Do businesses have responsibilities toward society? And if so, do those responsibilities end where the law ends?
In today’s interconnected world, corporations are not merely economic actors—they are powerful social and political forces. From labor conditions and equality to environmental sustainability and digital privacy, corporate decisions shape the lives of millions across the globe.

This course introduces students to the evolving field of business ethics through the lens of human rights. Moving beyond legal compliance, students explore what it means for companies to act responsibly in a globalized economy. Drawing on international frameworks such as the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, students examine accountability, transparency, corporate governance and sustainability in practice.

Through case studies of multinational corporations, ethical dilemma simulations, structured debates, and collaborative projects, students will investigate key questions:
• Can a corporation ever be truly “neutral”?
• What happens when profit conflicts with human dignity?
• What is the ethical and social responsibility of corporations in addressing climate change and social inequalities?
• Who holds companies accountable when regulation is weak?

The course cultivates analytical reasoning, ethical reflection, and persuasive communication. Students will not only learn existing frameworks—they will evaluate them, challenge them, and propose innovative solutions.

Learning Objectives
By the end of the course, students will:
• Understand core principles of human rights and business ethics.
• Distinguish between legal compliance and ethical responsibility.
• Analyze real-world corporate cases using structured ethical frameworks.
• Develop advanced oral and written argumentation skills through debates and simulations.
• Produce individual and group projects (such as policy briefs, corporate codes of ethics, advocacy campaigns and podcasts).