Ethical Theory and Practice

Subject 161-507 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Graduate/Postgraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: The group will meet on Saturdays, with five all-day seminars being held through the semester.
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: Admission to the Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Ethics or or MA in Professional and Applied Ethics or permission from the subject coordinator.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Mr Andrew Alexandra
Subject Overview: This subject involves the philosophical study of issues in professional and applied ethics. It introduces students to a range of concepts and theories relevant to that study, including the nature of moral reasoning and philosophical argumentation. Drawing on these, students will investigate specific topics which may include: authority and autonomy; the relationship between personal and role morality; coercion and regulation; conflicts of interest; the role of trust; paternalism; the nature and limits of confidentiality; whistle-blowing and issues of discrimination in gender, race and sexual preference. On completion of the subject students should have developed a substantial understanding of the topic and of the relevant literature, and increased their appreciation of the value of careful, skilled and principled argument in dealing with such issues.
Assessment: Written work totalling 5000 words comprising an assignment of 1500 words 30% (due mid-semster) and a 3500 word essay 70% (due at the end of semester).
Prescribed Texts: None
Recommended Texts: A book of readings will be provided before the beginning of the course.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • have displayed the ability to engage critically with academic theorising;
  • have developed skills in research and analysis that will enable them to undertake further independent research work of greater length and originality;
  • have displayed the capacity for independent study.
Related Course(s): Master of Arts (Science, Communication and Society)
Master of Arts in Professional and Applied Ethics
Master of Public Health
Master of Social Health (Health Ethics)
Master of Social Health (Interdisciplinary)
Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Ethics
Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Ethics

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