Kantian Ethics Outline
Course Outline
Faculty: Management and Social Science
Course Number PHIL1014
Course Title: ETHICS
Course instructor: Rev. William Leslie
Credits: 3
Section: 1, 2, 3 & 4
Semester: 2013 -1
Class Meeting Times: Section 1: 8:00 – 9:15 a.m. - RLC Conf. Rm Section 2: 9:30 – 10:45 a.m. – RLC144 Section 3: 2:00 – 3:15 p.m. - RLC228 Section 4: 4:00 – 5:15 p.m. - RLC Conf. Rm Pre-requisites: None
Co-requisites None
Office Location FMSS Main Building
Office Hours: Immediately BEFORE AND AFTER class or by appointment.
Telephone: …show more content…
Office: 822- 3680 Resources
Required Text: Rachels J, Cortes F. A., & H. Stein. (2010) The Right Thing To Do. 5th Edition New York: NY- McGraw Hill.
Recommended Text:/s Rachels J, Rachels S. (2010).Elements of Moral Philosophy. 6th Edition New York: NY- McGraw Hill
Other Resources: posted online weekly
COURSE DESCRIPTION
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This class is required for all University of Belize students. It includes an introduction to selected ethical systems, with an emphasis on social, moral religious and biomedical issues. This course will provide students with the foundation necessary to evaluate, analyze, and respond to ethical issues in our society and in the global village. Students will be provided with “rational tools” that they will find useful in making sound moral or ethical choices.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
A: Knowledge
Differentiate between schools of thought of ethics in moral philosophy
Present main tenets of classical theories of ethics
Appreciate a rational approach to ethics
Consider our own contribution to the conditions for good living
Question the necessity of morality in contemporary society
Gain an understanding of the issues and concepts of moral reasoning.
B: Skills/Competencies critically evaluate, analyze, and reflect on ethical issues facing contemporary society
Articulate philosophical thought in reading and writing
Understand the relationship between individual and societal ethics
Realize that ethical decisions are not always clear-cut
Apply principles of right and wrong to evaluate student’s own choice
Learn to resolve conflicts of interest in just ways
C: Values and Attitudes
Personal commitment to minimize social deterioration
Ameliorate human suffering
Promote the common good
Appreciate the relationship between ethics and other theoretical and empirical inquiries.
MODES OF INSTRUCTION
In this course we will utilize the following methodologies: Lecture and discussion, small and large group discussion; individual and group presentations, video presentations, field trip and guest speakers.
CLASS SCHEDULE
Date
Course Content
Methods & Activities
Readings Assignments and Due Dates
Wk 1
20th & 22nd Aug
Introduction to Philosophy: Philosophers: Greeks, Medieval & Contemporary
Branches of Philosophy: Metaphysics, Epistemology, Ethics, Politics, Esthetics
Lecture, Discussion
-What is the importance of Philosophy?
What is Ethics?
Why is ethics important in our lives?
Chapter-1: (Textbook: Right Thing To Do)
Wk 2
27th & 29th Aug
Cultural Relativism: Morality or social acceptance, Sexual Morality
Lecture, Discussion
-How does society determine our most intimate relationships
Chapter 2: (Annex-A: “Elements of Moral Philosophy”)
What’s culture got to do with it?
(Articles on Polygamy; Poverty; Women & depression; Sustainability; male/female circumcision, etc.) Wk 3
3rd & 5th Sept
Moral & Legal Status of Abortion
Should we consider the human fetus to be a person, with a full-fledged right to life?
Lecture, Discussion
- Definition of “human”
- Defining the Moral Community
- Fetal development & right to live
- Potential personhood & the right to live
- Postscript on infanticide
Chapter 13: (Textbook: Right Thing To Do)
Articles: (a) Pro-life articles and (b) Main arguments against abortion
Wk 4
10th & 12th Sept
(10th is a holiday)
Morality and Religion:
Natural Law Theory & Divine Commands Theory
Lecture, Discussion
-How do our religious beliefs affect our moral and ethical decision making?
-Defining human
-morals vs. laws and policies
Chapter 4: “Does morality depend on religion?” (Annex-B: “Elements of Moral Philosophy”)
Wk5
17th & 19th Sept
Morality and Religion cont’d:
Natural Law Theory & Divine Commands Theory
Lecture, Discussion
-How do our religious beliefs affect our moral and ethical decision making?
