ETHICS: Contemporary Moral Issues Moreno Valley College
Philosophy 12, section 28603, Spring 2020, Thursdays, Room: HM 324
Instructor: S. Hughes
Email: sam.hughes@rccd.edu
Welcome to Ethics! The goals of this course can be succinctly
stated. It is designed to assist you in answering the following
questions:
Why should I be moral?
Are there moral absolutes or is morality relative?
Which ethical principles are more reasonable than others?
How do we decided what is right or wrong?
How do ethical theories apply to contemporary moral issues?
TEXT (optional, all readings are online):
The Right Thing to Do: Basic Readings in Moral Philosophy (4th or 5th edition) by James Rachels
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
Essay: 25% of grade (100 points), 5 - 7 pages, topics will be discussed in class.
Mid-term: 25% of grade (100 pts).
Final Exam: 25% of grade (100 pts).
Quizzes: 25% of grade (100 pts), 7 quizzes with the top 5 being recorded, no make-ups.
Participation: Students who regularly participate in class will earn 15 bonus points.
GRADING POLICY:
A = 400-360, B = 359-320, C = 319-280, D = 279-240
ATTENDANCE AND CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE:
In general, students who skip classes earn the lowest grades. To excuse an absence, please notify me in advance. Please do not disturb your classmates or my lecture by arriving late. No lateness allowed.
PLAGIARISM:
There will be significant consequences for students who violate RCCD’s academic honesty policy. Plagiarists will receive an F for the assignment.