Registry

Module Specifications

Archived Version 2020 - 2021

Module Title
Module Code
School
Online Module Resources
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	10
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

Intimate acquaintance with some of the major primary ethics texts leads to a better understanding of and more confidence in dealing with ethical issues in general. The purpose of this module is to introduce students to a selection of classic texts in the field of ethics thereby providing a more in-depth examination of the texts that are at the source of the major ethical theories covered in Eth5A (Introduction to Ethics). Students are invited to study and discuss excerpts of original texts crucial for the development of the main ethical theories. In this way, they broaden their understanding of contemporary ethics and its historical development. In addition, students enhance their skills in critical reading and assessing ethical theories. Attendance, active contribution to classes and engagement in discussions are expected. Finally, students are encouraged to examine one particular issue in depth in a paper.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate an intimate acquaintance and a critical understanding of a selection of classic texts in the field of ethics.
2. Display a critical awareness of the historical development of a selection of major ethical theories.
3. Apply skills in critical reading and assessing ethical theories.
4. Give evidence of profound background knowledge of one of the readings and provide an in-depth analysis of one particular issue that arises against this background by completion of a paper.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	2	No Description
Assignment Completion	7	No Description
Class Presentation	10	Preparation
Independent Study	10	Reading and assignments
Independent Study	2.1	No Description
Online activity	5	No Description
Total Workload: 36.1

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Plato
Protagoras (c. 390 BC)

Aristotle
Nicomachean Ethics (c. 350 BC)

John Locke
Second Treatise of Government (1690)

Immanuel Kant
Groundwork of the Metaphysic of Morals (1785)

Jeremy Bentham
An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation (1789)

John Stuart Mill
Utilitarianism (1861)

John Rawls
A Theory of Justice (1971)

Robert Nozick
Anarchy, State, and Utopia (1974)

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	%	Examination Weight	%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown

Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
Unavailable

Indicative Reading List

Michael J. Sandel: 2007, Justice, Oxford University Press, New York, 978-0-19-533511-8

Other Resources

None

Programme or List of Programmes

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