-Defining human
-morals vs. laws and policies
Chapter 4: “Does morality depend on religion?” (Annex-B: “Elements of Moral Philosophy”)
Reflection paper-1 due
Wk 6
24th & 26th Sept
Alcohol & Rape
Lecture, Discussion
-Gang rape/regretted sexual encounter
- Impaired sex
Chapter 30: (Textbook: Right Thing To Do)
Research Local laws on Rape
Research Local laws on Alcohol usage
Assignment-1 due
Wk 7
1st & 3rd Oct
TEST-1
The Idea of a Social Contract: Natural Laws, Social Contracts, Equality, Racism, Affirmative Action,
TEST-1
-Morality and prejudgments
- just vs. unjust
-Are preferential quotas justified?
-Are they justified in contemporary society?
TEST-1
Chapter 30: "Letter from the Birmingham City Jail," M.L.King, Jr. (Textbook: Right Thing To Do) Wk 8
8th & 10th Oct
The Utilitarian Approach: Utilitarianism, Euthanasia, Assisted Suicide
Lecture, PowerPoint- Socrates, Discussion
-Conceptions of right and wrong
- What constitutes mercy?
- suicide as freedom or contraction
- self harm and harm to others
Chapter 8: (Annex C-“Elements of Moral Philosophy”)
Chapters 3,4,5: (Textbook: “Right Thing To Do”)
Wk 9
15th & 17th Oct
The Utilitarianism Debate: Moral equality, Animal Rights, Human Rights,
Debate, Discussion,
-Animal abuse
-Human superiority vs animal inferiority
- self-indulgence vs integrity
-stimulating our reality
Chapter 8: (Annex C-“Elements of Moral Philosophy”)
Chapters 3,4,5: (Textbook: “Right Thing To Do”)
Reflection paper-2 due
Wk 10
22nd & 24th Oct
Kantian Ethics: Good will, Categorical and Hypothetical Imperative, Duty, Rational Nature, Just War- Just peace, Terror, Punishment
Is the prohibition on aiming at the death of a harmless person an absolute moral rule?
Is the prohibition on torture an absolute moral rule?
Chapter 9: The Categorical Imperative (Annex D- “Elements of Moral Philosophy”)
Wk 11
29th & 31st Oct
Kantian Ethics: Good will, cont’d Categorical and Hypothetical Imperative, Duty, Rational Nature, Just War- Just peace, Terror, Punishment
Is the prohibition on aiming at the death of a harmless person an absolute moral rule?
Is the prohibition on torture an absolute moral rule?
Chapter 9: The Categorical Imperative (Annex D- Chapter 9 Elements of Moral Philosophy
Wk 12
5th & 7th Nov
Virtue Ethics: Virtuous Character, Right Actions
-What can be considered virtuous?
-master morality vs slave morality
Chapter 13: The Ethics of Virtue (Annex F – “Elements of Moral Philosophy”)
Assignment-2 due
Wk13,
12th & 14th Nov
Justice and Care: Moral Development, Moral Judgment
Test-2,
-Feminism and the Ethics of Care
- Patriarchal system and care giving
- autonomy vs care
Test-2
Chapter 12: (Annex E- “Elements of Moral …show more content…
Philosophy”)
Reflection paper-3 due
Test-2
Wk14,
19th & 21st Nov
(19th is a holiday)
Final Presentations
Final Presentations
Final Presentations
Wk15
26th & 28th Nov
Final Presentations
Exam Review
Final Presentations
Exam Review
Final Presentations
Exam Review
Wk16
EXAM WEEK
METHODS OF ASSESSMENT
Methods of assessment may include tests, projects, quizzes, presentations, reports, readings, essays and research.
COURSE POLICIES AND REGULATIONS
ACADEMIC HONESTY POLICY
The administration of student discipline in the university community is a responsibility shared by students, faculty, and administrative staff.
The University of Belize Academic Honesty Policy outlines the University’s expectations for the integrity of student’s academic work, the procedures for resolving alleged violations of those expectations, and the rights and responsibilities of students and faculty throughout the process. All students are expected to conform to the Academic Honesty Policy. Lecturers are expected to consult with academic department chairpersons to prevent and respond to violations of the Academic Honesty Policy. Students wishing to dispute a charge of academic dishonesty or a sanction made upon them because of such allegations can do so by appealing to the Dean of Student Affairs to invoke the Discipline Appeals Process as detailed in the Student Handbook. (Please visit www.ub.edu.bz for a full description of violations to the Academic Honesty Policy and
sanctions.)
STUDENT EVALUATION OF INSTRUCTION: ONLINE MECHANISM
Students are advised that they are free to submit comments on line in respect to any course they are registered in during the semester (as opposed to waiting for the end of the semester). Students are assured that since there is no need to log in to access the facility available on the UB web page www.ub.edu.bz their comments will be anonymous. The comment(s) will go to the Quality Assurance Office that in turn will forward the comments to the relevant Dean for timely action.
CLASS POLICIES
1. CLASS ATTENDANCE: Students are expected to attend all sessions, and to be on time. Students must attend at least 80% of class sessions. Unexcused absences beyond this point will result in a reduction in your grade. You must provide the necessary documentation for any other absences e.g. doctors certificate if you are ill. You are expected to participate fully in class discussions and come to class prepared to contribute to class discussions and group work. Because participation in class is imperative for success, each student’s final grade will be positively or negatively affected based upon the number of class sessions they attend. Absent students are responsible for obtaining class notes, handouts, and activities, as well as any other pertinent information. Points lost due to absences can be made up only through extra credit opportunities provided by the instructor.
2. PUNCTUALITY: Kindly make every effort to arrive on time to all sessions. Walking into a session late is unprofessional and distracting to the rest your colleagues. If you will be late for any session, please inform the instructor via an e-mail, telephone call, or text message.
3. PROFESSIONALISM AND ETHICS: In your fieldwork and/or class activities, you are expected to conduct yourself in an ethical, legal, and professional manner.
4. READINGS: Readings will be assigned. You will be expected to attend the class session prepared to discuss the readings from the required text and/or any additional readings assigned. The aim is to enhance your understanding and skills related to these materials and to enable you to share your understanding with class members.
5. WRITINGS: The ability to write clearly and effectively is essential to a profession. Written assignments represent your best professional abilities and excellence. Assignments must be written in standard English. Written assignments should be typed and carefully proofread. Pages that are disorganized and contain errors in grammar, spelling, syntax, or typing will receive reduced grades. All written work should adhere to the APA /MLA style as directed by the instructor.
6. CELL PHONES: As courtesy to your classmates and instructor, please have cell phones turned off throughout class time. If an urgent matter arises that requires you to have your cell phone on (on vibrate), please inform the instructor before the session.
7. MISSED OR LATE ASSGINMENTS: Students are expected to do all class assignments, and turn them in on time. If prior approval for late assignment is not granted by the instructor, points will be deducted from that assignment or the assignment will not be accepted. Assigned readings must be completed prior to the class for which they are intended.
8. TECHNOLOGY: Students are required to utilize word processing programs to complete all assignments. Internet and electronic mail systems will be used as needed to develop strategies, facilitate class discussion, and enhance communication between professor and students.
GRADING SCALE
The final grade will be assigned in adherence with the University of Belize’s Grade Policy. Thus, final grades will be computed using a combination of semester grades (including home work assignments), essays, tests and quizzes, portfolios etc, and a final examination. The final letter grade will be assigned using the following University Grading Scale:
95-100 A 80-84 B 65-69 D+
90-94 A- 75-79 C+ 60-64 D
85-89 B+ 70-74 C 0-59 F
CLASS ACTIVITIES AND ASSIGNMENTS
ASSESSMENT
Reflection papers (3) 10%
Assignments (2) 20%
Tests (2) 25%
Final Presentation 15%
Final Exam: 30%
--------------------------------------------------------
Total 100%
ASSIGNMENTS
1. Reflection Papers: - Due weeks 5, 9, 13
a. Paper-1: Write a reflection paper on one of the topics or concepts discussed in class between weeks 1 and 4.
b. Paper-2: Write a reflection paper on one of the topics or concepts discussed in class between weeks 5 and 8.
c. Paper-3: Write a reflection paper on one of the topics or concepts discussed in class between weeks 9 and 13.
