Intro to Ethics (PHIL 2306)
Division of Philosophy, Humanities and Library Sciences
Philosophy Department
https://www.hccs.edu/programs/areas-of-study/liberal-arts-humanities--education/philosophy/
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Phil 2306: Introduction to Ethics | Lecture | #16895
Fall Semester 2020 | 12 Weeks – 21 September – 13 December 2020
Online | 12-Weeks
3 Credit Hours | 48 hours per semester
Instructor Contact Information
Instructor: SL Shoemaker Office Phone: 713-718-8300
Office: 555 Community College Dr. Office Hours: 8:00-4:00 Weekdays
HCC E-mail: [email protected] Office Location: 555 Community College Dr,
Please feel free to contact me concerning any problems that you are experiencing in this course. Your performance in my class is very important to me. I am available to hear the concerns and just to discuss course topics.
Instructor’s Preferred Method of Contact: [email protected]
I will respond to emails within 24 hours Monday through Friday;
I will reply to weekend messages on Monday mornings.
Canvas Learning Management System
This section of PHIL 2306 will use Canvas (https://eagleonline.hccs.edu) for class assignments, exams, and activities.
There are three parts of the class:
1st - Writing and Arguments;
2nd - Issues;
3rd - Final.
Most of the class is research and essay. I teach through the INDUCTIVE LOGIC METHOD: I have you research about, think about, and write about a topic/problem, have you tell me your ideas and solutions, and then I give you feedback and help you. (It is called "Socratic Method" -- I know you have heard of it). My method is to have you consider complex problems, research them, and write arguments about resolutions. SO: your job is to process information and develop your thinking. Welcome to philosophy. In most classes we just memorize stuff and regurgitate; you are not so fortunate
When evaluating your arguments, the first thing I always look at is your works cited, as this orients me and tells me your approach, so research is important. The second thing I study of yours is your abstract. I have forums and handouts on MLA, abstracts, works cited, etc., and some sample papers. In this class, fact-based reasoning is the only way -- Mere opinions matter not. I give feedback on how to get better in thinking, how to use facts, and figure life out. This class is not just in moral behavior, but also research to find facts and truth, rhetoric and arguments, reality. You have signed up for the meaning of life class – now let’s make a difference.
Your most important resources are:
- The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (http://plato.stanford.edu/);
- The Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy (http://www.iep.utm.edu/);
- Squashed Philosophers (squato.com)
HCCS Open Lab locations may be used to access the Internet and Canvas.
USE FIREFOX OR CHROME AS THE INTERNET BROWSER.
HCC Online Information and Policies
Here is the link to information about HCC Online classes including the required Online Orientation for all fully online classes: http://www.hccs.edu/online/
Scoring Rubrics, Sample Assignments, etc.
Look in Canvas for the scoring rubrics for assignments, samples of class assignments, and other information to assist you in the course. https://eagleonline.hccs.edu/login/ldap
Instructional Materials
Textbook Information
Suggested (Not Required) Hardcopy Texts:
- Taking Sides: Moral Issues//S. Satris, ed. MacGraw-Hill, 11th Edition, 2008 ISBN: 978-0—07-339715-3 (A good guide to both sides of moral issues.)
- Grube//Plato:Five Dialogues, Hackett Publishing, 2nd Edition, 2002, ISBN (978-0-87220-633-5)
- Aquinas, Thomas //The Cardinal Virtues// Hackett Publishing 1st Edition, 1988//ISBN 0-87220-745-5
- Kant, Immanuel //Groundwork of the Metaphysic of Morals//Mary Gregor, trsl. Cambridge University Press, 1997 1st Edition
- Bentham and Mill//Classical Utilitarianism//J. Troyer ed.//Hackett Publishing, 1st Edition, 2003 ISBN: 0-87220-649-1
- Ghandi, Mahatma//Selected Political Writings//Hackett Publishing 1st Edition, 1996//ISBN 0-87220-330-1
Other Instructional Resources
Students will be required to read numerous pages of attachments, lecture notes, PowerPoint presentations, and other online primary and secondary resources.
Your most important resources are:
- Squashed Philosophers (squato.com)
- The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (http://plato.stanford.edu/)
- The Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy (http://www.iep.utm.edu/)
- The Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosphy (https://www.rep.routledge.com/)
Tutoring
HCC provides free, confidential, and convenient academic support, including writing critiques, to HCC students in an online environment and on campus. Tutoring is provided by HCC personnel in order to ensure that it is contextual and appropriate. Visit the HCC Tutoring Services website for services provided.
Libraries
The HCC Library System consists of 9 libraries and 6 Electronic Resource Centers (ERCs) that are inviting places to study and collaborate on projects. Librarians are available both at the libraries and online to show you how to locate and use the resources you need. The libraries maintain a large selection of electronic resources as well as collections of books, magazines, newspapers, and audiovisual materials. The portal to all libraries’ resources and services is the HCCS library web page at http://library.hccs.edu.
