Applied Ethics in Public Policy – GOVT 324

Course Description

The goal of the course is to prepare the Christian public policy specialist to maneuver intellectually in the public square. This course examines the ethical dimensions of policy problems in a manner that addresses the tension between secular society and the traditional Christian faith. It explains the moral foundations of institutions and how conceptions of liberal society seek to define them. The course will equip the student to analyze major secular moral theories employed in policy arguments and to cogently represent the Christian conscience on important policy issues. It will discuss the proper uses of the Bible in formulating policy arguments and the role of science in policy deliberation. In addition, it will illuminate the way in which Christian beliefs may become involved in policy deliberation.

Rationale

The application of an ethical, biblical worldview requires an understanding of the actual context in which ethics occur. This course focuses on one such context—the public policy arena—and all that comes with it. The student will understand the challenges of the political arena, and how to make ethical policy decisions.

Course Assignment

Textbook readings and lecture presentations/notes

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (4)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, you are required to coherently present your thoughts gleaned from the readings through a thread in response to the provided prompt for each Discussion. The ideal writing style for that purpose is the persuasive essay genre (also called argumentative or logical essay). Each thread must be 450–500 words, demonstrate course-related knowledge, and integrate at least 3 references from required readings and at least 2 appropriately, interpreted biblical citations.  In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 2 classmates’ threads. Each reply must be 200–250 words, unique in content, and integrate at least 1 reference and 1 appropriately interpreted biblical citation. The format style is current APA. All references should present proper attribution. The paper must be the students original thoughts and writing. 

Ethical Analysis Assignments (3)

Students will write three 3-4 page (or about 750–1000 words) analysis-based papers focused one or two ethical dimensions of public policy in response to a topical prompt provided by the instructor. You are required to coherently present your thoughts gleaned from the course readings and research in response to the prompt. The ideal writing style for that purpose is the persuasive essay genre (also called argumentative or logical essay).  Each paper must thoughtfully integrate at least 5 scholarly references from the required reading and 2 appropriately interpreted biblical citations.  The structural format is the current edition of APA.  All references should present proper attribution. The paper must be the students original thoughts and writing. 

Ethical Public Policy Analysis Assignment

Students will write a 6 - 7 pages (about 1,500–1,750 words) analysis-based final paper discussing the all ethical dimensions of public policy. Unlike the focused papers, this paper can require students to discuss factual information such as laws, institutions, science, and politics, etc.  Students are required to coherently present their thoughts gleaned from the course readings and wider research in response to the instructor's provided prompt. The ideal writing style for that purpose is the persuasive essay genre (also called argumentative or logical essay).  The paper must thoughtfully integrate at least 7 scholarly references from the course readings and 4 appropriately interpreted biblical citations.  The structural format is the current APA.  All references should present proper attribution. The paper must be the students original thoughts and writing.