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CORE 202 is the capstone course of the University Core A sequence. It represents the culmination of the previous courses because it stands upon a foundation of skills that you began to practice in CORE 101 and that you added to and strengthened in CORE 102 and CORE 201. CORE 202 will help you build upon that foundation by incorporating ethical reasoning and small group communication and teamwork skills into the University Core A sequence.

To accomplish that goal, your instructor has chosen a theme that will enable you to explore how ethical decisions are made. Your instructor may have chosen a theme directly related to ethical issues in particular fields, such as healthcare, environmental studies, or education; or she may have chosen a theme that will allow you to explore ethical issues as presented in popular culture, such as The Hunger Games or the adventures of superheroes who may grapple, for example, with the notion that “with great power comes great responsibility.”

In order to accomplish the goals of the course, you will complete three major projects:

• an ethical analysis,
• a group project and presentation, and
• a group communication evaluation.

This portion of the Handbook is divided into Ethical Reasoning and Small Group Communication and Teamwork in order to address the following course objectives:

• Ethical Reasoning
  • Apply critical reasoning to an ethical issue.
  • Utilize reasons and arguments appropriate to debate over an ethical issue.
  • Recognize an ethical issue.
  • Apply major ethical perspectives to the issue.
  • Examine the consequences for others of one’s decision or position on an ethical issue.
  • Find facts related to an ethical issue.
  • Identify criteria to consider in relation to options.
  • Research stakeholder positions.
• Group Communication and Teamwork
  • Contribute to team meetings.
  • Facilitate the contribution of team members.
  • Foster a constructive team climate.
  • Respond effectively to conflict.
• Written Communication
  • Use tone, mechanics, and style appropriate to an academic audience.