Business Ethics Syllabus - Carroll College

Business Ethics Syllabus 2012
Business Ethics Syllabus
Business Ethics, Phil207
Tuesday and Thursdays, 9:30-10:45am, 102 O’Connell
3 credit hours; no prerequisites
Dr. Wm Mark Smillie, Associate Professor
Office Hours: 9:00-10:00, MW; 3:00--4:30, MWTh and by appointment
142 St Charles Hall | Email: msmillie@carroll.edu | Ph: 447-5416
Coursepage: go to moodle2.carroll.edu (moodle2 button on students page)
READING MATERIALS
Deni Elliot. Ethical Challenges: Building an Ethics Toolkit Authorhouse: 2008. ISBN: 1-4343-
8802-6. New $21.20 @ Saints Shoppe. Required text. This is an introduction to ethics and
ethical thinking, which includes twenty activities to help you understand ethics. I chose this
book because it offers an interactive approach to get everyone thinking, and because it stresses
the very basics of ethical action—values, the nature of responsibility, the difference between
ethics and other practical considerations, the nature of systematic moral analysis, the basics of
moral life and growth.
Al Gini and Alexei Marcoux. The Ethics of Business: A Concise Introduction. Rowman and
Littlefield, 2012. ISBN: 978-0-7425-6162-5. New, $24.95 @ Saints Shoppe. New, short and
sweet introduction to Business Ethics that focusses on establishing a “few good principles” that
would create ethical action in business.
Various. Several articles about business ethics that are available for you on Moodle. You are
responsible for accessing these and printing out a copy for class.
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COURSE DESCRIPTION
How should a person who wants to act ethically do business? Does ethics even have a place
in business activity? To answer these questions, and we shall consider the nature and goals
of ethical activity itself, as well as whether business activity requires ethical activity. The

Business Ethics Syllabus 2012
focus promises to be very personal—in identifying virtues that make business possible, we
identify the habits that individual people doing business (all of us!) must develop in order to
do business ethically. We are also interested in understanding how these virtues should
actually be practiced in the midst of competitive business activity. Specific issues we shall
consider include the importance and nature of trust, the role of honesty, reasons for
personal self-control, and how the market can be a setting of justice. We shall aim to be
realistic about these questions—realistic about business but as realistic about ethics too!
STUDENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Students taking this course will learn to
• Identify ethical elements required for business activity
• Develop and broaden their understanding of how ethical activity within business
• Develop habits of critical 1 analysis of philosophical ideas and positions
• Develop a tolerance for ethical disagreement and ambiguity.
Disclaimer:
1) Students may vary in their competency levels on these abilities.
2) Students can expect to acquire these abilities only if they honor all course policies,
attend class regularly, complete all assigned work on time and in good faith, and
meet all other course requirements and expectations.
GRADED COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Article and chapter analyses: The purpose of our class meetings is to converse about the
readings. One-page (no more/no less) summaries of selected articles or chapters are
assigned throughout the semester to encourage your preparation for class. These are due
prior to the class in which the article/chapter is discussed. No late assignments will be
accepted. At the end of semester, two lowest scores will be dropped.
(Business) Ethics at the Movies (Ethical Reviews). One review of movie from the approved
list of business ethics movies, presented to the class in a “pechka-kuchka” style power-point
presentation. These are graded on the following three areas: (1) following the pechkakuchka
style (20 slides, set to automatically advance every 20 seconds, slide content
pictorial and avoiding excessive text) 10 points; (2) plot summary (not more than half the
presentation, coherent ) 10 points; (3) ethical analysis (relevant, sophisticated, complex
consideration of issues, reasonable and justified reactions from speaker) 20 points. Turn a
printed out copy of just your slides (use “handout” option in print command, six slides to a
page) either at your presentation, or in “pdf” format on Moodle.
Presentations: Group assignments, instructions to follow. Presentations during the last
week of semester.
