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Most course modules have an assigned reading that you are expected to read and think about. Hence, you must do more than merely peruse the readings: you must endeavor to understand what they are trying to convey. If possible, I encourage you to print out the readings so that it easy for you to mark important passages and add notes of your own. Doing so may prove extremely useful for you to consult when doing the quizzes and unit exams.

I should also emphasize that this material is not like a novel or a textbook. We are primarily interested in the arguments that the text is trying to make. Because of that, there will be times when you must read slowly and carefully. Sometimes you may have to stop and think about things; and you should be prepared to go back and reread important sections if necessary. In some cases, multiple readings of the entire text may be necessary.

I also suggest that you take notes while you read, so that you can remember the text’s main points. Finally, feel free to contact me with any questions you may have about the reading.

Reading Questions

To assist you in this process, each module will also have posted reading questions. These questions will highlight important concepts, arguments, and applications. Most importantly, these guides also have questions that help you check your comprehension of the main claims and arguments about moral issues from the readings, while asking you to think about how all this material applies to your own experiences.

While you are not required to submit responses to these questions, I highly recommend writing out responses so that you may consult them when doing the quizzes and unit exams.