MCCCD Program Description

Introductory Ethics: A Social Service Perspective

Course: SWU183

First Term: 2018 Fall

Lecture 3.0 Credit(s) 3.0 Period(s) 3.0 Load
Subject Type: Occupational
Load Formula: S- Standard

Description: Introductory exploration of ethics from a historical and multicultural perspective viewed through the lens of contemporary social issues.

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Examine the values and beliefs that inform our personal ethical codes. (I, II, III, IV) 2. Identify the historical development of ethical thinking, from ancient to contemporary philosophical traditions. (I) 3. Explore the ethical traditions of diverse cultures, including multicultural perspectives. (I, II, III, IV) 4. Compare and contrast ethical thinking from at least two different cultural traditions. (I, II, III, IV) 5. Distinguish the similarities and differences between cultures in viewing human rights. (II, III, IV) 6. Relate the code of ethics to professions and/or occupations of choice. (V) 7. Recognize the nature of an ethical dilemma. (I, V) 8. Analyze a personal ethical dilemma through a model of ethical decision-making. (I, II, III, IV, V) 9. Apply critical thinking skills and models of ethical decision-making to contemporary issues. (I, II, III, IV, V)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.

MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. Historical Nature of Morality, Virtue and Ethics A. Role of Reason and Impartiality B. Role of Values, Religion and Beliefs 1. Autonomy, consequentialism, and consumerism 2. Lifeboat ethics 3. Humanitarianism and utilitarianism C. Ethical Theory, Dilemmas and Decision Making 1. Shared Values Approach 2. Cultural Relativism and Cultural Differences Approach a. Cultural identity, ethnocentrism, social roles and multiculturalism b. Gender equality and gender roles c. Human rights 3. Subjectivism in Ethics 4. Moral Objectivism a. Kantianism b. Deontological theory II. Matters of Life and Death A. Cloning and Reproductive Technologies B. Abortion C. Euthanasia D. Punishment and the Death Penalty E. War, Terrorism, and Counter-terrorism III. Matters of Diversity and Equality A. Race and Ethnicity B. Gender C. Sexual Orientation IV. Expanding the Ethical Circle A. World Hunger and Poverty B. Living Together with Animals C. Environmental Ethics 1. Biocentrism 2. Environmental racism V. Professional Ethical Rules and Codes A. Empathy, Compassion, and Tolerance B. United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights

MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: December 12, 2017

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.