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**// Ethics Syllabus //** Why study ethics?

 [I]t is no exaggeration to say that //everyone// is engaged in ethical thought at most times in their lives, knowingly or otherwise. Moreover, it is quite mistaken to suppose that philosophers have a monopoly on deep ethical ideas while the rest of us bumble along, blissfully unaware of the import of the questions we suggested above; instead, a glance at the newspapers, television, internet, as well as books, films, plays, together with conversations on every street corner or in public houses and cafés, shows that each day we are confronted with ethical problems and have to make ethical decisions.

 We discuss these matters all the time… How well do the ideas we currently use hold up to scrutiny? Are they based on sound assumptions, or could we think otherwise? Are we applying them correctly, or as best we could? Perhaps most importantly, are there alternatives we have not yet considered?

//- //By Paul Newall (2005) []

At the end of this course, you will
 * explain the various approaches to ethics
 * develop moral courage
 * develop a set of ethical values
 * use a decision making process to arrive at ethical choices

To successfully complete this course, you will need a

 * A binder for keeping notes and articles.
 * Bible. I teacher use the NIV but other translations may be used.


 * Textbooks Provided **
 * //Moral Courage. // Rushworth Kidder, HarperCollins, 2005.
 * //Exploring Ethics: //<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Selected Readings. Christian Schools International, 2006.
 * //<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">How Good People Make Tough Choices. //<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Rushworth Kidder, HarperCollins, 1995.

COURSE SCHEDULE
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">First Quarter **
 * 1) <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">We will begin with a video series, Justice with Michael Sandel. This Harvard professor will introduce us to the study of ethics. []
 * 2) <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">We will explore how the major schools of ethics approach ethical decision-making. Following that we will begin a discussion on what morality is.
 * 3) <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Project on ethical decision making. You will explore and explain one of the schools of ethics. The project will be completed in an electronic format and emailed to the teacher.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Second Quarter **
 * 1) <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">We will discuss how to make moral choices with emphasis on the need for moral courage.
 * 2) <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The life of Ghandi will be examined as an example of moral courage.
 * 3) <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Presentation on an example of moral courage. You will research one person who was or is an example of moral courage and develop a creative presentation for the class. The choice of media is up to you. A copy of the research used and presentation materials will be turned in to the teacher.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Third Quarter **
 * 1) <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The class will learn how to use ethical values to make difficult ethical choices between two solutions that both seem right.
 * 2) <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Project on codes of ethics. You will explore and explain the value and weaknesses of codes of ethics and then develop your own code of ethics. The project will be completed in an electronic format and emailed to the teacher.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Fourth Quarter **
 * 1) <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1. Various ethical dilemmas will be discussed and explored.
 * 2) <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">2. Presentation on contemporary ethical challenges. You will research a current ethical dilemma and develop and discuss solutions to the problem. The choice of media is up to you. A copy of the research used and presentation materials will be turned in to the teacher.

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Character and learning skills are an important part of becoming a good student. You are expected to show respect and compassion toward others and to be responsible, honest and just. Respect is shown by honoring others, being honest and showing compassion. It is your responsibility to be prepared for class, to be on time for class and to complete work on time.

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">You will begin each week with a 100 for learning skills. If you are irresponsible you lose points from your learning skills grade. We will discuss expectations but you may lose points any time you fail to meet expectations.

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">The class is a place of learning. If you are not prepared to learn or if you are hindering the learning of other students, we will discuss your behavior and involve your parents or the administration if your behavior does not change.

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Students are also expected to follow the ICS handbook rules.

**<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Grade Weights **
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Grading Policies: **
 * 1) <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">1. Assignments will not be accepted after midnight on the due date.
 * 2) <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">2. If you don’t put your name on the assignment you lose 25%.
 * 3) <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">3. Assignments should be written using complete sentences.
 * Tests and Projects || 50 ||
 * Quizzes || 25 ||
 * Assignments || 20 ||
 * Learning Skills || 5 ||

CONTACT INFORMATION

 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">David Wilson, High School Bible Teacher
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">School phone 031-855-1276
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">davidwilson@nics.org