PHIL 5 Environmental Ethics

Spring 2018

*     *     *

The purpose of this syllabus is to establish policy and offer advice to help you successfully complete this course. Please refer to it throughout the semester to remind yourself of what is expected of you and how to learn the subject well. The best general strategy is to read the materials thoroughly, attend class, take good notes and complete assignments on time. To have satisfactory performance in this class, you need to spend around 9 hours (3 hours in class, 6 hours outside of class) per week on this course.

The Course

PHIL 5 is an introductory course on theories of environmental ethics and how they are applied to sustainability and environmental issues. Both traditional and contemporary, Western and non-Western theories are studied to learn various outlooks on how humans should live in nature, including how we relate to the environment, the future generations and other species. The ideas and principles are then used to find solutions to the challenges we face today such as resource depletion, pollution, climate change and species extinction.

Textbook

Schmidtz, D., & Willott, E. (2012). Environmental Ethics: What Really Matters, What Really Works (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Oxford University Press.

Other course materials are provided on Canvas.

Main Topics

1. The Roots of Crisis
2. Respect for Nature
3. Holistic Ethics
4. Ecofeminism
5. Environmental Justice
6. How Wild Does Nature Have To Be?
7. Finding Our Place in Nature
8. Weighing Our Options
9. The Logic of Scarcity
10. What It Takes to Preserve Wilderness
11. Overpopulation and What to Do About It
12. Climate Change and What to Do About It
13. Cities and What to Do About Them
14. Technology and What to Do About It
15. Environmentalism in Practice

Class Schedule

You should check the Calendar and the To-do List every time you log in Canvas to stay up to date with course events and works. Calendar entries and to-do items are subject to change.

Attendance and Add/Drop Classes

• If you miss the first class without informing me of your absence in advance, you will be dropped from the class.
• During the first two weeks, you will be dropped if I think you are no longer attending class, or if you miss one class without a legitimate excuse. If you miss a class, inform me promptly via Canvas Messages or Butte College e-mail to avoid being dropped.
• The last day to drop without a “W” appearing on transcript:
  

  in person 2/1/2018

  online 2/4/2018

• The last day to drop for a “W” without instructor’s signature:
  

  in person 3/15/2018

  online 3/18/2018

  To drop after this date students need an instructor’s signature certifying serious and compelling reason for dropping.
• In the first eight weeks, you will be dropped if one of the following applies:
  
  • have two unexcused absences in a row;
  • have four or more absences (regardless of being excused or not);
  • miss 20% or more class works.
  Send me a Canvas message or Butte College e-mail promptly if you miss two classes in a row. A doctor’s note is required if you have two consecutive absences due to illness or injuries. You also need to submit a written memo from your coach for each absence for campus sports team events.
• The last day to drop for a “W” with an instructor’s signature certifying serious and compelling reasons for dropping classes:
  

  4/19/2018

  After this date students must see a Counselor to petition for late withdrawal from classes.
  See Academic Calendar for other important dates and deadlines.
• Attendance will be taken throughout the semester. Make sure you sign the attendance sheet before leaving the classroom. Failure to do so will result in being marked as absent.
• In the spirit of fostering a good learning environment, do your best to avoid interrupting the class—being late, leaving early or exiting and returning to the classroom.

The Use of Technologies, Computer and Internet

Laptops or handheld devices are needed for in-class as well as online activities. You should bring them to class every time. Be sure to follow the proper protocols when using these devices in class.

You need to ask permission in advance to take photos or record lectures. Please follow the proper policies and etiquette.

To read materials posted on Canvas and to complete online assignments, you will need to have online access at least 1–2 hours daily.

Utilize the resources listed in Student Support on Canvas. You can ask Student Technical Support for assistance if you run into difficulties. It is recommended that if needed, you take mini courses to improve your computer skills.

It is your responsibility to make sure your computer or device works properly and has a reliable Internet connection. It is also a good practice to have a backup plan to avoid missing the deadline due to computer or Internet problems. Computer/device glitches or loss of Internet connection will not be accepted as excuses for making up assignments.

Assignments and Assessments

Reading Assignments

The textbook is to provide basic information of the subject matter. Additional materials and readings are provided on Canvas.

Philosophical texts can be hard to read and difficult to understand. It is quite common that one needs to read the text several times to fully grasp its main points. To help yourself gain a better understanding of a topic and become better prepared to participate in the discussion, it is paramount that you read the assigned materials before the topic is discussed in class and online.

