University of the West of England MODULE SPECIFICATION
(Revised October 2005)
Code: UPSNLY-30-2 Title: On Good and Evil: an introduction to philosophical and theological
approaches to moral behaviour. Version: 1
Level: 2 UWE credit rating: 30 ECTS credit rating: 15
Module type: Standard
Owning Faculty: HLSS Field: Sociology
Valid from: September 2008 Discontinued from:
Contributes towards: Awards up to BA (Hons)
Pre-requisites: None Co-requisites: None
Excluded combinations: None
Learning outcomes:
On completion of the module students are expected to demonstrate:
1. Critical engagement with major lines of approach in moral philosophy. (A and B)
2. Ability to apply principles of philosophical reasoning to contemporary debates about multiculturalism and pluralism. (A and B)
3. Appreciation of at least two religious approaches to the ontological status of evil. (A and B)
4. Ability to apply abstract philosophical and theological reasoning to a particular contemporary issue. (A and B)
5. Ability to work independently (Component A) and as part of a group (Component B) towards the assessments.
Syllabus outline:
Philosophical approaches:
1. Hearts and Minds: is morality about facts or feelings?
2. Living in a Multicultural Society: Absolutist & Relativist approaches.
3. Classical Options: Deontology, Natural Law and Consequentialism
4. Modern Options: Virtue Revived, Contract Theories & Constructivism
5. On Moral Choice: Freedom & Determinism
6. Philosophy at the Movies: The Road to Perdition
Theological approaches
7. The Euthyphro dilemma & the Kingdom of Heaven: Divine Command theories and Christian teleology
8. Satan, Evil & Cosmic Dualism
9. The Problem of Evil: Can God be Justified?
10. Theology at the Movies: Shadowlands
11. An Eastern Approach: The Law of Karma
12. 'May God be my Judge': Hebrew and Christian approaches to Judgement
Teaching and learning methods:
1. Lectures, some to provide an introduction to each subject area and outline the key theoretical debates, others to build on preparatory reading and discussion.
2. Seminars providing structured discussion of preparatory materials, including film treatments of key issues.
3. Seminars that require individual or group presentation
The lecture programme will be supported by use of Audio-visual resources.
Seminar support enhanced by use of electronic media such as CCOnline discussion groups.
Reading Strategy:
Students will be required to read at least one book chapter or journal article to prepare for each lecture/seminar subject area. Where appropriate, book chapters will be digitised and made available through Blackboard and recommended journal articles will be available electronically through the UWE library. As there is a strong element of student-led learning (through the assessed presentations), students will be expected to identify relevant sources for those topics they elect to study in more detail. They will therefore be encouraged to use the library catalogue, bibliographic and full text databases and internet resources.
Indicative Reading List:
The following list is offered to provide validation panels/accrediting bodies with an indication of the type and level of information students may be expected to consult. As such, its currency may wane during the life span of the module specification. However, as indicated above, CURRENT advice on readings will be available via other more frequently updated mechanisms.
Blackburn, S (2002) Being Good Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2nd edtn.
Hick, J (1989) Philosophy of Religion Harlow: Prentice Hall, 4th edtn.
Hoose, B (2000) Christian Ethics London: Continuum International
Lafollette, H (2000) The Blackwell Guide to Ethical Theory Oxford: Blackwells
Lewis, C S (1961) A Grief Observed London: Bantam
Maclntyre, A (1981) After Virtue Cambridge: Duckworth
Pagels. E (1996) The Origin of Satan
Plato (tr.Tredennick, H) (2003): The Last Days of Socrates: Euthyprho, The Apology, i) Crito, Phaedo London: Penguin
Sterba, J (1998) Ethics: The Big Questions Oxford: Blackwells
St Ruth (2002) Karma, Reincarnation & Rebirth London: Thorsons
Assessment
Weighting between Components: A: 50% B: 50%
First Assessment Opportunity
Component A
3 hour unseen examination
Component B
Description of each element Element weighting
Element 1
1500 word report (film review and analysis) 25%
Element 2
1500 word essay (practical application of philosophical and/or
religious theory to a contemporary issue) 25%
Second Assessment Opportunity (further attendance at taught classes is/is not required)
Component A
3 hour unseen examination
Component B
3000 word essay
SECOND (OR SUBSEQUENT) ATTEMPT: Attendance at taught classes is not required.