Practical Ethics
Department of Classics, Philosophy, and Religion
Ethical questions arise in every area of human activity and in every academic major and field. Understanding and using ethical theory and concepts to inform practical issues (and vice versa) is valuable for professional and personal development in a complex and diverse world.
The Practical Ethics minor is designed to give students an understanding of the fundamental theories, concepts, and methodologies of ethics; to provide practice in identifying and analyzing contemporary moral issues; and to help students better comprehend how theory and practice inform one another. Students can study a number of ethical issues across many areas including the environment, medicine, law, business, technologies, and everyday life. Topics include reproductive technologies, euthanasia, the treatment of animals, informed consent, hate speech, pornography, the relation between ethics and law, the value of species and ecosystems, and sustainability.
Students who do research or internships in ethics for course credit in any major or field of study can apply for this credit to be used also toward the Practical Ethics minor. Examples might include courses not on the pre-approved list, URES, independent study, a senior thesis, or an internship.
Students are encouraged to seek service learning and guided research opportunities, both for credit or non-credit. The Practical Ethics minor will be of particular value to students going on to graduate and professional studies in law, business, medicine, and the environment, and to those pursuing careers in government or other forms of service in the community.
Minor Requirements
Eighteen (18) credit hours to include a minimum of three courses from the philosophical ethics offerings (Group I), and three additional courses from the remainder of Group I and/or from Group II. At least three of the total courses must be at the 300-400 level.
Students who do research or other work for credit in ethics in any major or field of study – e.g., through URES, independent study, or internship – may use those credits for the minor with approval by the coordinator of the Practical Ethics Minor. Students are encouraged to contact the Center for Community Engagement for potential service learning opportunities.
Group I
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 3 courses: | 9 | |
| Introduction to Ethics | ||
| Practical Ethics | ||
| Medical Ethics | ||
| Environmental Ethics | ||
| Ethical Theory | ||
| Seminar: Ethics, Environment, & Sustainability | ||
| Total Credits | 9 | |
Group II
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 3 additional courses taken either from Group I above or from Group II below. | 9-10 | |
| Race in Global Perspective | ||
| Anthropology of Gender | ||
| Environment and Development Narratives: The Modern Myths of Nature and Progress | ||
| Conservation Biology | ||
| Business Ethics | ||
| Computer Ethics | ||
| Scientific Inquiry and Instructional Technology | ||
| The Professional Teacher and Critical Issues in Education | ||
| Global Environmental Problems | ||
| Pollution Prevention Planning | ||
| Environmental Regulations | ||
| Icehouse-Greenhouse Earth | ||
| Race and Place in America | ||
| Migration Politics in a Globalizing World | ||
| The Nature of Cities | ||
| Geopolitics | ||
| Development Studies | ||
| Introduction to Conservation | ||
| US Environmental History | ||
| Individual and Community | ||
| Social and Political Philosophy | ||
| Introduction to Feminism | ||
| Philosophy of Law I | ||
| Philosophy of Law II | ||
| Special Studies in Religion | ||
| Ethics of Religion and Violence | ||
| Gender and Society | ||
| Medical Sociology | ||
| Global Perspectives on Health and Illness | ||
| Environmental Sociology | ||
| Global Inequality and Development | ||
| Introduction to Women's Studies | ||
| Perspectives in Sexuality | ||
| Total Credits | 9-10 | |
Classics, Philosophy, and Religion Department
Joseph M. Romero, Chair
Liane R. Houghtalin, Career Advisor (Classics)
Jason P. Matzke, Career and Pre-Law Advisor (Philosophy)
Mary Beth Mathews, Career Advisor (Religion)
Faculty
(The person’s subject field is indicated in parentheses.)
Professors
Liane R. Houghtalin (Classics)
Mary Beth Mathews (Religion)
Jason P. Matzke (Philosophy)
Angela L. Pitts (Classics)
Joseph M. Romero (Classics)
Associate Professor
Jennifer A. Barry (Religion)
Assistant Professor
Kalpesh Bhatt (Religion)
Senior Lecturer
Michael J. Reno (Philosophy)