assignments

  • #0 1st Writing and Dropbox practice(0%)
    informal
    optional

    This ungraded writing assignment gives you a chance to practice submitting a document anonymously and in accordance with the course formatting instructions. You will receive up to 15 points for correctly submitting your file.
  • 1 - Points(35-65%)
    formal
    required

    We'll use this assignment category for a variety of small exercises from quizes to group writing exercises, to short paragraph responses.
  • 1. Points - SW2(0%)
    formal
    required

    Use this dropbox to turn in your SW2 writing on political difference.
  • 1. Points - SW3(0%)
    formal
    required

  • 2 - Position Paper #1: What We Owe Strangers(15-25%)
    formal
    required

    This paper invites students to articulate a position on justice and beneficence in relation to strangers.
    Dropbox
  • 3 - Position Paper #2: FW, MR and Punishment(20-30%)
    formal
    required

    This paper comes at the end of the course. We may use rough draft peer review, instead of peer review and scoring.
    Dropbox
  • Book or Movie Group(5-10%)
    informal
    optional

    You may read a book or view an ethically themed movie on your own or with other students on a topic related to ethics and journal about it, usually 2-3 pages. The percentage weight is 5% for one movie and 10% if you have more than one movie. You are, of course, welcome to watch movies with others in the class! No need for anonymity on this assignment.
    Dropbox
  • Class Presentation or Co-teaching(5%)
    informal
    optional

    You may offer a class presentation on a relevant topic of your choice, or you may join me in presenting scheduled material from a class of your choice. In either case, you should meet with me prior to the presentation.
  • Critical Analysis Paper(15-25%)
    formal
    optional

    This paper invites an analysis (thesis driven and argued) of a theoretical or applied problem in ethics. It should be 4-6 pages. Further instructions about the topic will be given in class. Submit with pseudonyms.
    Dropbox
  • Journals(5-10%)
    informal
    optional

    Journal entries allow informal reflection on topics related to course material. Each entry should be 600-800 words. Journals must be completed by about Thanksgiving. (3 entries for 5% or 6 for 10%)/ No need for anonymity on this assignment. Important: Turn journals by email (just add to the body of the email) one at a time and wait for my reply. This allows more of an exchange.
  • Short Research Paper(5-15%)
    formal
    optional

    This short research assignment allows you to look into a course question or topic of interest to you. The length and weight are determined by your question. Typically, this paper is 3-5 pages and can be informative or argued. No need for anonymity on this assignment.