Ethics and Society Certificate

Certificate Requirements (minimum 12 Cr.)

• CC 245 – Introduction to Ethics and Society (IDEAS) – 3 Cr.*

Take three courses from the following options:

• CC 300 – Seminar – 3 Cr.
• CC 300CD – Seminar: Topics in Cultural Diversity – 3 Cr.
• CC 300HL – Seminar: Topics in Literature – 3 Cr.
• CC 300T3 – Seminar: Topics in Theology – 3 Cr.
• Interdisciplinary courses approved by the Christ College dean

*Note: To enroll in CC 245, students must meet one of the following prerequisite options:

• VUE 101 and VUE 102; or
• CC 110A, CC 110B, CC 115A, and CC 115B; or
• Permission of the Christ College dean.

All students in the certificate begin with the seminar course, CC 245: Introduction to Ethics and Society (IDEAS), which introduces core ethical frameworks. Drawing on literature, history, philosophy, and the social sciences, this seminar explores how ethical reflection shapes both personal character and public life. Students will examine moral traditions while reflecting on enduring challenges raised by figures like Socrates — who urged us to “know thyself” — and Sojourner Truth, whose Ain’t I a Woman? confronts the moral conscience of a divided society. Through discussion, debate, and close reading, students will consider how individuals and communities pursue justice, integrity, and shared flourishing in the face of real-world complexity.

This course is open to students of all majors who meet the prerequisites (see certificate requirements above). No prior background in philosophy or ethics is required.