Course Description

Contemporary Ethical Dilemmas examines the moral and ethical issues confronting modern societies locally and globally. Possible topics to be examined may include: the natural environment, the ethical treatment of animals, biomedical ethics; abortion and issues of human reproduction such as stem-cell research and cloning; business ethics; criminal justice and capital punishment; racism, sexism, and other forms of discrimination, welfare and economics distribution. This course relies on the discipline of philosophy for its methods of inquiry with critical thinking serving as a guiding concept. Traditional approaches to ethics will be incorporated throughout the course. Eastern/Asian and Native American philosophy may also be considered for contrast with standard western approaches to ethical and social issues. This course considers various topics and specific cases in order to provide an overall view of how ethical reasoning might be applied to current issues. Group 1 course.

Credit Hours

3

Contact Hours

3

Lecture Hours

3

Recommended Prerequisites or Skills Competencies

Completion of ENG 11/111 or placement into ENG 111

General Education Outcomes supported by this course

Communications - Direct, Critical Thinking - Direct

Other college designations supported by this course

Degree Req:Cultural Persp/Div, Infused: Writing Intensive

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge:

• Demonstrate historical and conceptual knowledge of Ethical Theories.

Application:

• Apply ethical theories to contemporary ethical issues.
• Practice Philosophical Analysis and Inquiry in areas of Applied Ethics.
• Demonstrate effective communication skills.

Integration:

• Explain the connection between philosophical ethical inquiry and areas of human endeavor and within its historical contexts.
• Evaluate ethical issues within intra-cultural and global contexts.

Human Dimension:

• Reflect on how philosophical and non-traditional ethical theories apply to contemporary ethical issues.

Caring - Civic Learning:

• Demonstrate open-mindedness by considering alternative historical and cultural ethical values and points of view.

Learning How to Learn:

• Communicate as a philosopher.