Online · College of Arts & Sciences · Philosophy

Ethical Reflections on Human Life

ETHC-205

Spring D 2022 Section D01 03/14/2022 to 05/06/2022 Modified 03/02/2022  Contact Information

See detailed faculty information in Canvas.  Course Description

A study of contemporary issues within the context of a biblical ethic of human life. This course will examine Christian principles about human life and flourishing, reflecting on issues concerning the beginning and end of human life as well as those social and personal factors that promote a flourishing human life. Topics will include: Personhood, abortion, personal relationships, social and class relationships, social conflicts, euthanasia, and assisted suicide.

Requisites Prerequisite

ETHC 101

 Rationale

In recent years, traditional models and values of human life have come under serious question. With the growing acceptance of ethical relativism as well as the acceptance of functionalistic and materialistic models of human beings, moral values and decisions have become vague and confusing. This course will help students to steer more clearly through the moral fog they will encounter as they attempt to live out a Christian ideal of a flourishing human life themselves and within a social matrix with others of varying beliefs and values.

 Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Explain a Christian conception of personhood and human life.

2. Evaluate contemporary theories of personhood.

3. Defend a Christian assessment of issues concerning the beginning and end of human life. 4. Evaluate various social issues within the context of a Christian conception of human life. 5. Recognize the ways an absence of a Christian ethic hinders human flourishing.

Foundational Skill Learning Outcomes (FSLOs): Critical Thinking (CT)

1. CT 1: Determine the validity and logical consistency of claims and/or positions, using reading comprehension strategies when relevant.

2. CT 2: Structure an argument or position using credible evidence and valid reasoning.

3. CT 3: Compare and contrast the biblical worldview with a non-biblical worldview, evaluating the influence of assumptions and

contexts on ethics and values.

4. CT 4: Plan evidence-based courses of action to resolve problems.

5. CT 5: Relate critical thinking and ethics to participation in God’s redemptive work.

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Secondary Foundational Skill Learning Outcomes (FSLOs): Civic and Global Engagement (CGE), Social and Scientific Inquiry (SSI), and Christianity and Contexts (CC)

1. CGE 3: Apply the Christian principles and general practices for effectively engaging people from different social and/or cultural backgrounds.

2. SSI 3: Apply solutions for a social and/or scientific question experienced in nature or society.

3. CC 3: Apply the biblical text and its principles to life in a manner that bridges various contexts and considers the implications for

personal growth.

 Course Resources

Required Resource

The resource below is provided in the course at no cost to the student.

Rae, S. (2018). Moral choices: An introduction to ethics (4th ed.). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

Disclaimer: The above resource provides information consistent with the latest research regarding the subject area. Liberty University does not necessarily endorse specific personal, religious, philosophical, or political positions found in this resource.

Additional Materials for Learning

A. Computer with basic audio/video output equipment

B. Internet access (broadband recommended)

C. Canvas recommended browsers (https://community.canvaslms.com/t5/Canvas-Basics-Guide/What-are-the-browser-and-

computer-requirements-for-Canvas/ta-p/66)

D. Microsoft Word

E. Turabian Writing Guide: https://www.liberty.edu/casas/academic-success-center/turabian/

(https://www.liberty.edu/casas/academic-success-center/turabian/)

 Course Assignments

  Textbook readings and lecture presentations Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations (http://www.liberty.edu/index.cfm?PID=18202&printpage=y), the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (2)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to provide a thread in response to the provided prompt for each forum. Each thread must be 250–350 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 2 other classmates’ threads. Each reply must be 100–150 words (CLO: A, B, C, D; FSLO: CT 2, 3, CC 3, CGE 3, and SSI 3).

Topic and Bibliography Assignment

The student will submit a topic and bibliography in preparation for the Ethical Issue Research Paper Assignment. The topic submission must include a 50–100-word explanation and rationale. Web-links to at least 2 relevant scholarly sources must be included for the bibliography (CLO: A, B, C, D; FSLO: CT 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, CC 3, and SSI 3).

