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SUM4018 - Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) - a Critical Introduction to Business and Sustainable Development

Course content

This course aims to give the student a thorough understanding of the societal context in which the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has emerged. It will debate different approaches to understanding CSR, and examine various political and socio-economic drivers for the increasing proliferation of CSR related activities. It will also review the development of CSR governance initiatives, and evaluate the limits and potentials of CSR as a device for promoting sustainable development.

Learning outcomes

• The course introduces the student to the most common theoretical perspectives for understanding Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and the role of business in sustainable development, mainly from the disciplines of political economy and political science.
• It examines the development of the idea of corporate social responsibility, and gives the student an understanding of the political, social, and economic drivers behind CSR.
• The course provides insights into CSR from the perspective of business, of government and of civil society, and the course invites practitioners from all three groups to give the students insights into CSR from the field.

Admission

Masters students at the Master programme CES, administrated by SUM, are prioritized for admission, but there are places available for other applicants.

Students at UiO must apply for courses in StudentWeb.

International applicants, if you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures for international applicants.

Prerequisites

Formal prerequisites

The Masters study is directed at students with a background in humanities, social sciences or the natural sciences. The minimum requirement for admission is that the students must have a bachelor’s degree (equivalent at least to a good second class honours degree from a reputable university). Students with a natural science background should have at least half a year's studies within the humantities or social sciences to prepare them for the interdisciplinary challenges this programme offers. Students must also have a good working knowledge of English, and should be able to read and follow lectures in this language as well as writing a term paper in English.

Teaching

Lectures and seminars

Exam information

Home exam

Language of examination

English

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