ESB120 Ethics, social responsibility and sustainability

Contents and structure

This course offers advanced knowledge in ethics, corporate social repsonsibility and sustainable development. The course builds on the introductory course given in the first year of the bachelor degree. Themes from the introductory course are explored more in depth and some new themes are offered as well. This may include themes such as theories of social justice, human rights theories, and sustainable business models.

Learning Outcome

Knowledge

On completion of the course, the student has knowledge of

• central concepts and theories of ethics, corporate social responsibility and sustainable development in different sectors of society.
• norms and practices pertaining to human rights in business.
• sustainable business-models.
• the institutionalization of ethics, corporate social responsibility and sustainability in society.
• dilemmas and challenges of implementing SDGs in practice, for example in the case of sustainable business development.

Skills

On the completion of the course, the student can

• use concepts and theories to analyse ethics, corporate social responsibility and sustainability in business.
• discuss norms and practices pertaining to human rights issues in business and worklife.
• apply the concept of sustainable business development to business activities.
• asses the extent and implications of sustainable development reporting.
• analyse and reflect over the process of implementing the sustainable development goals (SDGs) for business and different projects.

Competence

On completion of the course, the student can

• present and communicate scholarly work on ethics, corporate social responsibilities and sustainability in different contexts.
• apply knowledge and research results in discussions of both practical and theoretical problems and make informed choices.
• find and refer to knowledge and information which illustrate challenges and dilemmas.
• plan and carry out varied tasks and projects, both in groups and individually, and over time.

Entry requirements

None

Recommended previous knowledge

BØA202 or similar course

Teaching methods

Lectures and groupwork under supervision and in seminar with student presentations

Compulsory learning activities

One written group assignment and one presentation of groupwork.

Assessment

4 hour written exam

Grades between A and F will be given, where F corresponds to fail.

Examination support material

None

More about examination support material