MASTER OF ETHICS Life, Norms and Society General Presentation Three Accrediting Institutions Louis Pasteur University (Sciences) Robert Schuman University (Law and European Studies) Marc Bloch University (Languages, Cultures and Social Sciences) Four Interdisciplinary Courses of Study Medical Ethics and Bioethics Human Rights: Principles, Norms and Interpretation Ethics and Society Ethics and Religions GENERAL COORDINATOR: DR. MARIE-JO THIEL, UMB, STRASBOURG European Center for the Study and Teaching of Ethics In the heart of the Municipal Hospital Complex, Strasbourg Postal Address: Faculté de médecine - 4 Rue Kirschleger - 67085 Strasbourg cedex - France Tél. : (00 33) (0)3 90 24 39 68 Email: ceere@u-strasbg.fr www.ethique-alsace.com
Abbreviations Universities, Graduate Schools, Centers and Programs CNRS: Centre national de la recherche scientifique DEPULP: Continuing Education Department of Louis Pasteur University EA: Equipe d accueil (research laboratory for doctoral students) ECSTE: European Center for the Study and Teaching of Ethics ENGEES: Ecole nationale du génie de l'eau et de l'environnement de Strasbourg EUCOR: European Confederation of Upper Rhine Universities MISHA: Maison interdisciplinaire des sciences de l homme-alsace UHA: Université de Haute Alsace, Mulhouse UHP: Université Henri Poincaré, Nancy I ULP: Université Louis Pasteur, Strasbourg I UMB: Université Marc Bloch, Strasbourg II URS: Université Robert Schuman, Strasbourg III Other Abbreviations CU: Course unit M1: Master of Ethics, First Year M2: Master of Ethics, Second Year P.U.: University Professor S1: First Semester S2: Second Semester S3: Third Semester S4: Fourth Semester 2
MASTER OF ETHICS LIFE, NORMS AND SOCIETY Four Interdisciplinary Courses of Study Medical Ethics and Bioethics Human Rights: Principles, Norms and Interpretation Ethics and Society Ethics and Religions I. Statement of Scientific Purpose The increasing technological, biological, economic, religious and legal complexity of our societies raise a growing number of ethical questions. To meet these demands, training in ethics should provide students not only with the ability to examine contemporary professional practices, but also with the capacity to analyse the philosophical, legal, political, sociological, spiritual and religious foundations of ethical thought in order to gain a fundamental understanding of the values and references used to justify these practices Only high level academic training taking into account the unique position of global ethical thought as a mediator between different areas of knowledge can respond to this double challenge. Our aim is thus not to train experts, or professional ethicists, but to provide professionals from different walks of life with the skills they need in order to grasp the theoretical questions raised by their disciplines and analyse the ethical problems associated with their praxis. In this perspective, the Master of Ethics degree should be understood as a research degree designed to equip students and professionals from a variety of disciplines with the additional skills they need to grasp the ethical dimensions of their professions. In the future the emphasis on research could lead to the creation of a doctoral degree in ethics. 1. A Research Degree To avoid any confusion with the profession of philosophical ethics, the Master of Ethics program of ECSTE is oriented towards research, both theoretical and practical, in a variety of areas. The interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches made possible by the bridges between the four courses of study aim to create new poles of excellence, producing not only knowledge, but highly qualified professionals able to meet the high ethical standards required in today s world. The research and educational programs of ECSTE will be an important part of the future regional ethics information centers established by the French law on bioethics (Loi n 2004-800 du 6 août 2004). 3
