Business Ethics (BUS 105) Cycle II, Spring, 2012 Semester Phone: E Mail: Office: Office Hours: Course Description: This course is designed for the student with an interest in organizational and business ethics. The focus is on how we act as individuals and how we contribute to group accountability. The class will provide each student with a framework for thinking in an ethical manner. In addition, the class will explore everyday ethical thinking. Most topics will be explored using the case study method. Although designed for the business student, this class is open to all students with an interest in exploring everyday ethical behavior on an individual and group level. Prerequisites: ENG 100, RDG 100, or placement. Text(s): Applied Business Ethics. Bredeson, Dean A. South Western. 2012. 358pp. Teaching Procedure: The course will be comprised of lectures, discussions, as well as in class individual and group projects. Textbook readings will be further enhanced and supplemented by handout material. Please be advised that some material that is covered in class may not be covered in your textbook. Students are responsible for obtaining copies of materials distributed in class and for lecture material. Course Objectives: 1. Introduce the student to the concept of ethical and unethical behavior within a business and non business framework.
2. Provide the student with a definition of ethical behavior. 3. Acquaint the student with the different theories of ethics. 4. Provide the student with a model to determine ethical behavior. 5. Promote the development of critical thinking and problem solving skills in addressing ethical dilemmas. 6. Allow the student to apply the concept of ethical behavior in everyday life. Disabilities Statement: Students with documented disabilities who believe that they may need accommodations in this class are encouraged to contact the Counselor for Students with Disabilities in Room 135, extension 120 as soon as possible to ensure that such accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion. Attendance: Regular class attendance is required to gain a complete understanding of the material presented in class. Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each class. Students who miss more than two (2) classes may be withdrawn from class unless there are extenuating circumstances made known to the instructor. Tardiness or leaving early counts as an absence unless extenuating circumstances are made known to the instructor. Grade Determination: Your grade will be determined by the following assessments: Attendance/Discussion - 1/3 Presentation 1/3 Final Exam 1/3 Exams:
The exam format may include, but is not limited to essays, short answers, multiple choice, and definition of terms. Please refer to your syllabus for the exam dates. Only in extenuating circumstances that are made known to the instructor prior to the examination will make up examinations be allowed. Make up examinations may be comprised of essay questions only. Students who fail to take an examination will be given a grade of 0 for that particular assignment. Attendance/Discussion: Academic Honesty: Students enrolled in MWCC s courses are responsible for academic honesty. Cheating, plagiarism, ( any forms of presenting someone else s work as one s own), and fabrication are serious offenses and will not be tolerated. Students must read, and comply with, the academic honesty policy in college literature, including the college s website. Students also must become knowledgeable about what constitutes cheating, plagiarism, and fabrication by asking the instructor and consulting with the Academic Support Center. Students are instructed to resolve questions or confusion about appropriate documenting and referencing techniques before submitting assignments. The instructor reserves the right to fail students who cheat, plagiarize, and fabricate. Other Business Resources: I have also attached to the syllabus Basic Business Resources. This document lists a variety of referenced materials in the library that are available to the student. Academic Support Services: MWCC is committed to the academic success of every student. The Academic Support Center, located in Room 116, provides free tutorial and other services to students seeking help with their coursework. The Center is open Monday Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The phone number is 978.630.9333. Late Assignments: Assignments must be completed and submitted to me by the due date that is listed in the syllabus. Unless you receive prior permission from me, students who are late in
submitting assignments will lose one letter grade. If the assignment is not completed, the student will receive a 0. Grade Scale: 93 100 A 73 76 C 90 92 A- 70 72 C- 87 89 B+ 67 69 D+ 83 86 B 63 68 D 80 82 B- 60 62 D- 77 79 C+ 0 59 F Syllabus Changes: The instructor reserves the right to revise or make changes in this syllabus throughout the entire semester. Students will be notified when changes occur. Syllabus: Business Ethics (BUS 105) Date Topic Assignment Week 1 Introduction Unit 1, Pgs. 3-21 Ethical Dilemmas Week 2 Purpose of the Corporation Unit 2, Pgs. 25-53 Week 3 Selling, Marketing, & Advertising Unit 3, Pgs. 59-101 Week 4 Workplace Ethics: Treatment of Employees Unit 4, Pgs. 105-133 Week 5 Responding to Employee Behavior Unit 5, Pgs. 139-175 Week 6 Workplace Privacy Unit 6, Pgs. 179-203 Week 7 Employee Compensation Unit 7, Pgs. 209-219 Week 8 Special Obligations to Customers Unit 8, Pgs. 225 257
Week 9 Environmental Ethics Unit 9, Pgs. 263-283 Week 10 International Ethics Unit 10, Pgs. 289-301 *** Exam #2 Date Topic Assignment Week 11 The Great Recession Unit 11, Pgs. 305-329 Week 12 Government Actions & Corporate Unit 12, Pgs. 335-355 Influence *** Papers Due *** Week 13 Selected Topics in Ethical Behavior Handout Material Week 14 Final Exam TBA