CULT 2005 Ethics in the Social Sciences
Credit Points 10
Legacy Code 101555
Coordinator Kathleen Openshaw Opens in new window
Description This subject introduces students to the nature of western ethics and moral discourses, to ethical methodology and to the possibilities and limits of ethical discourse and practice. It covers the history of the formalisation of ethics as well as its current philosophical, sociological, and professional dimensions. It also deals with various case studies of ethical issues and moral debates students may encounter in their everyday day and professional lives. Students will be invited to reflect on moral discourse(s), their own understanding of morality, and on the use of ethics for social justice and fairness.
School Social Sciences
Discipline Society and Culture, Not Elsewhere Classified.
Student Contribution Band HECS Band 4 10cp
Check your fees via the Fees page.
Level Undergraduate Level 2 subject
Restrictions
Successful completion of 40 credit points. This restriction does not apply to students enrolled in program 1874 Postgraduate Bridging Program (Social Work).
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- Apply skills in reflexivity to an understanding of everyday lives and social actions
- Demonstrate how ethics are constructed, understood, and applied in everyday life and in a social structure
- Identify the significance of key ethical concepts in the context of social justice and social fairness
- Articulate the connections between historical and philosophical developments in ethics and their applications to contemporary ethical practice
Subject Content
History of ethics and moral philosophy
Theoretical frameworks (Consequentialism, Deontology, Virtue Ethics)
Personal and professional ethical frameworks
Applied ethics (Honesty & fidelity, sexual & personal relationships, health & medicine, environment & sustainability)
Assessment
The following table summarises the standard assessment tasks for this subject. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated, where there is a difference your Learning Guide takes precedence.
Type | Length | Percent | Threshold | Individual/Group Task | Mandatory |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Poster | 500 words | 20 | N | Individual | N |
Short Answer | 1,000 words | 35 | N | Individual | N |
Case Study | 1,500 words | 45 | N | Individual | N |
Prescribed Texts
- Thiroux, J. and Krasemann, K. (2012). Ethics Theory and Practice (11th ed.). Pearson-Prentice Hall. USA.
Teaching Periods
WSU Online TRI-1 (2024)
Wsu Online
Online
Subject Contact Kathleen Openshaw Opens in new window
View timetable Opens in new window
Spring (2024)
Penrith (Kingswood)
On-site
Subject Contact Kathleen Openshaw Opens in new window
View timetable Opens in new window
Liverpool
On-site
Subject Contact Kathleen Openshaw Opens in new window
View timetable Opens in new window
Online
Online
Subject Contact Kathleen Openshaw Opens in new window
View timetable Opens in new window
Parramatta - Victoria Rd
On-site
Subject Contact Kathleen Openshaw Opens in new window
View timetable Opens in new window
WSU Online TRI-3 (2024)
Wsu Online
Online
Subject Contact Rosalind Priestman Opens in new window
View timetable Opens in new window
Sydney City Campus - Term 3 (2024)
Sydney City
On-site
Subject Contact Kathleen Openshaw Opens in new window
View timetable Opens in new window
Summer (2024)
Online
Online
Subject Contact Georgia Durmush Opens in new window
View timetable Opens in new window
WSU Online TRI-2 (2025)
Wsu Online
Online
Subject Contact Kathleen Openshaw Opens in new window
View timetable Opens in new window
Spring (2025)
Penrith (Kingswood)
On-site
Subject Contact Kathleen Openshaw Opens in new window
View timetable Opens in new window
Liverpool
On-site
Subject Contact Kathleen Openshaw Opens in new window
View timetable Opens in new window
Online
Online
Subject Contact Kathleen Openshaw Opens in new window
View timetable Opens in new window
Parramatta - Victoria Rd
On-site
Subject Contact Kathleen Openshaw Opens in new window
View timetable Opens in new window
Sydney City Campus - Term 3 (2025)
Sydney City
On-site
Subject Contact Kathleen Openshaw Opens in new window
View timetable Opens in new window
Summer (2025)
Parramatta - Victoria Rd
On-site
Subject Contact Kathleen Openshaw Opens in new window