Syllabus

This is a course in applied ethics informed by moral theory which provides methods for analyzing ethical concerns and promoting positive work ethics. Students gain the greatest experience with ethical concerns from participating in class discussions, case studies, and role-playing exercises. We survey classical and contemporary theories of ethics as frameworks for resolving current moral dilemmas and making practical ethical decisions in organizational contexts. This course is an intense analytical treatment of controversial moral issues which emerge in the for-profit and non-profit business world, e.g., arguments for and against governmental regulation of private-sector industries; employer-employee rights and obligations; the extent and depth of corporate moral responsibility to individuals, the global economy and the environment; sex, race, ethnic and class discrimination in the marketplace and in the work-environment; social and ethical effects of advertising on popular culture; the threats to personal privacy, national security and civil liberties posed by internet and information technology; ownership and fair use of intellectual property, databases, networks and computer programs. Discussions will focus on examining and producing practical moral principles and concepts relevant to these issues by applying them to current cases before the courts and in the media. Students will evaluate and judge real-world situations by contrasting ethical resolutions using stockholder, stakeholder, social contract and duty-based theories of normative ethics in the practice of business.

This course satisfies area D2 General Education requirements by discussing current but divisive economic and ethical issues in organizational contexts from diverse religious, ethnic and sexual traditions in a critical but mutually respectful manner. For instance, various religious and corporate traditions justify discriminatory standards and behavior based on past misperceptions and harmful stereotypes about the value and ability of women and minorities in the workplace. We consider these views and their implications for people and organizations seeking equal opportunity and treatment for all participants in a just society or free and fair industry.

Assignments, Grades and Attendance

FIVE graded efforts of equal value: TWO short writing assignments and THREE online assessments presented within WebCT.
I reserve the right to deny anyone the use of an electronic device if I find its user disruptive. No cell-phone use, no eating, and no recording devices permitted during class meetings. Persistently disruptive students will be identified, dismissed or dropped.
Read this FAQ for essential details about assignments, grades, attendance and extensive answers to frequently asked questions.
Here is my official grade-scale for ALL assignments:
- 12 = A, 11 = A-, 10 = B+, 9 = B, 8 = B-, 7 = C+, 6 = C, 5 = C-, 4 = D, 0 = F
How are grades assigned?
- For each assignment or assessment you will receive a numerical score which corresponds to a letter-grade on my grade-scale (above). Notice that scores correspond to letter-grades NOT percentages.
How do I determine your overall course grade?
- I add all of the scores you receive, divide this number by the total number of assignments, then assign your letter-grade grade based on my grade-scale (above). Attendance is mandatory but not a component of your course grade.

Recommendations for success in this course

READ what is required: Business Ethics, 6/e by William Shaw (2008) and supplemental readings listed on the schedule above
Access the Internet regularly: Syllabuses, assignments, study-questions, supplementary notes, handouts and research materials are available via the WebCT page for this course.
Cultivate a skeptical attitude: Be willing to scrutinize any claim whatsover its source or consequences; this includes, but is not limited to, religious and scientific claims.

Objectives

DEFINE basic ethical terms used in the course,
DISTINGUISH various ethical concepts, theories and positions,
ENGAGE in cogent and respectful discussion,
ANALYZE specific ethical arguments for consistency and credibility,
APPLY ethical theories to moral dilemmas in professional and personal life.

Expectations

Consider all issues raised in this course in a thoughtful and sincere manner, taking care to avoid poorly supported arguments and unsubstantiated opinion. Sincere statements of personal belief or disagreement are not sufficient reason for us to believe or doubt anything. I do not accept mediocre efforts; I urge you at all times to justify whatever claims you make.
Tolerate and judge different points of view, but be courteous listeners and speakers. All views are subject to disbelief, so always be prepared to deny (or assert) personal views on the basis of reasoning and evidence. In this course, attacks on arguments are permissible (and encouraged) but attacks on persons are not.
Ask questions whenever any term or concept is unclear or if you are confused or unconvinced by any claim said or read during the course of this class. I don't read minds, so please stop me and ask for (or volunteer) clarification at any time; it is very likely others share the same concerns.
I will not preach. I teach people how to think critically and I introduce them to what others have thought about significant philosophical issues. I will not tell you what to think or how you should act. This course is an occasion for people to exercise careful thought, and to realize the practical value of rational deliberation.
Serious disagreements will arise in class and this is good because they compel us to clarify and support our own beliefs, which is useful whenever we want to resolve conflicting points-of-view or influence the thoughts and actions of others. In this course, you should expect me to provoke people to discuss their own thoughts about issues raised in the text and in current events. Sometimes I will be deliberately controversial and disputatious, so never assume that what I say is what I believe.

Services to CSUS Students with Disabilities

If you have a disability and require accommodations, you need to provide disability documentation to SSWD, Lassen Hall 1008, (916) 278-6955. Please discuss accomodations needs with me after class or during my office hours early in the semester.

CSUS Policies and Procedures Regarding Academic Honesty

Review all academic responsibilities, definitions, sanctions and rights described here.

Last Update: Thursday, 22 May, 2008 8:51