HSS1220 Bioethics and Social Justice: Navigating Human Dilemmas

This course examines the ethical issues that arise at the intersection of human services, medicine, and society. You will explore dilemmas that affect individuals, families, and communities—including autonomy, consent, health disparities, emerging technologies, and end-of-life care. We will analyze these ethical challenges through both philosophical and practical lenses, considering the historical and systemic factors that shape them. Special emphasis will be given to how culture, race, gender, and socioeconomic status influence these dilemmas. By the end, you will have a strong foundation in social bioethical theory and its applications in human service and medical practice, along with a critical understanding of how equity and justice shape ethical decisions in real-world scenarios.

Credits

4 sh

Course Types

Society

Offered

• Spring

Learning Outcomes

1. • Articulate the ethical responsibilities and obligations of professionals in healthcare and human services, emphasizing the importance of advocacy, justice, and care.
2. • Critically analyze social and ethical issues by recognizing diverse perspectives and questioning underlying assumptions.
3. • Explore how factors such as class, race, gender, and culture influence ethical issues and decision-making in healthcare and human services.
4. • Recognize that ethical issues exist not only at the individual level but also within larger societal and systemic contexts, considering the influence of institutions, policies, and social structures.
5. • Understand and apply key ethical concepts—such as autonomy, beneficence, and consent—to real-world scenarios in healthcare and human services.
6. • Build and present ethical arguments clearly and persuasively, both in writing and through class discussions.
7. • Reflect on your own background and experiences, understanding how they shape your perspective on ethical dilemmas.