North American Business and
Political Environment
Final Year Option - Outline
Assessment
Individual Assignment 20% - study of an MNE will
demonstrate the business/political divide and the
issues facing Obama, during the Credit Crunch.
Individual Presentation 20% - opportunity to review
a current issue/case study in more depth and debate
outcomes.
3 hr written Examination 60% - demonstrate all you
know!
North America (NAFTA)
USA
Canada
Mexico
Teaching Style
TEACHING STYLE IS DIFFERENT, hopefully stimulating!!
Small Tutorial groups (no more than 20 students maximum)
WEEKLY tutorials… not fortnightly! MORE FOR YOUR BUCKS !!!
Teaching : lecture & tutorial - Wednesday morning dedicated “block.”
An understanding of GCMB etc very useful. Note: You do NOT have to be well
versed in Politics as this is NOT a political unit… we cover a lot of different areas.
WEEKLY lectures, plus extra workshops as and when requested.
A modern, quiet Conference room used for all tutorials. Everyone sits around one
oval table. Cosy! Good way to get to know your fellow students.
Students are actively encouraged to contribute. Everyone gets to know each other, a
lively atmosphere prospers in Seminars!!
Activities e.g. Discussions, videos, Thanksgiving Get-Together, Buffet lunches,
coffee mornings,etc
Remember - All marks awarded on this Elective are individual to each student.
Analysis of U.S. Political Economy
SLEPT analysis
SWOT analysis
Historical, Ideological and Cultural perspectives
Business/Economic/Political case studies
Course Construction
Term One – ALL lectures focus upon an introduction to the subject area
i.e. - “the building blocks”
The lecture programme provides information on USA’s current “standing”
in the world today: Business and the Credit Crunch, Govt intervention in
business, Economic foreign policy, NAFTA, MNEs, the role of U.S.
Entrepreneurial Capitalism, the importance of the American Media on the
world stage, Government structure, the Economy in recession. What is
meant by the term - American Exceptionalism. Why the USA is STILL the
world’s no1. economy after 100 years…etc.
Seminars will cover a number of topical subjects and student participation
is vital because we can’t do it without you!
Course Construction
Term Two – lectures focus upon the application of theory
learnt in term one in order to enable students to develop their
own viewpoints.
Weekly Lectures – topics include USA relationship to
neighbours, Trading blocs & NAFTA… relationship with
Canada and Mexico and 21st century world trade, threat of
China, role of WTO, etc.
Weekly Seminars – students will lead Presentations and
discussions. Each week 2/3 students will be asked to “run the
show” and topics are based upon pre-agreed subject areas.
Marks are awarded individually. Popular with students.
Why choose North American Business
and Politics?
Learn about contemporary American government,
entrepreneurial capitalism, business, culture and
politics – thus gaining an understanding of the
country’s sensitivity to its historical roots. How does
USA interact with Canada and Mexico, etc?
Understand the role of the USA as “global leader” in
international business and its pivotal role in NAFTA.
Analyse the complex interaction between US
business affairs and American foreign policy.
Reading
Core Text
McKay D. American Politics & Society – 7th ed. (2009) Wiley-Blackwell.
(Good back up to this text is : *SINGH)
Back Up Reading
Micklethwait, J. & Wooldridge, A. (2004) The Right Nation: Conservative
Power in America. London: Penguin.
Bigsby, C. (2006) The Cambridge Companion to Modern American
Culture. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Brogan, H. (2001) The Penguin History of the United States. London:
Penguin
*Singh, (2003) Governing America, Politics of a Divided Democracy.
Oxford University Press
And finally…
Read a quality newspaper daily e.g. Guardian, Telegraph and Independent;
New York Times, Washington Post, Magazines e.g. Economist, Time,
Newsweek, Business Week, etc
Tutor Details
Ann Howe
International Business Division
(SEIB)
Room: 808B
Email: a.howe@mmu.ac.uk
Tel: 0161 247 3870
Copy of these slides available
If you wish to download more copies of these
powerpoint slides (IF you are an International
Business student) then please go to:
The International Business Final Year WebCT
site and check out -Study Area folder. You
will find the slides under the title: Ann Howe’s
Folder