Concourse | PHIL 343 E121 Sexual Morality (2148)
2014-08-18, 12:08 PM
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND UNIVERSITY COLLEGE • EUROPE • SYLLABUS •
PHIL 343 E121 SEXUAL MORALITY (2148) PHIL-343 3 Credits 08/18/2014 to 10/08/2014
Section E121 Fall 2014 Modified 08/18/2014
CLASS SUMMARY M W 06:00:00 PM 09:00:00 PM
FACULTY CONTACT Sheena Chamberlin
[email protected]
COURSE DESCRIPTION A critical examination of practical moral issues related to sexual conduct. The resources of moral and social philosophy are used as texts. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: HUMN 343 or PHIL 343.
COURSE OUTCOMES Course Outcomes: The student who successfully completes this course will be able to: 1. Recount the main philosophical sources of Western sexual morality; 2. Compare the differing theories on the nature of Sex and Love, 3. Explain the difference/relationship between Sex and Gender; as well the concept of the social construction of gender roles within societies and their consequences; 4. Show familiarity with the most influential ideas relating to Sex, from Moral and Social Philosophy; 5. Reason about choosing reliable guides for judging right and wrong; 6. Relate the Philosophical theories and ideas to contemporary issues and critically discuss contemporary issues of sexual morality.
COURSE MATERIALS Click to access your course materials information
CLASS GUIDELINES STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES Students will be expected to contribute towards the fulfillment of the general course objectives by meeting the following specific demands: * to participate fully and consistently in class; https://umuc.campusconcourse.com/view_syllabus?course_id=7902
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Concourse | PHIL 343 E121 Sexual Morality (2148)
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* to develop a private interest in reading the accompanying literature. Note: The ability to digest and appreciate the contents of the accompanying literature is, in principle, the student's own responsibility; of equal importance is also the effort on the part of a student to use the informational contents of the textbooks to develop sound arguments to present in the general Conference interactions.
GRADING INFORMATION Grades will be determined as follows: (Total 100%) Participation (attendance, assignments and in-class writing assignments) 20% Artifact Project 10% Midterm examination 30% Final examination 40% Categories of Passing Grades: The grading scale is: A = 90-100% B = 80-89% C = 70-79% D = 60-69% F = below 60%
PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS The inherent projects for this class will be tested against the ability of students to submit wellplanned and thoughtful analysis and contributions to 1) Conference activities, and 2) the midterm and final examinations. Students will be expected in all cases to do the following: clarify the question and the main concepts state their arguments and support their premises raise the main (or potential) objections to their positions answer those objections summarize their general theses Wherever possible, students will be expected to draw on other materials not covered in class to amplify their points of view and range of knowledge.
Descriptions: In-Class Writing Assignments: (part of the participation grade) Each class will begin with a brief inclass writing assignment. This assignment allows students the opportunity to reflect on the assigned reading while also practicing their writing skills, in preparation for both essay-style examinations.
Artifact project: (worth 10%) Students will find and analyze a cultural “artifact” related to sexual https://umuc.campusconcourse.com/view_syllabus?course_id=7902
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Concourse | PHIL 343 E121 Sexual Morality (2148)
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morality to share with the class. This may be a clip from a TV show or YouTube, newspaper article, Internet site, brochure, etc. that you find. Students will be responsible for explaining to the class how this “artifact” speaks to the issues and topics we’ve been discussing in class. The aim of this exercise is to promote student understanding of how ethics/morality and the philosophical concepts, theories and ideas relate to contemporary issues and everyday life. The artifact will be presented inclass. There is an accompanying written component- the “artifact entry.” This entry should be at least 750 words in length and should explain the artifact’s relationship to the class. (Presentation: 22 September)
Midterm Examination: (worth 30%) This assessment will be a written exam, made up of short essay responses. This exam will test the students’ knowledge of the concepts; theories and ideas covered in the first half of the class. Students will be expected to be able to apply these concepts/theories to relevant cases and draw on class readings and discussions when answering questions. (In Class: 10 September)
Final Examination: (worth 40%) The final assessment will be a formal essay in which the student develops an area of inquiry that interests them. This essay must be relevant to the course, and draw on course materials, discussions, concepts, theories and ideas. Topics must be approved by the faculty member 2 weeks before the final class. (Due: 13 October).
