TRS5202 - Body: Bio-Ethics and Sexual Ethics

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of key ethical issues arising from the fields of bioethics and sexual ethics;
Evaluate the various (often conflicting) positions taken by leading scholars in the field and show evidence of independent thinking in relation to the respective perspectives;
Analyse and evaluate the significance of theological, biblical and religious arguments in relation to some key debates on marriage, sexuality, scientific advancement, end of life issues, genetic enhancement and the significance of the human body after death;
Demonstrate the ability to assess the strengths and weaknesses of an ethical argument and offer alternative perspectives on a contentious issue.

Content:

This module builds on TRS4202 Ethics and addresses controversial issues of bio-ethics and sexual ethics. Students will learn how to analyse, critique and debate contemporary questions about life and relationships, particularly in relation to assumptions about nature or human nature. Practical issues will be introduced and discussed, as a way of testing and complicating given theoretical approaches. Topics will vary to ensure relevance and currency, but may include (for example): GM technologies; sexual identity and orientation; the nature of relationships and marriage; transhumanism; the cultural impact of market forces and new biotechnologies; and the notion of consent (in medical and sexual contexts).

Learning and Teaching Information:

Learning and teaching takes place in plenary sessions and using blended learning. It may also include group activities and opportunities for individual help through face-to-face meeting or online means. Scheduled learning activities are varied and include: lecture-style presentations by the module tutor or occasional guest speaker; seminar-style discussion of a particular topic; informal prepared presentations by students, followed by discussion; debates; and other exercises as appropriate to material and group. Students receive guidance on reading in preparation for each session and activity and learning is supported by the VLE (Moodle) and sometimes by readers and other resources. Guidance on research and essay-writing is integral to the learning and teaching process in each module and may also be supported by tutorial guidance on essay plans if requested.

Lectures, Seminars, Group Work, Tutorials etc
Hours: 33
Intended Group size: 35

Guided independent study
Hours: 167

Further details relating to assessment
Report: this essay selects and examines a topic or debate in bioethics and/or sexual ethics, identifying and articulating relevant theories, arguments or positions within the secondary literature and establishing a critical and independent position in relation to them.

Presentation: this presentation presents an applied ethics case study, exploring a particular topic in relation both to appropriate social, economic or intellectual contexts and also to the existing nature of critical and academic debates.

Students may also negotiate their assessment topic with the lecturer.

Assessment:

001 Report; 2,000 words; mid-semester 2 50%
002 Presentation; 10mins; end of semester 2 50%

Fact File

Module Coordinator - Kate Lister
Level - 5
Credit Value - 20
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered - 5S1

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