Reflection paper definition: A reflection paper is a piece of writing that involves the students’ views and feelings about a particular subject.
In the reflection paper, students will discuss what they have learned, and they will convey their personal experiences and findings that may have resulted. Paper should be between 3 and 4 pages (excluding the cover page). Your paper will be graded on the basis of format, content, organization, grammar/spelling/punctuation.
2. Essays
A. Essay-1 – Due week 6
Write an essay based on any of the topics covered in class during the period of week 1 and week 6. Paper must be between 5 and 6 pages (excluding cover page, annexes, and reference page). Brief summary of paper will also be presented in class. Oral presentations will be graded on delivery, content/organization, and enthusiasm & audience awareness. Total weight for this assignment is 10% (7% written and 3% oral).
B. Essay-2 – Week 12
Write an essay based on any of the topics ([a] the idea of a social contract or [b] cultural relativism) covered in class during the period of week 7 and 12. Paper must be between 5 and 6 pages (excluding cover page, annexes, and reference page). Brief summary of paper will also be presented in class. Oral presentations will be graded on delivery, content/organization, and enthusiasm & audience awareness. Total weight for this assignment is 10% (7% written and 3% oral).
GRADING CRITERIA
Essay-written
Weight: 7%
To obtain full points the essay must reflect:
Content- it is objective and addresses with an in depth analysis all the issues referred in the proposed topic. The provided information is necessary and sufficient to discuss these issues. Student reflects their views and relates it to the Belizean society.
25 points
Organization and coherence: Closely follows all the requirements related to format and layout. The essay is well written and ideas are well articulated from start to finish; The essay is well organized, clear and presents ideas in coherently.
15 points
Supporting Evidence: Most of the references are effectively used, correctly cited and correctly listed in the reference list according to APA style. All the references used are important, and are of good/scholarly quality.
15 points
Mechanics: without spelling, grammar or use of English errors. Writer uses language at the appropriate level for the assignment and the class. Writes uses a variety of sentence types.
15points
Total
70points
GRADING CRITERIA
Essay-Oral Presentation
Weight: 3%
Oral Presentation Evaluation
Format/completeness
5
Delivery
10
Content & Organization
10
Enthusiasm/ audience awareness
5
Total
30
4. Final Group Presentations – Week 13
During the fifth week of class, students will be randomly divided into groups of five. Each group will chose a topic from the course content to research and then present to the class. Presentation must reflect the relevance of the issue for Belizean society. During the presentation, students are expected to conduct themselves professionally, both in the way they present and in the way they are dressed. After the presentation, the group is to submit a written outline of the material presented.
GRADING CRITERIA:
Group Presentation
Weight = 15%
5
10
15
20
Organization
Audience had difficulty understanding presentation because of lack of sequence of information
Audience has difficulty following presentation because content does not flow
Students present information in logical sequence which audience can follow
Students present information in logical, interesting sequence which audience can follow
Content Knowledge
Student does not have grasp of information; student cannot answer questions about subject
Student is uncomfortable with information and is able to answer only rudimentary questions
Student is at ease with content, but fails to elaborate
Students demonstrates full knowledge (more than required)with explanations and elaboration
Visuals
Students used no visuals
Students occasionally used visuals that rarely support text and presentation
Visuals related to text and presentation.
Student used visuals to reinforce text and presentation
Mechanics
Students presentation had four or more spelling errors and/or grammatical errors
Presentation had three misspellings and/or grammatical errors
Presentation has no more than two misspellings and/or grammatical errors
Presentation has no misspellings or grammatical errors
Delivery
Students mumbles, incorrectly pronounces terms. Speaks too quietly for students in the back to hear
Students incorrectly pronounces terms. Audience has difficulty hearing presentation
Students’ speak clearly. Students pronounce most words correctly
Student used a clear voice and correct, precise pronunciation of terms
Adapted from: http://www.teach-nology.com/cgi-bin/presentation.cgi
References
Rubrics. http://www.sites4teachers.com/links/redirect.php?url=http://www.rubrics4teachers.com/sample/ParticipationRubric.pdf
Rubrics. http://www.teach-nology.com/cgi-bin/presentation.cgi
Faculty: Management and Social Science
Course Number PHIL1014
Course Title: ETHICS
Course instructor: Rev. William Leslie
Credits: 3
Section: 1, 2, 3 & 4
Semester: 2013 -1
Class Meeting Times: Section 1: 8:00 – 9:15 a.m. - RLC Conf. Rm Section 2: 9:30 – 10:45 a.m. – RLC144 Section 3: 2:00 – 3:15 p.m. - RLC228 Section 4: 4:00 – 5:15 p.m. - RLC Conf. Rm Pre-requisites: None
Co-requisites None
Office Location FMSS Main Building
Office Hours: Immediately BEFORE AND AFTER class or by appointment.
