Professor Idil Boran
iboran@yorku.ca

Virtual office hours: Monday and Wednesday 12:00-13:00 and by appointment

https://yorku.zoom.us/j/95826078755

This advanced seminar in ethics examines how theoretical perspectives can inform action in both local and global contexts. We begin with a review of established perspectives—consequentialism, deontology, contractualism, and virtue ethics—to ensure a shared grounding in foundational debates. Building on this, the seminar turns to questions of transformation, engaging in how ethics can both shape and adapt dynamic social contexts, networks, and processes striving for positive change. Through critical reflection and collaborative activities and discussion, students will explore how theory can guide action and support meaningful, transformative outcomes for a range of today’s complex societal challenges.

Technical requirements for taking the course: To fully participate in this course, students need to:

• attend lectures in person (attendance will be taken)
• use eClass
• read the assigned readings prior to coming to class
• participate in classroom learning activities—classroom learning activities

include three structured workshops—workshop attendance is required

and participation is expected

• write all in-class tests, complete all online quizzes and all assignments
• complete the tests, quizzes, and assignments on time

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

Student Guide to Moodle

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.]

Skorupski, John. The Routledge Companion to Ethics. 1st ed. London ; Routledge, 2010 (excerpts)

E-book available through York University Libraries, requires login with Passport York.

Ely, A. (Ed.). (2021). Transformative Pathways to Sustainability: Learning Across Disciplines, Cultures and Contexts (1st ed.). Routledge. Open access https://doi-org.ezproxy.library.yorku.ca/10.4324/9780429331930

+ Supplementary readings and material

This course is delivered in class. In person attendance is required. Students use eClass to stay up to date, for resources and to complete some of the tests and assignments.

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of key themes, concepts, and debates in ethics, both at the theoretical level and in action contexts.
2. Critically engage ethical theories in relation to a range of contemporary societal issues.
3. Identify and frame ethical questions and formulate well-informed arguments.
4. Contribute to a collaborative learning environment through respectful, thoughtful, and supportive engagement with peers.
5. Design and carry out a research project, and communicate outputs effectively through cohesive written reports and presentations.

Course policies

Class attendance is required in this course. Students are expected to read assigned readings prior to class.

Assignments are due on the due date. There is a 48-hour grace period for assignments without penalty.  Late assignments will be accepted during a late submission period of seven calendar days (one week) following the due date, for a flat penalty of 10%.  After the late submission period, late essays cannot be accepted.  If there is a case of long-term illness or emergency, official documentation will be necessary and will be subject to approval by the professor.

Note that missing a test or classroom exercise with a participation grade nullifies the grade for the test or graded exercise. Providing a doctor’s note is necessary in cases of unforeseen acute illness or medical emergency. For other forms of emergencies, supporting official documentation is required. No accommodation can be provided without documentation. However, a doctor’s note is not an automatic pathway to reschedule a test. It is subject to review and approval by the instructor. Approval depends on the strength of documented evidence.

Tests and assignments are graded fairly and with due diligence. Feedback is provided by the Course Director. Regrading can be considered only in cases of calculation error.

All accommodation requests made through Student Accessibility Services (SAS) will be honoured.

Further information on Student Accessibility Services at York University can be found at: https://accessibility.students.yorku.ca/about-us

https://students.yorku.ca/accessibility/new-to-our-office

Please read York University’s Academic Honesty Policy carefully.