CCB 500. Moral Reasoning & Bioethics. (3 Credits)

This course will explore the theological, philosophical, and secular foundations that inform moral reasoning in bioethics. Emphasis will be placed on in-depth reading and discussion of primary theological texts, particularly those that underscore the biblical concept of the inherent value of each human being. Readings and reasoned arguments from ancient, medieval, and contemporary philosophers will provide an understanding of the many presuppositions in the field of bioethics. In addition, the study of the groundbreaking work, The Principles of Biomedical Ethics by Tom Beauchamp and James Childress, will give students the necessary background to be conversant among their peers in ethics committees, governmental agencies, and the academy. This course will serve as a foundation for the rest of the certificate courses to follow.

CCB 520. Clinical Issues in Bioethics. (3 Credits)

This course studies ethical issues that arise during the daily interaction of health care professionals with people seeking their care. Biblical principles, ethical theory, and non-religious concerns will frame the discussion. Topics include: theology and medicine, the social practice of health care, the physician-patient relationship, personhood, vulnerable persons, reproductive issues, abortion, genetics, end-of-life dilemmas, and medical research ethics. This course is suitable for health care professionals, clergy, deaconesses, attorneys, and anyone interested in the clinical practice of medicine.

CCB 540. Bioethics & Biotechnology. (3 Credits)

This course approaches bioethics and biotechnology from a distinctively Christian/Lutheran perspective. We will look at the moral status of human life in the embryonic stage; stem cell research; human cloning; chimeras and xenotransplantation; eugenics; human genetic modification; biotechnology and the future of health care; deciphering the line between curing and enhancing through performance-enhancing drugs and physical alterations; and the ecological impact of present and future biotechnology efforts.

CCB 560. Bioethics and the Law. (3 Credits)

This course will teach the foundations of bioethics law, sources of law, and basic legal research skills. Legal grounding for the principle of autonomy will be studied as it applies to informed consent and end-of-life situations. Other legal issues to be addressed include decisions made for others, physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia, the body as commodity, reproduction and birth, allocation of medical resources, whistleblower and Good Samaritan cases, and medical malpractice. This course will be taught by an attorney knowledgeable about health care law.