Required Textbook.   

Boss, Judith A.  Ethics for Life:  A Textbook with Readings.  Third Edition.   New York:  The McGraw-Hill Companies.  2004  (ISBN: 0-07-283133-2)

Course Content.  The course is divided into ten (10) weekly units.  Each unit contains assignments related to a specific course topic.  Unit topics are as follows:

Class Format and Activities.  This course is offered online utilizing e-mail, web page, web board, and other Internet technologies and resources. Students are required to have access to a computer that is connected to the Internet prior to registration. Students are also expected to be familiar with basic Internet technologies including sending and receiving e-mail and attachments, web board postings, navigating the World Wide Web, performing informational searches on the Internet, and transmitting and downloading files. Regular weekly e-mail communication with the Instructor and the submission/completion of all required assignments is important to the successful completion of the course. Collaborative electronic communication and live, real-time chat sessions between classmates concerning course content is encouraged.

Specific weekly course assignments (described in the course schedule), are to be completed by each student.  Weekly course assignments typically include (1) a reading assignment, and (2) participation in a web board discussion.  In addition, students are required to prepare and submit two reflection papers, one group project assigned and approved by the Instructor, and take one comprehensive final examination. Students may also be required to submit additional written assignments and/or quizzes from time to time as determined by the Instructor.  Reading and writing assignments are due by the dates stated in the course schedule.

Expectations. Religion, Philosophy and Social Ethics is an upper division, reading-intensive and writing-intensive course taught during an accelerated academic session.  Consequently, the course necessitates an extensive amount of independent reading, research, writing, discussion and critical reflection on behalf of each student in order to satisfactorily complete course requirements.  It is expected that students will devote an adequate amount of time to the course each week to enable full participation in scheduled course activities. 

Each student is expected to complete reading and research assignments in a thorough and timely fashion, to be tolerant and respectful of the views, beliefs and values of others, and to participate actively in course discussions and other learning activities.  These expectations are of particular importance in this online course as the principle method of exploration, examination and analysis of the concepts and issues presented in the course is collaborative and cooperative student interaction. 

Since this course involves an examination of issues and relationships that are relevant to contemporary events and circumstances, it is further expected that students will engage in personal reflection as well as academic study as part of their commitment to achieving course objectives.   That is, students will be asked to reflect upon the implications and meaning of issues with regard to their impact upon our experience and understanding of every day life.

Pedogogic Approach.  The learning strategies employed by the course emphasize student-instructor and student-student interactions and communication.  While each student is expected to demonstrate sound independent study and time management skills, the ability to work cooperative and collaboratively with other students to exchange ideas and achieve learning objectives is requisite to the successful completion of the course.  Specifically, the learning experience of each student  is enhanced through active participation in weekly web board discussions and the completion of a major group learning project.  In a learning environment of this kind, the instructor's role is centered upon the facilitation and individual and group learning activities, and students assume primary responsibility for identifying and acquiring needed knowledge and information.

WebCT Course Homepage.  Course materials, access to the web board, chat rooms, e-mail and links to Internet-based informational resources are available through the WebCT course homepage.  Course documents,  including the Syllabus, Schedule, Study Guide and Group Project Requirements, are available through the WebCT course homepage.  In addition, the web page offers links to various Internet resources and resource sites that may be of assistance in conducting independent research about Religion, Philosophy and Social Ethics.  

Course Week.  The course is comprised of ten weeks of study.  Each course week begins on a Sunday and ends at midnight on the following Saturday.  Various assigned learning activities may begin and end throughout each course week as stated on the course schedule.

Course Assignments.  Assignments are contained in Weekly units and there is one unit for each course week.  Weekly units are posted for student access in the "Assignments" section on the WebCT homepage on the Sunday of each course week.  Weekly units contain detailed assignments/instructions for a particular course week and serve as the map by which the course procedes throughout the term.

Reading Assignments.  In order for students to participate effectively in Web Board discussions, prepare for examinations, and prepare written assignments, it is expected that each student complete assigned readings during the time period indicated on the course schedule.

Study Guide.  There is one study guide for the course which provides a list of terms/concepts, a list of key individuals and sample essay questions.  Students are responsible for all items contained in the study guide.

Internet Study Resources.  The course web page includes a number of Internet links to resource sites for Science, Religion, Philosophy as well as resource links to study aides and online mentoring opportunities.  The links included on the course web page are by no means exhaustive of the Internet resources available in these areas, but simply serve as points-of-departure for further exploration.   You are encouraged to explore the resource links on the web page, and to provide the instructor with your input regarding which links are useful, which are not, and about additional resources of which you are aware or discover during the course.
 
Web Board Participation.  Web Board-based class discussions are utilized as a means of stimulating and encouraging thoughtful reflection concerning the topics, themes and subject matter covered in the course.  Regular weekly participation in web board discussions is required. In the event that technical difficulties arise disrupt access or utilization of the web board system, the instructor may elect to utilize e-mail to conduct discussions and maintain dialogue.

Reflection Papers.  Students are required to compose and submit two (2) reflection papers on topics provided by the Instructor.  Reflection papers take the place of a Midterm examination and provide students with an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to relate abstract academic material to the issues and circumstances that comprise daily life.  Reflection papers are due on dates appearing in the course Schedule. 

