course requirements  

Format

The format of the course will consist of lecture, discussion, films, role-playing, and perhaps a field trip or two. With the possible exception of the field trip, all of the above will be required. I will grade according to a 100-point scale based on four criteria, each worth 25 points:

I. Class Participation

I won't take attendance or count the number of times you make interesting points—but the class is small enough that I'll notice. Class participation will be graded according to the following scale:

Excellent	25
Good	20
Average	15
Mediocre	10
Stinky	5

II. Homework

Weekly short assignments. Mostly you'll be asked to explicate a few the major arguments in our readings (in 250 words or less). Each is worth five points, but I'll drop your lowest score.

III. Quizzes

Weekly ten minute exercises to develop your moral argument skills (click here for an example). We'll have six irregularly appearing quizzes, each worth five point, but as with the h/w I drop the lowest score.

IV. Term Project

You must complete a term project by semester's end. You can choose from on the following:

• A web site (about 1500 words)
• A class presentation (about 15 minutes)
• A paper (about 2000 words)

I can also be talked into accepting something else...have an idea computer simulation, a short video, a letter to public official? Propose it. The key requirement is that you make a philosophical argument concerning any ethical/public policy issue relating to animal rights, genetics or computers. (I might be persuaded to consider other another social issue if you have your heart set on it...)

To help you develop your projects, I would like to see a written proposal no later than August 1. A proposal should be a 100-250 word summary of what you plan to do. You should answer the following questions:

• What public policy question do you seek to evaluate?
• What is the form of the project?
• What is your plan of attack?

Projects are due the last the last day of class (August 9). Late papers will get five points knocked off the final score for each day they are late. Class presentations, if any, will be held during the final examination period on August 10 (exact time tba).

Projects will be graded on a scale from 0 to 25. The grade will be based on the following five factors

1. Presentation
2. Unity
3. Comprehensiveness
4. Cogency
5. Insight

To grok the meaning of these criteria, see the detailed notes on projects.

Final Grades

Your final letter grade will be assigned as follows:

• A  85-100 points
• B  75-85
• C  65-75
• D  55-65
• R  45-55

For anyone who ends up with a score on the border (e.g., 85), I will decide on the letter grade based on private discussions with the student. (Note that CMU doesn't do +'s or -'s.)