ACADEMIC POLICIES Academic Policies and Guidelines ACADEMIC INTEGRITY As a member of the University of Maryland University College (UMUC) academic community that honors integrity and respect for others you are expected to maintain a high level of personal integrity in your academic work at all times. Your work should be original and must not be reused in other courses. CLASSROOM CIVILITY Students are expected to work together cooperatively, and treat fellow students and faculty with respect, showing professionalism and courtesy in all interactions. Please review the Code of Civility for more guidance on interacting in UMUC classrooms: http://www.umuc.edu/students/support/stude ntlife/conduct/code.cfm. POLICIES AND PROCEDURES UMUC is committed to ensuring that all individuals are treated equally according to Policy 040.30 Af firmative Action, Equal Opportunity, and Sexual Harassment. Students with disabilities who need accommodations in a course are encouraged to contact the Office of Accessibility Services (OAS) at
[email protected], or call 800-888-UMUC (8682) or 240-684-2287. The following academic policies and procedures apply to this course and your studies at UMUC. 150.25
Academic Dishonesty and Plagiarism – UMUC defines academic dishonesty as
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Concourse | PHIL 343 E121 Sexual Morality (2148)
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the failure to maintain academic integrity. All charges of academic dishonesty will be brought in accordance with this Policy. Note: Your instructor may use Turnitin.com, an educational tool that helps identify and prevent plagiarism from Internet resources, by requiring you to submit assignments electronically. To learn more about the tool and options regarding the storage of your assignment in the Turnitin database go to: http://www.umuc.ed u/library/libresources/turnitin.cfm. The following policies describe the requirements for the award of each degree:
170.40
Degree Completion Requirements for the Graduate School
170.41
Degree Completion Requirements for a Bachelor’s Degree
170.42
Degree Completion Requirements for an Associate’s Degree
170.71
Policy on Grade of Incomplete - The grade of I is exceptional and only considered for students who have completed 60% of their coursework with a grade of B or better for graduate courses or C or better for undergraduate courses and request an I before the end of the term.
170.72
Course Withdrawal Policy - Students must follow drop and withdrawal procedures and deadlines available at http://www.umuc.edu/ under Academic Calendar.
130.80
Procedures for Review of Alleged Arbitrary and Capricious Grading – appeals may be made on final course grades as described herein.
205.06
Calculation Of Grade-Point Average (GPA) for Inclusion on Transcripts and Transc ript Requests – Note: Undergraduate and Graduate Schools have different Grading Policies (i.e. The Graduate School does not award the grade of D). See Course Syllabus for Grading Policies.
COURSE EVALUATION SURVEY UMUC values its students' feedback. You will be asked to complete an online evaluation toward the end of the term. The primary purpose of this evaluation process is to assess the effectiveness of classroom instruction in order to provide the best learning experience possible and make continuous improvements to every class. Responses are kept confidential. Please take full advantage of this opportunity to provide your feedback. LIBRARY SUPPORT Extensive library resources and services are available online, 24 hours a day, seven days a week at http://www.umuc.edu/library/index.cfm to support you in your studies. The UMUC Library provides research assistance in creating search strategies, selecting relevant databases, and evaluating and citing resources in a variety of formats via its Ask a Librarian service at https://www.u muc.edu/library/libask/index.cfm, which includes 24/7 chat and e-mail. LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM SUPPORT https://umuc.campusconcourse.com/view_syllabus?course_id=7902
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To successfully navigate the online classroom new students are encouraged to view the Classroom Walkthrough under Help in the upper right menu of the LEO classroom. Those requiring technical assistance can access Help@UMUC Support directly in LEO under the Help menu. Additional technical support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week via self-help and live chat at http:// www.umuc.edu/help or by phone toll-free at 888-360-UMUC (8682). SYLLABUS CHANGES All items on this syllabus are subject to change at the discretion of the Instructor and the Office of Academic Affairs.