2. A Master s Degree in a European and International Perspective The Master of Ethics program is deeply committed to a European and international perspective, as is evidenced by its transversal approach to the problematization of topics and its integration into the regional (Alsace-Lorraine) and European university system. The historical, geographical and international situation of Eastern France, in general, and Strasbourg, in particular, is well known. This situation predisposes our three Universities to create an authentic European and international work environment, including such aspects as across-the-borders mobility for researchers and scholars, the simultaneous use of French, German and English as working languages, a strong tradition of Human Rights in collaboration with different European institutions, an openness to all religions (Marc Bloch University is the only State University in France where theology is taught as an academic discipline), the EUCOR network and numerous partnerships with other universities. Beyond Europe, the Master of Ethics program is reaching out to develop international partnerships with universities in North America, Latin America, Asia and Africa. Several are already operational. Others are planned. To further this ambition, the Strasbourg Universities have received the full support of the local French administrations. One of the main objectives of these efforts is to make possible joint degree granting with partner institutions. A long term goal could be the creation of a master Erasmus mundus. 3. An Interdisciplinary Masters Degree Accredited by Three Universities The Master of Ethics is accredited by the three Strasbourg Universities (ULP, UMB, and URS). This co-accreditation is an important factor in stimulating intellectual discussion and in keeping pace with the scientific, economic, social, cultural and technical challenges of contemporary society. The co-accreditation means that the Master of Ethics program draws direct benefits from its collaboration with officially recognized laboratories, known for the quality of their research. This collaboration has already produced results at a number of levels: seminars, colloquiums, research and teaching. II. Objectives and Opportunities As we have said before, our aim is not to train experts, or professional ethicists, whom have always been regarded with suspicion in France. The expert is the one who knows, the one who has the keys to the meaning of life. Such a pretension holds a potential for tyranny. Rather, our goal is to provide complementary training in ethics to students and professionals of other disciplines. Students can enter the Master of Ethics program either after obtaining a degree in another discipline or in conjunction with another Masters program. For example, a law student could enter the Human Rights: Principles, Norms and Interpretation course of study, thus obtaining a double Masters degree, giving the student an important edge upon entering the job market. Professionals can enter the Master of Ethics program in order to gain recognized skills in a related area. A lawyer, for instance, might decide to specialize in Medical Ethics and Bioethics, thus opening up new opportunities for his or her practice. 4
The key to both of these examples is the high degree of flexibility provided by the Master of Ethics program. During the first year, students can choose between a wide variety of courses in different areas of specialization. Participation in research projects during the second year allows students to focus on specific areas of interest, while maintaining an interdisciplinary approach. An economics student, for instance, could specialize in economic ethics while integrating elements from the other disciplines represented in the Ethics and Society course of study. Given the particular nature of medical studies, special measures have been taken to encourage medical school students to register for the Master of Ethics program. Thus, a medical school student can begin the Master of Ethics during his third year (DCEM1, in the French system). Courses credits for M1 can be validated during the fourth, fifth and sixth years (DCEM2 to 4). M2 level courses and the thesis are to be completed during the research year. As a whole, the Master of Ethics program has been designed to offer a maximum of flexibility. Course units can be validated one after the other with no time restrictions (see Statutes) in such a way that physicians and other professionals can continue their practices while satisfying their requirements for post-graduate training and obtaining a valued, internationally recognized degree. To summarize, the Master of Ethics program is open to three types of students, as shown in the following: The Students with a bachelor s degree in any field (people without university degrees may be able to substitute their professional experience to qualify for the program). program is open to Students enrolled in another Master s program who wish to complete their studies with a degree in Ethics. Continuing education students, particularly medical doctors, lawyers, economists, theologians, philosophers, sociologists, biologists, journalists Our ambition is to train: Professionals who, in addition to their specialized training in medicine, law, economy, sociology, theology, wish to acquire high level training in ethics in order to widen the scope of their knowledge and abilities. We call this the professional track. Researchers able to join laboratories and research units in France, Europe and worldwide. We call this the scientific track. 5