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Tests and Exams. There will be a midterm and a final exam. These tests will cover the
material in the texts and covered in class sessions. The final is cumulative.
1 “Critical” as used in philosophy means to carefully take apart, examine, try to understand and to make
better. It isn’t a way of being negative about things.

Business Ethics Syllabus 2012
Weighting System
Article analyses: 35%
At the Movies: 15%
Presentation: 25%
Midterm Exam: 10%
Final Exam: 15%
Final grade calculation: All points earned for each type requirement will be added according
to the specified weight, to total 100. Letter grades for the course will be assigned as follows.
(You can “track” your grade throughout the semester on moodle.)
Percentage points
90-100…………………
80-89………………….
70-79………………….
Grade
A
B
C
Percentage points
60-69…………………
Below 60……………
P/F Grade………….
Grade
D
F
D (60)
PREVIEW OF CLASS ACTIVITIES
As already mentioned, the purpose of our class meetings is to talk about, examine
and understand the readings. Sometimes you will be required to turn in a summary of the
class reading prior to class. However, at all times, you are still expected to read the
assignment and come to class prepared to discuss it. Philosophical readings can be
challenging and the point is not to skim them quickly before class, but to try to think
through them and with them. Give yourself enough time to do this. Take notes on the
reading as you read; try to identify main points, and most importantly, the arguments
provided to support those points. Note areas that you don’t understand; write down
questions and even your feelings as you read. Try to formulate a response to the arguments
that you find—do you agree, disagree? Completely or partly? I recommending not
highlighting in your book at all: underline in pencil, write notes in the margins, and later
summarize in outline notes of your own. And always bring your book to class!
Talking: Maybe the most important part of a philosophy class is talking. Talking is
thinking; you are encouraged to talk because I want you to think, and it is too easy to not
think when we just keep everything inside. Many of you might find talking in class unusual,
awkward, difficult, scary, or even embarrassing. One thing to remember is that all of us
have the same fears. Everyone should try to challenge themselves to speak just a little more
than they would have on their own (even if your voice shakes). I hope that we all will get
used to talking with each other in class, and will do my best to make talking in class safe for
all of us by learning how to express disagreement with respect and tact.
COURSE POLICIES
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Attendance and Tardiness
Regular attendance is a college policy (see College Catalogue, pg 40). I keep attendance
regularly and expect to be informed if some legitimate excuse keeps you from attending
class. Students missing more than nine class sessions may be asked to drop the class.
Tardiness is disruptive to other members of the class, so please be on time!

Business Ethics Syllabus 2012
Late exams/assignments: Assignments are considered late if they are turned in after 5:00
of the day they are assigned. Late assignments will be penalized one half a letter grade for
every day they are late. Missed exams may be retaken at the ARC within one week of the
exam date. (Students must make their own arrangements with the director of the ARC, and
then inform me of their scheduled makeup date.)
Students having good reasons for missing a deadline or test should contact me in
advance of the deadline. Good reasons include documented medical reasons, documented
court obligations, and athletic team commitments, family emergencies. Deadlines will be
reset to mutually agreed times in these situations.
Academic Honesty
Carroll College’s policy on Academic Integrity is stated in both the CC Catalogue and in the
Student Handbook. The policy reads: “Students at Carroll College are expected to have high
standards of integrity. Any student who cheats or plagiarizes on examinations or
assignments, falsifies college records, or fails to give requested academic information on
admission documents is subject to dismissal or other appropriate disciplinary action by the
College.” Students violating the policy will be referred to the Vice President for Academic
Affairs. Please see these publications for the correct procedures to follow if you have
questions concerning the conduct of this class or the grading procedures (other than a final
grade).
Plagiarism is an act of fraud and will not be tolerated. Plagiarism is both stealing
someone else’s work and lying about it. It includes the following
• Turning anyone else’s work (including other students’) as your own
• Copying without giving credit (including copying from the internet)
• Not putting quotations in quotation marks
• Incorrectly identifying the source of a quotation
Plagiarism also includes copying the sentence structure of a source, even if you changed
words, and copying so many words or ideas from a source that it makes up the majority of
your work, whether you give credit or not.
