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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "BUS 301"
COURSE NAME: "Business Ethics"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Summer Session I 2015
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Paul Gaffney
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: MTWTH 4:00 PM 5:45 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:

The course is divided into five units; each week covers one unit.

1.      The first unit provides an overview of modern business ethics.  We will examine various considerations that inform decision-making in a business context, particularly as they pertain to the social responsibilities of corporations. What responsibilities do the corporations have to their shareholders and how do these responsibilities compare to those toward local communities and other stakeholders? What makes a corporation good and/or moral? 

2.      The second unit concerns the quality of life for employees We will study the treatment workers receive in a corporate setting—the kind of employment security they enjoy, the conditions under which they are expected to perform their professional duties, and their right to safe and decent working conditions. What kind of value is diversity in the workplace, and is it a value that business should promote? We will also examine the moral responsibilities of employees both to the corporation and to the consumer, with a special consideration of the issue of whistle-blowing.

3.      The third unit is about honesty and financial information. We will examine the nature of advertising and the interesting and antagonistic relationship that exists between producers and consumers. What right do consumers have to receive quality products and how far can marketing go to entice consumers to buy their product? Also, what kind of ethical controls are appropriate in financial markets? 

4.      The fourth unit studies technology and sustainability. We will consider how modern technology has changed the issue of privacy in the economic order. Producers have access to a tremendous about of information, which they use to reach consumers. We will also study corporation responsibility with respect to the environment and future generations.

5.      The fifth unit concerns international business and the challenge of economic justice. We will discuss the impact of globalization on business ethics: Is there an absolute standard for determining right and wrong? How do we balance a respect for local customs with a need for objective standards? In a world of extreme wealth and extreme poverty, what do we owe one another in our new global age?

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

·         Students will gain a basic understanding of the nature of the business enterprise and the systemic nature of capitalism, particularly in a corporate setting; we will examine its specific objectives and values, and the various criteria for determining success

·         Students will gain an appreciation of the basic ethical approaches, deriving especially from the virtue ethic, deontological, and utilitarian traditions; students will learn how these traditions inform our decision-making in the business world, how they might conflict, and how each

·         Students will critically examine various case studies depicting ethical crises and decision-making in the contemporary business world

·         Students will develop and defend principled positions in response to various issues in business ethics; students will present their work in both written and oral forms, and in both individual and team assignments  

·         Students will learn how economic, legal, and moral considerations shape the issues in business ethics

TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
Ethical Theory and Business (9th ed.)Arnold, Beauchamp, BowiePearson9780205169085 Book available as hard copy and as e-book   
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Class participationRegular attendance and contributions10%
Case study Term paper and presentation15%
First ExaminationMonday May 30, in class15%
Second ExaminationTake home assignment, due Tuesday June 715%
Third ExaminationMonday June 13, in class15%
Fourth ExaminationTake home assignment, due Monday June 2015%
Fifth ExaminationFriday June 24, in class15%

-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 cours
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

WEEK I:    Monday, May 23--Thursday May 26

Reading and Discussion

Chapter 1: Ethical Theory and Business Practice 

Chapter 2: Corporate Responsibility

WEEK II: Monday, May 30--Wednesday, June 1

Monday 5/30:   First Examination (chapters 1&2): in class, first hour
Wednesday 6/1: Distribution of Second Examination (take-home, chapters 3&4)
Thursday 6/2:   Holiday – No Class

Reading and Discussion

Chapter 3: Ethical Treatment of Employees  

Chapter 4: Diversity and Discrimination in the Workplace

WEEK III: Monday, June 6--Friday, June 10

Tuesday 6/7:   Second Examination due
Friday 6/10:    Make-up class

Reading and Discussion

Chapter 5: Marketing and the Disclosure of Information

Chapter 6: Ethical Issues in Finance and Accounting

WEEK IV: Monday, June 13-Thursday, June 16

Monday 6/13:    Third Examination (chapter 5&6) in class, first hour
Thursday 6/16: Distribution of Fourth Examination (take-home, chapters 7&8)

Reading and Discussion

Chapter 7: Ethical Issues Regarding Emerging Technologies

Chapter 8: Environmental Sustainability

WEEK V: Monday, June 20--Friday, June 24

Monday 6/20:  Fourth Examination due
Friday 6/24:    Fifth Examination (chapters 9&10) in class

Reading and Discussion

Chapter 9: Ethical Issues in International Business

Chapter 10: Social and Economic Justice