Social and Political Ethics, 7.5 credits

Main field of study

Course level

Advancement level

Course offered for

• Master´s Programme in Applied Ethics

Entry requirements

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of the course, the students should have acquired knowledge of concepts, theories and problems within the field of social and political ethics,
- knowledge of concepts, theories and problems within the discussion about human rights, justice and liberty,
- ability to describe and critically examine ethical problems and arguments in the discussion about human rights, justice and liberty,
- capacity to argue for a chosen position in the discussion about social and political ethics,
- capacity to evaluate and contextualize the arguments as such in policy-making and professional work,
- ability to express an open and critical attitude.

Course content

The course focuses on ethical theories and ethical problems relevant within the field of social and political ethics. One central topic is human rights. Another is the concept of social justice, its different interpretations, its connections to liberty and equality, and the various suggested ways of its implementation. Contemporary texts in this area are studied. The course also deals with problems of professional ethics in public administration.
Students present a proposal for investigating a specific public policy (related with more general issues such as healthcare, social security, animal rights, affirmative action, and distribution of wealth).

Teaching and working methods

In the course, students read and analyse texts, participate in group discussions, write papers and are actively involved in seminar discussions. In addition, lectures are provided.

Examination

Active participation in seminar discussions is expected of the students. The course is examined by the writing of a paper.

Students failing an exam covering either the entire course or part of the course twice are entitled to have a new examiner appointed for the reexamination.

Students who have passed an examination may not retake it in order to improve their grades.

Grades

Other information

Planning and implementation of a course must take its starting point in the wording of the syllabus. The course evaluation included in each course must therefore take up the question how well the course agrees with the syllabus. 

The course is carried out in such a way that both men´s and women´s experience and knowledge is made visible and developed.

Department