This course provides a survey of the rapidly evolving area of corporate sustainability for graduate students and advanced undergraduates. The focus of the course will be on understanding the ways in which growing concerns about human health and wellbeing and the environment may (or may not) affect corporate behavior. Through a combination of classroom presentations, discussion of case studies, assigned readings, and independent research, students will learn about the most important themes in corporate sustainability, including environmental and social risk management, sustainability initiatives and self-regulation in the corporate sector, stakeholder engagement and management, and the growth of sustainable finance and business, including green entrepreneurship and ESG investing.

Outcome 1
Identify the key trends in the broad field of corporate sustainability and the risks and opportunities that arise from a growing public awareness of the environmental, social, and other impacts of corporate activity.

Outcome 2
Recognize sustainability risks associated with particular corporate activities and will be able to propose actions that mitigate these risks.

Outcome 3
Examine the interactions between corporate entities and their competitors, regulators, the public, and their other stakeholders, and to put forward recommendations on how to improve the outcomes of these interactions.

Outcome 4
Identify opportunities and propose ways in which the tools of finance can be leveraged to better manage natural resources and reach desirable social objectives.