General objectives Interdisciplinary training in ethics, including, in each course of study : - Fundamental principles of ethics; - Methodological skills; - Application of general principles to practical situations. Track Specific Objectives Professional Track: Training in ethics for professionals in different walks of life; basic principles of the exact sciences, the social sciences and law necessary to make ethical determinations. Scientific Track: Training in ethics for researchers in different scientific fields (medicine, sociology, economics, theology, law ) The opportunities are as diversified as the students origins. In addition to researchers in ethics and related careers, a specialization in ethics is a widely recognized plus for all professionals. And today many professions require training in ethics. There is a growing need for trained people on Institutional Review Boards and mediation committees in the scientific world as well as in state and local administrations, international corporations, religious institutions, etc. III. The Program Structure 1. Courses There are two kinds of courses: those designed and taught specifically at ECSTE and those in common with the Masters programs of the three Strasbourg Universities. The close collaboration with the three Strasbourg Universities provides all students, whatever their academic disciplines, with the opportunity to become acquainted with a wide range of questions in different areas: health, law, human rights, religions, societies, philosophies, economy, environment, etc. 2. The Y Structure The Master of Ethics program has a Y structure: after a first year common to all students, different branches split off during the second year to allow specialization in one of the four courses of study. The year M1 provides basic training in the fundamentals of ethics. During this year, students become acquainted with different fields of ethics, gaining an understanding of the questions at stake and the methodological tools available. The year M2 is a year of specialization, crowned by the preparation of a Masters thesis based on a research project. The table on the following page details the Y structure. 6
Course of Study Medical Ethics and Bioethics Human Rights: Principles, Norms and Interpretation Ethics and Society Ethics and Religions M2 CU 2 CU 2 CU 2 CU 2 Thesis S4 CU 1 CU 1 CU 1 CU 1 Practicum S3 CU 4 CU 4 CU 4 CU 4 Languages CU 3 CU 3 CU 3 CU 3 Interdisciplinary Seminar CU 2 CU 2 CU 2 CU 2 Specialized Interdisciplinary Seminars CU 1 CU 1 CU 1 CU 1 Specialized CU CU 4 Languages CU 3 Practicum M1 S2 CU 2 CU 1 Life, Health and Environment Ethics and Justice CU 4 CORE UNITS Languages S1 CU 3 CU 2 Ethical Questions Today Methodology and Ethical Reflection CU 1 Introduction Ethics to 7
These four courses of study were chosen because of existing resources in our Universities. Other courses of study and specializations, such as labor and enterprise, communication, media, environmental science, etc., could become available in the future. 3. Foreign Study and Languages Students are required to validate two CU outside of their own university. These credits can be gained through course work, seminars, practicums, summer courses, etc. We consider foreign study to be an important part of the students experience since it promotes cultural awareness and sensitivity. Exemptions can be granted to students on the basis of past experiences, particularly in the case of foreign students. The foreign study period also represents an opportunity to validate foreign language study (CU 4 of semesters 1 to 3). The Strasbourg Universities offer many possibilities to gain foreign language proficiency. Foreign language skills will be evaluated on the basis of the European Language Portfolio. 