Lake-Sumter State College Course Syllabus
Course Information:
Course Prefix/Number:PHI 2630
Course Title:Contemporary Ethics
CRN: 30085
Credit Hours:3
Semester:Summer A 2018
Class Days, Location, Time: LeesburgSM 142, MW 8:00– 11:15AM, May 07 – June21, 2018
Course Description:A study and critical evaluation of major theories of moral values and contemporary issues. The major emphasis of the course is the application of these theories to current ethical questions through the analysis of selected writings. The student will investigate the process of making moral judgments and assess the procedure by which people decide what is right and wrong behavior.
Instructor Information:
Name:Robert Beckstrom
E-Mail:
Office Location:Learning Center
Phone:352-365-3554
Office Hours:By Appointment
Vital Communication Information:
Sending a private message using the messages tool in Canvas is always the most secure method of contacting your institution.
Prerequisites/Co-requisites:
Prerequisites:None
Co-requisites:None
Textbook & Other Course Materials:
Shafer-Landau, Russ. The Fundamentals of Ethics, 3rd Edition. New York: Oxford UP, Print.
Technology Requirements:
Canvas is a required component of this course. Students unfamiliar with Canvas are expected to complete the student orientation course located in Canvas within the first week of classes.
Student Learning Outcomes:
The following outcomes will be assessed in this course. An “outcome” is defined as something studentstake with them beyond this course.
Through an acquired ability to comprehend, conceptualize, and articulate, students will create cogent and valid ethical arguments.
Students will interpret and engage in critical analyses of primary philosophical texts and schools of thought from diverse historical and cultural contents.
Students will summarize and apply insightful evaluations to some of the arguments, problems, questions, or issues central to ethics and contemporary moral problems.
Students will critically evaluate and analyze the theoretical and critical principles of philosophical thinking by composing well-written, insightful short papers.
Course Objectives:
Objectives are defined as what the course will do and/or what the students will do as part of the course.
- To become sensitive to the ethics and systems of culture
- To compare/contrast traditions
- To see the greater context as to how ethics connects to various standards of ethics.
Institutional Policies & Procedures:
Academic Integrity:
The successful functioning of the academic community demands honesty, which is the basis of respect for both ideas and persons. In the academic community, there is an ongoing assumption of academic integrity at all levels. There is the expectation that work will be independently thoughtful and responsible as to its sources of information and inspiration. Honesty is an appropriate consideration in other ways as well, including but not limited to the responsible use of library resources, responsible conduct in examinations, and the responsible use of the Internet. (See college catalog for complete statement.
Important Information for Students with Disabilities:
Any student with a documented disability who requires assistance or academic accommodations should contact the Office for Students with Disabilities immediately to discuss eligibility. The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) is located on the Leesburg Campus, but arrangements can be made to meet with a student on any campus. An appointment can be made by calling 352-365-3589 and specific information about the OSD and potential services can be found at then go to “Quick Links” and click on Disability Services. (
Privacy Policy (FERPA):
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part99) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of a student’s education records. In order for your information to be released, a form must be signed and in your records located in the Admissions/Registrar’s Office.
Zero-Tolerance for Violence Statement:
Lake-Sumter State College has a policy of zero tolerance for violence as stated in College Board Rule 2.17. Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with Board Rule 2.17.
Attendance/Withdrawal Policies:
Institutional Information:
Once the Add/Drop period passes, students deciding to discontinue class attendance and/or online participation have the responsibility for formal withdrawal by the withdrawal deadline.
Withdrawal Deadline:
ThursdayJune 7
Instructor Policies:
If for any reason a student decides to discontinue class attendance, it is that student’s responsibility to withdraw from class prior to the deadline stated above. Failure to withdraw properly from class will result in a grade of F for the class.
Regular class in class is required. If a student misses more than three class meetings the student will receive a failing grade.
Late Work/Extensions:
Student must see the instructor regarding particular situations.
All missed work should be made up as soon as possible.
Classroom Etiquette:
No cell phones during class.
Students should be courteous to each other and the instructor.
Tests may not be taken after the date they are administered unless prior arrangements have been made with the instructor.
Grading Information:
Grading Scale:
A 90-100%
B 80-89%
C 70-79%
D 60-69%
F 59% and below
Methods of Evaluation:
Each project will be graded electronically using a rubric provided when the assignment is given. Your work will be judged against accepted academic standards for writing and documentation.
Assignment Overview & Grade Breakdown:
Category / Description / Points or %Class Presentation / Presentation of various topics through PowerPoint / 10%
3 Written Papers / Assigned Topics / 5% each
3 Tests / Chapter Tests / 15% each
Final Exam / Comprehensive / 30%
Total Points / 100%
Course Calendar:
Week / Begins / Ends / Objectives & Reading Assignments / Items Due1 / 05/07 / 05/09 / Intro Chapters 1 & 2
Chapters 3& 4 / None
2 / 05/14 / 05/16 / Test ( Ch. 1-4) 05/16
Chapters 5 &6 / Paper 1
3 / 05/21 / 05/23 / Chapters 7 & 8
Test ( Ch. 5,6,7,and 8) 05/23 / None
4 / 05/28 / 05/30 / Monday 5/28: Memorial Day Holiday
Chapters 9 & 10
Chapters 11 & 12 / Paper 2
5 / 06/04 / 06/06 / Chapters 13, 14, and 15
Chapters 16 & 17 / None
6 / 06/11 / 06/13 / Chapter 18
Test ( Ch. 9-12) 06/13 / None
7 / 06/18 / 06/20 / Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Final TBA / Paper 3
Syllabus Disclaimer:
Information contained in this syllabus is, to the best knowledge of this instructor, considered correct and complete when distributed to the student. The instructor reserves the right, acting within policies and procedures of Lake-Sumter State College, to make necessary changes in course content or instructional techniques without prior notice or obligation to the student.