Students
PHIL706 – Research Topics in Ethics
2017 – S2 External
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor and Lecturer
Jane Johnson
Lecturer
Wendy Rogers
Lecturer
Robert Sinnerbrink
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MRes
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit will examine contemporary research in ethics, moral psychology, applied ethics or political philosophy. The unit will focus on a current ‘hot‘ topic of research in one of these sub-disciplinary fields. The topics chosen will align with the research projects and expertise of faculty members. Examples of areas that might be explored include, the philosophy and psychology of emotions: the nature of moral cognition: justice and public health ethics. Students will develop an in-depth knowledge of the major debates relevant to the topic, and acquire the necessary research skills for pursuing their own research project.
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Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- Acquire advanced knowledge of the key issues, concepts and arguments in the following areas of bioethics - animal ethics and vulnerability, organ donation, activism and bioethics, and the ethics of surgical innovation
- Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources (including film) concerning key concepts, positions, and arguments in bioethics
- Articulate clearly and coherently philosophical arguments in written and oral form to a variety of audiences
- Analyse, reflect on and critically evaluate arguments on key topics in bioethics and cinematic ethics
- Develop the necessary research skills to pursue an original research project in bioethics or cinematic ethics
- Work collegially with peers to develop and improve concepts, arguments and projects
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Topic based posts | 15% | No | Tuesday of assigned week |
| Presentation | 15% | No | Friday Week 11 |
| Presentation feedback | 15% | No | Friday Week 12 |
| Research essay | 40% | No | Friday Week 13 |
| Participation | 15% | Yes | Ongoing |
Topic based posts
Due: Tuesday of assigned week
Weighting: 15%
For one of the course topics you will be responsible for providing short summaries of the assigned sources (text and film) as well as a number of questions to prompt online discussion by your peers.
This task will be assessed by the following criteria: accuracy and succinctness of the summaries, and quality of the discussion questions. A detailed rubric for this task will be supplied on iLearn.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Acquire advanced knowledge of the key issues, concepts and arguments in the following areas of bioethics - animal ethics and vulnerability, organ donation, activism and bioethics, and the ethics of surgical innovation
- Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources (including film) concerning key concepts, positions, and arguments in bioethics
- Articulate clearly and coherently philosophical arguments in written and oral form to a variety of audiences
- Analyse, reflect on and critically evaluate arguments on key topics in bioethics and cinematic ethics
- Develop the necessary research skills to pursue an original research project in bioethics or cinematic ethics
Presentation
Due: Friday Week 11
Weighting: 15%
You will give a presentation providing the context and motivation for your research essay (why is it interesting and important) and outlining how you will approach your essay.
This task will be assessed by the following criteria: clarity of presentation (visual and verbal), content, structure and argument. A detailed rubric for this task will be supplied on iLearn.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Acquire advanced knowledge of the key issues, concepts and arguments in the following areas of bioethics - animal ethics and vulnerability, organ donation, activism and bioethics, and the ethics of surgical innovation
- Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources (including film) concerning key concepts, positions, and arguments in bioethics
- Articulate clearly and coherently philosophical arguments in written and oral form to a variety of audiences
- Analyse, reflect on and critically evaluate arguments on key topics in bioethics and cinematic ethics
- Develop the necessary research skills to pursue an original research project in bioethics or cinematic ethics
Presentation feedback
Due: Friday Week 12
Weighting: 15%
You will provide constructive feedback and questions on the presentations of other students.
This task will be assessed by the following criteria: relevance of comments and questions, how engaged and insightful these comments are, and how likely they are to contribute to the further development of your colleagues' work. A detailed rubric for this task will be supplied on iLearn.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Work collegially with peers to develop and improve concepts, arguments and projects
Research essay
Due: Friday Week 13
Weighting: 40%
You will write a research essay on a topic that you develop in consultation with one or more of the course lecturers. The essay will engage in-depth with a key course theme or question.
This task will be assessed by the following criteria: content, structure, argument, critical analysis and written expression. A detailed rubric for this task will be supplied on iLearn.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Acquire advanced knowledge of the key issues, concepts and arguments in the following areas of bioethics - animal ethics and vulnerability, organ donation, activism and bioethics, and the ethics of surgical innovation
- Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources (including film) concerning key concepts, positions, and arguments in bioethics
- Articulate clearly and coherently philosophical arguments in written and oral form to a variety of audiences
- Analyse, reflect on and critically evaluate arguments on key topics in bioethics and cinematic ethics
- Develop the necessary research skills to pursue an original research project in bioethics or cinematic ethics
Participation
Due: Ongoing
Weighting: 15%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)
Discussion is a vital part of learning in philosophy. Students will discuss unit material via the discussion forum.