4. Practicums All students must participate in two practicums. The first practicum takes place during S2 in an on-the-job setting. The second takes place during S4 in a research laboratory. Validation of the S2 Practicum: Three criteria are used to evaluate this practicum: attendance, ability to apply abstract principles to practical situations, a written report. Students may choose to do the S2 Practicum in a foreign country. We encourage students to choose their practicums in relation to their centers of interest. The School of Medicine, for instance, organizes such practicums. Other institutions, organizations and associations in Strasbourg do the same. Most practicums accept one or more students. Validation of the S4 Practicum: The S4 Practicum is directly tied to the student s area of research in order to enable him or her to write the master thesis. The S4 Practicum takes place in a research laboratory. Field research may complete this experience. After completion, the results of the practicum are analyzed by the student and the director in order to prepare for writing the thesis. At the end of this process, the practicum and the thesis are validated jointly. 5. Tests and Exams Each CU is composed of different courses, some of which are optional. Students may therefore develop a course of study suited to their particular needs and interests. Many courses are available online. Each professor determines the type of tests or exams that are required in his or her classes. The educational philosophy of ECSTE favors periodic evaluations over a weighty final exam. 8
IV. Admission Requirements 1. Admission to M1 Candidates for admission to M1 must hold a Licence (Bachelor of Arts or Sciences) degree. Candidates without a university degree may be able to substitute their personal and/or professional experience to qualify for the program. These candidates should provide evidence of such experience in their application. The application should contain: 1) a letter of motivation describing the candidate s interest in ethics and his or her research goals, 2) copies of relevant diplomas, 3) any other information useful to the admissions committee. The admissions committee will evaluate all applications on the basis of the information furnished by the candidate. Deadline for applications: end of June for admission in September. 2. Admission to M2 Admission to M2 is based on successful completion of M1. In some cases direct admission to M2 can be granted on the basis of prior training in ethics, a strong research project and a letter of motivation. Candidates should submit evidence of these elements to the admissions committee, for its decision. 3. Continuing Education and Distance Learning Continuing Education Students are supervised by the Continuing Education Program of Louis Pasteur University (DEPULP). In order to facilitate distance learning, course materials are being progressively put online (videoconferences, bibliography, etc.). Please note that the Master of Ethics degree can be earned over a period of several years. V. Faculty The Faculty of the Master of Ethics program is made up of the coordinators of each of the four courses of study, their colleagues and the General Coordinator. A brief description of each faculty member is available on our Website www.ethique-alsace.com, rubric «conseil scientifique». Jean-Christophe Weber, PU-PH, Faculté de médecine de Strasbourg, ULP, jeanchristophe.weber@chru-strasbourg.fr Michel Hasselmann, PU-PH, Faculté de médecine de Strasbourg, ULP, Michel.Hasselmann@chru-strasbourg.fr Jean-Bernard Marie, Directeur de recherche CNRS, Jean-Bernard.Marie@c-strasbourg.fr 9
Jacqueline Bouton, MCF/HDR, Faculté de droit, URS, jacquelinebouton@yahoo.fr Pascal Hintermeyer, P.U., institut de sociologie, UMB, hintermeyer@umb.u-strasbg.fr Ragip Ege, P.U., Faculté des Sciences Economiques et de Gestion, ULP, ege@cournot.ustrasbg.fr René Heyer, P.U. institut de théologie catholique, UMB, heyer@umb.u-strasbg.fr Gilbert Vincent, P.U. institut de théologie protestante, UMB, vincent@umb.u-strasbg.fr Karsten Lehmkuhler, P.U.institut de théologie protestante, UMB, lehmkuhl@umb.u-strasbg.fr Coordinatrice : Marie-Jo Thiel, P.U. institut de théologie catholique, UMB, thiel@umb.ustrasbg.fr VI. Offices 1. Administrations At UMB: UFR sciences sociales, pratiques sociales et développement (Dir. Juan Matas) At URS: Institut des Hautes Etudes européennes (IHEE) (Dir. Michel Dévoluy) At ULP: Faculté de médecine (Doyen Bertrand Ludes) 2. ECSTE The offices of the General Coordinator and her secretary are located at the European Center for the Study and Teaching of Ethics. The ECSTE is the institutional support unit for the Master of Ethics. The ECSTE ambitions to become a centre of documentation, teaching and research available to all those (students, teachers, researchers, professionals) involved in ethical questions. The ECSTE is located in the heart of the Municipal Hospital of Strasbourg. A street map is available on our Website www.ethique-alsace.com. Postal Address: Faculté de médecine - 4 Rue Kirschleger - 67085 Strasbourg cedex. Telephone : (00 33) (0)3 90 24 39 68. Email : ceere@u-strasbg.fr 10
