Dr. Alfredo Triff
Room 3604-40 (Building #3)
Tel. 305.237.7554
E-mail: atriff@mdc.edu
Office Hours: Posted
Textbook: Moral Issues in Business (Eleventh Edition), by William Shaw and Vincent Barry.
Room 3604-40 (Building #3)
Tel. 305.237.7554
E-mail: atriff@mdc.edu
Office Hours: Posted
Textbook: Moral Issues in Business (Eleventh Edition), by William Shaw and Vincent Barry.
Objectives
* To understand the scope and purpose of business ethics, normative theories, the idea of justice and distribution.
* To explore the idea of ethics within the business context.
* To comprehend the organization of the workplace, its challenges in regard to conduct, honesty and the idea of moral choice.
* To examine issues such as job discrimination and sexual harassment, etc.
* To look at the relevance of the consumer and the issue of advertising.
* To analyze the impact of the environment and its ethical consequences.
* To create and stimulate a spirit of open debate and conversation, as well as emphasizing the ethics of dialogue.
Evaluation
1. Grades are A, B and C, which stand for outstanding, good and average respectively. D is below average. F means not enough work to justify credit for the course. Both tests carry same weight.
2. We have four multiple-choice tests: 2 quizzes, (20%) a midterm (35%) and a final exam (35%) and the remaining 10% for participation and attendance. However, be aware that this breakdown reflects a qualitative approximation, since it may already reflects my curving of grades.
3. Attendance is expected. Three non-excused absences are permitted. Each absence thereafter will lower the participation grade. Missing deadlines must be justified by a doctor’s note or the equivalent. Please, feel free to contact me if you have a serious problem with or in the class.
4. To satisfy the Gordon Rule requirements there are quasi-weekly 100-word written comments + a final paper (we'll discuss the paper later).
Policies
1. Plagiarism is an offense.
* To explore the idea of ethics within the business context.
* To comprehend the organization of the workplace, its challenges in regard to conduct, honesty and the idea of moral choice.
* To examine issues such as job discrimination and sexual harassment, etc.
* To look at the relevance of the consumer and the issue of advertising.
* To analyze the impact of the environment and its ethical consequences.
* To create and stimulate a spirit of open debate and conversation, as well as emphasizing the ethics of dialogue.
Evaluation
1. Grades are A, B and C, which stand for outstanding, good and average respectively. D is below average. F means not enough work to justify credit for the course. Both tests carry same weight.
2. We have four multiple-choice tests: 2 quizzes, (20%) a midterm (35%) and a final exam (35%) and the remaining 10% for participation and attendance. However, be aware that this breakdown reflects a qualitative approximation, since it may already reflects my curving of grades.
3. Attendance is expected. Three non-excused absences are permitted. Each absence thereafter will lower the participation grade. Missing deadlines must be justified by a doctor’s note or the equivalent. Please, feel free to contact me if you have a serious problem with or in the class.
4. To satisfy the Gordon Rule requirements there are quasi-weekly 100-word written comments + a final paper (we'll discuss the paper later).
Policies
1. Plagiarism is an offense.
2. Cheating is a serious academic transgression, and will be penalized according to college policy.
3. I expect a minimum of class demeanor. Courtesy and respect are important.
Calendar
Chapter 1 The Nature of Morality: Moral vs. non-moral standards. Moral Principles. The Limits of Conscience. Ethical Relativism. Individual Integrity and Responsibility.
Chapter 2 Normative Theories of Ethics: Consequentialism vs. Non-consequentialisms. Egoism. Utilitarianism. Deontology. Moral Decision Making.
Chapter 3 Justice and Economic Distribution: The Nature of Justice. The Utilitarian View. The Libertarian Approach. Rawl’s Theory of Justice.
3. I expect a minimum of class demeanor. Courtesy and respect are important.
Calendar
Chapter 1 The Nature of Morality: Moral vs. non-moral standards. Moral Principles. The Limits of Conscience. Ethical Relativism. Individual Integrity and Responsibility.
Chapter 2 Normative Theories of Ethics: Consequentialism vs. Non-consequentialisms. Egoism. Utilitarianism. Deontology. Moral Decision Making.
Chapter 3 Justice and Economic Distribution: The Nature of Justice. The Utilitarian View. The Libertarian Approach. Rawl’s Theory of Justice.
Quiz #1
Chapter 4 The Nature of Capitalism: Key Features. Moral Justifications of Capitalism. Critics of Capitalism. Economic Challenges.
Chapter 5 Corporations: Limited-Liability Agency. Corporate Moral Agency. Corporate Responsibility. Institutional Ethics Within Corporations.
Chapter 6 The Workplace. Basic Issues: Civil Liberties. Personnel Procedures. Unions.Midterm
Midterm Exam
Chapter 7 Challenges Within the Workplace: Obtaining Information Working Conditions. Redesigning Work.
Chapter 8 Moral Choices Facing Employees: Obligations to Firm. Abuse of Positions. Bribes and Kickbacks. Gifts and Entertainment.
Quiz #2
Chapter 9 Job Discrimination: Evidence of Discrimination. Affirmative Action: The Legal Context. Affirmative Action and Moral Issues. Comparable Worth. Sexual Harassment.
Chapter 10 Business and Society: Consumers. Product Safety. Deception in Advertising. The Debate Over Advertising.
Chapter 11 The Environment: Business and Ecology. Environmental Protection. Cost Allocation. Environmental Ethics.
Final Exam
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Note: If you feel that you will be unable to complete the requirements for passing this class, you have the option to withdraw from the class by the College's "drop date" of XXX. However, there are consequences of which you need to be aware if you drop a class or stop attending and you should always speak to your instructor or an advisor first. For example, you must earn at least two-thirds or 67% of the total credits for which you have registered - failure to comply with this requirement will adversely impact your financial aid status with MDC. Also, once the course has been paid for, you will generally not receive a refund for the course after the 100% drop date. A “W” will appear on your transcript or degree audit, and it counts as a “course attempt” which may have an impact on your academic status and/or record at the College. If after considering the possible consequences, you still wish to drop the class, keep in mind that it is your responsibility to do so and failure to withdraw will result in your earning a final grade that is based on your overall class performance. If extenuating circumstances (e.g., illness, accident, change in employment situation, etc.) prevent you from continuing to attend class after the drop date, speak to your instructor first and if needed, to the Chairperson to assess your options.
