BA3001: Race, Power, and Justice in Business

The United States is a diverse nation founded on the principle of equality, and yet has roots in slavery, indigenous genocide, colonialism, and dispossession. These roots shaped economic relations and business practices that continue today. Rather than seeing business as ahistorical organizations in which bundles of functional practices seek economic efficiency and respond to idealized market conditions, this course considers the socially-embedded nature of business in which racial and other structural inequalities are inherent in the development and contemporary practice of business. This includes questioning standard assumptions of free markets, meritocracy, and equal opportunity by considering alternative models of social relations and discrimination, and evidence on systemic economic injustice that reflect power differences, the contested nature of race, and the intersection of race, class, and other marginalized identities. This course also reveals ways in which business practices reflect hidden power dynamics and stereotypes. This deeper understanding of how race, power, and justice issues are fundamental to business and management is intended to provide students with a richer lens to more critically examine business practices while considering ways to address power hierarchies and promote social justice in the context of business. This includes a consideration of alternative business practices as well as how corporations can advance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). To complete the progression from macro-level structural and historical issues and then mid-level organization practices, the course concludes with an individual-level focus that considers how individuals navigate social identity differences at work, the impact of personal bias, and how to be an ally to advance justice and DEI. The course culminates with personal development plans in which students will demonstrate their belief in their own agency by devising plans for addressing their own biases and for identifying specific actions they can use to address power hierarchies and promote social justice. By providing a common experience for all Carlson School undergraduate students, this course also provides a shared vocabulary and diversity of perspectives to facilitate a shared sense of responsibility to build and maintain community as well as fostering openness to ongoing, respectful conversations on race, identity, power, and injustice. prereq: BA 1011 recommended

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