Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2026 - PHIL 822 G100

Selected Topics in Normative Ethics (5)

Virtue Ethics

Class Number: 3616

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 11 – Jun 19, 2026: Wed, Fri, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

COURSE DETAILS:

Selected Topics: Virtue Ethics

[Note: this course is to be taught concurrently with PHIL 321.]

NOTE: This course is offered as intersession, with 6 hours of class per week.

Important note regarding enrollment: All seats are reserved for philosophy graduate students. Philosophy honours students and graduate students in other departments will be considered only upon submission of the new online Course Add/Drop Form as required by Graduate Studies. All such enrollments will be done in or after the first week of classes, if there is capacity.

Course description: An examination of theories of virtue both contemporary and historical.

 

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Successful completion of this course will satisfy the “Value Theory Stream" distribution requirement toward the MA degree for Philosophy graduate students.

Grading

  • In-class responses: Short reflection assignments done in class. 40%
  • Final paper pitch: A short overview of ideas for the main thesis and support for the final paper. 20%
  • Final paper: A final essay of about 2500 words 30%
  • Participation in class discussions 10%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Readings will be available electronically via canvas.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.