Ethics / Dr HAMDANI / M1 / S1

Master 1

The Ethics module introduces students to moral philosophy and ethical reasoning, with a focus on how ethical principles apply to language, literature, research, education, translation, communication, and professional practices within English Studies.

It helps students understand how moral values influence human behaviour, decision-making, and academic integrity.

2. Main Objectives of the Module

✔ Develop Ethical Awareness

  • Understand major ethical theories and concepts.

  • Recognize ethical dilemmas in academic, professional, and social contexts.

  • Reflect on moral responsibility as students, researchers, and future professionals.

✔ Apply Ethics to English Studies

Students learn how ethical principles operate in:

  • Literary studies: representation, censorship, authorial responsibility

  • Linguistics: language and power, discrimination, inclusive language

  • Translation: fidelity, cultural sensitivity, professional ethics

  • Research: plagiarism, data collection, consent, reliability

  • Education: classroom ethics, fairness, equity

✔ Strengthen Critical Thinking

  • Analyse real cases and controversies.

  • Evaluate arguments and defend ethical positions.

  • Distinguish between ethical, legal, cultural, and personal viewpoints.

3. Themes and Content Covered

1) Introduction to Ethics

  • Definition of ethics and morality

  • Difference between ethics, law, and religion

  • Why ethics matters in academic and professional life

2) Major Ethical Theories

  • Consequentialism (utilitarianism)

  • Deontology (duty-based ethics, Kant)

  • Virtue ethics (Aristotle)

  • Relativism vs. universalism

3) Ethics in Literature and Cultural Studies

  • Representation of gender, race, class

  • Author responsibility

  • Ethical reading and interpretation

  • Freedom vs. censorship

4) Ethics in Linguistics and Communication

  • Power in language

  • Bias and discrimination

  • Ethical communication

  • Hate speech and freedom of expression

5) Ethics in Translation

  • Translator’s responsibility

  • Cultural sensitivity and neutrality

  • Manipulation vs. fidelity

  • Professional codes of conduct

6) Research Ethics

  • Avoiding plagiarism

  • Working with sources responsibly

  • Data integrity and transparency

  • Ethical treatment of participants

  • Academic honesty

7) Professional Ethics

  • Respect, confidentiality, and fairness

  • Ethical behaviour in teaching, media, editing, and translation workplaces

4. Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module, students will be able to:

  • Explain and compare major ethical theories.

  • Identify and analyse ethical problems in texts and communication.

  • Apply ethical principles to research, translation, and academic writing.

  • Communicate arguments clearly and respectfully.

  • Demonstrate responsible and ethical behaviour in scholarly work.

5. Assessment Methods

Depending on the institution, evaluation may include:

  • Written assignments analysing ethical dilemmas

  • Class presentations on ethical problems in literature or research

  • Case-study analysis

  • Mid-term and final exams with theoretical and practical questions

  • Participation and discussion

6. Importance of This Module

The Ethics module is crucial because it:

  • Strengthens academic integrity and avoids plagiarism.

  • Prepares students for ethical research and thesis writing.

  • Develops a sense of professional responsibility.

  • Enhances sensitivity to cultural diversity and social issues.

  • Encourages thoughtful, respectful communication.