Phi 4930 - Section 001
Fall semester, 2002
James A. Bell, Ph.D. Office: FAQ - 237
Philosophy Department tel:
974-5508
FAQ - 237 e-mail: bell@luna.cas.usf.edu
University of South Florida
Tampa, FL 33620
Philosophy Department e-mail: starhawaii@worldnet.att.net
FAQ - 237 Office hours: classroom,
before and after class
University of South Florida
Tampa, FL 33620
Office Hours - Jim Bell: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1:15 - 1:45 in FAQ -
237 (my office in the Philosophy Department).
I am available much more than those scheduled hours, and would be glad to
discuss business at any time. I am also available before and after class,
in the classroom. Appointments are also welcome. Finally, use the telephone
and e-mail. I check both regularly.
Course: This course is about Ethics, the discipline devoted to the study of what is right and wrong. We will explore sports and the concepts of “playing fair” as a metaphor for the pursuit of excellence, fairness, and morality. These standards are challenged by aberrations such as cheating, violence and inequities. As a philosophical pursuit, any ideas that bear upon a problem can be and should be used. These ideas can come from anywhere - your thinking, from friends, philosophy, religion, sociology, medicine and _________ (you fill in the blank).
Book: Fair Play. Snorts. Values and Society by Robert L. Simon (Boulder, 00, Westview Press, paperback). This book is required. It is available in the U.S.F. Bookstore, and perhaps other outlets as well. Special readings are also required; they will be handed out in class.
Objectives:
(1) To increase an awareness of the ethical issues in sports.
(2) To learn to apply ethical principles and processes to the issues raised by sports.
Requirements:
(1) To attend all classes and to participate actively in discussion. As a seminar class, there is an emphasis on student creativity and participation in a variety of discursive approaches.
(2) To have read and be prepared to discuss all assigned readings. Assignment preparation will be assessed.
(3) To
write regular (8 assignments) one page (400-500 words) analyses of material
being discussed in class.
(4) To
participate in assigned “debate” discussions.
(5) To
make a final presentation of 4—5 minutes about an ethical issue of your
choosing.
(6) The
subject of the final presentation will then be presented as a final paper. The
final paper will have a minimum of six pages and a maximum of eight pages
(2,000—2.500 words).
(7) The
energizer activities are not required, but we hope you will choose to
participate.
Attendance and
its penalty/bonus points
Two classes can be missed without
penalty. For every absence beyond two, one basis point will be subtracted from
the final numerical grade. If no classes are missed.
two basis points will be added to the
final numerical grade; if one class is
missed, one point will be added to
the final numerical grade.
The University of South Florida
respects the right to observe religious holidays. Committed students can miss
certain religious holidays without penalty, provided they consult with the
instructor before the holiday on how to make up the work. Documented absences
for medical or other legitimate reasons are also respected. Discuss these with
the professor for approval.
Electronic mail
and its penalty/bonus points
Everyone will be on e-mail. Please send
Mr. Johnson an e-mail message (starhawaii@worldnet.att.net). Include your name
and indicate that you are a student in Sports Ethics. From your message he will
compile a list of all e-mail addresses and distribute them to everyone in
class.
If you send Mr. Johnson your e-mail
message by Tuesday, September 3 by midnight, two basis points
will be added to your final numerical
grade.
If you do not already have a convenient
e-mail account, you can establish one once you have your USF I.D. card. There
are two ways: (1) activate your account (it has already been assigned you) by
going to https://una.acomp.usf.edu and following the instructions or (2) bring
your USF I.D. card to Academic Computing in LIB-608 f or assistance in
activating your e-mail account and information on how to use it. USF also
provides forwarding or any other computer help. Call 974-1222 for assistance on
forwarding or any other computer assistance.
Written assignments: All written assignments must be
typed or word-processed, and double-spaced with a standard font. Grammar and
style will be a significant component in the grading.
Due dates for written work:
Papers must be handed in on the due dates. Three points will
be subtracted each calendar day late.
Class days on which assignments are due will be dedicated to discussion and debate on the issues raised in the assignments. Days on which reading is assigned may begin with an assessment of each person’s completion of the reading.
Aug. 27: Overview of course, student introduction
Aug. 29: Read pp. 1-12, 196-201
Sept. 3: Assignment: Are athletes role models? Should they be?
Sept. 5: Read pp. 13-16
Sept. 10: Assignment: Halls of Fame: Should ethics play a role?
Sept. 12: Read pp. 37-51
Sept. 17: Read pp. 71-92
Sept. 19: Assignment: How should violence and cheating be handled?
Sept. 24: Read pp. 93-109
Sept. 26: Read pp. 109-121
Oct. 1: Assignment: Should some/all college athletes be paid?
Oct. 3: Read pp. 123-149
Oct. 8: Assignment: Should Title IX be changed? How?
Oct. 10: Read pp. 51-70
Oct. 15: Assignment: Should boxing and cheerleading be outlawed?
Oct. 17: Read pp. 151-169
Oct. 22: Read pp. 169-186
Oct. 24: Assignment: Should college athletics be reformed?
Oct 29: Read pp. 187-201
Oct 31: Assignment: How are sports norms and societal values related?
Nov. 5: Presentations
Nov. 7: Presentations
Nov. 12: Presentations
Nov. 14: Presentations
Nov. 19: Presentations
Nov. 21: Presentations
Nov. 26: Presentations
Nov. 28: THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY – ENJOY!
Dec. 3: Presentations
Dec. 5: PAPERS DUE – final class