School of Global Studies

Dev, Business & Corp Soc Responsibility (L2131A)

Development, Business and Corporate Social Responsibility

Module L2131A

Module details for 2022/23.

30 credits

FHEQ Level 6

Module Outline

This module explores the role of business in development and the rise of the corporate social responsibility (CSR) movement. In recent years, the private sector, and transnational corporations (TNCs) in particular, have become increasingly important players in the development process. The business and development movement has emerged as part of the dramatic rise of CSR over the past decade - providing a new vision for the role of business in society as 'corporate citizen'. Development institutions, such as DFID and the UN, as well as global NGOs, have become increasingly interested in mobilising business, not only as donors, but as partners in development. At the same time, ethical trading initiatives, the fairtrade movement and pro-poor enterprise models offer opportunities, in different ways, for harnessing the power of the market in the service of development. This module will explore a number of key questions concerning the role of business in development and the rise of the CSR movement, from the perspective of both its proponents and opponents.

Module learning outcomes

Demonstrate a critical understanding of the emerging field of corporate social responsibility (CSR), private sector development and the role of business in development

Show in-depth knowledge of a wide selection of empirical and theoretical literatures on the core readings covering the broad topics of CSR and business in development (this includes related readings on ethical trade, partnership, business and human rights and labour-capital relations)

Demonstrate the ability to analyse primary and secondary sources of data

Demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate texts on CSR written from divergent perspectives

Students should be able to communicate their knowledge and understanding of key debates on CSR and the role of business in development in written work

TypeTimingWeighting
Dissertation (5000 words)Semester 1 Assessment Week 1 Mon 16:00100.00%
Timing

Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.

Weighting

Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.

TermMethodDurationWeek pattern
Autumn SemesterSeminar3 hours11111111111
Autumn SemesterSeminar2 hours11111111111
Autumn SemesterLecture1 hour11111111111

How to read the week pattern

The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.

Dr Dinah Rajak

Assess convenor, Convenor
/profiles/116302

Prof Anne-Meike Fechter

Assess convenor
/profiles/158737

Dr Anna Laing

Assess convenor
/profiles/397849

Dr Caroline Bennett

Assess convenor
/profiles/578153

Mr Simon Overton

Assess convenor
/profiles/634530

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