2018/19 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue
IDEA5312M Ethical Issues at the Beginning of Life
15 creditsClass Size: 30
Module manager: Professor Chris Megone
Email: C.B.Megone@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2018/19
Module replaces
IDEA5302M Consequences, Killing, and the Value of LifeThis module is not approved as an Elective
Objectives
This modules aims to provide philosophical basis for critically examining the moral issues at the beginning of life, considering background theory as well as more specific issues such as:- Theoretical issues such as: the value of life; moral personhood; the right to life, and rights conflicts; the non-identity problem; potentiality arguments
- Applied issues such as: abortion; prenatal screening; embryo research; reproduction; fertility; contraception
On completion of this module, students should:
- Be familiar with a number of key philosophical texts relating to beginning of life issues.
- Understand the key philosophical positions in the debate around abortion and associated issues.
- Be able to analyse arguments put forward in debates about beginning of life issues, and relate them to key theoretical positions.
Syllabus
We will consider a range of topics in the area, including for example:
- The value of life
- The right to life
- Moral personhood, including the moral status of human foetuses/embryos/gametes etc.
- Abortion and pre-natal screening
- Potentiality
- Reproductive rights, fertility treatment and reproductive technologies
- Embryo and stem cell research
Teaching methods
Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
Seminar | 8 | 2.00 | 16.00 |
Private study hours | 134.00 | ||
Total Contact hours | 16.00 | ||
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150.00 |
Private study
Detailed study of required readings plus advance preparation of discussion questions for seminars. Preparation of answers to set coursework assignment questions. Independent reading and research for the preparation of assessments.Opportunities for Formative Feedback
2 x 500 word assignment, 1 x 2000 word essay and 1 x Annotated Bibliography 500 wordsMethods of assessment
Coursework
Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
Assignment | 500 words | 25.00 |
Assignment | 500 words | 25.00 |
Essay | 2000 words | 40.00 |
Report | Annotated Bibliography 500 words | 10.00 |
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100.00 |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 12/12/2018 16:33:09
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team.PROD