The Business of Human Rights

Description

Learning outcomes: After completing the course student will be able to: • Understand the role of human rights for business, as well as the role of business for human rights • Understand the theoretical framework of ethical action, and how this translates into doing business in a human rights compliant way • Analytically discuss what promotion of human rights can mean in the business context • Master the conceptual and normative differences between corporate social responsibility, human rights responsibility, and acting ethically Content: The role of the private sector in society is profound. Societies depend on business for upholding social welfare and the centrality of business is likely to become even more crucial going forward. Business, however, can also adopt socially harmful practices, and be a major contributor for example to ecological destruction, climate change, and inequalities. Business practices may also encroach the human rights of individuals (both as employees and beyond). The Business of Human Rights (5-10 ECTS) is intended for students interested in understanding implications of the protection of the human rights of individuals in various business and organizational contexts, how to transform policy into action, and how different legal and political human rights frameworks are embedded in the activities of business and organizations. The interdisciplinary course, which is open to students both in law, business administration and economics, explores the complex interplay between human rights and business actors. After completing the course, students will have an understanding of the connection between business and human rights in a globalized world, and be equipped with analytical insights into how human rights are (or are not) realized in a business environment. The Business of Human Rights course consists of the following modules: • The Law and Policy of Business of Human Rights (compulsory) • Human Rights in Doing Business • Thinking and Acting Ethically • Power and Politics in Organizing • Preventing and Addressing Corruption • Only for those completing 5 ECTS: Realizing the Business of Human Rights (compulsory) Students can choose to do either 5 or 10 ECTS. Students completing 5 ECTS will do 3 modules, the first and last modules (1 and 6) plus one additional module of their choice (2, 3, 4 or 5). Students completing 10 ECTS must do modules 1-5. Study methods: [Please read the course description and check the schedule from Åbo Akademi´s study guide.](https://studiehandboken.abo.fi/en/course/FR00CQ94/30517?period=2024-2027) Course unit methods: [Please read the course description and check the schedule from Åbo Akademi´s study guide.](https://studiehandboken.abo.fi/en/course/FR00CQ94/30517?period=2024-2027) Further information: The course is organised by Åbo Akademi. [Please read the course description and check the schedule from ÅA´s study guide.](https://studiehandboken.abo.fi/en/course/FR00CQ94/30517?period=2024-2027) Bachelor's Degree Programme in Sustainable and Social Entrepreneurship students can complete this course as a 5 ECTS course instead of ÅA's 10 ECTS course. Bachelor's Degree Programme in Sustainable and Social Entrepreneurship students enroll for this course through the University of Turku's Peppi system. The enrolment will be done using the Ripa service that supports cross-studies in other universities. When you enrol according to the instructions, the course will be automatically transferred to your study register without any credit transfer process. Please do not use the online UTUforms form to apply for a study right. You will be able to add the correct ÅA's course and its course implementation to your personal study plan. [Instructions in English.]( https://intranet.utu.fi/en/sites/peppi-students/instructions/Pages/enrollments.aspx#ripa) Please register as an attending student before enrolment. Assessment scale: 0-5 Languages: English Level: Basic Studies Subject: Studies Offered by Other Higher Education Institutions Links: * [ÅA Study Guide](https://studiehandboken.abo.fi/sv/kurs/FR00CQ94/30517?period=2024-2027)