CLASS & ASSIGNMENT SCHEDULE Course Schedule
Week 1. Introduction: Sex, Friendship, and Love.
Aug 18. Session 1 Readings: Review Syllabus and Course Schedule "Symposium" by Plato (translated by Woodruff & Nehamas).
Aug 20. Session 2 Readings: "Symposium" by Plato (translated by Woodruff & Nehamas).
Aug 22. Session 3 Readings: "Nicomachean Ethics" by Aristotle (Stewart, p.259). "The Virtue of (Erotic) Love" by Robert C. Solomon (Stewart, p.241). "Why Lovers Can't Be Friends" by James Conlon (Stewart, p.295).
Week 2. Sex & Sexuality.
Aug 25. Readings: "Duties Towards the Body in Respect of Sexual Impulse", by Immanuel Kant (Stewart, p.140). “In Defense of Promiscuity” by Frederick Elliston (Stewart, 146). "Is Homosexuality Bad Sexuality?" by Michael Ruse (Stewart, p.113).
Week 3. Sex, Culture, and Gender Roles: Women.
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Concourse | PHIL 343 E121 Sexual Morality (2148)
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Sept 3. Session 1 Readings: Penny Belknap, Wilbert M. Leonard II, "A conceptual replication and extension of erving goffman's study of gender advertisements." Sex Roles. Vol 25. 3-5 (1991): 103-118. [Reading will be available online, supplied by Faculty]. In Class Film: The Codes of Gender (running time: 46 mins) Discussion & Ad Activity (see assignment folder) will follow
Sept 5. Session 2 Readings: "Of Chastity and Modesty" by David Hume (Stewart, p.138). "The Woman in Love" by Simone De Beauvoir (Stewart, p.213).
Week 4. Sex, Culture, and Gender Roles: Men.
Sept 8. Session 1 Readings: Eagan Chamberlin, Sheena. "Emasculated by Trauma: A Social History of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Stigma and Masculinity." Journal of American Culture 35, no. 4 (2012): 358– 65. [Reading will be available online, supplied by faculty].
Sept 10. Session 2: **** Midterm Examination****
Week 5. Sex and the Other.
Sept 15. Session 1: Readings: "Feminist Politics and Feminist Ethics: Treating Women as Sex Objects" by Linda LeMoncheck (Stewart, p.29). "Should Feminists Oppose Prostitution" by Laurie Shrage (Stewart, p.71). Artifact Workshop
Sept 17. Session 2 Readings: "On the Nature of Rape" by John H. Bogart (Stewart, p.168). Schaller, Barry R. “Running the Gauntlet:MST and Sexual Violence Against Women Warriors” in Veterans on Trial: the coming court battle over PTSD. (1985: 166-183). [Reading Available Online].
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Concourse | PHIL 343 E121 Sexual Morality (2148)
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Week 6. Sex, Morality & Contemporary Culture.
Sept 22. Session 1: Artifact Presentations Students will present artifact project to the class
Sept 24. Session 2: Artifact Presentations Students will present artifact project to the class
Week 7. Sex, Sexuality and Stigma.
Sept 29. Session 1 Readings: Brandt, Allan M. "Introduction: Sex, Disease and Medicine." In: No Magic Bullet: A Social History of Venereal Disease in the United States since 1880. New York: Oxford UP, 1985. Pp. 3-6. [Reading is available on WebTycho]. Brandt, Allan M. ""Damaged Goods": Progressive Medicine and Social Hygiene." In: No Magic Bullet: A Social History of Venereal Disease in the United States since 1880. New York: Oxford UP, 1985. Pp. 7-51.[Reading is available on WebTycho].
Oct 6. Session 2 Readings: Brandt, Allan M. ""Plagues and Peoples": The AIDS Epidemic." In: No Magic Bullet: A Social History of Venereal Disease in the United States since 1880. New York: Oxford UP, 1985. Pp. 183-205.[Reading is available on WebTycho]. In-class film: How to Survive a Plague (Running Time 110mins).
Week 8. Review & Final Examination.
Oct 8. Session 1: Review of key concepts, theories and ideas for final examination
***Final Examination****
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