Wiley College

THE PLACE WHERE EVERY STUDENT CAN SUCCEED

COURSE SYLLABUS RELI 2301-03/04/05

DEPARTMENT OF RELIGION RELI 2301 Introduction to Ethics Sections 03/04/05: TH: 8:00-9:15 am; 9:30-10:45 am; 1:30-2:45 pm Dates: Spring Semester 2013

GENERAL COURSE INFORMATION INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Jerry Faught II EMAIL: jfaught@Wileyc.edu OFFICE HOURS: M/1-5 pm; W & F/9 am-Noon OFFICE: Thirkield 107 PHONE: (405) 620-0926

PREREQUISITE COURSES: None TEXT BOOK: Hinman, Lawrence M., Ethics: A Pluralistic Approach to Moral Theory 5th ed. (Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth, 2003) (EAAM in Readings) COURSE DESCRIPTION This course is an introduction to the works of some major moral theorists of the Western philosophical and religious tradition. The course explores the significance of those theorists to the understanding of the nature of the good life as well as the scope of human moral responsibilities. OBJECTIVES After successfully completing this course, students should be able to: 1. Interpreting texts by accurately and fully describing concepts and arguments 2. Reasoning about ideas by (i) evaluating the content, structure, and strategies of ethical works and (ii) applying concepts and arguments to contemporary issues and their own lives 3. Collaborating with other students, presenting and supporting their ideas in public through class participation. 4. Demonstrate an understanding of the powerful dynamic of ethics and faith within the Judeo-Christian Tradition in the arena for serious academic inquiry 5. Demonstrate the skills of critical thinking by integrating scholarly resources from the college library and from the internet with contemporary issues met through the news media and through local community service projects. 6. Demonstrate understanding of the claims of major philosophical ethical theories. 7. Demonstrate understanding of the ethical claims and practices of the mainstream JudeoChristian traditions. 8. Demonstrate the ability to evaluate ethical claims, actions, and issues from the point of view of faith.
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9. Demonstrate skill in thinking critically, reading carefully, and writing clearly. GENERAL EDUCATION COMPETENCIES The General Education Competencies emphasized (E), reinforced (R) or assessed (A) in this course are: 1. Writing: Students will demonstrate the ability to write effectively, that is, clearly and persuasively and demonstrate the ability to gather evidence and construct a coherent argument. (E, R) 2. Critical Thinking: Students will demonstrate the ability to think critically and independently as well as demonstrate analytical reasoning skills and make inferences across the disciplines. (E, A) 3. Religion and Spiritual Awareness and Moral Development: Students will demonstrate an awareness of spiritual, ethical and moral considerations in making decisions and evaluating common actions. (E, A) SOFTWARE AND SUPPLIES Requirements: In addition to your textbook, paper, and writing materials brought to each class, you will need a valid Wiley College e-mail account. Some materials and announcements will be sent via e-mail. You also will be able to access information and assignments related to the class through JICS on the Wiley College website. Students will need access to a computer with Internet access and the requisite software and hardware to use multimedia resources (audio & video), email capacity, presentation and word processing software. Any additional requirements for specific projects/assignments will be announced by the course instructor. POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Methods of Instructional Delivery Students are required to complete reading assignments and be prepared for the class. Students will also be required to discuss assigned materials. If you are unprepared when called upon, you will lose points for class participation. Assignments will vary and students occasionally will be assigned to groups for group projects. Each person in the group is responsible for the group project. Under certain conditions, the professor may intervene when one student is not carrying his/her weight of the assignment. Instruction will take place in a classroom setting and through assignments online through JICS. These online assignments will require, variously, reading, listening, watching, and writing. Quizzes will be done online in JICS as well. Email Use Wiley College recognizes the value and efficiency of communication between faculty/staff and students through electronic mail. At the same time, email raises some issues concerning security and the identity of each individual in an email exchange. The university encourages all official student email correspondence be sent only to a students Wiley College email address and that faculty and staff consider email from students official only if it originates from a Wiley College student account. This allows the university to maintain a high degree of confidence in the identity of all individuals corresponding and the security of the transmitted information. Wiley
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College furnishes each student with a free email account that is to be used in all communication with university personnel. Participation in this course will require use of Wiley College email ONLY in accordance with College policy. Be sure to check with the Instructional Technology department to ensure that your email account is in order and your computer is working properly. You always have the option to come to campus and use the computers in the labs and the library. Other Policies This syllabus is subject to modification at the instructors discretion. Definition of Course Type This course meets a General Education requirement. SUBMISSION OF ASSIGNMENTS Classroom assignments must be turned in or presented on time, either in person or online, as instructed by the teacher. Students are responsible for work missed due to absence and should coordinate makeup work with the instructor. A student who must miss class is required to notify the instructor in advance via e-mail or present a written excuse upon their return to class. Cheating is not allowed: any form of cheating will result in an automatic F on the test or class assignment. Late Assignments. Late assignments are strongly discouraged. They may or may not be accepted, at the discretion of the course instructor, and late delivery (if accepted) may affect the grade for that assignment. ATTENDANCE POLICY This course follows the attendance policy stated in the Wiley College Catalog. Please be advised that unexcused absences in excess of the stated maximum are grounds for being Administratively Withdrawn from the course. A roll call will be taken at the beginning of each class. Students will not receive credit for attendance if students are 15 minutes tardy or if students leave class before the professor dismisses the class. Students are expected to come to class with all materials necessary to participate in class. Students should attend all classes in a punctual manner, unless some exigent circumstances exist. Notification of such circumstances should be made (in advance if possible) via e-mail to the course instructor. Disruptive behavior or sleeping is not permitted in class. During discussions, the exchange of ideas is important, but students must remain respectful of each other and the instructor, even when strongly differing opinions, beliefs, or perspectives are expressed. Students bringing drinks to the classroom must remove their drink containers. Cell phones and pagers must be turned off or on silent during class. All students must dress appropriately.

