2022-2023 Yavapai College Catalog 
    
    Dec 06, 2024  
2022-2023 Yavapai College Catalog [PREVIOUS CATALOG YEAR]

PHI 210 - Environmental Ethics


Description: The history of environmental ethics and philosophical positions dealing with our moral relationship to the natural world. Examination of these relationships by looking at current ethical theories. Topics may include: animal rights, conservation, economic approaches to the environment, access to natural resources, ecofeminism, ecoracism, environmental justice and pollution, climate change, technology, and activism. Questions students may explore include: How should humans relate to the natural world? Do we have moral obligations toward non-human animals and other parts of nature? What do we owe other human beings, including future generations? 

Prerequisites: ENG 101 or ENG 103. Reading Proficiency.

General Education Competency: Written Communication; Diversity; Critical Thinking

Credits: 3
Lecture: 3
Lab: 0

Course Content:
 

  1. Historical development of environmental ethics
  2. Moral reasoning
  3. Major ethical theories and principles dealing with environmental issues
  4. Application of moral reasoning to take informed stances on contemporary issues in environmental ethics
  5. Relationship between environmental ethics and contemporary environmental policies 

Learning Outcomes:
 

  1. Explain key historical developments in environmental ethics. (1)
  2. Apply moral reasoning techniques to environmental disputes. (2-4)
  3. Explain the relationship between ethical theories and environmental issues. (1-4)
  4. Analyze personal views regarding environmental issues. (1-4)
  5. Analyze contemporary environmental policies as they relate to religion, cultures, and diverse ethnic groups. (2, 3, 5)

Required Assessment:
 

  1. Demonstrate thoughtful and precise writing skills by completing at least 2,500 words of monitored writing, which includes a 1,500 word essay that undergoes iterations of the writing process (i.e., outline, rough draft, and etc.), using academically appropriate sources.