Telephone: …show more content…
Office: 822- 3680 Resources
Required Text: Rachels J, Cortes F. A., & H. Stein. (2010) The Right Thing To Do. 5th Edition New York: NY- McGraw Hill.
Recommended Text:/s Rachels J, Rachels S. (2010).Elements of Moral Philosophy. 6th Edition New York: NY- McGraw Hill
Other Resources: posted online weekly
COURSE DESCRIPTION
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This class is required for all University of Belize students. It includes an introduction to selected ethical systems, with an emphasis on social, moral religious and biomedical issues. This course will provide students with the foundation necessary to evaluate, analyze, and respond to ethical issues in our society and in the global village. Students will be provided with “rational tools” that they will find useful in making sound moral or ethical choices.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
A: Knowledge
Differentiate between schools of thought of ethics in moral philosophy
Present main tenets of classical theories of ethics
Appreciate a rational approach to ethics
Consider our own contribution to the conditions for good living
Question the necessity of morality in contemporary society
Gain an understanding of the issues and concepts of moral reasoning.
B: Skills/Competencies critically evaluate, analyze, and reflect on ethical issues facing contemporary society
Articulate philosophical thought in reading and writing
Understand the relationship between individual and societal ethics
Realize that ethical decisions are not always clear-cut
Apply principles of right and wrong to evaluate student’s own choice
Learn to resolve conflicts of interest in just ways
C: Values and Attitudes
Personal commitment to minimize social deterioration
Ameliorate human suffering
Promote the common good
Appreciate the relationship between ethics and other theoretical and empirical inquiries.
MODES OF INSTRUCTION
In this course we will utilize the following methodologies: Lecture and discussion, small and large group discussion; individual and group presentations, video presentations, field trip and guest speakers.
CLASS SCHEDULE
Date
Course Content
Methods & Activities
Readings Assignments and Due Dates
Wk 1
20th & 22nd Aug
Introduction to Philosophy: Philosophers: Greeks, Medieval & Contemporary
Branches of Philosophy: Metaphysics, Epistemology, Ethics, Politics, Esthetics
Lecture, Discussion
-What is the importance of Philosophy?
What is Ethics?
Why is ethics important in our lives?
Chapter-1: (Textbook: Right Thing To Do)
Wk 2
27th & 29th Aug
Cultural Relativism: Morality or social acceptance, Sexual Morality
Lecture, Discussion
-How does society determine our most intimate relationships
Chapter 2: (Annex-A: “Elements of Moral Philosophy”)
What’s culture got to do with it?
(Articles on Polygamy; Poverty; Women & depression; Sustainability; male/female circumcision, etc.) Wk 3
3rd & 5th Sept
Moral & Legal Status of Abortion
Should we consider the human fetus to be a person, with a full-fledged right to life?
Lecture, Discussion
- Definition of “human”
- Defining the Moral Community
- Fetal development & right to live
- Potential personhood & the right to live
- Postscript on infanticide
Chapter 13: (Textbook: Right Thing To Do)
Articles: (a) Pro-life articles and (b) Main arguments against abortion
Wk 4
10th & 12th Sept
(10th is a holiday)
Morality and Religion:
Natural Law Theory & Divine Commands Theory
Lecture, Discussion
-How do our religious beliefs affect our moral and ethical decision making?
-Defining human
-morals vs. laws and policies
Chapter 4: “Does morality depend on religion?” (Annex-B: “Elements of Moral Philosophy”)
Wk5
17th & 19th Sept
Morality and Religion cont’d:
Natural Law Theory & Divine Commands Theory
Lecture, Discussion
-How do our religious beliefs affect our moral and ethical decision making?
