Lake Superior State University
College of Business, Economics, and Legal studies
BA 403 Business, Government, and Society
Course Syllabus Fall 2004
Gerald R. Root
South Hall 313
Email: groot@lssu.edu
Phone: (906) 635-2662
Home Phone: (231) 526-8956
Office Hours: T Th 10:30-11:30
T Th 2:00-3:00
F 1:00-3:00
FAX: (906) 635-2821
Prerequisites: EC 202
Address: 2408 Wilderness Rd.
Harbor Springs, MI 49740
Course Description
This course examines the relationships of the business firm to government and to society. The
course focuses on the economic, legal, political, social and ethical environment of business firms.
Topics include consumer protection, environmental regulation, antitrust, constitutional and
administrative law, alternative dispute resolution, and other topics of current concern. The
business firm is examined in the context of market capitalism and the global economy.
Required Text
Business and Government in the Global Marketplace, seventh edition, Murray L. Weidenbaum,
Pearson Prentice Hall
The Wall Street Journal
Course Objectives
The course is designed to relate textbook theory to real life events. To achieve the objective the
student must read the text, and then locate news articles that demonstrate the central points. In
class, we will use a lecture/discussion format. Class participation is expected and will be a part of
the grading process.
Course Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course the student will have an understanding of the the
following current issues facing society:
 Property rights and their relationship to economic and political freedom
 The rationale of regulation
o Market failure
o Government failure
 Consumer protection
 Environmental regulation
 Externalities
 Globalization
o Trade
o Geopolitics
 Government promotion of business
 Business participation in politics
Homework
Review the Wall Street Journal to find and be prepared to discuss topics covered in the text
Student Evaluation
Mid-Term Exam:
Final Exam
Three written papers
Class discussion
20% of final grade
30%
30% (10% each)
20%

Your first paper is to be on the subject of government regulation of business—the
theory or as practiced by one or more agencies.
 The second paper is to be on the subject of trade.
 The third paper is to be on the subject of taxation
Your papers may (but need not be) prepared from a Wall Street Journal article(s)
Attendance and Other Policies
Attendance is strongly recommended. Material will be covered in lecture that is not available in
your textbook. Class discussion is part of the evaluation process (see Student evaluation.)
Disability Statement
In compliance with Lake Superior State University policy and equal access laws, disabilityrelated accommodations or services are available. Students who desire such services are to meet
with the professor in a timely manner, preferably the first week of class, to discuss their
disability-related needs. Students will not receive services until they register with the Resource
Center for Students with Disabilities (RCSD). Proper registration will enable the RCSD to verify
the disability and determine reasonable academic accommodations. RCSD is located in South
Hall office 200/206, extension 2425.
State Standards met by this course
3.1 acquire information from books, maps, newspapers, data sets, and other sources; organized and present
the information in maps, graphs, charts, and time lines; interpret the meaning and significance of
information; and use a variety of electronic technologies to assist in assessing and managing information.
3.2 conduct investigations including the ability to formulate a clear statement of questions, gather and
organize information from a variety of sources, analyze and interpret information, formulate and test
hypotheses, report results both orally and in writing, and make use of appropriate technology.
3.5 compose coherent written essays that express positions on public issues and justify the positions with
reasoned arguments.
3.6 consider the effects of an individual’s actions on other people, how one acts in accordance with the rule
of law, and how one acts in a virtuous and ethically responsible way as a member of society.