Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives Upon successful completion of this subject, students should understand the place of ethics within the main traditions of administrative theory. Students should also be able to evaluate ethical issues in educational administration according to general patterns of reasoning associated with the major ethical theories in the field.
Synopsis This subject examines the ethical aspects of theory and practice in educational administration. It deals with the problems of applying ethical theory to administration, with the moral appraisal of decisions and administrator conduct, and the nature of obligations and duties in educational settings or contexts. Current administrative dilemmas in such contexts as school, system, and nurse education will be considered and their implications for theory and practice explored. Topics covered will include the place of ethics in administrative theory; the nature of moral judgement; ethical constraints on decision making; individual autonomy and administrative agency; moral leadership; and democratic procedures and the growth of moral knowledge.
Assessment Two assignments (3000 words each): 100% + Seminar presentation