Course Title: Global Ethics

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Global Ethics

Credit Points: 12.00

Important Information:

Prior to 2022 this course was titled 'Practical Ethics for Development'


Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

HUSO2347

City Campus

Postgraduate

365H Global, Urban and Social Studies

Face-to-Face or Internet

 Sem 1 2014,
Sem 1 2015,
Sem 1 2016,
Sem 1 2017,
Sem 1 2018,
Sem 1 2019,
Sem 1 2020,
Sem 1 2021,
Sem 1 2022,
Sem 1 2023,
Sem 1 2024

Course Coordinator: Dr Vandra Harris Agisilaou

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 2960

Course Coordinator Email: vandra.harris.agisilaou@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 37.5.25

Course Coordinator Availability: By appointment


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None


Course Description

Complex ethical decisions often need to be made quickly and effectively over one's career. The increasingly globalised nature of work--of diverse workplaces, multiple agendas, different engagements across communities, government and the market, and changing social expectations--means that professionals face a range of ethical dilemmas within profoundly shifting dynamics. Such challenges are at the fore in fields such as development, humanitarianism, security and governance, where practical matters of justice, dignity and well-being are central to both the objectives of organisations and the ways they operate. 

Drawing on real and hypothetical scenarios from professional practice, this course integrates theory and practice in an applied, multidisciplinary approach to important ethical challenges.  


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Program Learning Outcomes  

If you are enrolled in MC211, in this course you will develop the following program learning outcomes:  

  • critically reflect on socio-cultural diversity and values, world systems and the benefits of local and global development practices for communities engaged in development processes 
  • determine and apply the specialist knowledge and technical skills required to creatively solve problems, demonstrating expert judgment and ethical responsibility in your professional practice in international development 
  • professionally communicate propositions, processes and outcomes relating to international development to address specialist and non-specialist audiences 
  • provide leadership within your discipline as well as collaborate with others 

 


Course Learning Outcomes 

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to: 

  1. Compare and contrast key ethical approaches; 
  2. Critically analyse the practical impact of values and ethics in professional practice in international and intercultural contexts; 
  3. Discern the role of ethics and values in individual and organisational decision-making and actions in international and intercultural contexts; 
  4. Communicate, justify and apply ethical frameworks and analysis
     


Overview of Learning Activities

Primary learning activities may include lectures, guest lecturers, readings, independent research, activities and discussion in class and online, analysis of case studies and personal reflection. You may also experience a combination of class participation, class presentations, group work and debates in order to develop your skills in collaborative and participatory practice; critical understanding of the key ethical approaches and their development; understanding of the practical impact of values and ethics; and ability to prepare critical oral argument.


Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems. Learning resources will include a set of readings for each component of the class, and may include a prescribed textbook. A range of additional resources and links will also be available through myRMIT, to enhance your learning.  

There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student portal.


Overview of Assessment

You will be assessed on how well you meet the course’s learning outcomes and on your development against the program learning outcomes. 

Assessment Tasks  

TASK 1: Active engagement 15%
Course Learning Outcomes 2, 4

TASK 2: Case study 35%. 1,500 words
CLOs 1, 2, 4

3)    Reflective journal 50% 3,000 words (6x500 word reflections)
CLOs 1,2,3,4

Feedback will be given on all assessment tasks.   

If you have a long-term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.   

Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies, procedures and instructions.