This course aims to take students beyond the plethora of business ethics texts to explore the pertinent and ever growing debate surrounding the role and impact of consumer and corporate ethics in marketing, business and global societal contexts.

10 x 2 hour lectures over 5 weeks

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The summative assessment is by an individual written assignment of 2500 words [100%]

Throughout this course students will be given the opportunity to explore and critique the often complex relationship between ethics, marketing in global society and critically examine the key debates surrounding the various interests of each group. An understanding of the theoretical processes underpinning consumer behaviour and corporate social responsibility in response to changing conditions of consumption is essential in today's organisations. This course will challenge some of the core assumptions around marketing and management for contemporary organisations and provide a much needed insight into the motivations and practices of concerned consumers. The course assumes no prior knowledge other than that provided by the foundation modules on the MSc programme.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. critique the relationship between consumer ethical concerns and market behaviour.

2. provide a critical overview of key theory and perspectives in relation to consumer and corporate ethics.

3. critique the nature of consumption in society and the implications for global societal, individual and corporate well-being.

4. illustrate an understanding of the various forms of consumer ethical motivations and resultant choices and behaviour.

5. analyse the notion of responsibility as it applies to corporations and their relationship to their stakeholders.

6. define the key concepts of corporate social responsibility.

7. use research papers and materials to develop a coherent argument around complex issues.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.