Module Details
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title PUBLIC ETHICS
Code POLI260
Coordinator Dr GK Bird
Politics
G.Bird@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2021-22 Level 5 FHEQ Second Semester 15

Aims

To introduce students to a range of ethical issues in public policy;

To provide students with an understanding of different moral approaches;

To enable students to critique the philosophical and moral merits of competing positions in the academic literature and public debate;

To develop the ability of students to communicate their ideas in an analytical and persuasive way.

Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Students will be able to understand and analyse challenging texts in political and moral theory.

(LO2) Students will be able to outline competing moral positions on key public policy issues.

(LO3) Students will be able to defend and critique moral positions on key public policy issues.

(LO4) Students will understand the role ethics and moral philosophy play in helping us to understand and evaluate public policy.

(S1) Communication (oral and written)

(S2) Information (identifying, locating, and accessing relevant material)

(S3) Critical thinking (critiquing arguments using common tools in analytical political theory)

Syllabus
 

Topics covered on this module may include:

Abortion;

Euthanasia;

Pornography;

Drugs;

Reparations.

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Lecture:
The weekly lecture will introduce some of the competing moral positions on the policy issue, and suggest ways for critically evaluating those positions

Seminar:
The weekly seminar is based on student-led discussion through a combination of group debates, tasks and activities. This is the main opportunity for students to critically discuss, defend, and critique the readings and policy proposals. Students will be expected to engage with given readings and to carry out independent research in preparation for these sessions.

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 11

 11

         22
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 128
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Audio recording or in-class assessment. Not anonymously marked There is no resit opportunity Standard UoL penalties will apply.  5 minutes    10       
Policy recommendation There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment.  -2500 words    65       
Argument exercise. There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment.  -750 words    25       

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.