Pre-requisite: none. This course critically examines how and why the role of the corporation is evolving in response to shifting societal expectations, global crises, and economic transformations. The course analyzes the role across economic and political systems across time and across cultures. Students will explore the historical roots of the modern corporation, its legal and economic foundations, and the growing debate over its obligations to stakeholders (consumers, employees, and investors) and its interactions with the government in various political systems. The lens of the course is that of the political economy of business. To analyze the value creation and value extraction role of business, emphasis will be placed on contemporary challenges such as climate change, AI disruption, and regulatory shifts in antitrust, innovation policy and social impact — and how corporations can, do, and should navigate them. Please note that this course is repeatable for credit.

Note that this information may change at any time. Please visit the MyBU Student Portal for the most up-to-date course information.