Introduction to Ethics (PHIL 160) Section 5 (#3801) -- Fall 2010-- California State University, Long Beach

2:00-3:15 p.m. - Mondays and Wednesdays -- LA5-246 – Julie Van Camp, Professor of Philosophy – REVISED: October 20, 2010

Texts:

Applying Ethics, 10th ed., Julie C. Van Camp, Jeffrey Olen, and Vincent Barry (Wadsworth/Cengage, 2010)

Ethical Issues in the Courts, 2d ed., Julie C. Van Camp (Wadsworth, 2006)

Reading and class schedule

Please come prepared to each class having read the reading listed for that day.

Please bring your books to class, as we will often point out key passages in the text.

The first half of the course through the midterm is assigned, as below. The class will vote to select two topics to cover after the midterm, voting on Beachboard. You can choose from the remaining topics in Applying Ethics:

•	Sexual Morality (Ch. 3)

•	Genetic Engineering (Ch. 6)

•	War, Terrorism, and Civil Liberties (Ch. 8)

•	Globalization and Social Justice (Ch. 9) Discrimination (Ch. 10)

•	Animal Rights and Environmental Ethics (Ch. 11)

•	Internet and Computer Ethics (Ch. 12)	Activity points: Quizzes

Total points available for all quizzes: 23

See "Websites" on the Beachboard site for direct links to the quizzes on the Wadsworth web site	Activity points: Film Reports and Case Studies

Every student MUST complete at least three Film Reports or Case Study Essays of at least 500 words each to receive credit for the course.

Maximum points available for film reports: up to 3 points per report, up to 5 reports = 15 points total

for film reports if turned in by the deadline

Maximum points available for case studies: up to 3 points per report, up to 5 reports = 15 points total for case studies, if turned in by the deadline

For each unit, you can write both one film report and one case study for points.

(R) = film on 3-hour reserve at the University Library-lower level

Submit via Turnitin Assignments on Beachboard

Reading and class schedule	Activity points: Quizzes	Activity points: Film Reports and Case Studies

Monday, August 30

Introduction to Philosophy and Ethics

I. Ethical Theory: The Standards of Moral Right and Wrong

Editor's Essay: Moral Reasoning (2-10)

Wednesday, September 1

"Utilitarianism," J. S. Mill (39-43)	Beachboard Quiz on Plagiarism Policy

Available 8/30-9/14

4 questions/points available

60 minutes
Wednesday, September 8

"Respect for Persons," Immanuel Kant (33-39)

Monday, September 13

Fallacies in Reasoning (67-69)

"How to Read a Court Decision," Ethical Issues

(166)	Beachboard Quiz on Kant, Mill, Fallacies

9 questions/points available

90 minutes

Available 9/13 - 9/20

Wednesday, September 15

II. Human Life: Beginnings and Endings

A. Abortion*

Editor's Essay (125-134)

"Why Abortion Is Immoral," Donald Marquis (137-
142)

Monday, September 20* [attendance point 1]

"A Defense of Abortion," Judith Jarvis Thomson

(142-153)

Wednesday, September 22* [attendance point 2]

Roe v. Wade, Ethical Issues (1-3)

Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pa. v. Casey, Ethical Issues (3-6)	Wadsworth tutorial quiz:

Ch. 4-Abortion (Applying Ethics):

Complete the quizzes listed on the site for Editor's Essay, Marquis, Thomson (a total of 9 questions).

If you miss a question, it will cite the page reference for the correct answer and you can take the quiz again.

When you have correctly answered all questions, forward them to the instructor (jvancamp@csulb.edu) For 1 point

Deadline: 9/26

Film report on "Abortion"

Cider House Rules (R), Vera Drake (R),

If These Walls Could Talk I (R), Citizen Ruth (R), OR A Private Matter (R)

up to 3 points

Deadline: 9/26
Case study on "Abortion"

Choose one case study from:

"Death in Pensacola" (172-173): all 3 questions

"Sex-Selection Abortions" (174-175): all 3 questions

up to 3 points

Deadline: 9/26

Reading and class schedule	Activity points: Quizzes	Activity points: Film Reports and Case Studies

Monday, September 27* [attendance point 3]

B. Euthanasia

Editor's essay (176-188)

"The Wrongfulness of Euthanasia," J. Gay-
Williams (191-194)

In the Matter of Quinlan, Ethical Issues (9-12)

Wednesday, September 29* [attendance point 4]

"Voluntary Active Euthanasia," Dan W. Brock (194-198)

Cruzan v. Director, Missouri Department of Health, Ethical Issues (12-14)	Wadsworth Tutorial Quiz

Ch. 1 (Ethical Issues)

30 questions on abortion and euthanasia decisions

2 points if at least 22 correct

Deadline: 10/10

Wadsworth Tutorial Quiz

Ch. 5-Euthanasia (Applying Ethics):

Complete the quizzes listed on the site for Editor's Essay, Gay-Williams, Brock, Rachels (a total of 12 questions).

If you miss a question, it will cite the page reference for the correct answer and you can take the quiz again.

When you have correctly answered all questions, forward them to the instructor (jvancamp@csulb.edu) For 1 point

Deadline: 10/10	Film report on "Euthanasia"

Million Dollar Baby (R), Last Wish (R),

The Sea Inside (R), OR Whose Life Is It Anyway? (R)

up to 3 points

Deadline: 10/10
Monday, October 4* [attendance point 5]

"Active and Passive Euthanasia," James Rachels (199-203)

Bush v. Schiavo, Ethical Issues (14-16)

Bouvia v. Glenchur, Ethical Issues (17-19)

Wednesday, October 6* [attendance point 6]

Washington v. Glucksberg, Ethical Issues (19-21)

Vacco v. Quill, Ethical Issues (21-22)	Case study on "Euthanasia"

Choose one case study from:

"Terri Schiavo" (220-221): pick 3 question

"I Did It because I loved my son" (217): at least 3 questions

up to 3 points

Deadline: 10/10

Monday, October 11* [attendance point 7]

C. Capital Punishment

Editor's essay (278-285)

"On Deterrence and the Death Penalty," Ernest van den Haag (299-306)

"Speech in Favor of Capital Punishment," John Stuart Mill (303-308)

Wednesday, October 13* [attendance point 8]

"Capital Punishment and Social Defense," Hugo Adam Bedau (307-314)

DEADLINE for voting on Topics D and E for the second half of the course on Beachboard	Wadsworth Tutorial Quiz

Ch. 9 (Ethical Issues)

15 questions on capital punishment

1 point if at least 12 correct

Deadline: 10/24	Film report on "Capital Punishment"

Dead Man Walking (R), Green Mile (R), or The Life of David Gale (R)

up to 3 points

Deadline: 10/31
Monday, October 18* [attendance point 9]

Furman v. Georgia, Ethical Issues (141-143)

Gregg v. Georgia, Ethical Issues (143-144)

Coker v. Georgia, Ethical Issues (144-145)

McCleskey v. Kemp, Ethical Issues (146-147)

Herrera v. Collins, Ethical Issues (147-148)

Atkins v. Virginia, Ethical Issues (148-50)

Wednesday, October 20

Practice exam: please bring to class for mid-term review	Wadsworth Tutorial Quiz

Ch. 7-Capital Punishment (Applying Ethics):

Complete the quizzes listed on the site for Editor's Essay, van den Haag, Mill, Bedau (a total of 12 questions).

If you miss a question, it will cite the page reference for the correct answer and you can take the quiz again.

When you have correctly answered all questions, forward them to the instructor (jvancamp@csulb.edu) For 1 point

Deadline: 10/24	Case study on "Capital Punishment"

Choose one case study from:

"Karla Faye Tucker" (315-316): all 3 questions

"Punishing Child Rapists" (318-319): all 3 questions

up to 3 points

deadline: 10/31

Monday, October 25

Mid-term Exam (Units I and II) (bring Scantron): 2:00-3:15 p.m.
Wednesday, October 27

Discuss midterm

Monday, November 1* [attendance point 10]

D. Sexual Morality

Editor's essay (74-80)

"Declaration on Certain Questions Concerning Sexual Ethics," The Vatican (84-89)	Wadsworth Tutorial Quiz

Ch. 3-Sexual Morality (Applying Ethics):

Complete the quizzes listed on the site for Editor's Essay, Vatican, Mohr, Mappes (a total of 12 questions).

If you miss a question, it will cite the page reference for the correct answer and you can take the quiz again.

When you have correctly answered all questions, forward them to the instructor (jvancamp@csulb.edu) For 1 point

Deadline: 11/28	Film report on Sexual Morality

An Early Frost; Angels in America; Brokeback Mountain (R); If These Walls Could Talk 2; In the Gloaming; Mr. and Mrs. Loving (R); Philadelphia; Suddenly, Last Summer; Longtime Companion (R)

up to 3 points

Deadline: 11/28
Wednesday, November 3* [attendance point 11]

"The Case for Lesbian and Gay Marriage," Richard D. Mohr (108-116)

Baker v. Vermont, Ethical Issues (49-51)

Goodridge v. Dept. of Public Health, Ethical Issues (51-54)

Monday, November 8* [attendance point 12]

"Sexual Morality and the Concept of Using Another Person," Thomas A. Mappes (89-98)

In the Matter of Baby M, Ethical Issues (39-41)

Wednesday, November 10* [attendance point 13]

Lawrence v. Texas, Ethical Issues (41-45)

Watkins v. U.S. Army, Ethical Issues (45-47)

Boy Scouts of Am. V. Dale, Ethical Issues (47-49)

Case study on Sexual Morality

Choose one from:

"Disease v. Promiscuity?" (117)

"A Slippery Slope to Polygamy?" (123-124)

at least 3 questions and 500 words, whichever case you select - up to 3 points

deadline: 11/28
Monday, November 15* [attendance point 14]

E. Discrimination

Editor's essay (401-410)

"The Justification of Reverse Discrimination," Tom L. Beauchamp (414-421)

Wednesday, November 17* [attendance point 15]

"Reverse Discrimination as Unjustified," Lisa Newton (426-430)

"A Defense of Programs as Preferential Treatment," Richard Wasserstrom (421-426)	Wadsworth Tutorial Quiz

Ch. 10-Discrimination (Applying Ethics):

Complete the quizzes listed on the site for Editor's Essay, Beauchamp, Newton, Wasserstrom (a total of 12 questions).

