Philosophy Courses

Ethics of Communication I (ETH 310/310 DL) 

Learner Outcomes: 

Version 1 and 2: Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: 

Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the ethical and moral issues involved in communication; identify and discuss the sources, underpinnings, and conclusions that dictate ethical communication in interpersonal relationships; and use their theoretical knowledge to assess types of language and situations to determine appropriate ethical responses for all involved parties. 

Instruction: 

Version 1 and 2: The Ethics 310 final examination and distance learning course explore the ethical, philosophical, and practical issues involved in interpersonal communications. Topics include: libel; slander; rebuke; innuendo; the Biblical sources for ethical communication; the problem of listening to disparaging speech; repercussions for unethical speech; speaking about others in the workplace; speaking in front of a person; speaking behind a person’s back; and other topics. The distance learning course is delivered through a series of 40 video lectures. 

Credit recommendation: 

Version 1: Proficiency examination: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Ethics or Philosophy (2/11). Distance learning course: In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Ethics or Philosophy (2/11). Version 2: Proficiency examination: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 5 semester hours in Ethics or Philosophy (2/11) (8/21 revalidation). Distance learning course: In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 5 semester hours in Ethics or Philosophy (2/11) (3/16 revalidation) (8/21 revalidation). 

 

Ethics of Communication II (ETH 320) 

Learner Outcomes: 

Version 1 and 2: Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: 

Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the ethical and moral issues involved in communication; identify and discuss sources, conceptual underpinnings, and conclusions that dictate ethical communication in interpersonal relationships; and use their theoretical knowledge to assess language and situations to determine the appropriate ethical response for all involved parties. 

Instruction: 

Version 1 and 2: The Ethics 320 final examination is designed to assess students’ ability to express knowledge of ethical and philosophical issues involved in interpersonal communications. Topics include: gossip; white lies; libel; slander; rebuke; deprecating speech for positive purposes; quitting a job; and common situations. 

Credit recommendation: 

Version 1: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Ethics or Philosophy (2/11). Version 2: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 5 semester hours in Ethics or Philosophy (3/16 revalidation) (8/21 revalidation). 

 

Foundations of Moral Behavior I (ETH 201) 

Learner Outcomes: 

Version 1 and 2: Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: 

Demonstrate in-depth understanding of Jewish ethics as presented in the Mishna of Pirkei Avos and its commentaries; explain how ethical behavior is derived from the words of the sages; analyze the axioms of the sages; explain underlying premises that build the foundation of the Jewish ethical system; identify the sources that the sages base their axioms; and apply those axioms to practical situations. 

Instruction: 

Version 1 and 2: The Ethics 201 final examination assesses students’ knowledge of the major theories of Jewish ethical behavior, their sources, underlying premises; and how those theories are applied to Jewish law and practice. Specific topics include: free will and determinism; meaning of “good” and “evil”; morality and justice; moral sentiments and obligations towards God and others; individual responsibility; and other topics. 

Credit recommendation: 

Version 1: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Ethics or Philosophy (2/11). Version 2: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 4 semester hours in Ethics or Philosophy (3/16 revalidation) (8/21 revalidation). 

 

Foundations of Moral Behavior II (ETH 202) 

Learner Outcomes: 

Version 1 and 2: Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: 

Demonstrate in-depth understanding of Jewish ethics as presented in the Mishna of Pirkei Avos and its commentaries; explain how ethical behavior is derived from the words of the sages; analyze the axioms of

the sages; explain underlying premises that build the foundation of the Jewish ethical system; identify the sources that the sages base their axioms; and apply those axioms to practical situations. 

Instruction: 

Version 1 and 2: The Ethics 202 final examination assesses students’ knowledge of the major theories of Jewish ethical behavior, their sources, underlying premises; and how those theories are applied to Jewish law and practice. Specific topics include: performance of the commandments, guarding the commandments; giving rebuke, the meaning of “good” and “evil,” morality and justice, acts of kindness and charity, repentance, and other topics. 

Credit recommendation: 

Version 1: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Ethics or Philosophy (2/11). Version 2: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 4 semester hours in Ethics or Philosophy (3/16 revalidation) (8/21 revalidation). 

 

Principles of Moral Development I (Phil 310/310 DL) 

Learner Outcomes: 

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

Express a comprehension of the Jewish principles related to the man’s duty in this world; describe various aspects of the virtues of vigilance, alacrity, and cleanliness; identify and discuss causes of their constraints and explain the method for acquiring them; clearly explain the philosophical concepts discussed and extrapolate and apply these ideas to other areas; and reconstruct the proofs articulated in the text. 

Instruction: 

The Phil 310 final examination and 310 DL (distance learning) course examine problems facing mankind on an individual and collective level and discuss solutions offered by the Jewish system of moral development. Topics include: human nature, man’s potential, purpose of mankind, duty, individual and collective responsibility, and theories and methods of moral development. The distance learning course follows a series of 40 audio lectures. 

Credit recommendation: 

Proficiency exam: In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Ethics or Philosophy (2/11) (3/16 revalidation). Distance learning course: In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Ethics or Philosophy (2/11) (3/16 revalidation) (8/21 revalidation). 

 

Principles of Moral Development II (Phil 320) 

Learner Outcomes: 

Version 1 and 2: Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: 

Explain the Jewish principles related to abstinence, purity, piety, humility, fear of sin, and holiness; identify and discuss the causes of their constraints and formulate methods used for acquiring them; clearly explain the philosophical concepts of morality; extrapolate and apply these concepts to other areas; and reconstruct the proofs articulated in the texts. 

Instruction: 

Version 1 and 2: The Philosophy 320 final examination assesses students’ ability to express in depth knowledge of the Jewish philosophy of moral development. Topics include asceticism, pleasure, compassion, purity, piety, the holy man, and humility. 

Credit recommendation: 

Version 1: Proficiency exam: In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Ethics or Philosophy (2/11). Distance learning course: In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Ethics or Philosophy (2/11). Version 2: Proficiency exam: In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 4 semester hours in Ethics or Philosophy (3/16 revalidation) (8/21 revalidation). Distance learning course: In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 4 semester hours in Ethics or Philosophy (3/16 revalidation) (8/21 revalidation).