Supplementary Instruction
Supplemental Instruction is an academic enrichment and support program that uses peer-assisted study sessions to improve student retention and success in historically difficult courses. Peer Support is provided by students who have already succeeded in completion of the specified course, and who earned a grade of A or B. Find details at http://www.hccs.edu/resources-for/current-students/supplemental-instruction/.
Course Overview
This is a systemic evaluation of classical and/or contemporary ethical theories concerning the good life, human conduct in society, morals, and standards of value. This course provides a practical, community-minded introduction to questions of character and human excellence in a multi-cultural, global environment. Traditional and contemporary views concerning the nature of goodness, happiness, duty, and freedom serve as points of departure for this largely thematic inquiry into right conduct and ways of thinking that leads to that conduct.
Core Curriculum Objectives (CCOs)
This course satisfies the Philosophy, Language, and Culture component area or the
Component Area Option in the HCC Core Curriculum. If you are not sure that you need this
course to graduate, please consult with your advisor.
Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLOs)
- Demonstrate knowledge and an understanding of arguments, problems, and terminology in philosophy.
- Analyze and critique philosophical texts in ways that demonstrate an awareness of argument structure and the evaluation of philosophical claims.
- Present logically persuasive arguments orally and in writing that are relevant to philosophical issues covered in course material.
- Evaluate personal and social responsibilities of living in a diverse world in terms of the philosophical issues raised in course material.
- Apply relevant ethical theories to daily activities, and to issues in contemporary debates.
Course Student Learning Outcomes (CSLOs)
- Read, analyze, and critique philosophical texts.
- Define and appropriately use important terms such as relativism, virtue, duty, rights, utilitarianism, natural law, egoism, altruism, autonomy, and care ethics.
- Demonstrate knowledge of major arguments and problems in ethics.
- Present and discuss well-reasoned ethical positions in writing.
- Apply ethical concepts and principles to address moral concerns.
- Apply course material to various aspects of life.
- Discuss ways of living responsibly in a world where people have diverse ethical beliefs.
Learning Objectives
1.1 Read canonical texts and contemporary articles in the philosophical tradition of ethics.
1.2 Analyze, discuss, and critique philosophical texts and ethical questions through open
annotation exercises, papers, and discussion forums.
1.3 Analyze and critique philosophical texts and practical ethical questions in papers and
tests.
2.1 Learn basic philosophical vocabulary, major arguments, and positions in philosophical
ethics.
2.2 Recognize key concepts in regular quizzes.
2.3 Demonstrate understanding of key arguments and claims made by philosophers studied
in the course through papers and assignments.
3 Present logically persuasive arguments in papers and tests.
4.1 Engage in critical thinking through discussion forums, papers, and tests.
4.2 Demonstrate critical thinking skills in all written work.
5.1 Consider the impacts of philosophical ideas on personal and social responsibility in papers
and discussion forums.
5.2 Apply philosophical concepts discussed in the course to personal and contemporary issues,
demonstrating a concern for social and personal responsibility in written work.
Student Success
Expect to spend at least twice as many hours per week outside of class as you do in class studying the course content. Additional time will be required for written assignments. The assignments provided will help you use your study hours wisely. Successful completion of this course requires a combination of the following:
- Research and MLA-Format essay writing
- Attending to class online
- Completing assignments and essays
- Participating in class Announcements
There is no short cut for success in this course; it requires reading (and probably re-reading) and studying the material using the course objectives as a guide.
Late Work:
Assignments may be accepted after the due date for five days only (Friday), but only with valid reason and only for no more than 50% credit. There is no extra credit.
Instructor and Student Responsibilities
As your Instructor, it is my responsibility to:
- Provide the grading scale and detailed grading formula explaining how student grades are to be derived
- Facilitate an effective learning environment through learner-centered instructional techniques
- Provide a description of any special projects or assignments
- Inform students of policies such as attendance, withdrawal, tardiness, and making up assignments
- Provide the course outline and class calendar that will include a description of any special projects or assignments
- Arrange to meet with individual students before and after class as required
As a student, it is your responsibility to:
- Attend class in person and/or online
- Participate actively by reviewing course material, interacting with classmates, and responding promptly in your communication with me
- Read and comprehend the textbook
- Complete the required assignments and exams
- Ask for help when there is a question or problem
- Keep copies of all paperwork, including this syllabus, handouts, and all assignments
- Be aware of and comply with academic honesty policies in the HCCS Student Handbook
Assignments, Exams, and Activities
Written Assignments
- First Quiz – Read and Writing Arguments and Writing Forms
- Fallacies Quiz
- Elements of Ethics Test
- Reading Arguments – Decoding Coy Mistress
- Writing Arguments – Sparky, the Puppy
- Stealing – Heinz and Levels of Moral Development
- Lies and Truth and "By the Waters of Babylon"
- Shame
- The Real Human Being
Final Exam
- Application: Philosophical Analysis of Your Passion
Grading Formula
Essay Assignments, Exercises, Quizzes, and Examinations - 100 %
Topical reading and writing assignments involve comprehension of essays and narrations and delving into specifics on the issues. The class is essay based, and proper formatting is essential for legal reasons. Essays will done using MLA style. Essays containing obvious spelling errors will have 30 points deducted from the total earned. Poor diction and grammar will result in an additional 30 point deduction.
