PHILOSOPHY 314
Business Ethics
Fall Semester, 2000
Stephen Scholz
Class Hours:10:15-11:05, MWF, 129 Winston Hall
My Office Hours: 11:10?12:00 MWF 022 Winston Hall
(and by appointment)
Download an Adobe Acrobat version of the Syllabus
bizsyl.pdf
Link to HTML version of the Mid-Term Exam
busethicsexam1.htm
Link to HTML version of Research Project Assignment
busproject.htm
This course will examine business practices from a moral perspective. We
will begin with examining the various philosophical underpinnings of modern
business from several different perspectives and address specific cases
in detail. I am interested in tackling such topics as: the agency, responsibilities
and rights of corporate entities; the morality of employment; the moral
ÎweightÌ of public and private interests; and possible alternatives to
the existing structure. Class format will be a moderated discussion group
punctuated with short lectures by the instructor.
Course Requirements and Grading:
There will be two tests; and a 10-15 page research paper on some recent
and relevant, business event; and a final examination. Consult the schedule
for the important due dates. Grades will be determined on the basis of
the following point scheme:
Two Take Home Tests @ 25 points each: 50 points
One Research Paper @ 50 points: 50 points
One final exam @ 100 points: 100 points
TOTAL: 200 points
Grades will be based on the percentage of total points received. Grades
can be challenged in writing within 2 class days of when returned, but
there are no guarantees that challenged grades will improve.
A+: ‹ 97% A: 96%-93% A-: 92%-90%
B+: 89%-87% B: 86%-83% B-: 82%-80%
C+: 79%-75% C: 74%-70% C-: 69%-65%
D: 64%-50% F:<50%
Tests can be made up for legitimate emergency or medical excuses only.
The Final Exam cannot be made up.
Late papers will lose one grade (A+ to A, A to A-, B- to C+, etc.) for
each day late. Paper rewrites will be accepted only after consulting
with instructor (during office hours), and within 1 week of when original
was returned.
Attendance Policy:
The attendance of interested, prepared and attentive students is welcome
and desired. If you do not meet at least two of those criteria, then you
need not come to class. However, no quarter, no explanation, no excuse,
and no summaries will be given to anyone who misses class without a legitimate
excuse.
Academic Integrity:
You are responsible for your own work, including the two take home exams
given during the semester. Consult the NCSU pamphlet "Academic Integrity:
A Guide for Students and Faculty" for more information.
For Students with Disabilities:
It is University policy to provide, on a flexible and individualized basis,
accommodations to who have disabilities that may affect their ability to
participate in course activities or to meet course requirements. Students
with disabilities are encouraged to contact me if they think their disability
may interfere with their coursework.
TEXTS:
The texts required for this course are the following:
Business as Ethical and Business as Usual: 1st Edition,
Sterling Harwood, Published by Wadsworth Publishing
The Ultimate Field Guide to the US Economy: A Compact
and Irreverent Guide to Economic Life in America, New Updated Edition
Nancy Folbre, James Heintz (eds)The New Press
Additional readings to be determined by the instructor.
These will be available at the University Bookstore and should be purchased
immediately.
Part I of Harwood is available online in Adobe Acrobat
Form.
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