Course Syllabus

 

Description of Course

Note: This is a multidisciplinary course, with no prerequisite. It is designed to attract students from across all disciplines who are interested to explore the field of investing to make change and impact. As such, it is an introductory course which will provide students with a foundation in finance and social/environmental issues. And ultimately we are aiming to use our multidisplinary class to learn from one another's expertise as we dive into these global challenges!

This course is an introduction to the increasingly popular movement around impact investing and how money can be used to create positive change alongside a financial return.

Financing the UN Sustainable Development Goals has been estimated as a $12 trillion business opportunity and we will explore how investments can positively impact important areas such as sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, conservation, as well as social issues such as integration, social inclusion, and social isolation.

Through exploration of real-life case studies, guest lecture, visits and an interactive approach to learning, you will gain valuable tools to that enable you to approach social and environmental challenges in a sustainable way. We finish the course with an Impact Pitch Competition where groups brainstorm, develop and pitch an impact investment or venture to a panel of judges showcasing the learnings from throughout the course in a fun and engaging way.

 

Learning Objectives

• To understand and critically reflect on what impact investing means, its purpose and evaluate the potential for achieving both financial and social/environmental returns.
• To become familiar with the impact investing landscape in Denmark and the Nordics.
• To think creatively how impact investing can solve a particular social or environmental issue.
• Understand and distinguish between the various investment instruments and the actors within the field of impact investments.
• To actively engage in shaping the course and its outcomes.
• To develop hands-on experience within the Impact Investing space through industry interviews, visits, workshops and Impact Case competition!

Faculty

Amanda Lapadat-Nordström

Masters International Business (Queen's University Canada, 2010). Expertise in Trade and FDI, International Business Development, SME advisory, Strategic Communications.

Consultant and Co-Founder, Do Business Nordic, 2020-Present. Commercial Manager Sweden, MG Real Estate, 2020-2022. FDI Advisor, Invest in Skåne, 2017-2020. Trade Advisor, The Trade Council, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Denmark in Canada, 2013-2017. Trade Journalist, Global Business Reports, 2011-2013. Strategic Communications Consultant, Kreab Worldwide London, 2010-2011. Global Programs, Blackberry, 2007-2009.

With DIS since 2023.

Readings

Mandatory:

• Impact: Reshaping capitalism to drive real change, Ronald Cohen (pdf version provided)

Recommended: Listed under course modules

Pre-requisites

There are no pre-requisites for this course. No prior knowledge of finance is needed.

Approach to teaching
The class will meet once a week during the semester. Assigned readings, guest lectures, and student presentations will act as background for class discussion. This course relies on reading in order to gain a deeper understanding of varying case studies we will discuss. Assigned texts must be read before class.

Organizations in and around Copenhagen will serve as case studies to illustrate the potential of investing for impact and change. Moreover, group work is essential following real life working scenarios.

Student expectations

• Students are expected to show up for class prepared and participate actively
• Complete all assigned worked prior to each deadline and each class
• Contribute actively and engaged during classes, visits, activities, on study tour, and make sure to always speak up and contribute to our knowledge production each time we are together
• Missing or being tardy with classes, activities, visits and assigned work without a legitimate excuse will result in a lower final grade
• Laptop, tablets, and smartphones are NOT to be used during class and visits unless approved by your instructor or for note-taking. If you fail to meet this expectation, it will have a negative impact on your final grade.
  
  

Evaluation & Grading

• Class Engagement: 20% 
• Impact Visit Analysis (Group): 20%
• Academic Reflections: 20% 
• Final Impact Pitch Competition (Group): 40% 

**To be eligible for a passing grade in this class you must complete all of the assigned work**

Note that attendance at all classes is required and expected and is not credited as participation. Failure to attend will have a negative influence on the participation grade, however.