Course Syllabus: BUS 225 – Fundamentals of Business Ethics
Course Overview
Course Description
BUS 225 introduces moral philosophy and applied ethics in organizational settings. Students examine utilitarian, deontological, and virtue-based frameworks; corporate governance; whistleblowing; and ethical leadership in U.S. and global business environments.
Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- CLO 1: Compare major ethical frameworks and apply them to business case studies.
- CLO 2: Evaluate corporate governance, compliance, and whistleblower protection mechanisms.
- CLO 3: Analyze ethical dilemmas in marketing, HR, finance, and operations.
- CLO 4: Construct ethical decision models for cross-cultural business scenarios.
- CLO 5: Complete a capstone ethical audit of a real or simulated organization.
Instructional Framework & Weekly Outline
1. Week 1: Introduction to Business Ethics
Focus: Foundations
Topics Covered: Moral reasoning; Business and morality
Required Reading: Ethics text Ch. 1
Assignments:
- Discussion: Why Ethics Matter in Business
- Foundations Quiz
2. Week 2: Ethical Frameworks
Focus: Theory Application
Topics Covered: Utilitarianism; Deontology; Virtue ethics
Required Reading: Ethics text Ch. 2–3
Assignments:
- Discussion: Framework Comparison
- Framework Application Worksheet
3. Week 3: Corporate Governance & Compliance
Focus: Organizational Ethics
Topics Covered: Sarbanes-Oxley; Compliance programs; Tone at the top
Required Reading: Governance & compliance reader
Assignments:
- Discussion: Compliance Failures
- Compliance Program Outline
4. Week 4: Marketing & Consumer Ethics
Focus: Marketplace Ethics
Topics Covered: Truth in advertising; Privacy; Vulnerable consumers
Required Reading: Marketing ethics cases
Assignments:
- Discussion: Deceptive Marketing Case
- Ethical Ad Review
5. Week 5: HR, Diversity & Workplace Ethics
Focus: People & Culture
Topics Covered: Discrimination; Harassment; Fair labor
Required Reading: Workplace ethics reader
Assignments:
- Discussion: Workplace Dilemma
- HR Ethics Scenario Response
6. Week 6: Financial & Accounting Ethics
Focus: Financial Integrity
Topics Covered: Earnings management; Insider trading; Auditor independence
Required Reading: Financial ethics cases
Assignments:
- Discussion: Accounting Scandal Analysis
- Financial Ethics Memo
7. Week 7: Global & Environmental Ethics
Focus: Global Responsibility
Topics Covered: Bribery and corruption; Environmental justice; Supply chain ethics
Required Reading: Global ethics reader
Assignments:
- Discussion: Bribery Case
- Global Ethics Position Paper
8. Week 8: Capstone — Organizational Ethical Audit
Focus: Integration
Topics Covered: Ethical culture assessment; Recommendations
Required Reading: Course synthesis
Assignments:
- Discussion: Final Reflection
- Organizational Ethical Audit (Capstone)
- Proctored Final Exam
Grading Criteria & Evaluation Metrics
| Assessment Category | Weight | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly Discussion Forums (8×) | 25% | Substantive initial post plus peer responses each week. |
| Quizzes & Objective Assessments (2×) | 15% | LMS proficiency, concept checks, and policy compliance. |
| Weekly Skills Deliverables (4×) | 35% | Applied assignments aligned to course learning outcomes. |
| Final Examination / Capstone | 25% | Comprehensive assessment; minimum 70% required to pass. |
Standard U.S. higher education grading scale applies (A–F). Final examination minimum 70% required for course completion per CCU academic policy.
Blueprint for LMS Course Architecture
When setting up this course inside the LMS backend, use the following layout for clean UI/UX:
[CCU-BUS225] COURSE ROOT │ ├── 📂 Course Introduction & Start Here (Module 0) │ ├── 📄 Welcome Video from the Dean/Instructor │ ├── 📄 Master Syllabus (PDF Download) │ ├── 📄 Academic Integrity Pledge (Required Verification) │ └── 💬 Student Lounge (Social Forum) │ ├── 📂 Week 1 … Week 8 Modules │ ├── 📄 Overview & Learning Objectives │ ├── 🔗 Required Readings & Media Lecture Links │ ├── 💬 Discussion Board │ └── 📝 Quiz / Weekly Deliverable │ └── 📂 Final Exam & Course Completion
Instructor Best Practice: Require Module 0 (Start Here) and Academic Integrity Pledge at 100% before unlocking Week 1 content.