Shereen Chang

shereenc@yorku.ca
Office Location:  S414A Ross
Phone Number: (416) 736-2100 Ext. 33636

This course will introduce students to different ethical theories and their applications. We will consider questions such as the following: What makes a right action right? What does it mean to be a virtuous person? How should we behave in relation to others? How do various ethical theories differ in their approach to moral decision-making? Students will develop their skills in philosophical discourse through the practice of discussing ideas about ethics clearly, charitably, and critically. The course will also include a critical thinking and argument mapping module to help students develop and practice their skills.

Technical requirements for taking the course: A computer and/or smartphone with Internet connection is required.  

Here are some useful links for student computing information, resources and help:

Student Guide to eClass

Zoom@YorkU Best Practices 

Zoom@YorkU User Reference Guide

Computing for Students Website

Student Guide to eLearning at York University

To determine Internet connection and speed, there are online tests, such as Speedtest, that can be run.]

Students will need to purchase 2 resources for the course:

Through eClass: Weston, Fischer, A 21st Century Ethical Toolbox, 5^th edition (Students must purchase this via the eClass/Perusall integration on the course website)

Through website: Think Arguments (Students should purchase and register for the course module at https://course.thinkeranalytix.org/login?group=Intro+to+Ethics+2024+S1&groupcode=2e612a19

Additional readings may be accessed online

Participation (including readings with commentary, responses, quizzes, other assignments and activities) 30%

Arguments module 30%

Paper proposal, outlines 5%

Final paper 35%

The course will involve mostly in-person synchronous meetings during class hours. There may be some virtual meetings. Students are expected to complete the assigned readings and homework before each class, and to participate during class discussion and activities.

After completing the coursework, you should have:

• Acquired an understanding of major ethical theories and their applications
• Developed your skills in critical thinking, reading and expression
• Developed your ability to analyze, map and evaluate arguments

Course policies

Grading:  The grading scheme for the course conforms to the 9-point grading system used in undergraduate programs at York (e.g., A+ = 9, A = 8, B+ - 7, C+ = 5, etc.).  Papers will bear either a letter grade designation or a corresponding number grade (e.g.  A+ = 90 to 100, A = 80 to 90, B+ = 75 to 79, etc.). Arguments module will be graded according to effort and level of mastery attained. Paper proposals and outlines will be scored out of a total. Submissions that fail to meet assignment guidelines may be declined or graded as 0.

(For a full description of York grading system see the York University Undergraduate Calendar - http://calendars.registrar.yorku.ca/2010-2011/academic/index.htm

Students may take a limited number of courses for degree credit on an ungraded (pass/fail) basis. For full information on this option see Alternative Grading Option in the (Faculty name) section of the Undergraduate Calendar:  (provide web link to calendar description of this option for the Faculty offering the course)

Assignment Submission: Proper academic performance depends on students doing their work not only well, but on time.  Accordingly, assignments for this course must be received on the due date specified for the assignment.  Assignments are to be submitted by the deadline, via the course website, and on paper or presented as specified.

Lateness Penalty: Assignments received later than the due date will be penalized one-half letter grade (1 grade point) per day that assignment is late).  Exceptions to the lateness penalty for valid reasons such as illness, compassionate grounds, etc., may be entertained by the Course Instructor but may require supporting documentation (e.g., a doctor’s letter).

Recordings Policy: Students do not have permission to record or distribute recordings of the lectures (these acts can violate not only copyright laws but also FIPPA).

Special Accommodations: I am committed to fairly accommodating students with disabilities. Please contact the instructors and Student Accessibility Services (https://accessibility.students.yorku.ca/) as soon as possible, and we will work together to ensure that you can fully participate in the course. Note that in addition to sending the letter, accommodations for individual assignments must specifically be requested well ahead of the assignment's deadline.

Academic integrity: You are responsible for familiarizing yourself with and adhering to the University’s Policies on Academic Honesty and Academic Integrity. Do your own work on every (graded or ungraded) assignment. If you use ideas, words, or work from anyone else or anywhere else, you must properly cite these contributions. If you are unsure about it, please ask.