Students
PHIL201 – Business and Professional Ethics
2016 – S1 Day
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor
Matthew Millar
Contact via matthew.millar@mq.edu.au
Building W6A, Room 740
By appointment
Matthew Millar
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| Credit points |
Credit points
3
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
12cp or admission to GDipArts
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit provides students with an introduction to some of the main ethical issues raised by the activities of businesses and corporations in contemporary society and introduces some central topics in professional ethics. The first part of the unit examines the roles and responsibilities of businesses and corporations in relation to individuals and society. We ask whether corporations have moral responsibilities to stakeholders other than shareholders and examine competing accounts of economic justice related to this question. Other topics in this section include the ethics of discrimination and affirmative action and the influence of business on government. The second part of the unit begins with an examination of the responsibilities of business in relation to the environment. Other topics in this section include justice and globalization, conflicts of interest in medicine, the ethics of advertising, and whistleblowing. This unit is relevant to students in accounting and business studies as well as those in the humanities and social sciences.
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Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate good general knowledge of the major issues in contemporary business and professional ethics
- Understand the major ethical concepts and theories that inform the business and professional ethics literature
- Analyse and critically evaluate theories and arguments in the relevant literature
- Relate ethical concepts and theories to relevant case studies and current events
- Develop your own view or perspective,through consideration and analysis of views and arguments presented in the unit
- Develop your skills in clarity of thought,clarity of verbal and written expression,and written argumentation
General Assessment Information
Unit Requirements and Expectations
All assessment exercises in this unit are compulsory.
Attendance at lectures and tutorials is compulsory. Absences must be supported by medical certificates or equivalent.
Students must attend at least 75% (18 of 24) of lectures and at least 80% (8 of 10) of tutorials.
Students who fail to meet the attendance requirements for lectures and/or tutorials will receive 0 for participation. Students who attend
less than 50% of lectures and/or tutorials will not be eligible to pass the unit.
Students can request an exemption from the lecture attendance requirement on the grounds of timetable clashes or for other reasons the unit convenor deems acceptable. Supporting documentation must be provided. Exemption requests must be made in writing (email) to the unit convenor by the end of week 2.
For external students: There is no on-campus session for this unit. External students are expected to contribute to the online discussion board on a regular basis. You will only be eligible to receive a participation mark if you have contributed to at least 8 of the 10 weeks. External students who fail to post answers to at least 5 of the weekly topics will not be eligible to pass the unit.
Assignment submission
Written work must be submitted via the PHIL 201 iLearn homepage. A Turnitin link will be made available for each assignment.
Details will be provided with the assignment instructions. Marked work will be returned to students online.
Extensions and late penalties
Please note that any requests for extensions must be made in writing (by email) before the due date. Assessment submitted after the due date, or after the extension date, will lose 1 mark per day, including weekends. (Please also note that work due concurrently in other subjects is not a legitimate reason for an extension)
Disruption to Studies Policy
http://students.mq.edu.au/student_admin/exams/disruption_to_studies/
Disruption to studies is intended for a student who is prevented by serious and unavoidable disruption from completing any unit requirements in accordance with their ability.
The University defines serious and unavoidable disruption to studies as resulting from an event or set of circumstances that:
- could not have reasonably been anticipated, avoided or guarded against by the student; and
- was beyond the student's control; and
- caused substantial disruption to the student's capacity for effective study and/or completion of required work; and
- occurred during an event critical study period and was at least three (3) consecutive days duration, and / or
- prevented completion of a final examination.
Applying for Disruption to Studies:
The Disruption to Studies Notification must be completed and submitted online through www.ask.mq.edu.au within five (5) working days of the commencement of the disruption.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Due |
|---|---|---|
| Attendance & Participation | 10% | Ongoing |
| Moral Reasoning Assignment | 20% | 21/03/2016 |
| Reading Assignment 2 | 30% | 9/05/2016 |
| Essay | 40% | 07/06/2016 |
Attendance & Participation
Due: Ongoing
Weighting: 10%
Contributions to tutorial discussions are an important part of this unit. This means doing assigned readings, coming with questions and engaging constructively with peers. Internal students must attend at least 80% of tutorials and at least 75% of lectures to be eligible to receive a participation mark.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate good general knowledge of the major issues in contemporary business and professional ethics
- Understand the major ethical concepts and theories that inform the business and professional ethics literature
- Relate ethical concepts and theories to relevant case studies and current events
- Develop your own view or perspective,through consideration and analysis of views and arguments presented in the unit
- Develop your skills in clarity of thought,clarity of verbal and written expression,and written argumentation
Moral Reasoning Assignment
Due: 21/03/2016
Weighting: 20%
All students must complete an initial assignment of 700-800 words. The aim of this exercise is to help you become familiar with the techniques of moral reasoning and to encourage you to think critically about moral issues in relation to current events.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate good general knowledge of the major issues in contemporary business and professional ethics
- Understand the major ethical concepts and theories that inform the business and professional ethics literature
- Analyse and critically evaluate theories and arguments in the relevant literature
- Relate ethical concepts and theories to relevant case studies and current events
- Develop your own view or perspective,through consideration and analysis of views and arguments presented in the unit
- Develop your skills in clarity of thought,clarity of verbal and written expression,and written argumentation
Reading Assignment 2
Due: 9/05/2016
Weighting: 30%
All students will be expected to complete a second assignment of 800-900 words. Students must analyze in detail the arguments presented in a selected reading and answer questions about a case study related to one of the central debates in business ethics.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate good general knowledge of the major issues in contemporary business and professional ethics
- Understand the major ethical concepts and theories that inform the business and professional ethics literature
- Develop your skills in clarity of thought,clarity of verbal and written expression,and written argumentation
Essay
Due: 07/06/2016
Weighting: 40%
All students must complete an essay of 1800 words. Essays develop your ability to engage with a topic in detail and to express, analyze and organize key ideas clearly and systematically.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate good general knowledge of the major issues in contemporary business and professional ethics
- Understand the major ethical concepts and theories that inform the business and professional ethics literature
- Analyse and critically evaluate theories and arguments in the relevant literature
- Develop your own view or perspective,through consideration and analysis of views and arguments presented in the unit
- Develop your skills in clarity of thought,clarity of verbal and written expression,and written argumentation
Delivery and Resources
CLASSES
For lecture times and classrooms please consult the MQ Timetable website: http://www.timetables.mq.edu.au. This website will display up-to-date information on your classes and classroom locations.
