This course combines independent reading and research, in-class discussion and
special assignments. Students are invited to ask questions at any time in class, by
phone or via email.
Success in this course depends on participation. Come to each class prepared to
question and discuss the issues at hand. Assigned readings must be completed prior to
class. Keep good notes - it is your responsibly to be able to argue pro and con on the
major discussion points.
To aide you in this, students will prepare discussion questions on reading
assignments. These questions should highlight some of the important aspects of each
topic keeping in mind our goal of understanding various ways of understanding ethics.
Students will also submit short reading reaction papers. We may also work on cooperative learning exercises that involve group
problem solving and presentations.
Late assignments, make-ups, retakes, and incomplete
If you have an emergency and cannot complete an assignment on time, discuss your need
with the instructor (preferably in advance). In general, no late assignments or
make-ups will be allowed. However, there are extenuating circumstances, so explain
your situation. You must seek the approval of your instructor in advance for an
incomplete, and justify your request with a validated medical emergency or a severe
personal crisis. Incompletes are given if the student has completed the majority of the
work for the course, has been unable to complete all of it for a valid reason, and will
pass the course if they are given an opportunity to complete the required work within a
specified time period.
Changing Grades
No one is perfect. Sometimes test questions are ambiguous or wrong. Graders make
errors. I encourage you to challenge your grade on any assignment or test if you feel
your efforts were graded incorrectly, but you must do so during office hours, before or
after class within one week of an assignment's return date.