-Defining human
-morals vs. laws and policies
Chapter 4: “Does morality depend on religion?” (Annex-B: “Elements of Moral Philosophy”)
Reflection paper-1 due
Wk 6
24th & 26th Sept
Alcohol & Rape
Lecture, Discussion
-Gang rape/regretted sexual encounter
- Impaired sex
Chapter 30: (Textbook: Right Thing To Do)
Research Local laws on Rape
Research Local laws on Alcohol usage
Assignment-1 due
Wk 7
1st & 3rd Oct
TEST-1
The Idea of a Social Contract: Natural Laws, Social Contracts, Equality, Racism, Affirmative Action,
TEST-1
-Morality and prejudgments
- just vs. unjust
-Are preferential quotas justified?
-Are they justified in contemporary society?
TEST-1
Chapter 30: "Letter from the Birmingham City Jail," M.L.King, Jr. (Textbook: Right Thing To Do) Wk 8
8th & 10th Oct
The Utilitarian Approach: Utilitarianism, Euthanasia, Assisted Suicide
Lecture, PowerPoint- Socrates, Discussion
-Conceptions of right and wrong
- What constitutes mercy?
- suicide as freedom or contraction
- self harm and harm to others
Chapter 8: (Annex C-“Elements of Moral Philosophy”)
Chapters 3,4,5: (Textbook: “Right Thing To Do”)
Wk 9
15th & 17th Oct
The Utilitarianism Debate: Moral equality, Animal Rights, Human Rights,
Debate, Discussion,
-Animal abuse
-Human superiority vs animal inferiority
- self-indulgence vs integrity
-stimulating our reality
Chapter 8: (Annex C-“Elements of Moral Philosophy”)
Chapters 3,4,5: (Textbook: “Right Thing To Do”)
Reflection paper-2 due
Wk 10
22nd & 24th Oct
Kantian Ethics: Good will, Categorical and Hypothetical Imperative, Duty, Rational Nature, Just War- Just peace, Terror, Punishment
Is the prohibition on aiming at the death of a harmless person an absolute moral rule?
Is the prohibition on torture an absolute moral rule?
Chapter 9: The Categorical Imperative (Annex D- “Elements of Moral Philosophy”)
Wk 11
29th & 31st Oct
Kantian Ethics: Good will, cont’d Categorical and Hypothetical Imperative, Duty, Rational Nature, Just War- Just peace, Terror, Punishment
Is the prohibition on aiming at the death of a harmless person an absolute moral rule?
Is the prohibition on torture an absolute moral rule?
Chapter 9: The Categorical Imperative (Annex D- Chapter 9 Elements of Moral Philosophy
Wk 12
5th & 7th Nov
Virtue Ethics: Virtuous Character, Right Actions
-What can be considered virtuous?
-master morality vs slave morality
Chapter 13: The Ethics of Virtue (Annex F – “Elements of Moral Philosophy”)
Assignment-2 due
Wk13,
12th & 14th Nov
Justice and Care: Moral Development, Moral Judgment
Test-2,
-Feminism and the Ethics of Care
- Patriarchal system and care giving
- autonomy vs care
Test-2
Chapter 12: (Annex E- “Elements of Moral …show more content…
Philosophy”)
Reflection paper-3 due
Test-2
Wk14,
19th & 21st Nov
(19th is a holiday)
Final Presentations
Final Presentations
Final Presentations
Wk15
26th & 28th Nov
Final Presentations
Exam Review
Final Presentations
Exam Review
Final Presentations
Exam Review
Wk16
EXAM WEEK
METHODS OF ASSESSMENT
Methods of assessment may include tests, projects, quizzes, presentations, reports, readings, essays and research.
COURSE POLICIES AND REGULATIONS
ACADEMIC HONESTY POLICY
The administration of student discipline in the university community is a responsibility shared by students, faculty, and administrative staff.
