Business and Society specialization
Business and Society is an enhanced degree that stands out for its critical interdisciplinary focus on complex societal challenges and their relation to business. The program aims to train the next generation of responsible business leaders and public policy professionals by drawing on a range of unique course offerings examining the intersection between business, the economy, and society.
What is the Specialized Business and Society Program?
The Business and Society program draws on social scientific theories, methodologies, and research to critically examine the impact of business on society and the environment. It covers the essential foundations of micro and macroeconomics and combines the sub-disciples of political economy, economic history, and economic sociology to provide students with in-depth knowledge of the contemporary economy plus skills in entrepreneurship, finance, sustainable business practice, and more. Business and Society courses consider a range of important questions and issues, including those relating to the legal and political foundation of the economy, the evolution of corporate capitalism, the role of government in managing economic activity, and the relationship between globalization, colonization, and inequality. Particular focus will be given to how corporations relate to their workers, the opportunities and limits posed by technological innovation, and the role of private enterprise in sustainable and equitable development.
Business and Society courses also examine:
- The root causes of social inequality and the housing crisis
- The evolving ‘e’conomy and the role of technology in economic development
- The structure of the modern corporation and the societal impact of different business practices
- The different economic policies countries use to plan production and shape economic performance
- The financialization of the economy and operation of the modern banking system
The Business and Society Program is offered as a specialization of the Political Science program. While interdisciplinary in nature, it draws considerably on the political economy content covered in the Political Science program.
How is the Business and Society Program unique?
The Business and Society program rests on an analytical and scholarly framework which differs from that of traditional business schools. It appeals to students interested in studying the economy from a non-traditional perspective and takes up issues that typically fall outside of the scope of economics and business programs. Moreover, while students will have the option of taking elective courses in calculus, linear algebra, and probability theory, the program stresses an approach to studying the economy that is grounded in social scientific theory and data, rather than mathematics. As a result, Business and Society courses do not incorporate mathematical principles or methods and proficiency in math and statistics is not required for students entering the program.
Students in the Business and Society program will:
- Consider the extent to which private enterprise serves society and can address today’s most urgent societal and environmental challenges.
- Develop skills to evaluate important economic processes and power relations.
- Develop practical skills to access, build, and promote responsible business practices.
- Examine the operation of the national and global economy.
- Study economy theory and data and learn how to analyze business practices and complex economic problems.
- Wrestle with pressing economic and societal challenges.
What courses will I take?
For program maps and course descriptions, visit the Political Science page in our Academic Calendar. Be sure to select the correct year of study from the dropdown menu in the top-right corner.