All suspected cases of plagiarism will be investigated, and where verified, will be
penalized; the penalty can be a severe as immediate failure in the course. If you are unsure
about whether some actions constitute plagiarism, please ask me.
Campus support services
If you believe that you may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability,
please contact Kevin Hadduck, in order to discuss your specific needs and to determine a
reasonable accommodation plan. You may contact Kevin Hadduck in the Academic Success
and Disability Services Office, Borromeo Hall, Room 118 (phone: x4504; email:
khadduck@carroll.edu).
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Business Ethics Syllabus 2012
BUSINESS ETHICS COURSE CALENDAR 2011
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DATE
Aug 28
Aug 30
Sept 4
Sep 6
Sep 11
Sep 13
Sep 18
Sep 20
Sep 25
Sep 27
CLASS SUBJECT/ASSIGNMENT…
Introduction to the Course.
What is business? What is ethics? Reading assignment: The ethics of
business, chs 1-2; Ethical Challenges, Introduction and Chapter 1, pgs
1-17. Writing assignment: write a summary of Ethics of Business, Ch
2—due before class.
What is ethics, Continued. Reading assignment: Ethical Challenges,
Chs 2-3, pgs 19-44. We will discuss the activities in class.
Ethics in Business. Reading assignment: The Ethics of Business,
chapter 3, pgs 33-50. Writing assignment: write a summary of Ethics
of Business, Ch 3—due before class.
The Good life as the goal of ethics. Reading assignment: Aristotle on
the Good Life (Moodle), Epicurus on Pleasure (Moodle) and Advice
from Aristotle by James O’Toole (moodle). In class: Video on virtue
ethics. Writing assignment: write a summary of one of these articles—
due before class.
Is it possible to find ethics in business? Reading assignment: The
Ethics of Business, chapter 4, pgs 51-66.
Finding Ethics in Business: Reading assignment: Ian Maitland,
“Virtuous Markets: the market as a school of the virtues” and Bill
Shaw, “Sources of Virtue” [Available on moodle] Writing assignment:
write a summary of Maitland—due before class.
Business values—or not: is greed good? Reading assignment:
Solomon Schimmel, “Greed” [avail on moodle]. In class: We will
watch and discuss a video called “Is Greed Good.” Writing assignment:
turn in a summary of the video by Sept 23.
Trust and Truth. Reading assignment: Chapter 5 of The Ethics of
Business.
Oct 2 Lying in Business. Reading assignment: Is it ever right to lie?”
“There’s no lying in Baseball (Wink, wink)” [On Moodle]. Writing
assignment: write a summary of one of these articles—due before class.
Oct 4 Test #1
Oct 9
Oct 11
Oct 16
Oct 18
Midsemester Break
Truth in Advertising. Video presentation.
Advertising and consumer manipulation? Reading assignment: “The
Dependence Effect” and “The Inconclusive Ethical case Against
Manipulative Advertising.” [On moodle] . Writing assignment: write a
summary of one of these articles—due before class.
Competition and Self-Control. Reading assignment: Chapter 6 of
The Ethics of Business. Edward Garcia, “The Winner-Take-All Game.”

Business Ethics Syllabus 2012
DATE
Oct 23
Oct 25
Oct 30
Nov 1
Nov 6
Nov 8
Nov 13
Nov 15
Nov 20
Nov 27
Nov 29
Dec 4
Dec 6
Dec 10
CLASS SUBJECT/ASSIGNMENT…
Writing assignment: write a summary of Chapter 6—due before class.
Bluffing in Business Reading assignment: “Is Business Bluffing
Ethical?” “Does it pay to Bluff in Business?” Writing assignment: write
a summary of one of these articles—due before class.
