Course Syllabus

Business Ethics, Summer 2005

Class Meetings: Offutt Bldg. D, Room 15, Tuesdays and Fridays, 4:30 p.m. - 7:20 p.m.

Instructor: Edward Abplanalp

Office: UNO Arts & Sciences Building, 205B
Office Hours: See me to set up an appointment
Office Phone: 554-2628 or 554-2956
E-Mail: philosophered@cox.net

Class Materials: William H. Shaw, Business Ethics, 5th Edition

Course Description: This is an introductory course in business ethics. We will be considering the application of ethical concepts and principles to moral issues arising in business: corporate responsibility, discrimination, advertising, competition, whistle-blowing, trade secrets, multinationals, environmental protection, workers' rights, government regulation, investment, bribes, product liability and consumerism.

Course Objectives: The objectives of this course are: (1) to raise the student's understanding of the complex nature of certain prevalent problems in business ethics, (2) to enable students to communicate in an intelligent manner on issues in business ethics, (3) to increase the student's adeptness in critiquing an ethical position, and (4) to have students refine their own positions on many topics in business ethics.

Instructional Methods: This course will be a combination of lecture, discussion, overhead presentations, and class exercises.

Grading: There will be four exams, each worth 25% of your final grade. The letter grade scale is as follows: 97-100 - A+; 93-96 - A; 92-90 - A-; and so on. Grades under 60% will receive an F. Note: A's are given for exemplary work, B's are given for above average work, and C's are given for average work.

Attendance Policy: Attendance is important and I expect students to attend each class. Students who are unable to attend class are expected to bear the burden of understanding the material on their own.

Cheating: I doubt this will be an issue at all. However, I must include it in writing: Students must uphold the Student Code of Conduct published in the University of Nebraska College Catalog. In this class, the penalty for cheating on an exam is an automatic F for the course. I do enforce this policy when necessary.

Services for Students with Disabilities: UNO provides accommodations for students with verified disabilities. For more information, contact Services for Students with Disabilities in Eppley 117 or 554-2872, TTY 554-3799. The Eppley building is located on UNO's main campus.

PRELIMINARY SCHEDULE

NOTE: This schedule is only an approximation and is subject to change based on students' interests and the general flow of the class. I will announce any changes in class. Be aware that it is possible, though unlikely, that exam dates could change. It is your responsibility to keep up with any changes.

Tuesday, June 28: Introduction to Business Ethics (Chapter 1)

Friday, July 1: Normative Ethical Theories (Chapter 2)

Tuesday, July 5: Justice and Economic Distribution (Chapter 3) - EXAM #1 (TAKE HOME)

Friday, July 8: Capitalism (Chapter 4)

Tuesday, July 12: Corporations (Chapter 5)

Friday, July 15: Corporations (Chapter 5) - EXAM #2 (IN CLASS)

Tuesday, July 19: The Workplace: Basic Issues (Chapter 6)

Friday, July 22: The Workplace: Today's Challenges (Chapter 7)

Tuesday, July 26: Moral Choices Facing Employees (Chapter 8)

Friday, July 29: Job Discrimination: Affirmative Action (Chapter 9) - EXAM #3 (TAKE HOME)

Tuesday, Aug 2: Job Discrimination: Comparable Worth & Sexual Harassment (Chapter 9)

Friday, Aug 5: Obligations to Consumers (Chapter 10)

Tuesday, Aug 9: Obligations to The Environment (Chapter 11)

Friday, Aug 12: Obligations to The Environment (Chapter 11) - FINAL EXAM (IN CLASS)