Syllabus

Critical Thinking/Ethics

What is a Syllabus?  

• A contract between students and instructors
• Written guidance and orientation to how the course works
• Written documentation of the instructor's policies relative to the course

Course Information

Instructor Information

Course Description

This course develops skills in critical thinking by examining various topics in professional ethics. The course is designed to achieve two broad objectives: First, to enable students to reason more effectively, enhancing their problem-solving abilities; and Second, to provide students with a foundation in ethics, enabling them to think more constructively about ethical issues that arise in the workplace. This course combines these two objectives by using professional ethics as a vehicle for developing critical thinking skills. In accomplishing the course objectives, students will study methods of effective reasoning, reflect critically upon their own values and ethical standards, develop a philosophical understanding of the nature of work, and formulate a professional code of conduct. With this foundation, students will apply their critical thinking skills to various problems that arise in professional ethics, such as affirmative action, sexual harassment, discrimination, and the impact of industry upon the environment.

Prerequisites

ENC 1101
 

Miami Dade College's Learning Outcomes

Through the academic disciplines and co-curricular activities, General Education provides multiple, varied, and intentional learning experiences to facilitate the acquisition of fundamental knowledge and skills and the development of attitudes that foster effective citizenship and life-long learning.

As graduates of Miami Dade College, students will be able to:

1.    Communicate effectively using listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.

2.    Use quantitative analytical skills to evaluate and process numerical data.

3.    Solve problems using critical and creative thinking and scientific reasoning.

4.    Formulate strategies to locate, evaluate, and apply information.

5.    Demonstrate knowledge of diverse cultures, including global and historical perspectives.

6.    Create strategies that can be used to fulfill personal, civic, and social responsibilities.

7.    Demonstrate knowledge of ethical thinking and its application to issues in society.

8.    Use computer and emerging technologies effectively.

9.    Demonstrate an appreciation for aesthetics and creative activities.

10. Describe how natural systems function and recognize the impact of humans on the environment.      

Course Competencies

1.    Competency 1: Students will demonstrate an understanding of the principles of critical thinking by:

a.    Defining key vocabulary terms such as argument, conclusion, premise, deduction, induction, deductive validity, inductive strength, soundness, and fallacy.

b.    Distinguishing between deductive and inductive reasoning.

c.    Identifying basic patterns of valid and invalid deductive reasoning.

d.    Applying various logical techniques to evaluate deductive arguments as valid or invalid.

e.    Identifying basic patterns of strong and weak inductive reasoning.

f.     Applying various logical techniques to evaluate arguments as sound or unsound.

g.   Applying various logical techniques to evaluate inductive arguments as strong or weak.

h.    Identifying examples of logical fallacies.

i.     Applying problem solving and decision making strategies to problems that arise in the workplace.

 

2.    Competency 2:The Student will demonstrate an understanding of ethics by:

a.    Defining key vocabulary terms such as ethical theory, rights, and ethical dilemma.

b.    Comparing and contrasting the terms moral and ethical.

c.    Articulating various traditional theories of ethical conduct (such as utilitarianism).

d.    Systematizing their own values and ethical standards in the form of ethical conduct.

e.    Describing different theoretical frameworks for resolving ethical dilemma.

 

3.    Competency 3:The Student will demonstrate an understanding of the principles of professional ethics by:

a.    Applying insights from the study of ethics and the philosophy of work to develop a professional code of conduct.

b.    Explaining the nature and purpose of work within the framework of different economic philosophies.

c.    Articulating their own views concerning the nature and purpose of work.

d.    Explaining different views on the ethics of work and working relationships in society

 

4.    Competency 4:The Student will apply critical thinking skills to the study of professional ethics by:

a.    Applying insights from the study of ethics and the philosophy of work to develop a professional code of conduct.

b.    Identifying various ethical issues that arise in the workplace, such as age discrimination, affirmative action, sexual harassment, employee privacy, whistle blowing, and the balance of employer and employee rights.

c.    Identifying different positions that one might adopt on these issues.

d.    Applying logical techniques to evaluate the arguments for and against these positions.

Technology Requirements (Hardware/Software)

• Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint are standard for Virtual College courses. Internet Explorer is the recommended browser. You may use AOL or other Internet Service Provider specific browsers to access the internet, then minimize the window and open Internet Explorer to access your courses.

