Ethical Issues in the 21st Cen

3 Credits · Level: Graduate, Undergraduate

This course examines professional ethics and values for leaders working in and around the public sector. It first explores prescriptive aspects and frameworks for ethical decision making, then builds on those frameworks with an examination of the social, cultural, perceptual, and political influences on ethics and value systems. The course makes extensive use of case studies, interactive student-centered activities, and invited speakers. Contemporary ethical issues addressed include: the possible results of biotechnology; the appropriate use of drone warfare; artificial intelligence applications to everyday life; life and death “decisions” by driverless cars; the use of cyber technologies for persuasion and communication; and animal rights.