Philosophy 220 Dr. Max Maloney
Office: Barry 215 x3368/606-6792
Office Hours: MW 11 am-2 pm
TR 1-3 pm
Contemporary Moral Issues
Course Description
This course is devoted to the philosophical examination of a number of significant and controversial contemporary moral problems. Topics discussed will include sexual morality, drugs and addiction, abortion, capital punishment, war and terrorism, hunger and poverty, animal rights and environmental ethics. The treatment of these topics will develop in the context of the tradition of philosophical ethics.
Course Objectives
All courses which satisfy the moral values General Education Requirement will satisfy the following objectives:
Students will demonstrate familiarity with the range of philosophical ethical theories.
Students will employ philosophical ethical theories in the analysis and evaluation of morally significant issues.
Students will reflect on the relevance of philosophical ethical theories for their own experience.
In addition to these, this course has as more specific objectives:
Students will understand how the philosophical treatment of the issues we discuss differs from other treatments.
Students will develop the analytical skills necessary to the philosophical analysis and resolution of moral conflicts.
Course Requirements
Your grade for this course will be calculated according to the following scale:
90%-100% = A Highest level of accomplishment
80%-89% = B Significant accomplishment
70%-79% = C Average accomplishment
60%-69% = D Insufficient accomplishment
Below 60% = F Inadequate accomplishment
Your final percentage will be determined (with one notable exception) by your performance in the following areas.
60% Exams
20% Films and Reflection Papers
10% Reading Quizzes
10% Participation
The only other modifier potentially affecting your grade is your attendance. For each absence after the third, 5 percentage points will be deducted from your final percentage.
Exams
There will be four exams this semester, administered on the dates indicated in the syllabus. There will be no makeup exams. Each exam will follow the same format. There will be a sections of identifications, a section of short-answer questions, and an essay question.
Films and Reflection Papers
I will be using films to reinforce and expand upon class discussions and readings. The films will be shown outside of class times, once in the afternoon and once in the evening. You are required to attend one of the showings and respond to a question I give you in the form of a 3-4 page paper.
Reading Quizzes
In order to encourage you to keep up with the reading, we will begin most classes with a short quiz. Reading the assignment should be sufficient to respond successfully. You must be present at the beginning of class to take the quiz.
Participation
In addition to attending class regularly, I will expect you to be prepared and willing to join in our discussion of course topics.
Please note: These exercises are mandatory and make up a considerable portion of your final grade. There will be no late assignments. Academic dishonesty of any sort will not be tolerated. Any instance of cheating or plagiarism that is detected will be handled according to the policies outlined in the student handbook.
Texts:
Timmons, Disputed Moral Issues, Oxford U Press, 2007
Handouts
Films
Syllabus:
1/12 Introduction
1/14 Timmons 1-5, 31-33, 36-40
1/19 Timmons 12-15, 41-46
1/21 Timmons 63-73
1/26 Timmons 15-20, 46-56
1/28 Timmons 6-11, 92-106
2/2 Timmons 20-23, 107-120
2/4 Timmons 23-24, 56-62
2/9 Exam 1
2/11 Timmons 134-149
2/16 Timmons 150-161
2/18 Timmons 161-175
2/16-18 Film and Reflection: Requiem for a Dream
2/23 Timmons 267-283
2/25 Timmons 277-296
Reflection Paper #1 Due
3/2 Timmons 297-313
3/4 Exam 2
3/8-3/12 Spring Break
3/16 Timmons 359-372
3/18 Timmons 372-388
3/23 Handout
3/25 Timmons 390-401, 415-424
3/30 Timmons 401-414
4/1-5 Easter Break
4/6 Timmons 424-443
4/8 Exam 3
4/6-8 Film and Reflection: Paradise Now
4/13 Timmons 444-452
4/15 Timmons 452-461
Reflection Paper #2 Due
4/20 Timmons 462-473
4/22 Timmons 474-488
4/27 Timmons 489-508
4/29 Timmons 509-517, 522-532
5/5-11 Finals Week/Exam 4
Please Note: I reserve the right to alter the terms and assignments outlined in this document.