Group Project.  In lieu of a traditional term paper, students will participate in the development and presentation of an assigned group project.  Group projects will explore the relation of Religion and Philosophy to issues and questions related to Social Ethics.  Group projects constitute 30% of the overall course grade.   Please see the "Group Projects" page for further details and requirements.

Examinations.  There will be one comprehensive final examination for the course. The final examination is a closed-book, no notes test and is valued at thirty percent (30%) of the course grade.  The final exam must be taken on the Chaminade campus as scheduled, an approved alternative test site, or under the supervision of a pre-approved proctor.   To arrange for a proctored exam, contact the Accelerated Programs office at 735-4755.

Grading.  Excellence in this course requires not only academic mastery of course content, but also personal reflection upon the relevance of issues regarding religious meaning to the human community.  Minimum satisfactory performance entails the successful completion of the following: (1) weekly discussion group postings in response to questions or topics provided by the Instructor (pass/fail); (2) two reflection papers;  (3) one group project presentation; and (4) one comprehensive Final Examination.  The weight of the various elements comprising the overall course grade is summarized as follows:

Table 1.  Assignment Weight

Table 2.  Conversion:  Points to Letter Grades
 

All grades reflect the standards set forth in Chaminade's 2005-2006 General Catalog. As indicated in the catalog, an "A" signifies outstanding scholarship and unusual intellectual initiative; a "B" signifies superior work; a "C" signifies a competent grasp of the subject matter; a "D" signifies inferior work; and an "F" indicates failure to grasp the minimum subject matter.  Since the final examination comprises 40% of the overall course grade, it is not possible to attain a letter grade higher than a "D" if the final examination is failed or missed.

Incomplete Grades.  Incomplete grades are not issued except in extraordinary circumstances, and in no event unless the majority of course work has already been completed to the satisfaction of the Instructor.  Extraordinary circumstances entail medical emergencies, military deployment and other significant events that are beyond a student's control and impede the student's ability to complete all required course work by the scheduled end of the term. 

Deadlines. Students are expected assume responsibility for knowing, observing and meeting assignment deadlines as described in the course schedule. Late or make-up assignments will not be accepted by the instructor, except under extraordinary documented circumstances, such as military deployment or serious illness.  It is the students' responsibility to provide the instructor with verifiable documentation for any extraordinary circumstances that prevent the submission of assignments on time, and to present a plan to complete missed deadlines and/or assignments missed to the instructor for approval.

Online Chat.  The instructor may opt to implement Online Chat sessions during the term.  If implemented, participation by students in Online Chat sessions is mandatory for the number of sessions specified by the Instructor.

E-Mail Communications.  Students are to sign and provide course identification on all messages, assignments and other communications directed to the instructor. All e-mail communications are to be sent through the WebCT electronic mail system, and the subject line of all e-mail messages should include the course number. 

Technical Assistance.  In the event that technical questions or difficulties arise, students are encouraged to contact the Chaminade Computer Lab for assistance.  The Computer Lab may be reached by telephone at 735-4819.

In-Person Meeting.  There is one required in-person meeting for this course; a final meeting at the conclusion of the term during which a final examination is administered.   The final meeting is held on the Chaminade University of Honolulu campus, or at approved alternative test sites, at hours determined and announced in advance.

Course Schedule.  A schedule of course activities is available via the "Documents" section on the WebCT course homepage.  The schedule provides a detailed, week-by-week overview of course activities throughout the term.  The table below presents a week-by-week summary of topics covered in the course:

Mutual Consideration and Respect.   As subjects examined during this course may touch upon topics, beliefs, and/or issues considered sensitive by some, it is imperative that all students demonstrate courtesy and respect concerning the views, opinions, and beliefs of others.

Epilogue.  Check the Web Page regularly - course documents and Internet resource links are updated periodically to incorporate new information or additional Internet resource sites.  Stay in touch - if you have any questions, need clarification of course requirements or materials, have a new e-mail address, or simply wish to share your thoughts about the material we are covering, please feel free to contact me via e-mail. Use your resources - the Instructor and all of the other students in the class are available to you as your resource in studying, learning and understanding the course material; call upon us when you need assistance.  Participate in a Study Group - if possible, help to organize and/or participate in a study group; students who do so tend to do better on examinations.  Keep up with Web Board postings and readings; the course moves relatively quickly and it can be difficult to catch up once you have fallen behind.  Study hard for the Final Examination - this examination represents forty percent (40%) of the course grade and deserves your attention.  Maintain good records - if there is a dispute about your grade, you may need to produce your records and papers to support your position.  And, by all means - remember to take a deep breath from time to time; remind yourself that surely the universe is unfolding as it should; learn to relax your mind; be aware always that, no matter what it is, it is only temporary; treat yourself with gentleness, kindness and understanding; and, above all, learn to forgive yourself ... again ... and again ... and again ...

Best regards,
Robert Mitchell
 

 © Robert G. Mitchell, 2001-2005.   All rights reserved.
     This page was last updated on 04/07/2005