Ethical Issue Research Paper Assignment

The student will write a 1,800–2,300-word research-based paper that focuses on an ethical issue within his/her chosen field. The paper must include at least 3 references in addition to the course textbooks and the Bible (CLO: A, B, C, D; FSLO: CT 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, CC 3, and SSI 3).

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Quizzes (4)

Each quiz will cover the Learn material for the assigned Module: Week(s). Each quiz will be open-book/open-notes, contain 25 multiple-choice, true/false, and fill in the blank questions. In addition, quizzes will contain one 75–150-word essay question and have a 1-hour and 15-minute time limit. (CLO: A, B, C, D, E; FSLO, CT 1, 3, 5 and CGE 3).

 Course Grading

Course Requirements Checklist 10

Discussions (2 at 100 pts ea) 200

Ethical Issue Research Paper Assignment 200

Total 1010

 Policies

Topic and Bibliography Assignment 60

 Quizzes (4 at 135 pts ea) 540

 Late Assignment Policy

Course Assignments, including discussions, exams, and other graded assignments, should be submitted on time.

If the student is unable to complete an assignment on time, then he or she must contact the instructor immediately by email. Assignments that are submitted after the due date without prior approval from the instructor will receive the following deductions:

1. Late assignments submitted within one week after the due date will receive up to a 10% deduction.

2. Assignments submitted more than one week and less than 2 weeks late will receive up to a 20% deduction.

3. Assignments submitted two weeks late or after the final date of the course will not be accepted outside of special

circumstances (e.g. death in the family, significant personal health issues), which will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by

the instructor.

4. Group projects, including group discussion threads and/or replies, and assignments will not be accepted after the due date

outside of special circumstances (e.g. death in the family, significant personal health issues), which will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the instructor.

Disability Assistance

Students with a disability and those with medical conditions associated with pregnancy may contact Liberty University’s Online Office of Disability Accommodation Support (ODAS) at LUOODAS@liberty.edu for accommodations. Such accommodations require appropriate documentation of your condition. For more information about ODAS and the accommodations process, including how to request an accommodation, please visit https://www.liberty.edu/online/online-disability-accommodation- support/ (https://www.liberty.edu/online/online-disability-accommodation-support/). Requests for accommodations not related to disabilities or pregnancy must be directed to the Registrar’s Office, which generally handles medical needs support.

If you have a complaint related to disability discrimination or an accommodation that was not provided, you may contact ODAS or the Office of Equity and Compliance by phone at (434) 592-4999 or by email at equityandcompliance@liberty.edu. Click to see a full copy of Liberty’s Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct Policy

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(https://wiki.os.liberty.edu/display/IE/Liberty+University+Discrimination,+Harassment,+and+Sexual+Misconduct+Policy) or the Student Disability Grievance Policy and Procedures (https://www.liberty.edu/disability-support/wp- content/uploads/sites/106/2022/01/Disability-Grievance-Procedures.pdf).

Course Attendance

In an effort to comply with U.S. Department of Education policies, attendance is measured by physical class attendance or any submission of a required assignment within the enrollment dates of the course (such as examinations, written papers or projects, any discussion posts, etc.) or initiating any communication with one’s professor regarding an academic subject. More information regarding the attendance policy (https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/? url=https%3A%2F%2Fwiki.os.liberty.edu%2Fdisplay%2FIE%2FOnline%2BAttendance%2Band%2BNon- Attendance&data=02%7C01%7Caccollins2%40liberty.edu%7Cd91431fa6ac547056b5408d833029e1a%7Cbaf8218eb3024465a99 34a39c97251b2%7C0%7C0%7C637315433613719138&sdata=%2BNBTsPOoXuHAPLflSQRugK7cRSuV6UyC7qD3agf3l2k%3D&res erved=0) can be found in the Academic Course Catalogs (https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/? url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.liberty.edu%2Findex.cfm%3FPID%3D791&data=02%7C01%7Caccollins2%40liberty.edu%7Cd91431fa6 ac547056b5408d833029e1a%7Cbaf8218eb3024465a9934a39c97251b2%7C0%7C0%7C637315433613729132&sdata=DjjhMiRB nF%2B2ZJUC8eBd1OdNb26S9ADukODYsilXlA%3D&reserved=0). Regular attendance in online courses is expected throughout the length of the term. Students who do not attend within the first week of a sub-term by submitting a required academic assignment (such as the Course Requirements Checklist, an examination, written paper or project, discussion post, or other academic

