American University
School of International Service
International Business and the Global Economy
Summer 2014
Course Description
The course will seek answers into some of the most pressing questions facing today’s
world. For example, what are the main challenges international businesses face when
navigating the increasing patterns of global interdependence and trade? How are goods,
people and ideas moving around the world in new ways? If globalization goes beyond our
borders, it underscores the fact that problems such as financial crises, conflicts, and
environmental concerns are now experienced on a global scale, affecting countries,
businesses and communities. This class will be interdisciplinary in nature in order to be
reflective of the challenges international businesses and entrepreneurs are facing in
today’s globalized world. This class will therefore serve as a helpful introduction to those
who are interested in how globalization intersects with other areas such as economic
development, political science, the environment and gender issues. Through the use of
videos, newspaper articles and other media tools, we will uncover what it means for
businesses and individuals to be globally oriented in today’s world.
Course Objectives
 Develop literacy with the concepts used to investigate globalization and
international business matters;
 Increase awareness of the interconnected nature of today’s world, and how
economic, social, political and environmental issues can impact international
integration and business;
 Improve research, debating and writing skills in order to convey ideas and
arguments.
Learning Outcomes – Students Will be Able To
 Successfully articulate the complexity surrounding national and international
attempts to regulate global social, political, and particularly economic issues;
 Critically analyze and interpret current events relating to globalization and
international business;
 Productively utilize research and writing skills in order to create persuasive and
comprehensive reports and policy analysis.
Assignments (Assignments will vary, depending on instructor.)
 Attendance and Participation (15% of final grade)
 Op-Ed (35% of final grade): Pick an issue pertaining to globalization and then
explain why this issue is important, what is being done to address it, and
recommendations for tackling this issue. If you are enrolled in the two-credit
option, the op-ed will be worth 30% of the final grade.
 Essay (50% of final grade): Complete a research paper to fulfill the course
requirements, approximately 1500 words. For the two-credit option, the paper
will need to be approximately 3000 words, and will be worth 55% of the final
grade.