The University of Belize Academic Honesty Policy outlines the University’s expectations for the integrity of student’s academic work, the procedures for resolving alleged violations of those expectations, and the rights and responsibilities of students and faculty throughout the process. All students are expected to conform to the Academic Honesty Policy. Lecturers are expected to consult with academic department chairpersons to prevent and respond to violations of the Academic Honesty Policy. Students wishing to dispute a charge of academic dishonesty or a sanction made upon them because of such allegations can do so by appealing to the Dean of Student Affairs to invoke the Discipline Appeals Process as detailed in the Student Handbook. (Please visit www.ub.edu.bz for a full description of violations to the Academic Honesty Policy and
sanctions.)
STUDENT EVALUATION OF INSTRUCTION: ONLINE MECHANISM
Students are advised that they are free to submit comments on line in respect to any course they are registered in during the semester (as opposed to waiting for the end of the semester). Students are assured that since there is no need to log in to access the facility available on the UB web page www.ub.edu.bz their comments will be anonymous. The comment(s) will go to the Quality Assurance Office that in turn will forward the comments to the relevant Dean for timely action.
CLASS POLICIES
1. CLASS ATTENDANCE: Students are expected to attend all sessions, and to be on time. Students must attend at least 80% of class sessions. Unexcused absences beyond this point will result in a reduction in your grade. You must provide the necessary documentation for any other absences e.g. doctors certificate if you are ill. You are expected to participate fully in class discussions and come to class prepared to contribute to class discussions and group work. Because participation in class is imperative for success, each student’s final grade will be positively or negatively affected based upon the number of class sessions they attend. Absent students are responsible for obtaining class notes, handouts, and activities, as well as any other pertinent information. Points lost due to absences can be made up only through extra credit opportunities provided by the instructor.
2. PUNCTUALITY: Kindly make every effort to arrive on time to all sessions. Walking into a session late is unprofessional and distracting to the rest your colleagues. If you will be late for any session, please inform the instructor via an e-mail, telephone call, or text message.
3. PROFESSIONALISM AND ETHICS: In your fieldwork and/or class activities, you are expected to conduct yourself in an ethical, legal, and professional manner.
4. READINGS: Readings will be assigned. You will be expected to attend the class session prepared to discuss the readings from the required text and/or any additional readings assigned. The aim is to enhance your understanding and skills related to these materials and to enable you to share your understanding with class members.
5. WRITINGS: The ability to write clearly and effectively is essential to a profession. Written assignments represent your best professional abilities and excellence. Assignments must be written in standard English. Written assignments should be typed and carefully proofread. Pages that are disorganized and contain errors in grammar, spelling, syntax, or typing will receive reduced grades. All written work should adhere to the APA /MLA style as directed by the instructor.
6. CELL PHONES: As courtesy to your classmates and instructor, please have cell phones turned off throughout class time. If an urgent matter arises that requires you to have your cell phone on (on vibrate), please inform the instructor before the session.
7. MISSED OR LATE ASSGINMENTS: Students are expected to do all class assignments, and turn them in on time. If prior approval for late assignment is not granted by the instructor, points will be deducted from that assignment or the assignment will not be accepted. Assigned readings must be completed prior to the class for which they are intended.
8. TECHNOLOGY: Students are required to utilize word processing programs to complete all assignments. Internet and electronic mail systems will be used as needed to develop strategies, facilitate class discussion, and enhance communication between professor and students.
GRADING SCALE
The final grade will be assigned in adherence with the University of Belize’s Grade Policy. Thus, final grades will be computed using a combination of semester grades (including home work assignments), essays, tests and quizzes, portfolios etc, and a final examination. The final letter grade will be assigned using the following University Grading Scale:
95-100 A 80-84 B 65-69 D+
90-94 A- 75-79 C+ 60-64 D
85-89 B+ 70-74 C 0-59 F
CLASS ACTIVITIES AND ASSIGNMENTS
ASSESSMENT
Reflection papers (3) 10%
Assignments (2) 20%
Tests (2) 25%
Final Presentation 15%
Final Exam: 30%
--------------------------------------------------------
Total 100%
ASSIGNMENTS
1. Reflection Papers: - Due weeks 5, 9, 13
a. Paper-1: Write a reflection paper on one of the topics or concepts discussed in class between weeks 1 and 4.
b. Paper-2: Write a reflection paper on one of the topics or concepts discussed in class between weeks 5 and 8.
c. Paper-3: Write a reflection paper on one of the topics or concepts discussed in class between weeks 9 and 13.