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ACADEMIC DISHONESTY The Wiley College Catalog describes academic dishonesty in the following manner: "...an act or attempted act, of giving or obtaining aid and/or information by illicit means in meeting any academic requirements, including examinations. It also includes any form of cheating, plagiarism, falsification of records and/or collusion. Students are expected to refrain from cheating which includes, but is not necessarily limited to: copying from anothers test or quiz paper; using supplementary materials, electronic devices (calculators, Bluetooth and iPhones, notes, books, Twitter and text messaging, etc.) not authorized by the examiner/instructor; substitution for another student in taking a test; using, buying, selling, stealing, soliciting, transporting, or removing in whole or in part an un-administered test or key information regarding same. Falsifying records, such as alteration of grades or other records, plagiarism and collusion will not be tolerated. Any student caught engaging in an act of academic dishonesty will be assigned a penalty appropriate for the act. These penalties will be assigned at the discretion of the faculty member and may be appealed to the Vice President for Academic Affairs. Please refer to the online version of the Wiley College Catalog, pages 46-47, for a partial list of penalties. GRADING Your final grade will be calculated according to the following breakdown: i. ii. iii. iv. Chapter Quizzes Midterm Exam Final Exam Class attendance TOTAL 30% 30% 30% 10% 100%

The following scale will be used in calculating the final grade: A = 90%-100% B = 80%-89% C =70%-79% D = 60%-69% F = 0%-59%

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STUDENT CONDUCT Students are expected to uphold the standards of conduct detailed in the official Wiley College catalog, p. 304 (available online at www.wileyc.edu) and in concert with the conduct becoming to a Wiley student according to the Student Handbook (also available on the College website) provided to all students at the beginning of each academic year. This course is designed for discussion, and it encouraged at every juncture. However, only one conversation should be occurring at any one time, and there must never be any sign of disrespect toward a person in the class. Carrying on private conversations while another person is talking, laughing at someone or talking about them in your conversations, snoring loudly during class lectures or discussions, or repeatedly cutting someone off in mid-conversation will not be tolerated. If I perceive a problem, I will give the appropriate person(s) one warning, followed by a removal from the class and the assignment of a full days absence to the appropriate person(s). This course provides room for a very wide variety of thoughts, positions, and discussions. I encourage the sharing of ideas and questions, but we will understand that No question, idea, or position vocalized should be equated with that persons own deep beliefs. Both refusing to participate in discussions and dominating discussions are problematic. All students MUST observe the Wiley Dress Code. Students who do not observe the dress code will not be allowed in class. If you bring a cell phone in class, make sure it is on silent mode and that it is in your bag. Absolutely no cell phones on the desks or on your hands. NON-DISCRIMINATION AND SPECIAL NEEDS The College does not discriminate on the basis of color, race, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, ideology, political affiliation, veteran status, age, physical handicap or marital status. In order to facilitate the transition of students with impairments, students with documented disabilities who may need academic services for this class are required to register with the Coordinator of Disability Services. Unless the students have been cleared through the Office of Disability Services, accommodations will not be provided. The telephone number and email for the College's Coordinator of Disability Services are 903-927-3351 sburnettandrus1@wileyc.edu. Please let us know if you need assistance.

