BUS 179 Ethics for Accountants

This course introduces competing expectations about the purpose of corporations and hence raises questions concerning the appropriate responsibility of their directors and managers. It develops the position that the responsibility of managers for effective action extends not only to the familiar economic and market activity, but to the wider social/public arena as well. Students will learn to analyze, question critically, challenge and change ethical and moral standards, priorities, points of trade-off and compromise to be applied to business and professional behavior.

This course relies upon discussion and the exchange of ideas. Students learn significantly from different perspectives expressed in discussion forums. Listening/writing skills are important, because underlying assumptions often need to be challenged. Consequently, opportunities for discussion will be stimulated and grades will be assigned for the quality of participation as well as attendance.