PHIL-385 Practicum in Ethics (3)

This course deepens students’ understanding of ethical theories and provides an opportunity for experiential learning by working as assistant coaches with local high school students participating in ethics-related competitions. The course includes both in-class sessions and weekly meetings with the high school students. Ancient philosophical texts concerning rhetoric, oratory, and the correct method to educate students in these subjects comprise the readings for the course, supplemented by readings in the philosophy of education to better prepare students as coaches. Emphasis is on the manner in which issues pertaining to ethics are connected to issues of the state and its history, the citizen, as well as the proper mode of presentation in public address. In order to understand the manner in which these techniques were implemented, students analyze speeches by ancient orators. Then, in preparation for meeting with the high school students, they present an interpretation of a given topic in ethics that incorporates the elements of rhetoric and oratory as discussed in class. Prerequisite: PHIL-220 or two introductory philosophy courses.