Nov 10, 2026

2026-2027 Undergraduate Academic Calendar

POSC 3800U – Special Topics in Business, Economy and Society

This course examines major topics and issues related to the impact of business on society and the operation of the economy. A central aim of the course is to introduce students to alternative approaches to economic thinking, with particular emphasis on perspectives that challenge or expand upon orthodox economic theory. Students will explore how these frameworks offer different explanations of economic behaviour, power relations, and policy outcomes, and how they can contribute to a deeper understanding of the real economy. In addition, the course is designed to equip students with practical competencies relevant to the design and implementation of socially responsible economic policies and practices. By critically engaging with real-world cases and data, students will learn how theoretical approaches translate into concrete economic patterns and policy debates. While the course builds on themes discussed in POSC 2800U, that course is not a required prerequisite for enrollment, as key topics and concepts are presented in an introductory manner.

Note: This course does not require proficiency in mathematics and does not rely on mathematical models or abstract statistical methods to study the economy. Instead, it takes a social-scientific, qualitative approach to understanding economic and political phenomena, focusing on institutions, power relations, social structures, and real-world patterns.
Formerly: Business, Politics and the Macroeconomy
Credit hours: 3
Lecture hours: 3
Prerequisite(s): Third-year standing or permission of instructor