10-809-166Introduction to Ethics: Theory and Application
Course Information
Description
This course provides a basic understanding of the theoretical foundations of ethical thought. Diverse ethical perspectives will be used to analyze and compare relevant issues. Students will critically evaluate individual, social and professional standards of behavior, and apply a systematic decision-making process to these situations.
Total Credits
3
Course Competencies
  1. Summarize major ethical theories
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written or Graphic Assessment
    Criteria
    describe consequential theories
    describe non-consequential/deontological theories
    describe virtue theories
    describe the similarities and difference between consequential, non-consequential/deontological, and virtue theories
    include at least 5 major theories in your assessment
    use appropriate terminology

  2. Evaluate major ethical theories
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written or Graphic Assessment
    Criteria
    identify strengths and weaknesses of various theories
    compare strengths and weaknesses of various theories
    contrast strengths and weaknesses of various theories
    use appropriate terminology

  3. Apply ethical theories to challenging situations
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written or Graphic Assessment
    Criteria
    ethical theories in your assessment
    correctly relate the principles of each theory
    determine recommended course of action based on theory
    determine implications of applying each theory
    use appropriate terminology

  4. Examine the role of values in ethical theories
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written or Graphic Assessment
    Criteria
    explain the fundamental values underlying ethical theories
    analyze how different fundamental values influence ethical theories
    describe how dissimilar fundamental values can lead to similar moral conclusions
    identify personal values
    use appropriate terminology

  5. Develop a personal ethical decision-making process
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written or Graphic Assessment
    Criteria
    assimilate personal values with principles of ethical theories
    justify your decision-making process using components of ethical theories
    identify the steps involved in the process
    articulate the implications of your decision-making process
    summarize personal strategies for responding to diverse points of view in ethical situations
    utilize appropriate terminology

  6. Defend an ethical stance based on a selected issue
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written or Graphic Assessment
    Criteria
    summarize the moral values involved
    explain the adopted position using moral theories to justify the position
    explain how those values influence the decision
    identify alternative decisions that could also be made
    evaluate the alternative decision against the adopted position
    provide an ethical argument for the adopted position
    use appropriate terminology