Course syllabus
Autumn 2015
Course syllabus, Autumn 2015
Title
Corporate Social Responsibility and Human Rights
Swedish title
Corporate Social Responsibility and Human Rights
Course code
MR223L
Credits
7.5 credits
Grading scale
UA / Excellent (A), Very Good (B), Good (C), Satisfactory (D), Pass (E) or Fail (U)
Language of instruction
English
Decision-making body
Faculty of Culture and Society
Syllabus valid from
2015-08-31
Syllabus approval date
2015-03-27
Level
Basic level
Entry requirements
Admission to the course requires a minimum of 60 approved credits with a certain progression in one of the following Major Subjects: European Studies, Human Rights, International Migration and Ethnic Relations, International Relations or Peace and Conflict Studies or similar.
Main field
No main field.
Progression level
G2F / First cycle, has at least 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Progression level in relation to degree requirements
The course can normally be included as a part of a general degree at undergraduate level.
Course objectives
The aim of the course is that the students independently acquire knowledge about central concepts in the field of human rights with a focus on corporate social responsibility.
Course contents
The module presents an overview of how corporate social responsibility is described in different international documents, such as the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Corporations and the UN Global Compact. Moreover, the module discusses different theories of what constitutes the social responsibility of corporations and how the concept of rights can be used for clarifying this responsibility.
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of the course the student shall demonstrate:
- knowledge of the content of important international conventions and guidelines concerning corporate social responsibility;
- knowledge of different theoretical positions within the debate about corporate social responsibility and can present them, both in writing and orally;
- knowledge of the debate whether the concept of rights is fruitful for clarifying the social responsibility of corporations.
Learning activities
Literature studies, lectures, seminars and group presentations.
Assessment
The course contents and learning outcomes are assessed by written assignments. There will be at least two re-exams available for students who have not completed and passed the course during the scheduled time period.
Course literature and other study material
- Crane, Andrew (Ed.): The Oxford Handbook of Corporate Social Responsibility, Oxford: Oxford University Press 2009.
- Fleming, Peter, Jones, Marc (Eds.): The End of Corporate Social Responsibility: Crisis and Critique, Los Angeles: SAGE 2013
- Voiculescu, Aurora, Yanacopulos, Helen (Eds.): The Business of Human Rights, London: Zed Books 2011.
Course evaluation
All students are offered an opportunity to give oral or written feedback at the end of the course. A summary of the results will be made available on the school's web-pages.