GY326 Half Unit
Sustainable Business and Finance
This information is for the 2020/21 session.
Teacher responsible
Dr Richard Perkins STC.S413
Availability
This course is available on the BA in Geography, BSc in Accounting and Finance, BSc in Economic History and Geography, BSc in Environment and Development, BSc in Environmental Policy with Economics and BSc in Geography with Economics. This course is available with permission as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit. This course is available to General Course students.
Course content
This course seeks to explore and critically interrogate the governance of environmental sustainability by corporate and financial actors - commonly framed in terms of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainable and responsible investment (SRI), respectively. Drawing on a range of theoretical ideas, the emphasis of the course is on providing students with an understanding of the motives, practices and outcomes of market actors’ growing involvement in sustainability. Topics covered include strategic CSR, self-regulation, evolution of SRI, ESG (environment, social and governance) ratings, green bonds and greenwashing.
Teaching
In the Department of Geography and Environment, teaching will be delivered through a combination of classes/seminars, pre-recorded lectures, live online lectures and other supplementary interactive live activities.
This course is delivered through a combination of classes and lectures across Michaelmas Term.
This course includes a reading week in Week 6 of Michaelmas Term.
Formative coursework
Students will be expected to produce a formative issue brief in the Michaelmas Term.
Indicative reading
Rasche, A., Morsing, M. and Moon, J. (eds) (2018). Corporate Social Responsibility: Strategy, Communication. Cambridge, Cambridge University Press.
Schoenmaker, D. and Schramade. W. (2018). Principles of Sustainable Finance. Oxford, Oxford University Press.
Assessment
Assignment (100%) in the MT.
The assignment will be an issue brief with critical reflection (3500 words).
Important information in response to COVID-19
Please note that during 2020/21 academic year some variation to teaching and learning activities may be required to respond to changes in public health advice and/or to account for the situation of students in attendance on campus and those studying online during the early part of the academic year. For assessment, this may involve changes to mode of delivery and/or the format or weighting of assessments. Changes will only be made if required and students will be notified about any changes to teaching or assessment plans at the earliest opportunity.
Key facts
Department: Geography & Environment
Total students 2019/20: 71
Average class size 2019/20: 18
Capped 2019/20: No
Value: Half Unit
Personal development skills
- Self-management
- Problem solving
- Application of information skills
- Communication
