Applied Ethics
A
Practical Theology Course
[Applying basic ethical principles
to contemporary ethical problems]
SYLLABUS
Object: The object of this course is to review the general
principles of Catholic ethics, to study the various methods of arriving at
moral decisions and to apply these to a wide variety of ethical problems
frequently encountered in our society, so as to develop better skills of moral
reasoning and decision making.
Text: Instructor's Compiled
Notes and Class Notes
Appropriate
Videos/ DVD
Practical
Case studies
Instructor: Fr. Ted Tack, o.s.a.
Time
Frame: One
semester
Particular
Objectives:
1.
To recognize the great variety of ethical problems that exist in our society.
2.
To review the essential principles of Catholic morality: sin, human
acts, objective and
subjective morality, conscience, natural law, human law.
3.
To illustrate systems of solving ethical problems: Ethics of Character; Deontological
Ethics;
Consequential (teleological) Ethics; Ethics of Responsibility.
4.
To explain the place of "Codes of Ethics" in the professions
and in business.
5.
To apply the methods of reaching moral decisions to some concrete ethical situations
in particular fields:
a.
Health Care: life and death issues; problems stemming
from modern technology and medicine; b.
Business and the professions: honesty and justice issues;
c.
Personal responsibility issues;
d.
Government: politics and military issues.
6.
To perceive how qualified professionals approach the ethical problems of
their particular
fields by listening to them and dialoguing with them as they personally address
these issues.
Assignments:
1.
Because this course does not have a textbook, but only notes, it is
imperative that students take notes during class lectures. Exams will often be based
on these class lectures, as well as on supplied printed material.
2.
Outside readings and/or projects (to be specified).
3.
Group and/or individual research on specific cases.
4.
All cases should be kept in a Journal /workbook throughout the semester.
Notes and handouts should be kept in a separate folder.
5. Active
class participation is
expected of all and contributes greatly to the
learning process.
6.
Assignments must be turned in on the day they are due. Maximum score for
homework assignments is 20, unless otherwise indicated. Five points will be subtracted from the
earned grade every
day the assignment
is delayed. If
the assignment is more than four days late—illness
excepted—no credit will be given.
Tests:
1. Periodic written
tests will be given.
2. Research
Paper [counts as major test]
3. A
final exam.
Testing days for all theology courses are on Mondays. There may be some minor exceptions to this rule, but students will be advised in sufficient time.
Grading: Cases,
Participation========== 40%
periodic
tests ==============
40%
final exam ================ 20%
Grading
Scale:
A = 90 -100 (excellent)
B
= 80 - 89 (very good)
C
= 70 - 79 (good - average)
D
= 60 - 69 (below average)
F
= below 60 (failing)