This course explores key philosophical concepts from an ethical perspective. Students will analyze selected assertions of knowledge and the methods of reasoning humans use to justify these claims. Through research into theories of science and religion, as well as the theoretical and empirical challenges these institutions of thought face, students will also investigate how the mind constructs and understands reality. This will provide a foundation for an exploration into questions of morality, in which students will look at traditional and contemporary ethical theories, and apply these theories to contemporary moral issues.
Course Design
In this course, students will be introduced to various ethical theories and practical ethical issues. 1) Students will examine and engage dominant theories of ethics, as well as relativism, and how the relativist position argues against universal ethical principles. Students will utilize what they learn about those ethical theories to examine a contemporary ethical issue and reflect on their own ideas about relativism. 2) Students will examine consequentialist ethical theory and responses to the consequentialist position. 3) Students will examine deontological ethical theory. 4) Students will examine virtue ethics. 5) Students will examine feminist ethics and how feminist ethics relate and attempt to break free from the previous ethical positions. While students are learning about the various ethical theories they will also examine articles that utilize the theories to make arguments in relation to contemporary moral problems. Students will ultimately be asked to choose a contemporary moral problem and apply the ethical theories to the moral problem, while also explaining which theory they find to provide the strongest position.
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
Define the nature and scope of morality and ethics.
Differentiate among traditional ethical theories.
Interpret philosophical thought through critical thinking.
Apply the concepts of ethical and moral reasoning to contemporary issues.
Determine one’s own ethical perspectives through personal reflection.
Course Map
The course map illustrates the careful design of the course through which each learning objective is supported by one or more specific learning activities in order to create integrity and pedagogical depth in the learning experience.
LEARNING OUTCOME
WEEK
ASSIGNMENT
Define the nature and scope of morality and ethics.
1 1 1 2 2 3 4 4 5 5
Week One Discussion
Week One Readings Quiz
Week One Media Quiz
Week Two Readings Quiz
Week Two Media Quiz
Week Three Readings Quiz
Week Four Readings Quiz
Week Four Media Quiz
Week Five Readings Quiz
Final Exam
Differentiate among traditional ethical theories.
1 2 2 3 3
4 4 5 5 5 5
Week One Readings Quiz
Week Two Readings Quiz
Week Two Media Quiz
Week Three Readings Quiz
Applying an Ethical Theory Assignment
Week Four Readings Quiz
Week Four Media Quiz
Week Five Readings Quiz
Week Five Media Quiz
Final Exam
Final Paper
Interpret philosophical thought through critical thinking.
1 1 2 2 3 3
4 4 5 5
Post Your Introduction Discussion
Thesis Construction Assignment
Week Two Discussion 1
Week Two Discussion 2
Week Two Discussion
Applying an Ethical Theory Assignment
Week Four Discussion 1
Week Four Discussion 2
Week Five Discussion
Final Paper
Apply the concepts of ethical and moral reasoning to contemporary issues.
1 1 1 2 2 2 3 3
4 4 4 5 5
Week One Discussion
Week One Media Quiz
Thesis Construction Assignment
Week Two Discussion 1
Week Two Discussion 2
Week Two Media Quiz
Week Three Discussion
Applying an Ethical Theory Assignment
Week Four Discussion 1
Week Four Discussion 2
Week Four Media Quiz
Week Five Discussion
Final Paper
Determine one’s own ethical perspectives through personal reflection.
1 1 2 2 3 3
4 4 5 5
Week One Discussion
Thesis Construction Assignment
Week Two Discussion 1
Week Two Discussion 2
Week Three Discussion
Applying and Ethical Theory Assignment
Week Four Discussion 1
Week Four Discussion 2
Week Five Discussion
Final Paper
Institutional Outcomes
Graduates of Ashford University:
Demonstrate the ability to read and think critically and creatively;
Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in speech and in writing;
Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively through the use of technology;
Demonstrate an understanding of the various forms of diversity;
Demonstrate an understanding of the interdependence among living beings, the environment and humanly-created systems;
Demonstrate competence in their major fields of study;
Demonstrate an understanding of service directed at meeting the needs of others;
Demonstrate the ability to draw information from different fields of study to make informed decisions; and
Develop skills and abilities that provide for lifelong learning.
Mission Statement
The mission of Ashford University is to provide accessible, affordable, innovative, high-quality learning opportunities and degree programs that meet the diverse needs of individuals pursuing integrity in their lives, professions, and communities.
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