Course Requirements

1.  Attendance at all classes is expected.  Numerous absences will definitely affect your ability to satisfactorily meet the goals of this course.

2. The use of electronic devices, including cell phones and computers, in not permitted during class. Please leave the classroom if you need to use your phone or computer.

3.  Reading the articles and cases assigned for each class is essential.  The assigned readings form the basis for your understanding and participation in class discussions as well as for writing papers and preparing for exams.  You must bring the assigned text to class every day. 

 4. Participation in class discussions is strongly encouraged.  Active engagement with others in the consideration of ethical issues is central to the development of critical analysis skills and a well-supported personal position.

5.  You will write three papers during the semester.  The first is a paper applying material we have covered in class to a case in the delivery of health care.  The second paper includes interviews and your own view on assisted suicide.  Each of these papers is worth 15 points. The third paper is a report on an article you will choose to present at the end of the course with a small group.  The presentation paper will be worth 10 points..  The papers are due on Tuesday September 18, Tuesday October 23, and on the day of your group's presentation.  Late papers will be marked down one point for each day late.

Paper assignments and other handouts will be available through links on my website.  You are responsible for accessing these to use in preparing your papers.

6. You will present one of the articles in the text that we have not covered in class with a small group.  You will be given time in class to prepare for this presentation.

7. There will be three exams during the semester. The first exam is on Thursday September 27.  The second exam is on Thursday October 25.  The final exam is on Tuesday December 11 at 3 PM for the 3:30 PM class and Thursday December 13 at 3 PM for the 2 PM class.

8. Each exam is worth 20 points.  Make-up exams will not be available, except in extraordinary circumstances. The exams for this course include definitions, concepts, and arguments argument based on the assigned readings, handouts, and class discussions.  Final grades will include “plus” modifiers when appropriate.

9. The final grade will be based on the addition of the points earned on the exams and papers. A = 90+ points, B = 80+ points, and C = 70+ points.

Text: Contemporary Issues in Bioethics, Beauchamp and Walters, SIXTH EDITION

Required Readings and Discussion Topics