Philosophy 106 (SEC) STAR Paper

This paper is designed for Year 13 students who wish to complete a university paper while still studying at school.
It is offered to all Year 13 students who have gained at least 14 credits in one approved subject at NCEA Level 2 and have met the Literacy and Numeracy requirements of University Entrance under NCEA.

The paper deals with topical ethical issues from both secular and religious perspectives. It is an introductory ethics paper and you will study a wide range of issues. The essays will enable you to go into issues that particularly interest you in some depth.

Topics included in the paper:
§ Ethical Theory
§ Justice
§ Environmental Ethics
§ Human/Children’s rights
§ Genetic Modification
§ Animal Rights
§ Religion and Ethics
§ Health Care Ethics
§ Abortion
§ Euthanasia
§ Research Ethics
§ Freedom of Speech, Pornography
§ The Role of Religion in Secular Society

Current controversial issues are included where relevant.

You will acquire skills in understanding and participating in rational discussion about these topics, and about ethics in general. It is important that you approach the paper with an open mind. Of course, you’ll have views about many of the issues - we do too - and we'll encourage you to present your views, backed up with reasoned argument. You should also be prepared to understand different views, to take them seriously, and to respond to them rationally.

The paper was offered for the first time in 1999, especially for year 13 students at Sacred Heart College, Hamilton. This was the first time that the University had offered such a paper in a secondary school. In 2007 a total of 106 students from 16 different secondary schools participated in the programme.

It is a full credit University paper and can be counted towards a degree. It is the equivalent of one seventh of a normal year's work for a full time University student. So if you successfully complete the paper you will have acquired (approximately) 5% of a University of Waikato degree.

You will be expected to attend classes regularly, to participate in discussion, and to read set material in advance. We will set up an internet discussion list where we can all discuss issues relevant to the paper. There is no textbook: we will provide you with copies of readings, and you are welcome to share material such as newspaper articles, internet items etc with us and your fellow students. 

Assessment
The paper is internally assessed (no final exam). You will write two 1200 word essays, two short 800 word assignments and a short answer test (totalling 80% of the assessment). The remaining 20% will be based on your participation in class (including internet) discussions. We will expect you to hand in all work on time, in accordance with our policies, unless you are unable to do so due to illness etc. At the end of the paper we will ask you to complete a paper evaluation, anonymously of course. This will be analysed by staff at the University Teaching & Learning Development Unit and we will use the results to improve the paper. 

Dates
In 2009 the paper will commence toward the end of February with a two week introductory period (to ensure students are fully enrolled, understand the requirements of the course, and have all the relevant resources), and study proper will commence early in March and run through till the end of June.

Costs
Ministry of Education STAR funding may be available for this paper. If your school is eligible for the funding, your course fees will be covered. You will need to contact your STAR Coordinator, Careers Advisor or Dean to see if your school is eligible. For further information on STAR courses and STAR funding, see the following link: STAR information

Follow this link for more information on fees for this paper.

How do I Enrol?
In the first instance, contact your Careers Advisor, Dean or STAR Coordinator at your school.

Alternatively, contact the Waikato University STAR Coordinator:

The Academic Pathways and Quality Office
Student and Academic Services Division
University of Waikato
Private Bag 3105
Hamilton 3240, New Zealand

Phone: +64 7 838-4466 ext. 6570
Fax: +64 7 858-5193
Email: UniSTARt@waikato.ac.nz

Comments from past students:

"The opportunity to study at a tertiary level while still at school has enabled me to enter into my degree with the motivation and confidence I needed to excel in all of my papers while at University. The issues covered while taking PHIL106 were varied and relevant to my class and the tutors were of an excellent standard. I would highly recommend that anyone who is offered this fabulous opportunity take it in both hands and run." - Kate Insoll, Sacred Heart College, Hamilton

"I learnt a lot from this course, the topics are really interesting and relevant to everyday life." - Bradley Sam, Fraser High School

"Doing Social and Moral was such a great oppourtunity to get into the swing of University study while still studying hard at high school... and you can end up getting better grades than your teachers ever got." - Kurt Sharpe, Te Kuiti High School

"What began for me as an opportunity to test my knowledge and abilities at University level, even when I was still at school and surfing every day in Raglan, has grown into a lifelong interest, a possible career, and a day to day challenge. From Social and Moral Philosophy I've gone on to study ethical issues in the media and in the environment. The lecturers force me to think very deeply and holistically about very relevant issues, not only at school (uni), but at home with family and even with my mates." - Te Whaiwhaia Ritchie, ex- Raglan Area School, now at Waikato University

"The course was very informative, interesting and encouraged us to think about and make judgements about our world."
- Sacred Heart College student, Hamilton

"The course was very eye-opening."
- Sacred Heart College student, Hamilton

"It was a challenge, but it was totally worth it because it expanded my worldview and gave me an insight into the minds of others."
- Sacred Heart College student, Hamilton

See Also:

Why Study Philosophy?
Careers
STAR Papers
PHIL106 Paper Profile