Business Ethics, basic course, 7.5 credits

Main field of study

Course level

Advancement level

Entry requirements

• 60 ECTS credits passed
• English corresponding to the level of English in Swedish upper secondary education (Engelska 6)
  Exemption from Swedish

Intended learning outcomes

After completion of the course, the students should be able to:
- demonstrate basic knowledge of concepts and theories within the field of business ethics,
- demonstrate basic knowledge of central issues within business ethics,
- describe and discuss ethical problems within business ethics.

Course content

Business ethics is a field of study that includes both the general question of the interface between economic practice and ethical theory, and more specific questions such as the social responsibility of corporations, professionalism, economic and corporate decision-making structure, employee rights, and environmental and global issues.
The course contains four areas of study: (i) Business ethics and normative theories, (ii) Business ethics and the business disciplines, (iii) Issues in business ethics, and (iv) Case studies in business ethics. By introducing ethical concepts and theories, the student acquires tools to identify, describe and discuss problems within the area of business ethics. The ability to describe and discuss issues of business from an ethical point of view is exercised by text analysis and case studies.

Teaching and working methods

Teaching comprises lectures, seminars, and group discussions. Students have to prepare tasks and assignments both individually as well as in groups for the seminars. Participation in seminars and group discussions is mandatory. Homework and independent study are a necessary complement to the course. Language of instructions: English.

Examination

The course is examined by a written group assignment and an individually written examination. Detailed information about the examination can be found in the course's study guide.

If special circumstances prevail, and if it is possible with consideration of the nature of the compulsory component, the examiner may decide to replace the compulsory component with another equivalent component.

If the LiU coordinator for students with disabilities has granted a student the right to an adapted examination for a written examination in an examination hall, the student has the right to it.

If the coordinator has recommended for the student an adapted examination or alternative form of examination, the examiner may grant this if the examiner assesses that it is possible, based on consideration of the course objectives.

An examiner may also decide that an adapted examination or alternative form of examination if the examiner assessed that special circumstances prevail, and the examiner assesses that it is possible while maintaining the objectives of the course.

Students failing an exam covering either the entire course or part of the course twice are entitled to have a new examiner appointed for the reexamination.

Students who have passed an examination may not retake it in order to improve their grades.

Grades

Other information

Planning and implementation of a course must take its starting point in the wording of the syllabus. The course evaluation included in each course must therefore take up the question how well the course agrees with the syllabus. 

The course is carried out in such a way that both men´s and women´s experience and knowledge is made visible and developed.

If special circumstances prevail, the vice-chancellor may in a special decision specify the preconditions for temporary deviations from this course syllabus, and delegate the right to take such decisions.

Department