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Development, Business and Corporate Social Responsibility (L2131A)

30 credits, Level 6

Autumn teaching

In this module we'll explore 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 the Department for International Development (DFID) and the United Nations (UN), as well as global Non-Governmental Organisations (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.

Contact hours and workload

This module is approximately 300 hours of work. This breaks down into about 50 hours of contact time and about 250 hours of independent study. The University may make minor variations to the contact hours for operational reasons, including timetabling requirements.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2024/25. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum.

We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.