General Grading Rubric Elements (Rubric values will be alter to fit the particular assignments emphasis):
- MLA Heading
- Abstract
- Citations
- Works Cited
- Assignment Requirements
- Persuasion
To avoid confusion, all work for this class must be submitted within Eagle Online in the Assignment Submission area in the assignments.
Do not send any completed assignments to any non- Eagle Online email address. Do not print work out to mail or drop off at a campus. All written communication must be conducted within Eagle Online email.
Please note that for deadline purposes, the Eagle Online clock is the "official" clock, even if you are certain that your watch keeps perfect time.
HCC Grading Scale can be found on this site under Academic Information:
http://www.hccs.edu/resources-for/current-students/student-handbook/
Additional Items:
Access to the course is the student's responsibility, and course deadlines cannot be altered due to access interruption or equipment failure on the student's side.
Incomplete Policy:
Given proper documentation and communication, an incomplete may be considered for medical reasons.
Course Calendar
First Quiz – Read Arguments and Writing Forms
27 September 2020 11:55 PM
4 October 2020 11:55 PM
Elements of Ethics Test
11 October 2020 11:55 PM
Reading Arguments – Decoding Coy Mistress
18 October 2020 11:55 PM
Writing Arguments
Stealing – Heinz and Levels of Moral Development -- de Beauvior
25 October 2020 11:55 PM
Last Day to Withdraw – 9 November 2020
Lies and Truth and "By the Waters of Babylon" -- Plato and Stephan Vincent Benet
1 November 2020 11:55 PM
Shame -- Read Gregory, Gandhi and Nietzsche
15 November 2020 11:55 PM
The Real Human Being – Heidegger, Sartre, and Rand
29 November 2020 11:55 PM
Final Exam
- Application: Philosophical Analysis of Your Passion
DUE 8 December 2020 11:55 PM
Syllabus Modifications
The instructor reserves the right to modify the syllabus at any time during the semester and will promptly notify students in writing, typically by e-mail, of any such changes.
Instructor’s Practices and Procedures
Missed Assignments
Assignments may be accepted after the due date for five days only (Friday), but only with valid reason and only for no more than 50% credit. There is no extra credit.
Academic Integrity
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Cheating is not that hard to define and as college students, you should have a firm idea about what cheating is. Just to be clear, here are a few simple definitions: |
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Make certain you are familiar with the MLA format and handbook, and the MLA summary sheet provided by me the first day, in the first Module. If you ever have any question about what is cheating, what is plagiarism or what is unauthorized collusion, please contact me before you do anything or submit anything. It is much better to ask first than to get caught later.
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In this class:
· The penalty for gross plagiarism and cheating on exams is failure in the course. Depending on severity and frequency, academic dishonesty can lead to a recommendation for probation or dismissal from the College System.
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Here’s the link to the HCC information about academic integrity (Scholastic Dishonesty and Violation of Academic Scholastic Dishonesty and Grievance):
http://www.hccs.edu/about-hcc/procedures/student-rights-policies--procedures/student-procedures/
Attendance Procedures
You are expected to log in on all online at least once a week . You are expected to read the Announcements. You are also responsible for materials covered during your absences. Instructors may be willing to consult with you for make-up assignments, but it is your responsibility to contact the instructor. Class attendance is checked daily. Although it is your responsibility to drop a course for nonattendance, the instructor has the authority to drop you for excessive absences. You may be dropped from a course after accumulating absences in excess of 12.5 percent of the total hours of instruction (lecture and lab). For example: For a three credit-hour lecture class meeting three hours per week (48 hours of instruction), you can be dropped after six hours of absence.
Student Conduct
Students are expected to conduct themselves in this philosophy class in a civilized, ethical manner, in accord with the HCCS Student Code of Conduct:
The instructor will notify the student if the student violates this manner to discuss the evidence; the instructor will notify the student of findings in writing (HCC student email sufficient). Possible consequences for a violations may include a grade of “0” or “F” on the particular assignment/exam or failure in the course. Some HCC programs may view a first violation to be egregious and may result in removal from the program.