If you miss a question, it will cite the page reference for the correct answer and you can take the quiz again.

When you have correctly answered all questions, forward them to the instructor (jvancamp@csulb.edu) For 1 point

Deadline: 12/10	Film report on Discrimination: Rosewood (R), Men of Honor (R), North Country (R), Separate ut Equal, Mississippi Burning (R), A Soldier's Story (R), Tuskegee Airmen (R), Come See the Paradise

up to 3 points

Deadline: 12/10
Monday, November 22: NO CLASS
Wednesday, November 24: NO CLASS

Monday, November 29* [attendance point 16]

all readings from Ethical Issues in the Courts

Regents of the U. of California v. Bakke (116-120)

Grutter v. Bollinger (121-124)

The Coalition v. Pete Wilson (125-126)	Wadsworth Tutorial Quiz

Ch. 8 (Ethical Issues)

30 questions on sex discrimination

2 points if at least 25 correct

Deadline: 12/10	Case study on Discrimination

Choose one from:

"Reparations: An Overdue Debt to African Slaves in America?" (439-440) OR

"Friendly Sexual Harassment?" (440-441)

at least 3 questions and 500 words, whichever case you select

up to 3 points

deadline: 12/10
Wednesday, December 1* [attendance point 17]

all readings from Ethical Issues in the Courts

California Federal Savings & Loan Assn. v. Guerra (127-128)

Int. Union, UAW v. Johnson Controls (128-130)

Michael M. v. Superior Ct. of Sonoma County (130-132)

United States v. Virginia (132-134)

Monday, December 6* [attendance point 18]

all readings from Ethical Issues in the Courts

Meritor Savings Bank v. Vinson (134-136)

Harris v. Forklift Systems (136-138)

Gabser v. Lago Vista Ind. School Dist. (138-139)

Oncale v. Sundowner Offshore Services (139-140)

Wednesday, December 8

Review for final exam
Monday, December 13

FINAL EXAM (Topics D&E):

12:30-2:30 p.m. (bring Scantron)
*Available for in-class lecture attendance points up to 16

(R): Films available on 3-hour reserve at the University Library-lower level. The Library has viewing equipment that can accommodate up to five viewers at a time. Many of these films are also available at public libraries, and virtually all are available through Netflix and Blockbuster mail-in, if you are a subscriber.

Instructions for taking and submitting the Wadsworth quizzes:

Go to our class Beachboard site under Websites and you will find a direct link to the on-line quizzes.

Pick the Correct Chapter number/topic in the upper left

Select: "Tutorial quiz"

Use the "submit" function to send results to me at jvancamp@csulb.edu

Be sure to also include your own e-mail address so you get an e-mail receipt that proves you completed that quiz.

Your quiz will be acknowledged by e-mail within 24 hours by the instructor.

If you do not receive an acknowledgment, please contact the instructor by e-mail.

Instructions for film reports:

View the entire film, paying special attention to the philosophical issues and dilemmas in that unit of the course. Write a report discussing these issues as addressed in the film. Do not summarize the plot or the characters. Minimum 500 words. Reports should be submitted in word-processing files to the Beachboard Turnitin Dropbox for that unit under "Assignments". Use either Word, Wordperfect, or RTF (rich-text-format) to be accepted by Turnitin.

Instructions for case studies:

Read the entire case study, paying special attention to the philosophical issues and dilemmas in that unit of the course. Write an essay discussing these issues and answering the designated question for that case study. Minimum 500 words. Reports should be submitted in word-processing files to the Beachboard Turnitin Dropbox for that unit under "Assignments". Use either Word, Wordperfect, or RTF (rich-text-format) to be accepted by Turnitin.

In order to receive credit for this course, every student must complete three of the Film Reports or Case Study reports. This meets the writing requirement for the General Education certification for this course. These are due at the deadlines noted above. Late assignments will be accepted for points only if you meet the University excused absence policy (see "Course Requirements and Grading"). If, at the end of the course, you have not completed the three required writing assignments, those may be turned in no later than Friday, December 10, but you will not receive any points toward your course grade for late reports. If you do not submit the writing assignments by December 10, your course grade will be an Incomplete; you will have one year to complete the writing; if you do not complete the writing after one year, it will convert to an F.

10/20/2010