FEMINIST ETHICS

PHI 4632 Dr. Ofelia Schutte

Section 012-WST; section 022-PHI Office: FAO 155

TR 11:00 a.m.-12:15 p.m., PED 105 Phone: 974-0981

Fall 2000; 3 credits oschutte@chuma1.cas.usf.edu

Syllabus, page 1

The course covers key readings in the feminist debate regarding the moral perspectives of justice and care. It continues with special topics applying feminist perspectives on family life. It also addresses the moral debates associated with the issues of prostitution, adultery, and abortion.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

The course objectives include:

1. thinking clearly and critically about the presuppositions of ethical thought and their relation to gender differences;
2. developing an analysis of gender identity and its social construction in relation to a democratic conception of family life;
3. developing a cognitive base for dealing with moral dilemmas arising from changing gender roles and expectations in modern and postmodern societies.

TEXTBOOKS

Held, Virginia (ed.). Justice and Care: Essential Readings in Feminist Ethics. 1995.

(Held)

Nelson, Hilde Lindeman (ed.). Feminism and Families. 1997. (Nelson)

Shrage, Laurie. Moral Dilemmas of Feminism: Prostitution, Adultery, and Abortion.

1994. (Shrage)

Texts are available at the University Bookstore.

REQUIREMENTS

Two papers, approximately 5-6 and 6-8 pages, respectively.

Two in-class exams.

Class participation and attendance (see below).

The papers are based on assigned readings covered in class. Details on paper requirements are distributed with each assignment. Paper topics are distributed approximately two weeks before assignments are due.

PHI 4632 Fall 2000 FEMINIST ETHICS Dr. Ofelia Schutte

Syllabus, page 2

FINAL GRADE

First paper, 20%; final paper, 25%; class participation, 15%; in-class exams, 20% each.

GRADING POLICY

The Plus and Minus Grading System will be used in this course.

Late, unexcused papers will receive a grade penalty.

Incomplete grade policy: as stated in the Undergraduate Catalog (00-01), page 41. All students are expected to complete the course by the stipulated deadline. Exceptions to this rule are rare and require instructor approval before classes end.

Exams must be taken on schedule. Exceptions to this rule require instructor approval PRIOR TO the date of the exam.

EXAMINATION SCHEDULE

September 14, 2000: First exam

October 10, 2000: First paper due

November 7, 2000: Second exam

December 7, 2000: Final paper due

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Class attendance and participation are expected. The following approximate grades will be issued based on attendance (9/1 to 12/7). A to C grades may be modified depending on the frequency and quality of class participation.

1. absence, A 6-7 absences, C+

2-3 absences, B+ 8-9 absences, C

4-5 absences, B 10 or more absences, 0 points

Exceptions: Religious holidays, qualified family emergencies, documented medical reasons, official USF representation at public events. Students are expected to provide documentation to qualify for an excused absence.

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY POLICY

Please look carefully at the policy on page 44 of the 2000-01 Undergraduate Catalog. Older catalogs also contain a section on academic dishonesty. Become familiar with it since these are important university regulations applying to work done in every course. In basic terms, your work must be original and the use of other persons’ words, ideas or research must be fully documented.

PHI 4632 Fall 2000 FEMINIST ETHICS Dr. Ofelia Schutte

POLICY ON THE USE OF NOTES AND TAPES

Tapes are not allowed in class. Notes may not be used for sale.

OFFICE HOURS

Dr. Schutte’s office hours are Wednesdays, 2-4 p.m. and by appointment. You may also contact her on email. Please allow at least one working day for an answer.

SCHEDULE OF READINGS AND ASSIGNMENTS

8/29 Introduction

8/31 Gilligan in Held, pp. 31-46

9/5 Baier in Held, pp. 47-58

9/7 Friedman in Held, pp. 61-77

9/12 Card in Held, pp. 79-98

9/14 In-class exam # 1

9/19 Tronto in Held, pp. 101-115

9/21 Collins in Held, pp. 117-135

9/26 Walker in Held, pp. 139-152

9/28 Ruddick in Held, pp. 203-223

10/3 Okin in Nelson, pp. 13-26

10/5 Dr. Schutte is attending a professional meeting. Assignment: work on

first paper.

10/10 Nicholson in Nelson, pp. 27-42. First paper due in class.

10/12 Zack in Nelson, pp. 43-51

10/17 Moody-Adams in Nelson, pp. 76-89

PHI 4632 Fall 2000 FEMINIST ETHICS Dr. Ofelia Schutte

Syllabus, page 4

SCHEDULE OF READINGS AND ASSIGNMENTS, continued

10/19 Robinson, and others, in Nelson, pp. 90-101

10/24 Bradford and Sartwell, in Nelson, pp. 116-127

10/26 Calhoun in Nelson, pp. 131-150

10/31 Ruddick in Nelson, pp. 205-220

11/2 Meyers in Nelson, pp. 235-254

11/7 In-class exam # 2.

11/9 Shrage, chapter 1, pp. 1-30

11/14 Shrage, chapter 2, pp. 31-54

11/16 Shrage, chapter 3, pp. 55-77

11/21 Shrage, chapter 4, pp. 78-98

11/23 Thanksgiving Day, no classes held

11/28 Shrage, chapter 5, pp. 99-119

11/30 Shrage, chapter 6, pp. 120-161

12/5 Shrage, chapter 7, pp. 162-184

12/7 Last day of class. Final paper is due.