Instructor’s Course-Specific Information
Students can expect grades and feedback after they submit coursework within two days, in most cases. Feedback and commentary is found to the right of the student’s submissions in returned assignment.
Electronic Devices
Please use Chrome or Firefox browsers. If you are in a classroom, you my use a laptop, tablet, or any other device for taking notes or otherwise participating in class. However, please do not use a personal device for any purpose unrelated to class. All devices should be silenced. Cell phones should be put away, except in the rare instance that you to use them for an activity. I recommend that you power them down. If there is a serious need to leave your cell phone on, such as a family emergency, please put it on vibrate and let your instructor know.
PHILOSOPHY Program Information
Question: You ask: “What can I do With a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy?”
Answer: Law, business, education, journalism, politics, PR, religion, art, and some much more.
For more information:
https://www.hofstra.edu/pdf/studentaffairs/studentservices/career/what%20can%20i%20do%20...%20philosophy.pdf
HCC Policies
Here’s the link to the HCC Student Handbook http://www.hccs.edu/resources-for/current-students/student-handbook/ In it you will find information about the following:
- Academic Information
- Academic Support
- Attendance, Repeating Courses, and Withdrawal
- Career Planning and Job Search
- Childcare
- disAbility Support Services
- Electronic Devices
- Equal Educational Opportunity
- Financial Aid TV (FATV)
- General Student Complaints
- Grade of FX
- Incomplete Grades
- International Student Services
- Health Awareness
- Libraries/Bookstore
- Police Services & Campus Safety
- Student Life at HCC
- Student Rights and Responsibilities
- Student Services
- Testing
- Transfer Planning
- Veteran Services
EGLS3
The EGLS3 (Evaluation for Greater Learning Student Survey System) will be available for most courses near the end of the term until finals start. This brief survey will give invaluable information to your faculty about their teaching. Results are anonymous and will be available to faculty and division chairs after the end of the term. EGLS3 surveys are only available for the Fall and Spring semesters. EGLS3 surveys are not offered during the Summer semester due to logistical constraints.
http://www.hccs.edu/resources-for/current-students/egls3-evaluate-your-professors/
Campus Carry Link
Here’s the link to the HCC information about Campus Carry: http://www.hccs.edu/departments/police/campus-carry/
HCC Email Policy
When communicating via email, HCC requires students to communicate only through the HCC email system to protect your privacy. If you have not activated your HCC student email account, you can go to HCC Eagle ID and activate it now. You may also use Canvas Inbox to communicate.
Housing and Food Assistance for Students
Any student who faces challenges securing their foods or housing and believes this may affect their performance in the course is urged to contact the Dean of Students at their college for support. Furthermore, please notify the professor if you are comfortable in doing so.
This will enable HCC to provide any resources that HCC may possess.
Office of Institutional Equity
Use the link below to access the HCC Office of Institutional Equity, Inclusion, and Engagement (http://www.hccs.edu/departments/institutional-equity/)
Disability Services
HCC strives to make all learning experiences as accessible as possible. If you anticipate or experience academic barriers based on your disability (including long and short term conditions, mental health, chronic or temporary medical conditions), please meet with a campus Abilities Counselor as soon as possible in order to establish reasonable accommodations. Reasonable accommodations are established through an interactive process between you, your instructor(s) and Ability Services. It is the policy and practice of HCC to create inclusive and accessible learning environments consistent with federal and state law. For more information, please go to http://www.hccs.edu/support-services/disability-services/
Title IX
Houston Community College is committed to cultivating an environment free from inappropriate conduct of a sexual or gender-based nature including sex discrimination, sexual assault, sexual harassment, and sexual violence. Sex discrimination includes all forms of sexual and gender-based misconduct and violates an individual’s fundamental rights and personal dignity. Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex-including pregnancy and parental status in educational programs and activities. If you require an accommodation due to pregnancy please contact an Abilities Services Counselor. The Director of EEO/Compliance is designated as the Title IX Coordinator and Section 504 Coordinator. All inquiries concerning HCC policies, compliance with applicable laws, statutes, and regulations (such as Title VI, Title IX, and Section 504), and complaints may be directed to:
David Cross
Director EEO/Compliance
Office of Institutional Equity & Diversity
3100 Main
(713) 718-8271
Houston, TX 77266-7517 or [email protected]
http://www.hccs.edu/departments/institutional-equity/title-ix-know-your-rights/
Office of the Dean of Students
Contact the office of the Dean of Students to seek assistance in determining the correct complaint procedure to follow or to identify the appropriate academic dean or supervisor for informal resolution of complaints.
Department Chair Contact Information
Helen Graham, Ed.D.
713-718-7258
Codwell Hall room, 125
555 Community College Dr.
Houston, TX 77013
http://learning.hccs.edu/faculty/helen.graham
PHIL 2306 Fall 2020 (16895) Syllabus