Lecture 1: Wednesday 12.00 - 1.00
C5A 226 Tutorial Rm
Lecture 2: Friday 1.00 – 2.00
W5A 205 Tutorial Rm
Tutorials:
Wednesday 1.00 - 2.00
W5A 204 Tutorial Rm
Friday 2.00 - 3.00
W5A 204 Tutorial Rm
REQUIRED AND RECOMMENDED TEXTS AND/OR MATERIALS
All required readings and most supplementary readings are available from eReserve. Consult the unit schedule on the iLearn homepage for a week by-week outline of required readings and supplementary readings.
UNIT WEBPAGE AND TECHNOLOGY USED AND REQUIRED
The unit uses the following technology: iLearn, ilecture, web discussion board
Online units can be accessed at: http://ilearn.mq.edu.au
Unit Schedule
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
New Assessment Policy in effect from Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html. For more information visit http://students.mq.edu.au/events/2016/07/19/new_assessment_policy_in_place_from_session_2/
Assessment Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html
Grading Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.html
Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.
In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/
Results
Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Graduate Capabilities
Creative and Innovative
Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Analyse and critically evaluate theories and arguments in the relevant literature
- Relate ethical concepts and theories to relevant case studies and current events
- Develop your own view or perspective,through consideration and analysis of views and arguments presented in the unit
- Develop your skills in clarity of thought,clarity of verbal and written expression,and written argumentation
Assessment tasks
- Attendance & Participation
- Moral Reasoning Assignment
- Essay
Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative
We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Relate ethical concepts and theories to relevant case studies and current events
- Develop your own view or perspective,through consideration and analysis of views and arguments presented in the unit
- Develop your skills in clarity of thought,clarity of verbal and written expression,and written argumentation
Assessment tasks
- Attendance & Participation
- Moral Reasoning Assignment
Commitment to Continuous Learning
Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcome
- Develop your own view or perspective,through consideration and analysis of views and arguments presented in the unit
Assessment tasks
- Attendance & Participation
- Moral Reasoning Assignment
Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills
Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate good general knowledge of the major issues in contemporary business and professional ethics
- Understand the major ethical concepts and theories that inform the business and professional ethics literature
Assessment tasks
- Attendance & Participation
- Moral Reasoning Assignment
- Reading Assignment 2
- Essay
Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Understand the major ethical concepts and theories that inform the business and professional ethics literature
- Analyse and critically evaluate theories and arguments in the relevant literature
- Relate ethical concepts and theories to relevant case studies and current events
- Develop your own view or perspective,through consideration and analysis of views and arguments presented in the unit
- Develop your skills in clarity of thought,clarity of verbal and written expression,and written argumentation
Assessment tasks
- Attendance & Participation
- Moral Reasoning Assignment
- Reading Assignment 2
- Essay
Problem Solving and Research Capability
Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Analyse and critically evaluate theories and arguments in the relevant literature
- Relate ethical concepts and theories to relevant case studies and current events
- Develop your own view or perspective,through consideration and analysis of views and arguments presented in the unit
- Develop your skills in clarity of thought,clarity of verbal and written expression,and written argumentation
Assessment tasks
- Attendance & Participation
- Moral Reasoning Assignment
- Reading Assignment 2
- Essay
Effective Communication
We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Analyse and critically evaluate theories and arguments in the relevant literature
- Relate ethical concepts and theories to relevant case studies and current events
- Develop your skills in clarity of thought,clarity of verbal and written expression,and written argumentation
Assessment tasks
- Attendance & Participation
- Moral Reasoning Assignment
- Reading Assignment 2
- Essay
Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens
As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcome
- Develop your own view or perspective,through consideration and analysis of views and arguments presented in the unit
Assessment tasks
- Attendance & Participation
- Moral Reasoning Assignment
- Essay
Socially and Environmentally Active and Responsible
We want our graduates to be aware of and have respect for self and others; to be able to work with others as a leader and a team player; to have a sense of connectedness with others and country; and to have a sense of mutual obligation. Our graduates should be informed and active participants in moving society towards sustainability.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcome
- Develop your own view or perspective,through consideration and analysis of views and arguments presented in the unit
Assessment tasks
- Attendance & Participation
- Moral Reasoning Assignment
- Reading Assignment 2
Changes from Previous Offering
We have introduced some new topics and changed the set readings for some weeks. There is no longer a final exam and an additional reading assignment has been added.