Catalog Description

Formerly known as FIRE 639
Hours: 9 lecture
Description: An examination of fundamental ethical values of fire service instructors by exploring examples of ethical behavior in the classroom environment. Includes basic concepts, terms and theories of ethical decision making, code of ethics, and concepts in ethical leadership. (C-ID FIRE 251X) (CSU)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Define the basic concepts, terms, and principles of ethical decision-making processes.
  • CSLO #2: Identify situations that may lead to an ethical dilemma.
  • CSLO #3: Apply techniques to resolve ethical dilemmas.

Effective Term

Fall 2019

Course Type

Credit - Degree-applicable

Contact Hours

9

Outside of Class Hours

18

Total Student Learning Hours

27

Course Objectives

1. Define basic concepts, terms, and theories of ethical decision-making processes;
2. Analyze an instructor code of ethics;
3. Examine concepts in ethical leadership;
4. Assess ethics awareness;
5. Examine methods for assessing personal values;
6. Develop a process for analyzing the role of the fire service instructor in maintaining the value system;
7. Compare philosophical theories that represent principles of ethical decision making;
8. Discuss the foundations of ethical decision making and behavior;
9. Identify situations that carry high potential for dilemmas, which require ethical scrutiny; and
10. Evaluate individual value systems in relationship to ethical decision making.

General Education Information

  • Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability
    • CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval)
      • Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval)
        • IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval)

          Articulation Information

          • CSU Transferable

          Methods of Evaluation

          • Classroom Discussions
            • Example: Explain the statement, "Ethical dilemmas are not about right vs. wrong, they are about issues of right vs. right." Rubric Grading.
          • Objective Examinations
            • Example: Students will take a multiple-choice examination on CORE perspectives. Standard Grading. Example question: Which of the following is correct regarding CORE perspectives? A. Character, Obligation, Results, and Equity, B. Character, Obligation, Redefine, and Equity, C. Character, Obligation, Results and Equal Rights, C. None of the above.

          Repeatable

          No

          Methods of Instruction

          • Lecture/Discussion

          Lecture:

          1. The instructor will lecture on ethical situations that can confront an instructor. Students will then work in small groups to examine various scenarios, and determine what would be the ethical resolution to each scenario. Their findings will be presented to the class.
          2. The instructor will lead a discussion on assessing CORE (Character, Obligation, Results, and Equity) perspectives. Students will then complete a workbook activity to assess their personal awareness to these perspectives.

          Typical Out of Class Assignments

          Reading Assignments

          1. The student will read the material on public opinion polls in reference to declining attention to ethics, and they will then complete the provided "Ethics Awareness Inventory." 2. The student will read provided material on personal values, and they will then make a list of their own personal values.

          Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

          1. Develop a list of the formal and informal roles an instructor fulfills for their students. 2. Analyze the provided "Instructor Code of Ethics/Conduct" and explain how an individual instructor's actions impact State Fire Training.

          Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.)

          Required Materials

          • Ethical Awareness Inventory
            • Author: Linda M. Williams
            • Publisher: The Williams Institute
            • Publication Date: 2006
            • Text Edition:
            • Classic Textbook?:
            • OER Link:
            • OER:
          • The Moral of the Story: An Introduction to Ethics
            • Author: Nina Rosenstand
            • Publisher: McGraw Hill
            • Publication Date: 2017
            • Text Edition: 8th
            • Classic Textbook?:
            • OER Link:
            • OER:

          Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.