Ethical Theory and Practice

Subject 161-507 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

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: Total Time Commitment: 2 contact hours/week, 8 additional hours/week. Total of 10 hours per week.
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

Contact

Andrew Alexandra

a.alexandra@unimelb.edu.au
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.
Objectives: Students who sucessfully complete this subject will
  • be able to identify a range of ethical dilemmas in professional and applied ethics;
  • appreciate the ethical issues raised by these dilemmas;
  • demonstrate an understanding of some of the key literature on ethical issues in the area of applied and professional ehtics;
  • be able to contribute in an informed and reasoned way to ethical debate in these areas.
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: A book of readings will be provided before the beginning of the course.
Recommended Texts: Koehn. D, The Grounds of Professional Ethics, London: Routledge (1994); Chadwick. R. (ed.), Ethics and the Professions, Avebury (1994) Shaw W. and Barry V., Moral Issues in Business (8th ed.) Wadsworth (2001); Martin M. W,. Meaningful Work: Rethinking Professional Ethics, New York: OUP (2000); Coady M. and Bloch S.,Codes of Ethics and the Professions, Melbourne: MUP (1996); Rest J.R. and Narvaez D,. Moral development in the Professions: Psychology and Applied Ethics, Erlbaum (1994); May L., The Socially Responsive Self: Social Theory and Professional Ethics, University of Chicago Press (1996); Wueste D.E., Professional Ethics and Social Responsibility. Rowman and Littlefield (1994); Kultgen J. H. Ethics and Professionalism, University of Philadelphia Press (1998); Pellegrino E.D. et al. (eds) Ethics, Trust and the Professions, Georgetown University Presss (1991); Cocking D & Oakley J, Virtue Ethics and Professional Roles. Cambridge Uniuversity Press (2001).
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 Social Health (Health Ethics)
Master of Social Health (Interdisciplinary)
Master of Youth Health and Education Management
Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Ethics
Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Ethics

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