This task will be assessed by the following criteria: quality of your posts and their timeliness (you should post within a week of the topic). Quality is not just measured by the philosophical content of your posts, but by your willingness to engage and be responsive with your peers.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Acquire advanced knowledge of the key issues, concepts and arguments in the following areas of bioethics - animal ethics and vulnerability, organ donation, activism and bioethics, and the ethics of surgical innovation
- Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources (including film) concerning key concepts, positions, and arguments in bioethics
- Articulate clearly and coherently philosophical arguments in written and oral form to a variety of audiences
- Analyse, reflect on and critically evaluate arguments on key topics in bioethics and cinematic ethics
- Develop the necessary research skills to pursue an original research project in bioethics or cinematic ethics
- Work collegially with peers to develop and improve concepts, arguments and projects
Delivery and Resources
Required readings will be provided through the iLearn site. Seminars will be recorded and available through iLearn.
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.html
Disruption to Studies Policy (in effect until Dec 4th, 2017): http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html
Special Consideration Policy (in effect from Dec 4th, 2017): https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/special-consideration
In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/
Results
Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.
Late Submission Unless otherwise stated, late submission of written work will result in a deduction of 10% of the mark awarded for each week or part of a week beyond the due date, or date to which an extension has been granted.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Graduate Capabilities
PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative
Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources (including film) concerning key concepts, positions, and arguments in bioethics
- Analyse, reflect on and critically evaluate arguments on key topics in bioethics and cinematic ethics
- Develop the necessary research skills to pursue an original research project in bioethics or cinematic ethics
- Work collegially with peers to develop and improve concepts, arguments and projects
Assessment tasks
- Topic based posts
- Presentation
- Presentation feedback
- Research essay
- Participation
PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills
Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Acquire advanced knowledge of the key issues, concepts and arguments in the following areas of bioethics - animal ethics and vulnerability, organ donation, activism and bioethics, and the ethics of surgical innovation
- Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources (including film) concerning key concepts, positions, and arguments in bioethics
- Articulate clearly and coherently philosophical arguments in written and oral form to a variety of audiences
- Analyse, reflect on and critically evaluate arguments on key topics in bioethics and cinematic ethics
- Develop the necessary research skills to pursue an original research project in bioethics or cinematic ethics
- Work collegially with peers to develop and improve concepts, arguments and projects
Assessment tasks
- Topic based posts
- Presentation
- Presentation feedback
- Research essay
- Participation
PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Acquire advanced knowledge of the key issues, concepts and arguments in the following areas of bioethics - animal ethics and vulnerability, organ donation, activism and bioethics, and the ethics of surgical innovation
- Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources (including film) concerning key concepts, positions, and arguments in bioethics
- Articulate clearly and coherently philosophical arguments in written and oral form to a variety of audiences
- Analyse, reflect on and critically evaluate arguments on key topics in bioethics and cinematic ethics
- Develop the necessary research skills to pursue an original research project in bioethics or cinematic ethics
- Work collegially with peers to develop and improve concepts, arguments and projects
Assessment tasks
- Topic based posts
- Presentation
- Presentation feedback
- Research essay
- Participation
PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability
Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources (including film) concerning key concepts, positions, and arguments in bioethics
- Articulate clearly and coherently philosophical arguments in written and oral form to a variety of audiences
- Analyse, reflect on and critically evaluate arguments on key topics in bioethics and cinematic ethics
- Develop the necessary research skills to pursue an original research project in bioethics or cinematic ethics
- Work collegially with peers to develop and improve concepts, arguments and projects
Assessment tasks
- Topic based posts
- Presentation
- Presentation feedback
- Research essay
- Participation
PG - Effective Communication
Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Articulate clearly and coherently philosophical arguments in written and oral form to a variety of audiences
- Develop the necessary research skills to pursue an original research project in bioethics or cinematic ethics
- Work collegially with peers to develop and improve concepts, arguments and projects
Assessment tasks
- Topic based posts
- Presentation
- Presentation feedback
- Research essay
- Participation
PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens
Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Acquire advanced knowledge of the key issues, concepts and arguments in the following areas of bioethics - animal ethics and vulnerability, organ donation, activism and bioethics, and the ethics of surgical innovation
- Develop the necessary research skills to pursue an original research project in bioethics or cinematic ethics
- Work collegially with peers to develop and improve concepts, arguments and projects
Assessment tasks
- Topic based posts
- Presentation
- Presentation feedback
- Research essay
- Participation
Changes from Previous Offering
The previous offering of this unit focused on neuroethics and neurolaw. This iteration focuses on bioethics and cinematic ethics.