Sales ethics. Reading assignment: “The Ethics of Sales.” [on
moodle].
Loyalty. Reading assignment: Chapter 7 of The Ethics of Business.
Writing assignment: write a summary of Chapter 7—due before class.
Justice and Fairness: Respect for Persons. Reading assignment:
“The Ring of Gyges.” “Respecting the Humanity in a Person.” “Justice
Ruins the Market” [on moodle]. Writing assignment: write a summary
of one of these articles—due before class.
Shopping at Walmart: Is it ethical? Reading assignment: “Is it Ethical
to Shop at Walmart.” “The Real Facts about Walmart.” In class:
viewing video. Writing assignment: write a summary of “Is it Ethical to
Shop …”—due before class.
Shopping at Walmart: Is it ethical? Discussion day.
Work-Life Balance. Reading assignment: Chapter 8 of The Ethics of
Business. “Leisure, the Basis of Culture.” Writing assignment: write a
summary of Chapter 8—due before class.
Big Business. Reading assignment: Chapter 9 of The Ethics of
Business. Writing assignment: write a summary of Chapter 9—due
before class.
Big Business. Reading assignment: TBA
Nov 22--Thanksgiving Break
Good Leaders. Reading assignment: Chapter 10 of The Ethics of
Business. Writing assignment: write a summary of Chapter 10—due
before class.
Group Presentations
Group Presentations
Final Day: Presentations, surveys, review for final
Final Exam: 8:00-9:45pm (Mon). Final is Cumulative
Disclaimer: The above schedule, policies, and assignments in this course are subject to
change in the event of extenuating circumstances or by mutual agreement between the
instructor and the students.
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GENERAL
Every student must log onto Moodle ASAP (see Students page on Carroll website) and
“enroll” in this course. The moodle site includes copies of this syllabus, and other reading
assignments not available in the book store. All written assignments should be submitted
on moodle. All assignments will be graded on moodle—go there to view your grade and
comments from the instructor. The moodle grade book is my grade book for this course;

Business Ethics Syllabus 2012
all your grades will be recorded there. (If something is incorrect or missing, you should
contact me.) The moodle calendar is the official calendar for the course as well—it will
include reading assignments as well as other assignments.
All students should practice good manners in class and show civility to all. A positive
attitude is appreciated and a professional demeanor should be the baseline. This includes
such things as remaining alert (and awake!) in class, respecting and never interrupting
others, limiting private conversations, and keeping phones and pagers off.
In team or group situations, students should cooperate with their team members and obtain
their input when working on group exercises and projects. Most group work involves a
required peer assessment of each individual’s contribution to the group.
Absolutely no electronic devices are allowed during exams, and this includes cell phones
and laptop. Laptops are allowed at other times during class, with the expectation that you
are using them to participate in the class and not as a distraction.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR
I am an associate professor in the Philosophy Department. I received a B.A. from Thomas
Aquinas College (CA) in 1983; a Ph.D. in 1992, from the University of Notre Dame. I have
taught at Notre Dame, Merrimack College (North Andover, MA), North Shore Community
College (Danvers & Lynn, MA), Allentown College, (Center Valley, PA), the University of
Indiana at South Bend, and Bethell College (Mishawaka, IN).
I teach various philosophy courses here at Carroll including Philosophy of Human
Nature, Business Ethics, Bioethics, Environmental Ethics, and Medieval Philosophy. My
research interests are in Medieval Philosophy, especially the philosophy of St. Thomas
Aquinas, and applied ethics. I have given papers/presentations on: Catholic Identity, St.
Thomas on God’s Omnipotence, End of Life Decision-Making, using technology in the
classroom (including Moodle).
I’ve been married 26 years and have eight kids (including a Carroll grad, class of
2008!). I am involved in various community organizations in Helena and enjoy visiting
historical sites, hiking, photography, building things from time to time (and even house
remodeling).
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