North Central College - Naperville, IL
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Ethics Concentration

Requirements for the Ethics Concentration come in three areas: coursework, co-curricular application and a written portfolio. In most cases, the courses taken to satisfy the requirements for the concentration will also satisfy general education requirements. Students must maintain a 'B' average in the courses taken to acquire the concentration.

For the Ethics Concentration you will need 12 credit hours from the following:

Required Courses (6 credit hours):
PHL 110 Ethics (Core: Religion & Ethics)

Plus, choose one of the following:

PHL 210 Professional Ethics (Core: Humanities)
REL 115 Christian Ethics (Core: Religion & Ethics)
REL 125 Religious Ethics (Core: Religion & Ethics)
REL 225 Urban Ethics & Religion Ethics (Core: Humanities/Religion & Ethics)

Advanced Courses (6 credit hours): Choose any two 300 level courses from those listed.

BIO/GWS/PHL 300 Human Sexuality: A Clash of Values (Core: Intercultural)
ECN 350 Public Finance & Social Welfare
ENG 360 Writing for Social Change
LEV 330 Ethnic & Religious Conflict Resolution (Core: Intercultural)
PHL 310 Ethical Theory
PHL 361 Science & Religion: Conflict or Dialogue (Core: Intercultural)
PSC 336 Civil Rights, Liberties & Justice (Core: LEV)
REL 375 Topics in Religious Ethics (Core: Intercultural)
SOC 375 Protest & Change

One Application: Choose one of the following.

  • Participant on national Ethics Bowl team.
  • Participant on NCC sponsored or approved service trip.
  • Service as Dispute Resolution Center Associate.
  • Completion of an LEV approved Verandah course involving significant service or ethics work.
  • Completion of an LEV approved internship experience, preferably LEV 495, involving significant service or ethics work.

Note: Students are encouraged to propose additional applications to satisfy this component of the Ethics Concentration to the Director of the Leadership, Ethics and Values Program.

Completion of Written Portfolio: All of the following must be completed.

  • Written responses to two "ethics designated" cultural events not to exceed 2 pages each.
  • Evidence of participation in two annual ethics concentration colloquia. College Scholars may participate in two honors colloquia when approved by the Director of Leadership, Ethics& Values Program.
  • Copies of major written work submitted in all ethics concentration required courses.
  • A concluding/capstone personal statement not to exceed 3 pages.
  • A resume.
  • Completion of all requirements for either a North Central College B.S. or B.A. degree.

Kate Schmidt '09

Kate in Africa

Life is a continuous flow of experiences, and with each experience come a whole host of decisions one needs to make. The Ethics Concentration at North Central College has developed in me the skills and abilities to make those decisions. As I graduate with a degree in Sociology I am prepared to serve either in the Peace Corp or with Teach for America. I know what I value. I value helping others.