Reflection paper definition: A reflection paper is a piece of writing that involves the students’ views and feelings about a particular subject.
In the reflection paper, students will discuss what they have learned, and they will convey their personal experiences and findings that may have resulted. Paper should be between 3 and 4 pages (excluding the cover page). Your paper will be graded on the basis of format, content, organization, grammar/spelling/punctuation.
2. Essays
A. Essay-1 – Due week 6
Write an essay based on any of the topics covered in class during the period of week 1 and week 6. Paper must be between 5 and 6 pages (excluding cover page, annexes, and reference page). Brief summary of paper will also be presented in class. Oral presentations will be graded on delivery, content/organization, and enthusiasm & audience awareness. Total weight for this assignment is 10% (7% written and 3% oral).
B. Essay-2 – Week 12
Write an essay based on any of the topics ([a] the idea of a social contract or [b] cultural relativism) covered in class during the period of week 7 and 12. Paper must be between 5 and 6 pages (excluding cover page, annexes, and reference page). Brief summary of paper will also be presented in class. Oral presentations will be graded on delivery, content/organization, and enthusiasm & audience awareness. Total weight for this assignment is 10% (7% written and 3% oral).
GRADING CRITERIA
Essay-written
Weight: 7%
To obtain full points the essay must reflect:
Content- it is objective and addresses with an in depth analysis all the issues referred in the proposed topic. The provided information is necessary and sufficient to discuss these issues. Student reflects their views and relates it to the Belizean society.
25 points
Organization and coherence: Closely follows all the requirements related to format and layout. The essay is well written and ideas are well articulated from start to finish; The essay is well organized, clear and presents ideas in coherently.
15 points
Supporting Evidence: Most of the references are effectively used, correctly cited and correctly listed in the reference list according to APA style. All the references used are important, and are of good/scholarly quality.
15 points
Mechanics: without spelling, grammar or use of English errors. Writer uses language at the appropriate level for the assignment and the class. Writes uses a variety of sentence types.
15points
Total
70points
GRADING CRITERIA
Essay-Oral Presentation
Weight: 3%
Oral Presentation Evaluation
Format/completeness
5
Delivery
10
Content & Organization
10
Enthusiasm/ audience awareness
5
Total
30
4. Final Group Presentations – Week 13
During the fifth week of class, students will be randomly divided into groups of five. Each group will chose a topic from the course content to research and then present to the class. Presentation must reflect the relevance of the issue for Belizean society. During the presentation, students are expected to conduct themselves professionally, both in the way they present and in the way they are dressed. After the presentation, the group is to submit a written outline of the material presented.
GRADING CRITERIA:
Group Presentation
Weight = 15%
5
10
15
20
Organization
Audience had difficulty understanding presentation because of lack of sequence of information
Audience has difficulty following presentation because content does not flow
Students present information in logical sequence which audience can follow
Students present information in logical, interesting sequence which audience can follow
Content Knowledge
Student does not have grasp of information; student cannot answer questions about subject
Student is uncomfortable with information and is able to answer only rudimentary questions
Student is at ease with content, but fails to elaborate
Students demonstrates full knowledge (more than required)with explanations and elaboration
Visuals
Students used no visuals
Students occasionally used visuals that rarely support text and presentation
Visuals related to text and presentation.
Student used visuals to reinforce text and presentation
Mechanics
Students presentation had four or more spelling errors and/or grammatical errors
Presentation had three misspellings and/or grammatical errors
Presentation has no more than two misspellings and/or grammatical errors
Presentation has no misspellings or grammatical errors
Delivery
Students mumbles, incorrectly pronounces terms. Speaks too quietly for students in the back to hear
Students incorrectly pronounces terms. Audience has difficulty hearing presentation
Students’ speak clearly. Students pronounce most words correctly
Student used a clear voice and correct, precise pronunciation of terms
Adapted from: http://www.teach-nology.com/cgi-bin/presentation.cgi
References
Rubrics. http://www.sites4teachers.com/links/redirect.php?url=http://www.rubrics4teachers.com/sample/ParticipationRubric.pdf
Rubrics. http://www.teach-nology.com/cgi-bin/presentation.cgi