Code of Ethics

Assignment Overview:

In this assignment, your group will research a professional code of ethics related to your major or intended future career. Ethical codes are sets of principles that guide professional behavior and decision-making. They reflect the values and standards expected in a field, such as honesty, fairness, confidentiality, and responsibility.

I recommend reading A Framework for Ethical Decision Making from the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University

Total Point Value: 70

  • Essay = 40 points
  • Presentation = 30 points
AI use: Not permitted

Due Date:
  • Final paper and presentation document due 7 December @ 11:59 pm
  • Breakout session presentations will take place on either 4 December(Thursday), 5 December (Friday), or 6 December (Saturday) in your assigned break-out session
Sign up link for groups: https://forms.gle/5cJ2DUJTJEvUTJoG8

Example Codes of Ethics

Prompt for Essay:

Write at least a 1000-word essay (not including references or title page) about the selected ethical code.

Format: In your essay, be sure to provide the following information:

  • The name and background of the professional organization. You should also include any general information about its members/membership.

  • A summary of the main points or sections of the selected code. In addition, provide an explanation for each of the sections in your own words.

  • Discuss the importance of the code of ethics to the specific field. For example:
    • How do ethics encourage trust, safety, professionalism for the chosen code?
    • How does the code protect the different stakeholders?
  • Your group’s thoughts and reflections about the selected code of ethics.
    • How does learning about this code of ethics help you to understand your potential course or study or profession better?
    • Are there issues or concerns that are not reflected in the current code? If so, what would you add and why?

Prompt for Presentation

With your group, you will create a 7 – 9 minute presentation which will be given in your breakout session. All members of the group must speak during the presentation.

Format:
  • You must use presentation software such as PowerPoint or Google Slides
  • Include a reference page for any sources such as newspapers or other background information

General Presentation Outline:
  • Introduction
    • 1 minute long
    • Introduce the professional organization
    • Briefly explain why ethics are important in this field
  • Overview of selected code
    • 2 – 3 minutes long
    • Provide the general categories or principles of the code
    • Explain who they protect and what values they promote
  • Application Example
    • 4 – 5 minutes long
    • Demonstrate how the code is applied in real-world situations
    • Your example may be hypothetical or a real situation that occurred. If you use a real situation, be sure to include any news information sources in your references
  • Conclusion
    • 1 minute long or less
    • Highlight what you think your audience should take away from the presentation


Grading Rubric

Examples of Ethical Case Studies: