AS Ethics

Introduction and Course Content

Expectations

• To get involved and be an active part of class discussion: non-participation or a passive attitude won’t work in a subject like Philosophy and Ethics.

• You will be expected to devote 4-6 hours a week minimum in independent study, without this you will not achieve your targeted grade. This subject is very academic and requires commitment.

• You will have a notes book which must be kept up to date – no doing class notes on scrappy paper then losing it! This will be teacher checked and catch up sessions will be done if you are missing notes.

• All homework must be done on time – lessons often rely on the learning you will have done as homework. Not doing homework is unacceptable as it holds up progress. No homework = C6.

• A very good level of attendance is required in order to complete the course on time. If you do not attend lessons you are responsible for borrowing notes to catch up.

Assessment

Formal:• A 1.5 hour examination for

each unit. • You will be given a selection of 4

two part questions and will be expected to select 2 questions to answer in an essay format.

• Your 2 part questions will be spilt into 2 parts.

• The two parts (a and b) are based on the two learning objectives that the examiners will be looking for. Section A = AO1 and Section B = AO2. You will need to do plenty of practice questions in your own time to be prepared.

In lessons:• You will have an assessment book.

This is where all essays will be done and feedback given.

• After each essay you will be expected to act on the feedback given in order to improve.

• You will have a progress tracking sheet in the front of your assessment book.

Assessment Objectives

AO1 part a

• Select and demonstrate relevant knowledge and understanding via:

- Selection of material relevant to the question.

- Good detail and explanation.

• Give good examples and evidence (quotes) to back up all answers and explanation.

• Analysis - text/quotes.

• Application (apply ideas to ethical scenarios or other life situations).

• Use and show good understanding of technical terms and correct language.

• Write coherently showing order and structure.

AO2 part b

• Analysis - text/perspectives.

• Evaluation – of various perspectives (strengths and weaknesses).

• Application (apply ideas to ethical scenarios or other life situations).

• Critically evaluate and justify a point of view through use of evidence and reasoned argument.

• Write coherently showing order and structure.

Course ContentYou will be expected to be able to describe and explain all theories in excellent detail. You must be able to justify and support the different theories – with supporting evidence.

Ethical Theories:- Absolutism and Relativism- Objectivism and Subjectivism- Deontological and Teleological- Natural Law- Kantian Ethics- Utilitarianism- Situation Ethics

Applied Ethics

You will be expected to apply all the Ethical Theories studied to:

- Abortion - Right to a Child- Euthanasia- Genetic Engineering- War and Peace

Edmodo Support Group

6q6nd7

Padlet task:

‘Euthanasia should be legalised for anyone that wants it’

Ethical Issues in the Media - Project

Independent study task:

• Your task is to create a resource to show you have awareness of current relevant media coverage of the ethical issues that we will study.

• This task will be on going throughout the academic year.

• You will be expected to read and watch the news and documentaries that are relevant to the issues that we study

Format:

The format of your work is up to you.

Content for each media story:

• Who is involved?• When did the events

occur?• Where did this even

unfold?• What happened?• Why is the issue a moral

dilemma/concern?

• Your personal evaluation.

In Threes . . .

A:How will I present my work?B: Where can I look for media resources?C:How will this improve my chance of getting a good grade in Ethics?

So to get you started . . .

Task:

One each group of tables there is a QR code that leads to a media case study that is relevant to one of the ethical issues that we will cover.

Start on the table you are currently at and scan the code, read the story and fill in your fact file.

Once you are done move in a clockwise direction to the next case study on the next group of tables.

1

2

3

4

Summer work

1. Continue with your media research – be ready to share stories that you have found when we return.

2. Euthanasia project – create a projects to cover the content on the right.

Content Guide:

• Types of euthanasia (active, passive, voluntary and involuntary).

• Laws on euthanasia (UK and other).

• Right to life and right to death debate.

• Quality V Quantity of life.

• Views for and against euthanasia.

• Different Christian views on euthanasia including sanctity of life.

• Bible Teachings – quotes with explanations and analysis.

• Hospice care – case study.

• Media and case studies.