We will pay specific attention to the tension between the ideals of respect and tolerance that motivate those who endorse ethical relativism and view that all human being share a common dignity and value which ought to be protected, the ideal that motivates those who think we should intervene to stop people from being mistreated or harmed in other cultures. In the third part of the course we will apply some of the conclusions we arrived at in the first two sections of the course to a current and concrete issue. It is a hight priority of mine to facilitate participation and exchange among all the students. I will make accommodations necessary to guarantee to students with learning or physical disabilities access to class sessions, course material, and the activities of the class. Let me know within the first two weeks of class if you have a disability for which you will request accommodations.
Any true discussion involves personal exposure and thus the taking of risks.
Your ideas may not agree with those of our classmates. Yet as long as your points are honest and supportable they need to be respected by all of us in the classroom. Encouragement, questions, discussion, and laughter are a part of this class, but personal attacks are not allowed. I want you to question one another's points, but to do so in a way that does not call into question the motives, intelligence, or character of the other members of the class. Class attendance is required.