Ethics in real life
On this page
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| 2 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) | 1 Interactive computer-marked assignment (iCMA) |
| No examination | No residential school |
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This course is available for study in the countries shown. Fees may vary by country.
Summary
This 15-week online course about ethics deals specifically with the end of life, issues of plagiarism and copyright, and issues concerning the responsibilities of companies and shareholders. These discussions are set within a theoretical framework, which is designed to make us better decision-makers. The course goes well beyond these particular issues into the role of ethical thinking in work and daily life, and helps you understand the ethical problems that arise. The course has been designed to be of interest to everyone, and is relevant to anyone who needs to make decisions: all of us.
Course content
The focus of the course is on exploring some aspects of life that bring forward difficult ethical problems, and how to think through those problems to a solution. It’s divided into five blocks of work.
Block 1: Professional Ethics
Many jobs (especially those known as ‘the professions’) have a code of ethics. These codes perform many functions, one of which is to guide people’s ethical decision making. Does this mean we can do without thinking for ourselves? This block explores the nature and limits of this approach.
Block 2: Ethical Theory
If we do need to think for ourselves, how do we go about it? This block draws on the best philosophical writing to explore some of the frameworks of ethical decision making. It considers why appealing to such frameworks might be necessary (or why they might simply be more trouble than they are worth).
Block 3: Health and Social Care: Euthanasia and End-of-life Issues?
There are some very difficult ethical decisions involved in the provision of health care. This block looks at how we identify an ethical issue in health care, and then at one particular structure for deciding on practical action. You’ll then apply what you have learned to the difficult areas of treatment decisions, care at the end of life, and issues around patient dignity.
Block 4: Using Other People’s Words: The Ethics of Plagiarism and Copyright Infringement
Should ideas be free for other people to use? Or, if someone has an idea, do they own it, as they might own their car? Can they bequeath their ownership to others, and, if so, for how long? Is there such a thing as the theft of ideas? The ethics of plagiarism and copyright infringement has become a much-discussed topic recently, particularly with the growth of the internet. This block will explore these and related issues.
Block 5: Business Responsibility
Anyone who runs a company that is owned by its shareholders is running an operation using other people’s money. Does this mean that they are under an obligation to do their best by those people? Or do they have a broader responsibility to society? This block explores the ‘shareholder’ and the ‘stakeholder’ models of business responsibility.
You will learn
The basics of ethical theory and its application in practical areas of life.
Vocational relevance
This course is of particular vocational relevance if you are engaged in ethical decision making, including those who serve on Ethics Committees and so on.
Qualifications
It can count towards most of our degrees at bachelors level, where it is suitable for a BA. We advise you to refer to the relevant qualification descriptions for information on the circumstances in which this course can count towards these qualifications because from time to time the structure and requirements may change. You should think carefully about fitting 15 points into a degree that consists mostly of 30-point and 60-point courses.
If you have a disability or additional requirement
Written transcripts of any audio components and Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) versions of printed material are available. Some Adobe PDF components may not be available or fully accessible using a screen reader. Large print versions of the course materials can be provided on request. Other alternative formats of the course materials may be available in the future. Our Services for disabled students website has the latest information about availability.
If you are a new student, or new to courses using a computer or the internet, you will need to inform us of your particular needs as soon as possible, as some of our support services may take several weeks to arrange. Details of how to do this and our range of support services are described in our booklet Meeting Your Needs which you can download or request from our Student Registration & Enquiry Service.
You can also find information about accessible course materials, financial support and the Disabled Students' Allowance, equipment and other services, on our Services for disabled students website. It also includes our contact details for advice and support both before you register and while you are studying.
Course materials
You will need
CD player.
Computing requirements
This course includes online computer activities – you can access these using a web browser that can play Flash and Shockwave.
You will need internet access and a computer. If you have purchased a new computer since 2002 it should meet your course computing requirements. Check our Technical Requirements section if your computer is older than this or is otherwise unusual.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
You will be allocated to a tutor with a group of around 25 people. You can contact your tutor either through email or the online forum. Your tutor will help you with the course material and mark and comment on your written work.
If you are new to the OU, you will find your tutor is particularly concerned to help you with your study methods. Contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service if you want to know more about study with The Open University before you register.
Assessment
The assessment details for this course can be found in the facts box above.
You can choose whether to submit your tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) on paper or online through the eTMA system. You may want to use the eTMA system for some of your assignments but submit on paper for others. This is entirely your choice.
Students also studied
Students who studied this course also studied at some time:
Future availability
The details given here are for the course that starts in April and October 2009. We expect it to be available twice a year.
How to register
To register a place on this course return to the top of the page and use the Click to register button. For more information and advice about registration see OU Study Explained.
About this page
An undergraduate course in Arts and Humanities and Health and Social Care.
Study explained
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- Level
- - indicates how difficult a course is. Undergraduate study starts at Level 1.
- Financial support
- - find out if you qualify for support with your fees with our eligibility checker.
- Study explained
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Student Reviews
A good relevant course. However I realised early on that a totally online format is not for me. I had ...
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I enjoyed this course; my only gripe being that it should be longer! The subjects covered are highly topical and ...
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