Syllabus: Environmental Ethics

PHIL 240-05 & 240-07, Spring 2015

MWF 11:45 a.m. - 12:50 p.m.; 1:00 p.m. 2:05 p.m. (in KA #xxx)
Office Hours: MWF, 2:15 - 3:30 p.m., and by appointment

Dr. Jeffrey Paris

Office: Kalmanowitz Hall #117
paris@usfca.edu; 422-5116

Course Description: In this course we will investigate concepts in environmental ethics through an overview of key issues;
an investigation into the role played by moral theory; and application to the gravest problems faced by human beings today.
.

Texts

James Garvey, The Ethics of Climate Change [ECC] (Continuum, 978-0826497376))

Holmes Rolston III, A New Environmental Ethics [NEE] (Routledge, 978-0415884846)
Bernard Williams, Morality: An Introduction to Ethics [MIE] (Cambridge University, 978-1107604766)

- Week One: January 26-30

Reading Calendar
- Week Eight: March 23-27

Rolston, NEE, Chapter 1 (pp. 1-27)

Sylvan, White, Fitzgerald (Canvas)

Rolston, NEE, Chapter 4 (pp. 93-122)

Supplementary: Norton, Taylor (Canvas)

- Week Two: February 2-6

- Week Nine: March 30-April 1

Rolston, NEE, Chapter 2 (pp. 32-44)

Mill, Locke (Canvas)

No Class Friday, April 3 (School Holiday)

Rolston, NEE, Chapter 5 (pp. 126-154)
Supplementary: Russow, Cafaro (Canvas)

- Week Three: February 9-13

Rolston, NEE, Chapter 2 (pp. 44-60)
Supplementary: Scranton, Crist (Canvas)

- Week Four: February 18-20

No Class Monday, February 16 (School Holiday)
Bernard Williams, Morality, pp. 1-39
Supplementary: Midgley (Canvas)

- Week Ten: April 6-10

Rolston, NEE, Chapter 6 (pp. 158-190)
Supplementary: Leopold, Cronin (Canvas)

- Week Eleven: April 13-17

James Garvey, ECC (pp. 1-87)
Supplementary: TBD (Canvas)

- Week Five: February 23-27

- Week Twelve: April 20-24

Williams, Morality, pp. 40-88

Supplementary: Aristotle, Kant, Korsgaard (Canvas)

Garvey, ECC (pp. 89-135)

Supplementary: TBD (Canvas)

- Week Six: March 2-6

- Week Thirteen: April 27-May 1

Williams, Morality, pp. 89-107

Supplementary: Mill, Singer (Canvas)

Garvey, ECC (pp.137-158)

Supplementary: TBD (Canvas)

- Week Seven: March 9-13

- Week Fourteen: May 4-8

Rolston, NEE, Chapter 3 (pp. 63-89)

Supplementary: Sagoff, Singer, Regan (Canvas)

Rolston, NEE, Chapter 7 (pp. 194-222)

Supplementary: TBD (Canvas)

- Spring Break March 16-20

- Week Fifteen: May 11-13

TBD

Assignments
l

Environmental News Journal 25%. Write short summaries of Environmental News and Analysis each week of class.

Examining Environmental Issues 60%. Roughly every two to three weeks, students develop arguments and analysis
on course topics, using additional web-based sources provided, writing upwards of 750 words per assignment. This
includes two in-class examinations.

Star Points 15%. Students are required to accumulate "Star Points" through attendance at environmentally and/or
ethically themed events, through class participation, and through reports on recommended films and educational videos.

Learning Outcomes
By the end of the semester you will be able to: (1) Identify and articulate central ethical problems concerning equality, justice, and rights,
and understand the role these play in personal and professional life; (2) Compare and contrast major ethical theories, to show how actions
can be determined to be just or unjust, right or wrong, or good or bad, and to demonstrate knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of
major ethical theories; (3) Investigate ways of settling ethical disputes in arriving at ethical judgments; (4) Think and write critically about
classic and contemporary moral issues; (5) Identify the contributions of diversity and recognize the challenge that it presents in resolving
contemporary ethical issues; (6) Demonstrate an ability to apply ethical theories and values in personal decision-making.

