Assessment Overview
In this task, students are required to develop an argumentative essay on a contemporary issue in bioethics. Students will choose from a set of topics and take a stance on the issue, providing a logical and coherent argument that is supported by bioethical principles and scholarly literature.
The essay must include
- An introduction with a clear thesis statement
- A logically developed argument supported by relevant ethical principles
- Evidence from academic sources
- A conclusion summarising the key points and reinforcing the thesis
All assignments must be submitted electronically via Turnitin.
Purpose
The purpose of this assessment is for students to demonstrate the capacity to develop a written ethical argument analysing the application of bioethics in healthcare.
Learning outcomes assessed: LO1, LO2, LO3
How to submit
Electronically via ‘Turnitin’ in the HLSC220 Canvas Assessment link.
Return of the assignment
Marks and feedback will be published after the release of end-of-semester grades, as per ACU assessment policy.
The Argumentative Essay topics are as follows. Please choose the topic that interests you the most:
- Should Health Care Professionals be ethically permitted to refuse to treat patients based on their value systems?
- Is the recruitment of Health Care Professionals from developing nations to address staffing shortages in wealthier countries ethically justifiable?
Write an essay of 2,500 words, responding to one of the following
- Discuss the notion of sunnah and its status and use within Islamic law by providing evidence. Critically evaluate modern approaches to Sunnah in its use in Islamic law.
- Analyse critically whether the gate of ijtihad can be considered open or closed. Evaluate different scholarly views from the classical and modern periods, and identify the most appropriate stance on the matter with evidence to support your argument.
- Choose one of the issues listed below. Analyse critically, different views on it from a fiqh perspective, discussing the sources and principles of Usul al-Fiqh and their application in the subject matter. Evaluate and identify the most appropriate stance on the matter with evidence to support your case.
a) Having a mortgage from a bank
b) Seafood
c) Taking out an insurance policy
d) Smoking
e) Food items containing a specific quantity of alcohol components
f) Organ donation
g) Animal meat that is slaughtered by non-Muslims
Your essay must be your work. All essays will be put through Turnitin. Plagiarism, contract cheating, and collusion are taken very seriously by the university. If any type of academic misconduct is suspected, your assessment will be investigated.
An essay is a written response to a question or statement. This response requires an in-depth exploration of a specific topic. Essays assess your ability to see relationships between concepts. In an essay, you are expected to:
- Express your opinion or point of view
- Find sources to independently support your claims
- Cite and reference your sources appropriately