NMT
Fall 2008
Dr. Maggie Griffin
Dr. Scott Shors


Philosophy 389
Bioethics
Bioethics is team-taught by Dr. Griffin and Dr. Shors
Course Description:

Philosophy 389 will explore how ethics delineates which activities are permissible by our culture in medicine and related areas. Science and ethics are typically balanced relationship in most societies. We will study how ethics has shaped our activities in several broad subject areas:

To gain perspective on the ethical decisions that guide medicine, we will investigate historical context, utilize case studies, and apply various philosophical approaches (such as utilitarianism, virtue ethics, divine command theory, ethical relativism, feminist ethics, and deontology).

Required Texts and Materials:

  • Bioethics (6th edition) by Thomas A. Mappes & David DeGrazia
  • supplemental readings and media clips available online, in class, or on-reserve in the NMT (Skeen) Library

    Course Structure and Policies

  • Team Teaching: The course will be presented by Dr. Shors and Dr. Griffin. However, Dr. Griffin is the teacher of record, and all correspondence regarding grades, attendance, policy, course administration, and other miscellaneous course concerns should be directed to Dr. Griffin.

  • Attendance: Because the course is interactive, you are expected to attend class and be prepared to discuss the assigned material. After your 4th absence, your final grade for the course may be lowered by 5%. Each subsequent absence may result in an additional 3 % deduction from your final grade.

  • Conduct: Navigating ethical issues requires respect for diverse opinions. Students are held to the highest standard of respect for all members of the classroom.
    By the time you reach 300 level courses, you are aware of successful classroom behavior: turn off cells phones during class (no texting); do not listen to an ipod during class, do not use laptops (checking email, playing WoW); arrive on time ready to work / stay throughout the class; do not talk over another student or professor; do not dominate class discussion; do not hold side bar discussions during class; be proactive in the learning process; ask questions / avoid hasty assumptions.

  • Assignments: Unless otherwise stated, assignments are due at the beginning of class on the day that they are due and in the form that they are prescribed (ie: hardcopy, electronic submission). Grades on late assignments will be docked 10% for each class period. In-class work (group activities, quizzes on readings) cannot be made up and will receive a 0. If you cannot attend class on the date an assignment is due, make arrangements to turn it in during scheduled class time. If you are having problems completing an assignment on time, contact me before the due date if you wish to petition for an extension. Because "e coli happens", you have one extension per semester. You are expected to turn in the assignment within one week. Extensions cannot be given for individual or group presentations nor for final projects/ papers.

  • Assignment Format: Unless otherwise stated, all out-of-class papers and assignments must be word-processed. Include your name, course number, and the date. Papers should be given an appropriate and interesting title, which should be centered above the first line of the body text. Use standard 12 pt. font, double or 1.5 , one-inch margins all the way around, and a consistent documentation style (such as MLA, APA, CBE). This is not an English class; nevertheless, writing in any content area should follow standard academic conventions. Your work should be organized, engaging, and relatively free of surface errors. The NMT Writing Center is a valuable resource.

  • Academic Honesty:Plagiarized work will receive a 0 and you may be dropped from the course. In addition, you may not turn in a paper written for another class without prior permission of involved professors (and collaborators). NMT's policy on plagiarism is clearly stated in your Student Handbook.

  • Special Needs: Any student with specials needs should contact the instructor immediately so that arrangements can be made.