).
Partner assignments
announced.
Final written position statements due
Sept 23/24th at your breakout!!
Remember, these are 20% of your final
grade.
This should be either the affirmative or
negative position statement used by your team
in constructive arguments. One of your team
should turn in the affirmative and the other
should submit the negative.
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Week 6
Lecture
Breakout
Out-of-Class Assignments for Week
Mon., Sept 22 - Lecture 4:
Tues./Wed. Sept 23/24 –
Breakout 5:
Readings - Part IV of the Reader
Gary Hill, Vice President for
Global Ethics, Wal-Mart, Inc.
Quiz on readings.
Mon., Sept 29 – Lecture 5:
Tues./Wed. Sept 30/Oct 1
Mark Nelson (Asst. Provost for
Academic Affairs): General
delivery skills for speech and
debate.
Breakout 6:
Week 8
Mon., Oct 6 – Lecture 6:
Tues./Wed. Oct. 7/Oct 8
Prepare for Tournament!
Al Norman, author of The Case
Against Wal-Mart and citizen
advocate of Sprawl-Busters.
Breakout 6:
Office hours available by request (email Stephen
or Lane to set up individual appointment – Lane
will not be available Monday, Oct. 13th).
Week 9
Week 7
Continue discussing mechanics
and rules of debate process.
Mon., Oct. 13:
Tuesday Oct 14
NO CLASS.
TOURNAMENT BEGINS!
Prepare for tournament!
See schedule below.
Office hours available with
Stephen by request.
Readings - TBA
Quiz on readings.
Cases returned with feedback
from Lane and Stephen.
Quiz on readings.
Each team turns in final written cases
(including pro/con argument and
vision statement) at your first round of
debate (Oct 14/15) – coordinate with
your partner to ensure that we receive
one of each!
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TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE:
Week 9
Tues. 14
Wed. 15
No lecture – office
hours available by
request (email
Stephen or Lane).
ROUND 1
2:00-4:30pm
Location: UA School
of Law
ROUND 1
2:00-4:30 pm
Location: UA School
of Law
Mon 20
Tues 21
Wed 22
ROUND 3
Quarterfinals
ROUND 4
Semifinals
8 teams from Round 2
debate
4 teams from Round 3
debate
2:00 – 4:00pm
Location: Rooms 301
and 309 in the Ferg
7:00 – 9:00pm
Location: Room 360,
Ferg Forum
Week 11
Mon. 13
Week 10
October
Mon 27
Thur. 16
Fri. 17
ROUND 2
Time TBA (in AM)
Location: UA School
of Law
Thur 23
Fri 24
Tues 28
FINAL ROUND
7 pm, Morgan
Auditorium
Attendance is
mandatory for all
Moral Forum
students.
POST-TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE:
Class will continue to meet for three weeks during lecture time on Mondays (Nov. 3, Nov. 10, Nov. 17).
THERE WILL BE NO TUESDAY OR WEDNESDAY CLASSES (BREAKOUT SESSIONS) FOR THE REMAINDER OF
THE SEMESTER.
Details about the Final Exam will be announced in class.
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STUDENT ASSESSMENT PROCEDURES
Grades for Moral Forum will be calculated as follows:
15%
Assignment 1 – Pro argument. Choose a value criterion and back it up with 2 arguments for Wal-Mart. Cite at
least 3 sources, and relate it to a philosopher discussed during Lecture 1. Should be 1 page, typed (double
spaced, 1” margins). This assignment constitutes 15% of your final grade – due at the beginning of your breakout
session on Sept 2/3. Must also be posted on eLearning.
15%
Assignment 2 – Con argument. In the same form as Assignment 1, construct an argument against Wal-Mart.
Should be at least 1 page, typed and correctly formatted. This assignment constitutes 15% of your final grade due at the beginning of your breakout session on Sept 9/10. Must also be posted on eLearning.
5%
Assignment 3 – cross examination questions. Must also be posted on eLearning.
5%
Assignment 4 – vision statement. Must also be posted on eLearning.
20%
Final written position statement - One written constructive argument (either on the affirmative or negative side) to
be used in the debate competition. These are due in the first round of the tournament, on either Tuesday or
Wednesday, October 16 or 17.
10%
Evaluation of preparation for tournament - Evaluation of substantial debate preparation will be based on the
demonstration and use of materials (including organized binder of sources, notecards for tournament rounds,
etc.). This component of the grade also includes demonstration of a good faith effort in the two required rounds
of debate.
20%
Attendance and class participation - Attendance at all lectures and participation in breakout sessions each week are
absolutely mandatory. Because participation in all lectures and breakout sessions is critical to the success of
Moral Forum, students should expect to be deducted one letter grade after the first unexcused, missed lecture
or breakout session. If you do miss a lecture, you are responsible for printing and reviewing lecture notes and
any additional readings from eLearning, scheduling a time to watch the videotape of the lecture (available in the
CESR office), and consulting with instructor about any changes to the syllabus or other important information
missed. This is a very important part of your grade. Attendance is also required at the Final Tournament on
October 27 at 7 PM, unless excused prior to this event.
10%
Final essay exam - The final exam for this course will be in an essay-style format. Date due is TBA. All exams
should be submitted to Stephen Black (112 Temple Tutwiler Hall) on or before the day/time announced.
ASSIGNMENTS
All assignments should be formatted with following information clearly at the top left of the first page of the document:
Student name (with partner’s name in parentheses, if a collaborative assignment)
The course number and your section number
Date
Name/number of assignment
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