Introduction to Bioethics:
Religion IV elective
Course Overview:
As a result of successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
1. critically examine the complex and ever-changing issues concerning life and death today
2. relate the teaching of the Catholic faith to these issues
3. apply a decision-making process to life and death issues
4. use a variety of methods in discussing such issues
5. investigate some of the major questions in the field of bioethics
6. examine some philosophical, social, cultural and religious views concerning life and death issues
7. have information which will help them understand and deal with these issues when they happen in their own family and in their relationships
8. perceive a faith vision that will be a source of strength in times of uncertainty or sorrow
9. appreciate the death customs and beliefs of their own and other ethnic groups
10. understand Catholic practices, beliefs, and teachings about life and death-related topics
Major Assessments:
Reflection papers based on text, reading, handouts and case studies
Participation in panel discussions and debates on life and death issues
Library research for participation in a bioethical classroom debate, and/or research paper
Texts and Materials:
· Devine C.M., Richard Good Care, Painful Choices: Medical Ethics for Ordinary People: Third Edition. ISBN # 0-8091-4273-2
· Sturdy binder or folder for handouts
One or two subject notebook dedicated to this course only
Homework:
Assignments will be written on the board daily and/or posted on the instructor’s webpage (in the school’s website). You will have an average of 20 to 30 minutes each night. Careful reading and participation in class discussion is expected. Note-taking is also very important and enters into your participation grade.
Class Participation:
Daily participation is necessary in order for you to demonstrate your grasp of the material and build the habits, which will be key to success in your life. Failure to complete assignments will hinder your ability to keep up with the class and force you to cram before exams. This is a bad idea. Like eating, you should be studying a little bit every day, instead of eating a week’s worth of food after seven days of starvation. Some of the material will be rather difficult at first glance and your questions are encouraged. Asking relevant questions counts as class participation and shows that you are a part of the class.
Quizzes:
To ensure that homework is completed, a short comprehension quiz will periodically be given at the beginning of the class period. Expect surprise quizzes. These are usually worth ten to twenty points.
Tests:
Tests for this course will usually follow the completion of the chapter/chapters in the book and may include essay questions, multiple-choice questions, true/false questions, and matching. Sufficient warning (normally one week) will be given for all tests. Tests are usually worth 100 points.
Grading:
Grades are based on a point system (grade percentage equals total points earned within a given marking period divided by total points possible within a marking period.) All graded materials will be handed back and students are responsible for keeping track of their own grades in their planners. (The grading scale is found in the Student Handbook.)
Make-Up/Late Work Policy:
The business of make-up work is to be conducted on your own time, not during class. All tests and assignments missed because of an excused absence must be made up within two days of the student's return to school. If the student is absent the day before a quiz, he need not take it on that day, but must make it up soon. If a student is absent the day before a test, however, he must take it with the rest of the class. The student will receive no credit for tests and assignments missed because of an unexcused absence. The student is responsible for finding out (primarily from his classmates or from the webpage) what he has missed. Late work will receive 50% credit when completed.
Discipline:
The discipline policy for this class is simple. When the bell rings the student should be at his seat and ready to work. Once class has begun, the student needs to stay on task. Any behavior consistently not in line with this policy will result immediately in points lost and eventually in ejection from class.
Helpful Hints for Success in This Course:
-Be on time
-Bring materials to every class
-Once class has begun, stay in your seat until the bell rings for dismissal
-Raise your hand if you wish to speak (don’t just call out).
-Never cheat
-Write your name on whatever you hand in
-Save your corrected assignments, quizzes, and tests
-Read everything carefully and thoroughly
-Ask any relevant question you might have about the material
-Save this syllabus for extra credit at the end of the course.
Extra Credit:
Depending on the students' general performance in class, he may be granted an opportunity for extra credit. Only one extra credit assignment per quarter is possible. See the instructor for assignments.