• Read a chapter or an article as soon as you can after it is assigned or recommended.
• Outline what you read, take notes and jot down questions.
• Do online search to learn more about new terms and philosophical views.
• Use questions for reflection and discussion to make sure that you have grasped the key points.
• Reread the chapter or the article at least one more time after the lecture and class discussion to make sure you understand the finer points. Revise and update your notes, and use them for writing assignments.
• Your reading comprehension will be evaluated via essay questions on Canvas. There is no make-up for missed online submissions. No paper copies will be accepted; neither will late submissions or resubmissions. If you miss an assignment, you are encouraged to make up the lost points through extra-credit.

Writing Assignments

The amount of writing will exceed the 1,500-word requirement. The types of writing include essay questions, forum discussions and a reflection paper. All the writings are to be submitted on Canvas and are graded on both form and content. There is no make-up. No paper copies will be accepted; neither will late submissions or resubmissions.

Essay Questions

Essay questions are used to assess your comprehension and philosophical thinking.

Canvas Discussions

We will use Canvas Discussions to foster open and in-depth discussions of philosophical and environmental issues. It’s a great way to apply critical thinking, share viewpoints and learn from one another.

Reflection Paper

By the end of the semester, you are to turn in a reflection paper on what you have learned in the semester and how they have shaped your environmental philosophy. Keeping a journal of your thoughts on various topics throughout the semester is a good way to prepare the paper.

Extra-credit

Extra-credit Assignments or Activities

Extra-credit assignments or activities will be announced both in class and on Canvas. They are optional, but you can earn extra-credit points if you choose to do the assignment or participate in the activity.

Extra-credit for Class Attendance

Please take notice that attendance is not part of your grade, but you can earn extra-credit points by keeping your absences to a minimum. It is understandable that sometimes students can’t help but miss a class due to illness or other reasons. So don’t force yourself to come to the class when you are sick. Both excused and unexcused absences count toward the number of absences. You can earn up to 40 points with good attendance.

Grading

It is important that we study for self-improvement and self-fulfillment, and not just for grades. Your grade is to help you gauge what you have learned in a course. By letting go of the anxiety about the grade, you will find studying a subject matter much more enjoyable. As a result, you are more likely to spend time learning the material and earn a good grade. Only a hard-earned grade that truly reflects what you have learned can forge self-confidence.

Your final grade will be determined by the percentage of the total points you earn:

The scale may be lowered, but will not be raised. You can monitor your progress and grade percentage on Canvas.

Cheating and Plagiarism

Students who cheat or commit plagiarism will receive an F grade for the assignment or for the course, depending on the seriousness of the offense. Furthermore, they will be subject to disciplinary action. See also Butte College Academic Integrity and Accommodations for more details. Remember, your integrity is far more precious than your grade.

Open, Safe and Respectful Learning Environment

This is our class and it is important that we work together to establish an open, safe and respectful learning environment. We pledge to respect all people regardless of sexuality, gender identity, ethnicity and religious backgrounds.

• Always conduct yourself in an appropriate and respectable manner.
• Attend to personal needs before coming to class.
• Come to class on time and avoid leaving early or in the middle of a session.
• Respect other people even if you disagree with their views.
• Wait for your turn to ask questions or express your viewpoints; do not chitchat in the classroom.
• No food, drink or chewing gum.

For student rights and privileges, and grounds for disciplinary action, see Academic Policies and Procedures.

Tips for Success

To be successful in the class and earn the grade you desire, you need to manage your time wisely and put in your effort.

• Try your best not to miss classes.
• Read the reading assignment and give the subject some thought before the discussion in class and online.
• Review lecture notes as soon as possible after class.
• Ask questions if something is unclear to you.
• Reflect upon the issues or questions as often as possible.
• Draft your answers to essay questions and revise them before submitting them.
• Don’t wait until the last minute to complete online assignments.

Getting Help

The best way to get help with coursework is to ask questions in class. People shy away from asking questions because they are afraid of appearing stupid. It is very likely that if you do not understand something, there is someone else in the class who is suffering from an identical lack of understanding. You will be doing your classmates a service by asking questions.

If something is unclear to you or you are having difficulty learning the material, please feel free to come to see me during my office hours. If you cannot meet with me during the regular hours, I will be glad to schedule an appointment. Do not wait until it is too late.

The Center for Academic Success (CAS) provides academic support services to Butte College students. You can find more information at butte.edu/cas.

For other accommodations please see Butte College Academic Integrity and Accommodations for more details.

Revision of Syllabus

The syllabus is subject to revision as needed throughout the semester.

 *     *     *