Sustainable Economics and Business II - FDI and Development

Why do some countries receive more foreign direct investment (FDI) than others? Why do workers in some countries welcome foreign investors with open arms, while in others protests break out? Why does FDI sometimes have positive effects on economic development, while it appears exploitative in other contexts?

This course seeks to answer such questions by analysing both the causes for FDI flows as well as their economic, political and social consequences. In particular, students examine how politics shapes FDI and how these investments, in turn, affect politics. In the course of addressing these issues, students will also look at larger issues of sustainable development, such as foreign investment and inequality, multinational corporations and food security, and power relations between corporations and workers.

You can find more information about this course in the course catalog.

Modern Societies I: Genesis, Dynamics, Cybernetics

Why do some governments use taxpayers' money to bail out private banks, but others do not? Which dimensions of political and social contexts need to be taken into account for successful business management? Those who develop strategies need a basic political understanding in order to be able to assess the future development of the business environment. This basic understanding comes from addressing the relevant questions in times of polarisation and globalisation: What holds a society together? Why does inequality exist within the population? Whose preferences are taken into account by politicians?

In this course, students will learn about basic political and social dynamics and actors and develop an understanding of how they shape social and economic policy. In this context, they will analyse, among other things, the role of institutions, interest groups and politicians, but also norms, culture and power.

You can find more information about this course in the course catalog.

Modern Societies II: Functions, Performances, Problems

It may well be that everyone in the USA, Sweden and Austria cares about being healthy - but the healthcare systems in these countries differ greatly ("Free treatment for all vs. private insurance system?"). The same applies to the labour market ("Job security for honest workers vs. 'hire and fire' to strengthen innovation?") or the regulation of the financial sector ("Tax money for rich bankers vs. systemic relevance of banks?"). What explains these differences? Understanding one's role as a participant in a democratic society - be it as a decision-maker, voter or taxpayer - requires an understanding of the forces and dynamics that explain these differences.

In this course, students analyse how governments make policies and why countries find different solutions to societal problems. In this context, several policy fields that are essential for social cohesion are examined, such as labour market policy, financial sector regulation or health policy.

You can find more information about this course in the course catalog.

"Alternative facts", "Fake news". Derogatory labels like these are meant to call into question the validity of one’s empirical evidence or the interpretation one attaches to that evidence, or both. These labels entered the popular discourse with Trump and other populists, and are thus tools wielded to discredit political opponents. However, scientists have contemplated the logic and empirical methods of their disciplines at least as far back as the 17th century when Descartes proposed that “I think, therefore I am.”

This course provides an overview of philosophical questions concerning how we can know what we know (or don’t know) as they apply to the field of political science, economics, and business.

You can find more information about this course in the course catalog.

Sustainable Economics and Business II - Regulating Finance and Sustainable Development

Why do some governments bail out banks in a crisis while others do not? Why do politicians face incentives to promote the stock market, and what are the consequences for taxation and funding the SDGs? Why might Financial Technologies (FinTech) increase financial inclusion and reduce economic inequality?

This course seeks to answer such questions by analyzing three issue areas: Banks, Stock Markets, and FinTech.

In particular, students in this course examine how politics affects finance and how finance shapes politics. In the course of addressing these issues, students also look at larger issues of sustainable development, such as how financial development affects inequality and inclusive economic growth, and how government regulation affects fairness and innovation.

You can find more information about this course in the course catalog.

If you want to change the world, you will need to learn how to communicate messages accurately, correctly, and persuasively. However, how do we change the dominant narrative on a particular issue? How can we convince someone to change their opinion? How can societal organizations ensure that their voices are heard?

To answer the questions above, this course offers an introduction to the techniques and types of non-academic writing. Students first discuss the necessary conditions under which they can change narratives or convince others, and subsequently examine how specific types of non-academic writing can help to accomplish the task. Specifically, students will be introduced to different kinds of memos and public relations communications, as well as several types of official reports. Importantly, communicators in the public realm must focus on purpose, audience, and style - foci that are different than typical academic writing that students may be familiar with.

For more information about the course, see the course catalog: For Course 5668 and for Course 5669.

Sustainable Economics and Business II - Investment and Social Development

Why do some countries receive more foreign direct investment (FDI) than others? Why do workers in some countries welcome foreign investors with open arms, while protests erupt in others? Why does FDI sometimes have positive effects on economic development, while it seems exploitative in other contexts?

This course seeks to answer such questions. In particular, students examine how policy influences foreign direct investment and how that investment in turn influences policy. In the course of addressing these issues, students also look at larger questions of sustainable development, such as foreign investment and inequality, multinational corporations and food security as well as power relations between corporations and workers.

For more information on the course, see the course catalog.

Sustainable Economics and Business II - Financial Systems and Government Regulation

Why do some governments bail out banks in a crisis while others do not? Why can popular movements and elections affect stock market prices? Why might financial technologies (FinTech) increase financial inclusion and reduce economic inequality?

This course seeks to answer such questions by analysing three issue areas: Banks, Stock Markets, and FinTech.

In particular, students in this course examine how politics affects finance and how finance shapes politics. In the course of addressing these topics, students also look at larger questions of sustainable development, such as how financial development affects inequality and inclusive economic growth and how government regulation impacts fairness and innovation.

For more information on the course, see the course catalog.