This assignment requires you to analyze the ethics case you selected or were assigned.  You will summarize and submit your analysis in a written report. 

Remember, the primary issue to look at is communication ethics.  You should focus on what should be done by those you have identified as "responsible for ethical action.  (What is or is not legal isn't the point.)

In analyzing the case you were assigned, use the "McGaan Box" method.

• First:  Definition of  the Situation.  Indicate what are the relevant facts (Not all facts may be critical).  Note what policies and procedures seem to be applicable (e.g. institutional rules already in existence, laws, etc.).  Indicate what options seem to be available to the person(s) who have to make communication decisions.  Be sure you make it clear who is the party responsible for taking ethical action.  (NOTE:  While outside research on the topic is not required, it often is helpful in your analysis.  If you do research on the issue, please include appropriate source citations.)

·    Second:  Conflicts and Values.  Describe ALL values (categories of good and bad, right and wrong) that seem relevant to the decision making situation.  Identify conflicts between values and/or duties, goals, needs.

• Third:  Traditions and Principles.  Determine and describe which ethical traditions and codes could be applied in the case in order to make a decision.  The cases always pose conflicts between two or more values or between values and goals, duties or needs.  Thus, several ethical principles could apply in every case.  (Remember, the "traditions" are approaches to decision making that can apply to a variety of situations.)
   

• Fourth:  Decision.  Indicate what you think the responsible person(s) should do.  Explain YOUR decision!  Justify your decision by showing its relation to at least one of the traditions or codes discussed in class.  Be sure your decision answers all questions directly posed in the case.

WRITTEN ANALYSIS REPORT:  This report must be no longer than 6 pages, double-spaced.  The written report should be organized with the same four steps as the described above in the "McGaan box" method:  1) definition, 2) conflicts and values, 3) traditions and principles, 4) decision.  (Be sure to put your name, the course, presentation date, and case title and number at the top of the first page.  Be sure your paper has four distinct sections, each numbered and labeled. 

In EVALUATING your written analysis, I will want to see if it is clear and concise.  Do you deal with the appropriate issues and raise logical values and principles?  I will be especially concerned with how well you link your decision to one of the traditions we discussed in class.  The quality of your writing as well as how effectively you demonstrate your understanding of ethics and the analysis process is the primary focus of the grade for the written part of the assignment.  (This grade is about content, analysis and writing!)  Of course, mechanics will be considered.

Date Due:  Wednesday, 2/3