Additional Information
Reading & Canvas. All students are automatically signed up on Canvas, and are responsible for all posted information. Readings not in
assigned texts will be available there; if requested, students must print out these selections beforehand and bring them to class. The
assigned texts may be purchased in the Bookstore or obtained from any other available source. Electronic Submission. All written
assignments shall be submitted via Canvas, unless otherwise instructed.
Credit Hours and Course Expectations. In accordance with the University of San Francisco expectations, the average successful student
is expected to put in at least 2 dedicated hours of study/writing for every hour spent in class; in the case of this class, that is at least 8
dedicated hours per week.
Grading. Each Assignment will be assigned a numerical grade according to overall coherence and understanding, clarity of argumentation,
grammar and style, adherence to the assigned or chosen topic, and use of evidence. Point totals will be added together and the Final
Grade calculated on the following scale: A (93-100); A- (90-92); B+ (88-89); B (83-87); B- (80-82); C+ (78-79); C (73-77); C(70-72); D (60-69); F (< 60). Borderline grades may be adjusted upwards at the discretion of the instructor for strong in-class
participation. An incomplete is normally awarded only if a student has completed in excess of 60% of the graded assignments for the
course, and only in circumstances (personal and familial emergencies, unexpected health problems, etc.) that warrant this special
extension.
Attendance & Tardiness. Students must be in class and present. Absences numbering beyond an allowed 3 (grace period through January
30) will lead to a reduced grade via withdrawal of Star Points and subsequent comparable penalties. With the exception of
participation in officially recognized school activities, there are no "excused" absences: missed class due to documented illness and
family or personal emergencies are treated as absences. If you accumulate over 3 absences due to these reasons, you are invited to
open a conversation with the Instructor to discuss possible accommodation for the unavoidable but extreme disruptions to your
academic experience.
Academic Honor Code. The University expects students to be honest in their academic work and adhere to the Academic Honor Code https://www.usfca.edu/catalog/policies/honor/. Academic dishonesty is viewed as an ethical issue and a violation of the principles of
justice and personal responsibility inherent in the Universitys Core values. In particular, students must refrain from plagiarism [the
misuse of published or unpublished works of another by claiming them as ones own], cheating and collusion in connection with
examinations, and must acknowledge fully all sources and all assistance received in work submitted to the faculty for evaluation. In
the event of academic dishonesty, the instructor will normally assign an F with no possibility of making up the grade by means of
additional work. In serious cases the instructor will assign an F for the course and will notify the Academic Honesty Committee.
In-Class Protocols. Unless otherwise instructed, computers & tablets are prohibited in class as unduly distracting to other students. Cell
phones/smart phones must be silenced, and text messaging is prohibited. Do not pack books and prepare to leave until class is
officially over. Occasional whispered conversations with classmates is permitted, though never when other students are speaking, and
especially disruptive students may be asked to leave the classroom.
Student Writing. All students concerned about their writing may contact the Writing Center in Cowell Hall, Room 227 (422-6713).
Additional inquiries and training regarding study habits may be directed to the Learning Center (422-6715).
Disabilities. If you are a student with a disability or disabling condition, or if you think you may have a disability, please contact USF
Student Disability Services (SDS) at (415) 422-2613 within the first week of class, or immediately upon onset of disability, to speak
with a disability specialist. If you are determined eligible for reasonable accommodations, please meet with your disability specialist
so they can arrange to have your accommodation letter sent to me, and we will discuss your needs for this course.
Personal Difficulties. Students experiencing any kinds of personal and/or academic difficulties are encouraged to utilize the free services
of the Counseling Center, located on the ground floor of Gillson Hall (422-6352). Confidential and free counseling services are
offered by licensed psychologists, doctoral level interns, postdoctoral fellows, a consulting psychiatrist, and a substance abuse
specialist. They provide crisis intervention, medication evaluation for ongoing clients, and brief psychotherapy, addressing a range of
problems including interpersonal relationship problems, family difficulties, depression, stress, sexual concerns, substance abuse, time
management, self-esteem, eating problems, anxiety, and acquaintance rape. Individual, couples, and group counseling are all available,
as well as referrals for longer-term counseling or a more specialized approach. Students are also encouraged to contact a University
Adviser at the Center for Academic and Student Achievement (422-5050).