Syllabus


Philosophy 322
Environmental Ethics
EN 125
TuTh 10:20-11:35
Spring 2008
Jean-Paul Vessel
jvessel@nmsu.edu
Office: Breland 324
Office Hours: Tu 2:30pm-4:00pm, and by appointment
 
Course Website: http://web.nmsu.edu/~jvessel/Philosophy/en.html
 
Course Objectives:
 
After a brief introduction to ethical theory, students will gain familiarity with many of the most controversial philosophical arguments relevant to our relationships to our environment. Potential course topics are listed below.
 
Required Text:
 
Most of the required readings are in the text entitled Environmental Ethics: Readings in Theory and Application ( edited by L. Pojman)—available at the NMSU Bookstore (2nd Floor) in the Corbett Center. The other readings and selected handouts will either be distributed in class or available on the class web site.


Possible Course Topics:

Exam, Quiz, and Paper Due Dates:
 
All schedule-related information will appear on the class web site. You are responsible for viewing the class web site on a very regular basis.
 
 
Course Requirements:

Your scores on 2-3 exams will constitute 40% of your grade. The exams will be given only at the stated times, barring a legitimate academic excuse with documentation. You will be alerted of an exam date at least one week prior to that date. Your score on a short paper will constitute 25% of your grade. Barring a legitimate academic excuse with documentation, no late papers will be accepted. Your quiz scores will constitute 15% of your grade. 2-6 quizzes will be proctored throughout the semester. You will be alerted of a quiz date at least one class meeting prior to it. Your lowest quiz score will be dropped. A presentation to the class will constitute the final 20% of your grade. The topic and the scope of your presentation must meet my approval. Occasionally, contests will be posted on the class web site. Winners of contests will receive grade-boosting rewards.

Email:
 
I check my email very often. I therefore urge you to send comments, questions, and concerns via email. I will respond promptly (within a day or so at least—I hope). As a University student, you have access to the Internet and to an email account. For how to acquire an account, go to http://ict.nmsu.edu or contact ICT at 646-1840. Note that official communication to you will often come through your NMSU e-mail box. Please access it regularly, or forward it to your current use address, as your success in college may ride on your ability to respond quickly.

Cell Phones:

If your cell phone rings during class—or if you are using your cell phone during class—25 quiz points will be deducted from your quiz point total.

Plagiarism and Cheating:

Don’t do it! If you do, I will attempt to burden you with the greatest possible penalty. Find out all about plagiarism at http://www.nmsu.edu/%7Evpsa/SCOC/misconduct.html.

Academic Disabilities:

If you have or believe you have a disability and would benefit from any accommodations, you may wish to self-identify by contacting the Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) Office located in Room 244 of Corbett Center (phone: 646-6840). If you have already registered, please make sure that your instructor receives a copy of the accommodation memorandum from SSD within the first two weeks of classes. It is your responsibility to inform either your instructor or SSD representative in a timely manner if services/accommodations provided are not meeting your needs.

If you have a condition that may affect your ability to exit safely from the premises in an emergency or that may cause an emergency during class, you are encouraged to discuss any concerns with me and/or Mr. Michael Armendariz, SSD Coordinator at 646-6840. Please also feel free to call Mr. Michael Armendariz with any questions about the Americans with Disabilities Act and/or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. All medical information will be treated confidentially.