Introduction to Ethics Course Syllabus

   សាកលវិទ្យាល័យបញ្ញាសាស្ត្រកម្ពុជា

​​​​​​​​​​​              Paññāsāstra University of Cambodia

Faculty of Arts, Letters, and Humanities

COURSE SYLLABUS

     1.    Course Title : Introduction to Ethics and Good Governance (PHIL212) 
     2.    Credit : 3 credits 
     3.    Instructor's Name : Ven. But Buntenh 
    4.    Mobile Number : 016666042/0978917600/010277785 
    5.    E-mail address : butbuntenh@puc.edu.kh 
    
    6. Course Description: The course aims at introducing students to understand the theoretical and practical knowledge of ethical and moral philosophy both classical and contemporary theories of ethical philosophy. Students are expected to study the varieties of ethical theories from both Eastern and Western ethical philosophy. This course will also engage the students to explore more knowledge of being in relationship between ethics and religions.

 

         7. Course Objectives : At the end of the course, students will be able to

·      Understand the basic concept of ethical philosophy and be able to differentiate between ethics and morality.

·         Reflect on some of today’s most interesting moral questions

·    Explain theoretical and practical knowledge and understanding of various theories, principles, concepts, further developing analytical skills as in applying moral reasoning to their own life.

·        Learn how to assess arguments in ethical debates

·  Understand and acquire ethical insights from both Eastern and Western ethical philosophy and able to apply them to practice for both in life and society.

        8.   Course Outline:

Sessions	Chapters to be covered for the entire term	Hours	Methods
1	Introductory session	1:30	Discussion
2-3	Character and conduct	3:00	Lecture & discussion
4-5	Theories of right action	3:00	Lecture & Q&A
6-7	Theories of Virtue	3:00	Lecture & discussion
8-9	Multicultural ethics	3:00	Lecture & discussion
10-11	Religious ethics	3:00	Lecture & discussion
12-13	Feminism	3:00	Lecture & discussion
14-15	Race and ethnic identity	3:00	Lecture & discussion
16	Mid-term Exam	1:30
17-18	Moral standing	3:00	Lecture & discussion
19	Animals	1:30	Lecture & discussion
20-21	Submit assignment and presentation	3:00	Group presentation
22-23	Environment	3:00	Lecture & discussion
24-25	Sexual morality	3:00	Lecture & discussion
26-27	Caring relationship	3:00	Lecture & discussion
28-29	Parents and children	3:00	Lecture & discussion
30-31	Friendship	3:00	Lecture & discussion
	Final Exam	1:30

  9.    Teaching Methods:

·         Lecturing

·          Interpreting texts

·         Debating

·         Reading textbook and other recommended study material

·         Group discussing

·         Class presenting 

  10.    Assessment Methods:  

• Class Participation (presentation and in class exercises) and attendance: 20% 
•  Mid-term Exam: 20%   
•  Assignment: 20   
•  Final Examination/Field Trip Study and Its Comprehensive Report:  40% 

Important Notices: There is a choice for students to choose either they opt for writing final exam or opt for field trip study both are applicable but need to choose only one. Writing final exam, students are asked to write four questions and each question will score ten marks with two and half pages length of each question. Those who opt for field trip study they are asked to conduct group research and final with their group report. The scores will depend on the amount of works and their quality in writing the report but 40% marks are reserved. 

   11.    Class Policies:

 Cheating: Attempted by students to communicate during the quizzes and examinations and to copy answers from prepared materials is considered as cheating. Students who cheat will be graded as having failed in the quiz or examination.

Tardiness: Tardiness disrupts the learning process. It is disrespectful to come to class late repeatedly. Your prompt attendance of all classes is also importance for you to take notes of the lectures.

 Absenteeism: It is a serious matter in this course. Students are expected to promptly and responsibly attend the classes. Unexcused absences will affect the students’ grades, only a reasonable number of excused absences are allowed. In case students are absent for one session, they need to verbally inform the professor but if it has absences for three sessions, they need to write an application form and submit to the professor one day in advance.

As stated in the Information Booklet for Faculty and Staff (APO), any student who misses 7.5 class hours without permission will have 15% deducted from his or her score. Any student who misses 15 hours without permission will have 30% deducted from his or her score.  Any student who misses more than 15 hours without permission will be automatically withdrawn from the class.

    12.    Additional class rules:

• ·        Mobile phone is requested to either switch off or put on silent mode

• ·         Students are not allowed to pick the phone up while the class is in session

• ·         Students who come 15 minutes late are considered as absent in the running session

• ·    Talking in the class:  Talking in the class, while class in session, is disrespectful and annoying. Students are advised to refrain from talking to each other while class is in session. 
  
  13.    Textbook /References:  
  Dalai, L. (2011). Beyond Religion: Ethics for a Whole World. New York:  Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Campany.
  Sam, S-A., et al. (2009).  Introduction to Ethics.  Phnom Penh:  PUC University press.
  Washington Sullivan, W.R. (2007). Morality as Religion. London:  Swan Sonnenschein & Co., LiM.
  
  
  Additional Information:  The course meets two days a week on Tuesday and Thursday, it is a session per day (three hours per week), and it runs for four months term. The term starts from Tuesday, December 4, 2012 to Tuesday, April 9, 2013. Mid-term exam will be conducted by AEO on Tuesday, February 5, 2013. Two weeks after Mid-term exam students are asked to submit their assignment (Tuesday, February 26, 2013) and presentation two days after the submission of their assignment (Thursday, February 28, 2013. Instructor reserves full rights to change if it needs.