Assigned: Monday, April 7
Due: Monday, April 14

Note: This week's options focus on ethics. There will be at least two other monthly assignment opportunities, one on definitions/ descriptions, and one on instructions, and probably a third as well.

Option 1: Personal Reflection Write about a time when you faced an ethical dilemma in the workplace, at school, or related to your major (in other words, a ethical dilemma that was professional rather than personal). Describe the dilemma and why you would classify it as a dilemma (that is, why were both courses of action problematic?). Then explain what you did and whether your choice was the right one (at the time? in the long run?).

Option 2: Cases from Textbook or Unethical Ad We didn't really get to the cases in the book. Pick one that has ethical implications and discuss it. For some of the cases, you may find it helpful to discuss several alternative courses of action: (1) the ethically exemplary course of action; (2) an ethically gray but not self-destructive option (i.e. a realistic option), and (3) a clearly unethical option.

You may also analyze an unethical ad that is relevant to your major, to technology, or to professional communication. (For example, a drug advertisement?)

Option 3: Environmental Ethics

One of the things I like about the textbook is its discussion of environmental ethics: ethical responsibilities to animals and to the planet more generally. Discuss the ways in which the topic is relevant to your major or future profession (if it isn't relevant, this option probably isn't your best choice).

Option 3a: If you're interested in environmental ethics but don't see it as related to your major, write a brief memo informing the class about one of the following topics in environmental ethics:

• pro-environmental evangelicals
• recent criticisms of Rachel Carson's Silent Spring
• eco-feminism
• or another of your choice (green construction, agriculture, an eco-friendly company or business leader, etc).