Moral Philosophy · Philosophy
very little reading, midterm and final worth 50% each, attendance taken every class, but I'm not sure it counts for anything
From readings that drew the most vehement reactions from me to readings that, I think, fundamentally changed the way I look at certain things, I do not think that there was anything in this class that I wish to have not read: everything was valuable. From the professor to my TA (Samara Burns), this class was an incredibly enjoyable one.
A lot of difficult readings, 10 one-page outlines over the readings (you can pick which ones), midterm, two 6-page papers. My favorite thing about this class might have been that there's no final.
Metaethics, utilitarianism, deontology, the duty of beneficence, and other ethical theories.
He sure is a sweet old guy, and it is clear that he knows a lot, but this class is almost painful at times, depending on the day and depending on your mood. Sure, it's easy, and, sure, the readings are interesting, but it's almost impossible to not go to sleep some days; he goes off on tangents constantly and covers very little in each class (which can be a nice change from classes with thousands of pages of reading). Sometimes, I like this class, when what we're discussing is especially interesting or when students contribute their comments; other times, I find it to be a waste of time.
Professor Beardman is a really nice person, however there's something very timid about her teaching style that made this class difficult to sit through. When I took it, it was capped at less than 20 students and it was heavily discussion-based. The readings are interesting, but kind of all over the place. It was hard to understand what she wanted from the papers. She's helpful and easy to contact, however I would say this class was a negative experience for the most part. Took it as a requirement for the philosophy major.
I learned about ethics and pretty much the entire field of ethics.
If I had to describe Katja Vogt in one word, that word would be pleasant. This class is difficult, but as a 3000 level ethics course, that should be expected. Though the reading can be challenging, Professor Vogt prepares notes over every reading and puts them on courseworks before class, which makes things much easier. Class time is divided between clarifying texts and discussing their implications, with more emphasis on the latter. Professor Vogt is excellent at answering questions and addressing comments, which really encourages participation. She has the very rare ability to make a large lecture at times fell like a discussion.
the best-known theories of ethics and the arguments of their most important proponents
Almost no reading, no papers. Midterm and final, both essay based with general, easy questions.