VII. Partner Institutions and Laboratories in Eastern France 1. Laboratories, research groups and programs Département Universitaire et hospitalier d éthique des facultés de médecine, d odontologie et de pharmacie de Strasbourg (DUHE) dir. Jean-Marie Mantz. Institut de Recherches Interdisciplinaires sur les Sciences et la Technologie IRIST EA 3424 ; Dir. Bernard Ancori (Responsable du projet de Master «Sciences, Technologies, Sociétés» de la faculté de Sciences économiques et de Gestion de l ULP ; master en lien avec le ME) avec ses trois équipes : Groupe de recherche et d'études sur les sciences de l'université Louis Pasteur (IRIST-Gersulp, responsable : B. Ancori), Laboratoire d'épistémologie des sciences de la vie et de la santé (IRIST-Lesvs, responsable : C. Bonah), Ethique et pratiques médicales (IRIST-EPM, responsable : J.-C. Weber). Centre Européen de recherche en sociologie de la santé CERESS Dir. François Steudler ; EA 1334 Centre d étude et de recherche sur l intervention sociale CERIS S. Ebersold ; EA 1334. Cultures et sociétés en Europe UMR 7043 Dir. Pascal Hintermeyer Equipe d accueil en Sciences du sport Dir. F. Ohl, EA 1342. Programme Bioéthique et société, MISHA, UMS 2552, Dir. Marie-Jo Thiel Karsten Lehmkuhler Centre de sociologie des religions et d éthique sociale, CSRES, EA 2329 - Dir. Jean-Pierre Bastian Bioéthique et Religion, Dir. Marie-Jo Thiel (Groupe de recherche à l intérieur de l EA 1343, Directeur : Monsieur René Heyer) Centre d Etudes et de Recherches Interdisciplinaires en Théologie CERIT EA 1343, Dir. René Heyer Ces 4 derniers centres sont regroupés (entre autres) au sein de l Ecole Doctorale de Théologie et de Science des Religions (UMB) Dir. Michèle Morgen ED 270 Bureau d Economie Théorique et Appliquée (BETA), UMR 7522 CNRS, ULP Dir. Pr Patrick LLERENA Equipe «Droits de l'homme» du GRICE (Groupement de Recherches interdisciplinaires sur les Constructions Européennes dirigé par Pr Michel Devoluy) Dir. Florence Benoît-Rohmer (http://www-ihee.u-strasbg.fr) - EA 3398 IRCM : Institut de recherche Carré de Malberg (Directeur : Madame le Professeur Constance Grewe), EA 3399. Centre de droit privé fondamental, (Directeur : Madame le Professeur Frédérique Granet), EA 1351 (URS) Centre de droit de l'entreprise (Directeur : Monsieur le Professeur Michel Storck), EA 3397 (URS) PRISME (Politique, religion, institutions et sociétés: mutations européennes), UMR 7012 CNRS URS, regroupe le Centre Société, Droit et Religion en Europe (SDRE) et le groupe de Sociologie Politique Européenne (GSPE), Directeur Francis Messner. 11
Equipe «Primates : variabilité et évolution des prosimiens à l homme» EA 3428, Directeur Pr B. Ludes 2. Partner Organizations ENGEES : Laboratoire Gestion de services publics, Rémi Barbier (http://www-engees.ustrasbg.fr/ ; rbarbier@engees.u-strasbg.fr ) CRES Alsace Frédéric Cuignet. La chambre régionale de l'économie sociale (CRES) a été créée en regroupantles 4 familles de l'économie sociale alsacienne (copératives, mutuelles, associations, organisations de l'économie solidaire) autour d'une charte régionale reprenant les principes de l'économie sociale : l'homme, la Démocratie, la solidarité, les excédents au service des projets, le développement local et durable.- Prés. : Bernard EHRMANN. - Chambre Régionale de l'économie Sociale d'alsace CRES Alsace : 3 rue de la coopérative T/0388459683 F/0388455896 67000 Strasbourg fcuignet@cres-alsace.org. Fondation Macif - Eric Gignet, délégué (egignet@macif.fr ) Préfecture de la Région Alsace, Xavier BOOS, délégué régional à l économie sociale et solidaire et délégué départemental à la vie associative animateur du Groupe interfondation Alsace (Xavier.BOOS@alsace.pref.gouv.fr ) Division pour le développement de la cohésion sociale du Conseil de l Europe (Directorate general III) - Gilda Farrell (Chef de la Division) avec Samuel Thirion, chargé de mission sur les indicateurs de cohésion sociale, et Marie-Hélène Gillig, ancienne députée européenne, Présidente de Finansol (Intergroupe parlementaire européen d économie sociale) (gilda.farrell@coe.int ) Observatoire de l économie sociale et solidaire (OESS) rattaché au Pôle Européen de Gestion et d Economie - Francis Kern. Centre international d'initiation aux droits de l'homme (CIDH) à Sélestat. Mme Schmitt, président. (locaux de l'iufm : 1 r Froehlich BP 67604 Sélestat cidh@wanadoo.fr) Bioética, Conseil de l Europe, Pr Francis Rosenstiel, Président du Forum pour l Europe Démocratique. Pour en savoir plus : www.ethique-alsace.com courriel : ceere@u-strasbg.fr Prendre contact avec l une des membres de l équipe pédagogique Ou avec la directrice du CEERE Marie-Jo Thiel 12