WEEKLY COURSE SCHEDULE Additional material is found on JICS for each chapter.
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Week of

1. 2.

Topics & Readings Assignment Due Dates (in-class) (out of class) Collaboration: Self I. Complete QUIZ 1 on JICS. Introduction II. DISCUSSION: When (under what circumstances) is it right to tell a lie. The Moral Point of View Why Study Ethics; Moral Give some examples from everyday Beliefs; The Moral Point of life. (no less than 200 words) View, http://youtu.be/nmwH0D2dI68; The Point of Ethics Reflection. Understanding the Diversity of Moral Beliefs. Relativism; Absolutism, and Pluralism Complete QUIZ on JICS. DISCUSSION:: In some countries, thieves are still punished by having their hands chopped off. In the United States, we punish thieves quite differently. In the light of the reading and discussion on relativism, how should we proceed in a discussion of morality of punishments such as chopping off a hand? To help you understand the argument of chopping off the hand of a criminal, please see these you tube videos: http://youtu.be/LKIUtBCyt50 (Your discussion essays should be no less than 200 words) I. Complete QUIZ on JICS. II. Watch the movie The Mission (1986) This movie presents a subtle and complex portrait of the relationship between religion and ethics. Which characters in the movie advocate the divine command theory of ethics? Which characters oppose it? What reasons do they have for both cases? III. DISCUSSION: Watch the movie The Mission (1986) This movie presents a subtle and complex portrait of the relationship between religion and ethics. Which characters in the movie advocate the divine command theory of ethics? Which characters oppose it? What reasons do they have for both cases? I. II.

Student Contact Hrs In-class: (3 hrs) Out of class: (6 hrs) Total/Week: (9hrs)

In-class: (3 hrs) Out of class: (6 hrs) Total/Week: (9hrs)

3.

The Ethics of Divine Commands: Role of Religion in the Moral Life; Religious Belief: Diversities and Dialogue.

In-class: (3 hrs) Out of class: (6 hrs) Total/Week: (9hrs)

4.

The Ethics of Selfishness: Egoism. Psychological Egoism;

In-class: (3 hrs) Out of class: (6 hrs) Total/Week: (9hrs)

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5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

The Ethics of Selfishness: Egoism. Determinism and Freedom; Ethical Egoism; the Truth in Ethical Egoism The Ethics of Consequences: Utilitarianism. Defining Utility; Applying the Measure; How much Utility is Enough? The Ethics of Consequences: Utilitarianism. Race, Ethnicity and Utilitarian theory; Issues in Utilitarianism; Living the Utilitarian Life Ethics of Duty: Immanuel Kant The Ethics of Duty; Universalizability and the Categorical Imperative Ethics of Duty: Immanuel Kant Respect and Using People; Thomas Hill, Jr. on Kantian Ethics; The Kantian Heritage

DISCUSSION: Can an ethical egoist be a good friend? What special problems, if any, would ethical egoism present in a relationship? (Your discussion essays should be no less than 200 words) I. Complete QUIZ on JICS. II. MOVIE: Watch the movie Saving Private Ryan.

In-class: (3 hrs) Out of class: (6 hrs) Total/Week: (9hrs)

In-class: (3 hrs) Out of class: (6 hrs) Total/Week: (9hrs)

Complete QUIZ on JICS.

In-class: (3 hrs) Out of class: (6 hrs) Total/Week: (9hrs)

Complete QUIZ on JICS. .

In-class: (3 hrs) Out of class: (6 hrs) Total/Week: (9hrs)

10. 11.