activity) will be dropped from the course. Students who wish to re-engage in the course are encouraged to contact Academic Advising to discuss their enrollment options. Students who begin an online course, but at some point in the semester cease attending, and do not provide official notification to withdraw, will be assigned a grade of “FN” (Failure for Non-Attendance (https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/? url=https%3A%2F%2Fwiki.os.liberty.edu%2Fdisplay%2FIE%2FUnofficial%2BWithdrawals&data=02%7C01%7Caccollins2%40liberty .edu%7Cd91431fa6ac547056b5408d833029e1a%7Cbaf8218eb3024465a9934a39c97251b2%7C0%7C0%7C63731543361372913 2&sdata=MoMvZdPfza69InuhVHMHAVgu59ZP0Fw45xJTu9PIBrU%3D&reserved=0)). Students wishing to withdraw from courses after the official start date should familiarize themselves with the withdrawal policy.

Grading Scale

ABCDF

900-1010 800-899 700-799 600-699 0-599

For courses with a Pass/NP final grade, please refer to the Course Grading section of this syllabus for the assignment requirements and/or point value required to earn a Passing final grade.

Add/Drop Policy

The full policy statement and procedures are published in the Policy Directory

(https://wiki.os.liberty.edu/display/IE/Dropping+and+Adding+Online+Classes). Honor Code

Liberty University comprises a network of students, Alumni, faculty, staff and supporters that together form a Christian community based upon the truth of the Bible. This truth defines our foundational principles, from our Doctrinal Statement to the Code of Honor. These principles irrevocably align Liberty University’s operational procedures with the long tradition of university culture, which remains distinctively Christian, designed to preserve and advance truth. Our desire is to create a safe, comfortable environment within our community of learning, and we extend our academic and spiritual resources to all of our students with the goal of fostering academic maturity, spiritual growth and character development.

Communities are predicated on shared values and goals. The Code of Honor, an expression of the values from which our Doctrinal Statement was born, defines the fundamental principles by which our community exists. At the core of this code lie two essential concepts: a belief in the significance of all individuals, and a reliance on the existence of objective truth.

While we acknowledge that some may disagree with various elements of the Code of Honor, we maintain the expectation that our students will commit to respect and uphold the Code while enrolled at Liberty University.

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Adherence to the principles and concepts established within facilitates the success of our students and strengthens the Liberty community.

The Code of Honor can be viewed in its entirety at https://www.liberty.edu/students/community-life/graduate-and-online- students/ (https://www.liberty.edu/students/community-life/graduate-and-online-students/).

 Schedule

   When Topic Notes

     Course Overview Student Acknowledgements Course Requirements Checklist

 Module 1: Week 1

Learn

Read: 2 items Watch: 2 items

  Apply Discussion: Morality and Law

 Module 2: Week 2

Learn

Read: 2 items Watch: 3 items Explore: 1 item

 Apply Quiz: Christian Ethics and Ethical Decisions

 Module 3: Week 3

Learn

Read: 2 items Watch: 3 items Explore: 5 items

 Apply Discussion: Future Reproductive Technologies

 Module 4: Week 4

Learn

Read: 2 items Watch: 1 item Explore: 4 items

 Apply Quiz: Ethical Issues at the End of Life

 Module 5: Week 5

Learn

Read: 2 items Watch: 3 items Explore: 4 items

 Apply Topic and Bibliography Assignment

 Module 6: Week 6

Learn

Apply Quiz: Personal Relationships

Read: 1 item Watch: 2 items Explore: 1 item

  Module 7: Week 7

Learn

Apply Ethical Issue Research Paper Assignment

Read: 2 items Watch: 4 items Explore: 2 items

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    When Topic Notes

 Module 8: Week 8

Learn

Read: 1 item Watch: 1 item

  Apply Quiz: Race, Gender, and Diversity

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