REL/PHL 142 -- Semester 082
Rev. T. McFarland, C.PP.S., Ph.D.            M. 6:30-9:00 PM 

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Objectives: This course provides the student with an overview of the major theological/philosophical principles employed by bioethicists and application of these principles to important cases. We will discuss cases and current issues in bioethics in light of the Christian (Catholic) tradition. Central to our reflection will be how current practices affecting human life and health are consistent with humans being created in the image of God. At the end of the course, students will be able to understand, use and apply appropriate ethical principles to various issues in bioethics

This course is just the beginning, and it is my intention to acquaint you with the major principles, issues and resources in bioethics. We will also be examining attitudes, which shape the context for bioethical decisions in light of the Christian tradition. 

Texts:     First Do No Harm --Lisa Belkin. New York: Fawcett Crest, 1994. 
          Contemporary Catholic Health Care Ethics - David F. Kelly.  Washington DC: Georgetown University Press, 2004.
                        There are also a number of required articles on the course web site.

Recommended: 
Ethics of Health Care. 3rd Ed. Benedict Ashley and Kevin O'Rourke. Washington, DC: Georgetown University Press, 2002. 
Contemporary Issues in Bioethics: A Catholic Perspective. James J, Walter and Thomas A. Shannon. Lantham, MD: Rowman and Litttlefield, 2005.
Health Care Ethics: Theological Foundations, Contemporary Issues and Controversial Cases. Panicola, Belde, et al. Winona, MN: Saint Mary Press, 2008.

There are many good resources on the links page. Also, our library has a pretty good collection of books in bioethics/healthcare ethics under the call letters R724-6. 

Requirements: There will be a reflection paper, a bibliography, a short research paper on a bioethical issue and an ethics committee simulation.. You should follow a style guide (MLA, Chicago) and be consistent when writing papers. You can consult The Everyday Writer, the writing handbook that is used for Core as well as links on my web site for formatting questions.. I do look at issues of formatting in papers. Additionally, EBSCO will give the proper formatting for bibliographic entries.  Late papers will be docked points. 

There will also be three exams. Exams are usually short answer and essays. We also will be doing an ethics committee simulation, wherein you will be taking on the role of some one on an ethics committee. 

Special Needs: If you are a student with special needs, please see me privately sometime before the third week of the semester, so that arrangements can be made to facilitate your learning needs. 

Honesty: The papers, exams, and assignment are to be your work. Plagiarism in any form will not be tolerated. The penalty for this, or any infraction of the "Academic Honesty Policy" of the College (see Catalog, pp.53-4) will be at the minimum an "F" for the assignment, and a report filed with the Dean. 

I also expect students to attend class and to participate in discussions. You may have one unexcused absences, with no penalty. More than two unexcused absences will result in a full letter grade reduction. More than three unexcused absences will result in a failing grade! 

Class Calendar 
The online articles are available only to SJC students on campus network.

(The online readings are under construction 1-2-09, but dates are now correct 1-5-09)

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