Course Syllabus

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Semester & Location:

Fall 2024 - DIS Copenhagen
Type & Credits:

Elective Course - 3 credits
Major Disciplines:

Business, Entrepreneurship, Social Entrepreneurship
Prerequisite:

None
Faculty Member:

Daniel Reece -Current students contact via Canvas inbox
Time & Place:

Mondays & Thursdays: 11:40 - 13:00

Classroom: F24-302

 

Course Description

Can a company be successful in economic terms at the same time as being committed to socially responsible practices? Is it possible for corporate entities to act as vehicles for social change, or do the dictates of the market make this impossible? Social entrepreneurship can be the answer to these dilemmas, initiating a transformation of capitalism that is already underway.

 

In this course, we will explore how to create positive change through social entrepreneurship in two stages:

 

Firstly, we will examine academic theory and discussion to discover if there is an accepted definition of what Social Entrepreneurship is, and what Social Entrepreneurs do. You will gain the analytical tools necessary to develop creative solutions to address social or environmental problems, and to assess the potential impact of your solutions, addressing questions such as:

  • How does social entrepreneurship differ from corporate social responsibility?
  • What is the interplay between social entrepreneurship & non-profit organizations?
  • What are the limits of social entrepreneurship?
  • What does shared-value creation mean?
  • Is all profit equal?

Secondly, we will examine case studies based on social problems of relevance globally, but specific to Denmark. These will be, for example, in areas such as immigration & refugees, homelessness, and tourism. Experts in these areas will explain the various issues they face, and in class we will then follow up with workshops where we will attempt to identify potential business solutions to these issues. You will then work in groups on your own Social Entrepreneurship project, based on one of the previous case studies, to put your knowledge and experiences into practise. 

Objectives:

  • To develop a thorough understanding of the historical development of the “Social Entrepreneurship” model;
  • To articulate and defend your own understanding of Social Entrepreneurship based on the academic research available;
  • To make valid and informed contributions to class discussions based on your personal views and opinions;
  • Gain an understanding of the role and interplay between different elements involved in a “social” start-up (entrepreneurs, state finance, venture capitalists, angel investors, incubators/acceleration programs, policy makers) through the case studies and interviews;
  • Think creatively, intelligently, and with flexibility in identifying potential business solutions to social problems;
  • Prepare and deliver an effective Social Entrepreneurship project based on a Danish social issue;
  • Present and insightful and reflective final essay.

Faculty Member: Daniel Karpantschof Reece

Master of Laws (International Taxation, St Thomas University Miami, 2005). Founder and Managing Director of Nordeq Management A/S. CEO of the Equinor Group 2005-2014. Expertise in cross border corporate structuring, private equity, and leadership. With DIS since 2015.

Field studies

During the course we will visit two Danish companies which fit the social entrepreneurship model. You will have the opportunity to hear first-hand how an idea for social change through a business model became a reality, and how this developed into a sustainable business strategy.

 

Evaluation:

Your grade will be a combination of:

  1. Two group case-study projects, which will also be presented in class. The first of these profile Social Entrepreneurship ventures. The second will be a project based on addressing a specific unmet social need in Denmark;
  2. Final individual essay on topic of your own choosing;
  3. Engagement in class, i.e. the participation in class discussions/Q&A’s, active involvement in case studies and interviews, and you role in the group assignments.

Participation (engagement in class): The classes require active participation in classes and during the field studies. Attendance is mandatory. To get a good engagement (A-) grade you must evidence:

  • Preparation for every class, i.e. required reading and having thought about various issues in advance;
  • Being analytical and concise in oral interventions, i.e. backing up arguments by facts and references;
  • Being able to collaborate well with your assigned team and delivering group presentations.

To achieve an "A" grade for participation you will need to contribute regularly to discussions in class and/or, at least every second class, post a reflection on class in the "Discussions" tab on Canvas. There will be a separate reflection thread for each class.

Grading Elements:

 

Grading scheme:

 

 

 

 

 

Participation (engagement in class)

= 20 points

Points

Grade

Social Venture Project 

= 30 points

100 - 93

A

Danish based Social Entrepreneurship project.

= 30 points

<93 - 90

A-

Final essay

= 20 points

<90 - 87

B+

<87 - 83

B

 

 

<83 - 80

B-

 

 

<80 - 77

C+

 

 

<77 - 73

C

 

 

<73 - 70

C-

 

 

<70 - 67

D+

 

 

<67 - 63

D

 

 

<63 - 60

D-

 

 

<60

F

Academic Articles:

Course Policies

Academic Honesty: Plagiarism and Violating the Rules of an Assignment - DIS expects that students abide by the highest standards of intellectual honesty in all academic work. DIS assumes that all students do their own work and credit all work or thought taken from others. Academic dishonesty will result in a final  course grade of “F” and can result in dismissal. The students’ home universities will be notified. DIS

reserves the right to request that written student assignments be turned in electronic form for submission to plagiarism detection software. See the Academic Handbook for more information, or ask your instructor if you have questions.

AI

Although AI tools are valuable, they should support human creativity and critical thinking, not replace them. Therefore, the use of AI tools like ChatGPT is permitted within defined contexts if you include proper attribution. Usage outside of the predefined contexts and without attribution will be considered a breach of our Academic Honesty Policy. 

Attendance – You are expected to attend all DIS classes when scheduled. If you miss multiple classes the Director of Teaching and Learning, and the Director of Student Affairs will be notified and they will follow up with you to make sure that all is well.  Absences will jeopardize your grade and your standing at DIS. Allowances will be made in cases of illness.

Specifically:

 - An unexcused absence is any absence not due to illness AND not notified to the instructor in advance of class, unless specifically agreed otherwise with the instructor in advance.

 - A late arrival is any case where you are not ready to start class at the designated time (i.e. coming through the door at start time will count as a late arrival).

Your participation grade will be docked 10% for two unexcused absences and 10% for each additional unexcused absence. Your participation grade will be docked 5% for 2 late arrivals, and an additional 5% for each subsequent late arrival.

Disability and Resource Statement Any student who has a need for accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the Office of Academic Support (acadsupp@dis.dk) to coordinate this. In order to receive accommodations, students should inform the instructor of approved DIS accommodations within the first two weeks of classes.

Electronic Devices The use of electronic devices such as laptop computers, mobile phones, tablet devices etc. is discouraged. Unless I specifically request otherwise, the only acceptable use of such devices is to write notes on classroom material. Students found using electronic devices for other purposes will receive an F for their participation grade.

Participation (engagement in class): This class requires a high level of motivation and active participation both in class and during the field studies. Attendance is mandatory. To get a good engagement grade the following must be done:

  • Active and voluntary participation in class discussions;
  • Having prepared properly for every class, i.e. having completed all the required and prepared for entering a discussion in class;
  • Being able to address the readings critically during class, thus displaying a good understanding of the subject matter;
  • Being analytical and concise in oral interventions, i.e. backing up arguments by facts and references.

Academic Regulations  

Please make sure to read the Academic Regulations on the DIS website. There you will find regulations on: 

DIS - Study Abroad in Scandinavia - www.DISabroad.org

 

Course Summary:

Date Details Due