Check Out Philosophy

Course Objectives

Students will critically examine the foundations of ethical theory through the writings of philosophers influential in shaping major historical and contemporary ethical positions. Throughout the course, students will analyze ethical problems and propose solutions while beginning to think critically about the foundations of their own ethical behavior.

http://www.bucks.edu/syllabi/syllabus.php?lookup=PHIL111

Prerequisites: None

Required Text

Doing Ethics: Moral Reasoning and Contemporary Issues, 2nd Edition: Lewis Vaughn, W. W. Norton & Company, 2010.

Additional Reading:  Various readings will provided and made available on the website "checkoutphilosophy.com".

Technology used in this Class:

Each student will be required to complete a multimedia presentation using approved presentation software such as Microsoft Photo Story 3, or Microsoft Movie Maker 2.1. Each student will also be required to access their e-mail accounts to receive announcements and course material. In addition, each student will be asked to view various internet sites to complete their assignments.

Grading

Attendance/ Participation     100 points  Multimedia Presentation      100 points                 Test 1                                       100 points                   Field Problems                      100 points                  Final Exam                              100 points

Total                                           500 points

A 90-100 (450)        C 70-76 (350)                           B+ 87-89 (435)        D+ 67-69 (335)                         B 80-86 (400)          D 60-66 (300)                          C+ 77-79 (385)       F < 59 ( 295)

John Stuart Mill 1806 -1873

Grading Policy

Your final grade will be calculated on points to include attendance and participation, two exams, "Field Problems" and one multimedia presentation.

Exams

You will be given two, in class, examinations. These examinations will be part multiple choice and part essay. The questions will be taken from the assigned readings as well as classroom lectures. Students must be present for established exam dates. Without prior excuse, failure to be present for a scheduled exam will constitutea zero grade.

You will be required to complete a multimedia presentation of approximately ten minutes on an approved topic. The presentation will be an analysis of a contemporary ethical issue not covered in class. The presentation should be designed to introduce the average person to your chosen ethical issue using pictures, video, charts, maps, music etc. Each presentation will be shown to the class.

It is recommended that your presentation be completed using Microsoft Photo Story 3 (a free download), or Microsoft Movie Maker 2.1 (also a free download). It is acceptable to work with other software as long as I am notified in advance so that I have the program installed for viewing. A demonstration of Photo Story 3 will be given during class. Should you have any technical questions the computer center will be available to assist you.

       Minimum requirements.

                             * Topic must be approved

                             * 30 slides/pictures (20 seconds of video = 1 picture)

                             * 10 minute original narration attached to your presentation to include;

                                           1. Description of the issue ( 3-5 minutes)

                                           2. Explanation of the Ethical theory or theories that are implicated (3-5 minutes)

                                           3. Your position on the issue (3-5 minutes)

** Note that the narration must be 10 minutes long. It is possible that10 minutes of narration will produce a presentation longer than 10 minutes.

All presentations are due no later than November 11, 2010 (If the presentation is not submitted on November11^th, five points will be deducted for each class that the presentation is not submitted).

Field Problems and Case Analyses

The course website and textbook contains a series of problem ("Field Problems"and "Case Analyses") designed to introduce you to some of the concepts that are discussed during the semester. You must complete a total of 4 "Field Problems"and 4 "Case Analyses" each worth up to 13 points. The dates that each problem is due is listed on the assignment schedule.

 

              Attendance/ Participation

For success in this course, class attendance and participation is necessary. (Attendance and participation will constitute 20% of your final grade). You will receive 5 points for each class that you attend and you will receive additional points for participation. Students are responsible for all work, notes, and assignments missed. Students are to contact me with any problems that might affect course work. Excessive absences (i.e. more than 3 classes) will result in a lower final grade and/or failure for the course. If you do have to miss class due to exceptional circumstances, please notify me in advance and make arrangements to get notes from a classmate.

Attendance will be taken every class at the beginning of that class, therefore if you are late to a particular class it is your responsibility to ensure that I list you as being present. Failure to do so will result in no credit being given for that class. If you are habitually late your attendance / participation grade will be lowered.

The expectation at Bucks County Community College is that the principles of truth and honesty will be rigorously followed in all academic endeavors. This assumes that all work will be done by the person who purports to do the work without unauthorized aids. In addition, when making use of language and some idea not his or her own, whether quoting them directly or paraphrasing them into his or her own words, the student must attribute the source of the material in some standard form, such as naming the source in the text or offering a footnote. (Source: BCCC Catalog, College Policy Regarding Cheating and Plagiarism)

In compliance with the Bucks County Community College policy and equal access laws, appropriate academic accommodations can be made for students eligible for such support. Students are encouraged to register with the Disability Services Office (215-968-8463) to verify their eligibility for appropriate accommodations. Please speak to your instructor about any requests for academic accommodations or other concerns as early in the semester as possible.

Students are always responsible for retaining copies of their own work and/or correspondence, including that posted to a web course space. Student access to a Bucks County Community College web course space is available only during the stated semester/session as indicated by the College’s academic calendar. All web course sites, including content, are routinely removed form the server at the conclusion of each semester/session.

There will be no make up exams unless prior arrangements are make. Make up exams will only be scheduled for compelling reasons.

Cell Phone Policy

All cell phones and other electronic devices must be turned off during class. Points will be deducted from your attendance and participation grade if you use your cell phone or other electronic device for any reason during class without prior approval.

Additional Policies and Requirements

See Bucks County Community College Catalog 2008-2010.