POL438H1S L0101

Graduate Course Code: POL2321H1S L0101

Topics in Comparative Politics I

Business and Politics

Themes

This course provides an introduction to the study of business and politics. We will examine the reciprocal relationship between business and government by reviewing the ways that business can influence politics and policy making, and the ways politics and policy can shape business behavior. We will draw from comparative and international political economy, global governance studies, and related disciplines such as management and sociology. The course will, first, discuss the role of the state in governing markets and business behavior, as well as the formation of business interests and preferences regarding public policy. Second, we will review how business can acquire and exert political power. We will distinguish between instrumental, structural, and discursive power, and discuss corporate lobbying, business’ agenda setting potential, capitalist ideology, corporate social responsibility, and private governance. Finally, we will discuss several currently relevant topics, such as the relationship between business behavior and civil society activism, the politics of corporate governance, and the role of business in economic crises. Throughout the course, we will pay close attention to research design, and to improving research, writing, and presentation skills.

Texts

TBA

Format and Requirements

TBA

Prerequisites

2.0 credits in POL/ JPA/ JPF/ JPI/ JPR/ JPS/ JRA courses