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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "BUS 301"
COURSE NAME: "Business Ethics"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Summer Session I 2019
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Teresa Triglia
EMAIL: [email protected]
 HOURS: MTWTH 1:30-3:20 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES: Prerequisite: Junior Standing
OFFICE HOURS:
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course considers some of the most important ethical issues in business today. Students will examine such issues as businesses’ responsibilities to shareholders, workers and consumers, the pros and cons of a "free market," the challenges raised by globalization and environmental destruction, the idea of  "ethical" consumption, and the particular dilemmas faced by Western businesses working in foreign countries. Issues will be studied through a selection of contemporary cases, arguments, and broader theories, along with much class discussion, with the aim of helping students develop a familiarity with the issues and the ability to discuss and defend their own opinions.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
This course is divided in four parts and withing each part, we will analyze various case studies:

Part 1: An Overview of Business Ethics

The Importance of Business Ethics
Stakeholder Relationships, Social responsibility, and Corporate Governance

Part 2: Ethical Issues and the Institutionalization of Business Ethics

Emerging Business Ethics Issues

Part 3: The Decision Making Process

Ethical Decision Making

Part 4: Implementing Business Ethics in a Global Economy

Developing and Effective Ethics Program
Ethics Leadership

Cases
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
1) Increase your awareness of the mutual ethical responsibilities existing between the contemporary business organization and its internal/external stakeholders
2) Analyze relevant cases along with positions and arguments regarding them
3) Analyze and emply broader theoretical approaches, concepts and debates in business ethics
4) Develop informed, reasoned positions regarding these issues and cases
5) Explain and analyze course material orally and in written form, both individually and in teams
6) Enable you to become critical of a powerful institution - Business - of which you are a part so that you can help to create positive change
TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
Business Ethics: Ethical Decision Making & Cases, 12th EditionO. C. FerrellcengageISBN-13: 978-1337614436     
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Class ParticipationClasses will involve a mixture of lectures, seminar discussions, group presentations, and other activities. The emphasis will be on helping you to develop your own opinions and arguments and your ability to discuss them with others, as well as your understanding of the materials, issues, and relevant ethical concepts and arguments. Your active involvement in discussions and other class activities, based on adequate preparation outside class, is therefore essential. 10
ProjectAn in depth case analysis that will be evaluated according to the understanding, analytical and critical thinking displayed and the structure.10
Written Assignments/Analysis Papers/Discussion LeaderDuring the course, you will need to complete short written assignments and analysis papers on questions posed in case studies, as well as lead the discussion on a day to be determined.30
Final ExamClosed Book35
PresentationsEach week you will be asked to present and analyze a relevant article of your choice.15

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the course.
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.
-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS AND EXAMINATION POLICY
You cannot make-up a major exam (midterm or final) without the permission of the Dean’s Office. The Dean’s Office will grant such permission only when the absence was caused by a serious impediment, such as a documented illness, hospitalization or death in the immediate family (in which you must attend the funeral) or other situations of similar gravity. Absences due to other meaningful conflicts, such as job interviews, family celebrations, travel difficulties, student misunderstandings or personal convenience, will not be excused. Students who will be absent from a major exam must notify the Dean’s Office prior to that exam. Absences from class due to the observance of a religious holiday will normally be excused. Individual students who will have to miss class to observe a religious holiday should notify the instructor by the end of the Add/Drop period to make prior arrangements for making up any work that will be missed. The final exam period runs until ____________
ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.
STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.
SCHEDULE
A detailed course schedule and assigned readings will be handed out in class.