Ethics of Rights: Contemporary Theories Justification of Natural Rights; What Rights Do We Have? Ethics of Rights: Contemporary Theories Justification of Natural Rights; Joel Feinberg on Human

I. Watch the MOVIE: The Color Purple II. DISCUSSION: In the book and movie The Color Purple, the issue of self- respect plays a central role. Indeed one of the central themes of the movie is Celies movement from servility to self respect. Assess each of the major characters in terms of self-respect. What role does fighting (and violence) play in the formation or destruction of self-respect? What role do loving relationships play in strengthening of self-respect? (Your discussion essays should be no less than 200 words) Complete QUIZ on JICS.

In-class: (3 hrs) Out of class: (6 hrs) Total/Week: (9hrs)

In-class: (3 hrs) Out of class: (6 hrs) Total/Week: (9hrs)

DISCUSSION: The U. S. constitution In-class: (3 hrs) does not mention (let alone guarantee) Out of class: (6 hrs) its citizens right to privacy. Total/Week: (9hrs) Nevertheless, Americans consider privacy a basic human right. How would
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12.

Rights; The Limits of Rights Talk; The Role of Rights in the Moral Life The Ethics of Justice: From Plato to Rawls: Platos Account of Justice The Ethics of Justice: From Plato to Rawls: John Rawl; Distributive Justice: The Ethics of Justice: From Plato to Rawls: Distributive Justice: All theories studied

you defend this concept? What rights override the right to privacy? I. Complete QUIZ on JICS. In-class: (3 hrs) II. DISCUSSION : When, if ever, are Out of class: (6 hrs) we justified in intervening to prevent Total/Week: (9hrs) injustices beyond our national borders? If, for example, genocide is occurring in another country, to what extent do other nations have an obligation to intervene in such situations? a) Review the just condition for entering into a war. b) DEBATE: Which of those conditions have been met in the U.S. war on terrorism? Which have not been met? To what extent is the war on terrorism a just war? (Your discussion should be no less than 200 words) I. Complete QUIZ on JICS. In-class: (3 hrs) II. DQ1: Explain what it means to care Out of class: (6 hrs) about yourself. Give an example of Total/Week: (9hrs) doing so and an example of failing to do so. DQ2: Read Romans 5:3-5. The writer says that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. How does suffering and perseverance; produces character? Give real life examples. (Your discussion should be no less than 200 words)

13.

14.

Ethics of Character: Aristotle and Our Contemporaries From the Ethics of Action to Ethics of Character; Character and Human Flourishing; The Structure of Virtues Courage; Compassion, Self Love; (QUIZ # SIX) Practical Wisdom; Ethical Pluralism, and The Good Life; Conclusion: The Ethics of Character and The Ethics of Action Ethics of Character: Aristotle and Our Contemporaries From the Ethics of Action to Ethics of Character; Character and Human Flourishing; The Structure of Virtues Courage; Compassion, Self

III. Complete reading for this week and In-class: (3 hrs) do the 1 and 2 on JICS. Out of class: (6 hrs) IV. DQ1: Explain what it means to care Total/Week: (9hrs) about yourself. Give an example of doing so and an example of failing to do so. V. DQ2: Read Romans 5:3-5. The writer says that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance,
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Love; (QUIZ # SIX) Practical Wisdom; Ethical Pluralism, and The Good Life; Conclusion: The Ethics of Character and The Ethics of Action The Ethics of Diversity: Gender Rethinking the History of Ethics; New Moral Concepts: The Ethics of Care Carol Gilligan on Voice and Ethical

character; and character, hope. How does suffering and perseverance; produces character? Give real life examples. (Your discussion should be no less than 200 words) I. Complete reading for this week and do the 1 and 2 on JICS. II. DQ1: To what extent is racism a byproduct of economic oppression? If economic oppression were to disappear, would racism disappear along with it? III. DQ2: The movie Rosewood (1997, directed by John Singleton) depicts racial hatred at its most extreme. After a white womans false accusation of rape, whites burnt the entire black town of Rosewood in Florida to the ground. What does it tell you about the nature of racism? How does this movie contribute to our understanding of the invisibility of the oppression of the powerless? (Your discussion should be no less than 200 words) The examination will be online on the JICS website. In-class: (3 hrs) Out of class: (6 hrs) Total/Week: (6 hrs)

Final Exam

In-class: (3 hrs)

This course meets for 3 hours per week for 15 weeks and 45 hours per semester in the classroom. Reading, watching, listening and writing exercises outside of class account for 2 hours of work outside of class for every hour spent in class, making for a total of 135 hours.

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