Syllabus
HNRS 150: World at Risk
Office Hours: MW
1:30 - 3:30 pm; TTH: 10:45 am - Noon; other times by appointment
Office Hours: T-Th, 7:00-7:30 AM; T, 10:30-12:30; Th; 10:30-noon; other times by appointment
We face a world that is, at the same time, more complex, less stable, and more problematic than ever before. If we are to survive in such a setting, we need to have an intelligent understanding of the social, cultural, moral, and other forces at work in our world. This course is designed to promote such an understanding by examining, in detail, some of the most pressing and significant moral and social problems of our times. By exploring the linkages between sociocultural structures and moral systems, we hope to better understand the ways in which accepted cultural beliefs and social practices can create not only a host of situations that may be hostile to the human condition, but the means to identify and perhaps rectify those situations, as well.
This course will begin with a consideration of fundamental concepts in both sociology and ethics. In sociology, we shall consider an overview of some basic sociological principles; alternative models of human beings and society (functionalist, conflict, and symbolic interactionist interpretations); culture as “blueprint for reality;” social structure as the rendering of that blueprint; cultural and social variability; identifying and defining social problems—who says there’s a problem?; formulating and carrying out public policy. In philosophy, we shall consider (1) an overview of basic approaches to moral decision-making (utilitarianism, deontological theories such as Kant’s, rights-based theories, and character-based theories such as Aristotle’s); moral relativism and the possibility of cross-cultural judgment; and the place of diversity (in terms of both ethnicity and gender) in ethical reasoning.
Once the fundamental concepts have been laid out, we shall look at a number of contemporary moral and social problems from both a sociological perspective and a moral point of view. The problems that will be considered are: world hunger and population; environment and animal welfare; race and ethnicity; sex and gender; and end of life decisions..
Class attendance and participation. Students are expected to complete the assignments prior to each class, to attend all classes, and to participate in classroom discussions, panels, and exercises.
Movies. In addition to the class readings, you are required to view several movies prior to the class period during which they will be discussed. We urge you to form groups to do this when you schedule permits. In class, we will discuss the movie and view selected scenes as part of that discussion.
Panels. Students are required to do one panel presentation during the semester. Further details will be provided in class.
Papers. A term paper is required in this course, and this paper must be presented in class as well. In preparing the papers, please observe the following guidelines:
Final grades will depend on:
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10% |
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35% |
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5% |
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20% |
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30% |