In this course, student groups will choose a global region, and will research a selected environmental health problem relevant to the modern environmental health movement for countries in their region. Through readings and discussion of the ethics, economics, and social impact of industrial development, and through case studies of the textile, automobile, and software industries, we explore these and other urgent questions about economic and social change. People concerned about computerization, the environment, downsizing, growing income inequality, and workplace health hazards have begun to call for sustainable development. This course explores the implications of sustainability in the workplace and in the economy. But that's not all.
Government also helps to create the conditions that make industrial competition possible.
Companies count on government to provide certain needs, such as an educated workforce, highways, and a policy on foreign trade. This course examines the interfaces between business and society, focusing particularly on public policy and the role of government. We attempt to address these questions in ways that will be useful to students as participants in the world of business, as members of government or non-profit agencies, or simply as citizens of a society where business and government are key players. We will look at theoretical and historical perspectives on these questions. Much of the course is built around large and small case studies of companies as diverse as General Electric, Ocean Spray, Malden Mills and Texaco, as well as case studies of specific policies.