• Due to the necessity of technology in Virtual College Courses, you must have a backup plan for using an alternative computer with Internet access in case of problems with your personal computer. If you live in the South Florida area, you may use the computer labs located on MDC campuses. If you have a major technology problem, please notify your instructor immediately to let him/her know you are trying to resolve it. After contacting your instructor and if you cannot resolve the problem, you need to report this to the Virtual College by contacting the Help Desk at 305.237.3800.
• Please be aware that the Virtual College's Help Desk does not cover problems that you may be experiencing with your computer hardware, installation of software, Internet connection, or other technical problems that may require a technician or intervention from your Internet Service Provider.

Textbook and Course Materials

Course Content

This course is organized as follow:

• Module 1: Moral Reasoning
• Module 2: Good Reasoning
• Module 3: Sexual Morality
• Module 4: Euthanasia & Assisted Suicide
• Module 5: Human Cloning & Stem Cell Research
• Module 6: War, Terrorism, & Civil Liberties
• Module 7: Welfare & Social Justice
• Module 8: Discrimination
• Module 9: Animal Rights & Environmental Ethics

Course Work Requirements

To successfully complete this course, you need to spend at least an average of 4 to 6 hours per week on the course, which includes readings, postings, quizzes, exams, etc. Set up a weekly time schedule that allows you sufficient time to complete the assigned course work by the required due dates. Plan to check-in and complete assignments at least three times a week. You should check in daily.

Don't procrastinate! Turn your work in early or by the scheduled due date at 11:55pm.

Grading Policy

Grading Criteria:

Miami Dade College's Letter Grades:

Miami Dade College Policies

To help students to be successful in Virtual College courses a set of policies have been established.
These policies provide you with the basic information you need to know as a student at Miami Dade College.

Students' Rights & Responsibility Handbook

The purpose of this handbook is to enumerate the essential provisions for how students may participate responsibly in the college community. To learn more about policies addressing services for students with special needs, religious observations, grade appeals, code of conduct, and many other areas please review the Student's Rights and Responsibilities Handbook.

Academic Dishonesty

Academic dishonesty of any form will not be tolerated in this course. You must complete quizzes and exams independently and without access to the course’s online content or your own study notes. Having multiple browser windows open, accessing previous quizzes or course readings, and using your course notes while taking a quiz or exam constitute cheating. All your course activity is recorded by the ANGEL system; activity logs during the times when you are taking quizzes/exams that demonstrate access to other course components constitute evidence of cheating, and will result in a failing grade for the corresponding quiz or exam.

Any academic dishonesty, including plagiarism, may result in a failing grade on an assignment and submission of the case to the Virtual College. You commit plagiarism when you present the work or ideas of someone else as your own. Plagiarism is theft. It is illegal. This is why it is important to cite your sources accurately and correctly, both in the body of a paper and in the list of works cited at the end of the paper. Neglecting to cite sources is an act of plagiarism, and the paper may receive a grade of "F."

Please review the Academic Dishonesty policies in the Student's Rights and Responsibilities Handbook.

Withdrawing From Course

After registering, students may change their schedules during the drop/add period for courses. The dates for this period are listed on the Academic Calendar that may be found as a link on the Miami Dade College homepage.

If for whatever reason you decide to drop this course and you desire a full refund, you must do so before the last day to withdraw with a full refund (see College Academic Calendar for date). All students enrolled in this course after the last day to withdraw will be assigned a grade. If you fail to withdraw officially with the Registrar’s Office and stop attending class, you will find an "F" on your transcript for this course or the instructor may withdraw you for non-activity.

The instructor of a class may withdraw a student who is not active in the class. The instructor checks on students who have become inactive before the instructor withdraw date by asking for a response via email and/or a phone call. If the student does not respond in the amount of time allotted the instructor may drop the student. Once a student is withdrawn, course access will be denied. The following are reasons for being withdrawn from a class:

• Failure to enter the course
• Failure to maintain required participation and complete assignments once in the course

Incomplete Grades

An Incomplete grade is issued when the instructor and the student both enter into a contract which will dictate what and when required coursework must be done. Failure to fulfill the terms of the contract will result in the final grade being changed to an "F".

A grade of incomplete may be given only in extreme circumstances where the student has documented medical problems that would prevent completing the course, a death in the family, or other documented problems. 

NOTE: An Incomplete grade is issued solely at the discretion of the instructor. He/she is not obligated to grant a request for a grade of Incomplete.

For more information on Incomplete Grades please review the Student's Rights and Responsibilities Handbook.

Hurricane & Other Natural Disasters Policies