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Bioethics

This course is an introduction to selected ethical issues associated with health and health care. Through lectures, readings, group discussions, cases, and written work, this course will provide theoretical tools for identifying and evaluating a wide range of ethical issues associated with interactions between (1) patients and health care providers, (2) health and health care, and (3) medical science and society. As the philosophical approach to ethical issues involves critical examination and rational justification of ethical claims, students will learn to scrutinize and formulate such claims. In addition to learning about ethical theories and principles, we will cover a range of topics, possibly including: therapeutic relationships, confidentiality, informed consent, research integrity, health care funding, resource allocation, genetics and human reproduction, stem cell research, death and dying, determinants of health, and public health. Upon completion of this course, students should be well prepared to critically analyze new developments in health and health care in the United States and more globally.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

Exams:

Take-home exam, final exam

Papers:

Annotated bibliography
Term paper (including proposal)

Grading system:

Take-home exam (15%), final exam (30%), Annotated bibliography (20%), Term paper (25%, including 5% for proposal), Participation (10%)

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