Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2016 - PHIL 333 D100

Selected Topics (3)

Law and Philosophy

Class Number: 8970

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Fri, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 21, 2016
    Thu, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    As stated by department at time of offering.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

May be repeated for credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

Selected Topics: Law and Philosophy (Equality and Discrimination)

Prerequisites:  one of PHIL 120W, 121, 220, 221.

This is an intermediate level course in law and philosophy dealing with two related topics. The course begins by tackling controversies about the nature of social equality. The central disagreement relates to whether social equality requires giving people the same amount of stuff (opportunities, resources, rights), or alternatively is a richer ideal requiring the dismantling of social hierarchies, the elimination of certain forms of discrimination and domination, or the reduction of differentials in status. The course proceeds to examine the idea of discrimination: What is it? Is it wrong? Why is it wrong? Both topics in moral philosophy are relevant to, and have arguably helped shape, the ongoing evolution in the law. We will examine some of the relevant case law.

The course is organized around one lecture each week for a total of three hours. Students are expected to contribute to class discussion and will be required to read 2-3 papers or book chapters each week. They will also be required to synthesize the readings to complete their final research paper.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

The aim of the course is for students to acquire a systematic understanding of the moral foundation for disputes under law about the meaning of equality and discrimination.

The course is good preparation for law school. 

 

Grading

  • Three short assignments (from a total of four) 20%
  • One longer research paper (2500 words) 35%
  • Final exam 35%
  • Participation 10%

NOTES:

No Nonsense Paper Policy: In the interest of preserving a level playing field students submitting late papers without prior arrangement or a doctor's note will be penalized. Students caught plagiarizing or otherwise cheating will normally be recommended for suspension from the university.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Social Equality: On What it Means to be Equals, C. Fourie et al, (Eds), (OUP 2015)

Philosophical Foundations of Discrimination Law, S. Moreau (Ed.), (OUP 2015)

Unfortunately, these texts are only available in hardcover and are beastly expensive. I am working with the library to ensure that we have reserve copies or electronic access.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS