International Business Syllabus
Instructor: Randel Martin
Contact Information: 208-792-2874
Course Prerequisites: BUS 311. While not required, students would be well advised to
have also completed BUS 301 and BUS 321.
Course Description:
This is an introductory course in international business. The basic content of the course
includes (1) an overview of the means of conducting international business, with an
emphasis on what makes international different from domestic; (2) the effects of the
social systems within countries on the conduct of international business; (3) the major
theories explaining international business transactions and the institutions influencing
those activities; (4) the financial exchange systems and institutions that measure and
facilitate international transactions; (5) the dynamic interface between countries and
companies attempting to conduct foreign business activities; (6) corporate strategy
alternatives for global operations; and (7) international activities that fall largely within
functional disciplines.
Course Objectives:
1. Understand the different challenges business face when they operate in an international
environment;
2. Examine the various cultural, political and legal issues that impact international
business activity;
3. Examine the international institutions and practices that impact international business;
4. Understand trade and investment theory, foreign exchange and the determination of
foreign exchange rates;
5. Appreciate the interaction of business and government as they relate to international
commerce;
6. Develop insight into the management implications of international business strategy
and operations.
Required Text: Hill, Charles W. International Business. McGraw-Hill. 9th Edition.
Supplementary Student Support Materials:
Self-scoring exams, Interactive Core Concept data and many other course resources can
be found at the Companion Site for our text http://www.mhhe.com/hill.
EMAIL:
If you wish to contact me directly about this course, and wish a prompt reply,
Blackboard's private Course Mail is the BEST way to do it.
DISCUSSIONS:
Each student is expected to make at least 2 postings (one answering the question posed
and one replying to another student’s response) for each chapter. The postings will help
generate a better understanding of the International issues presented in the question. The
discussion posting are worth 20 points per week; for maximum points postings
should be at least 50 words in length. Remember that all students need to be respectful
of other’s statements. Use proper grammar and punctuation. I strongly suggest drafting
your postings in Word and saving a copy to the computer and then copy/paste into
Blackboard.
NOTE:
Be sure to check your Announcements each time you log on.
QUIZZES:
There will be a quiz for every chapter and are NOT counted in your final grade; they can
be taken as many times as you desire…
EXAMS:
There will be three PROCTORED exams during the course, each covering the
material from that section; the tests ARE OPEN BOOK AND OPEN NOTES.
There will NOT be a comprehensive final exam.
GRADES:
Your course grade depends on participation in the Discussion Module for each
Chapter and your tests scores.
Course Letter Grades:
Letter grades, based on percentages, will be:
100 – 92.6
A
92.5 – 90
A89.9 – 87.6
B+
87.5 – 82.6
B
82.5 – 80
B79.9 – 77.6
C+
77.5 – 70
C
69.9 – 67.6
D+
67.5 – 60
D
(NOTE: There is no C-)
The required text will be supplemented by outside readings from selected periodicals and
journals. Reading of The Wall Street Journal on a regular basis will be especially helpful
in dealing with issues of current interest to this class.
Assignments
Week 1
CH One Discussion Postings DUE Jan 25
Week 2
CH Two Discussion Postings Due Feb 01
Week 3
CH Three Discussion Postings Due Feb 08
Week 4
CH Four Discussion Postings Due Feb 15
Week 5
CH Five Postings Due Feb 22
Section One Test (Proctored see proctor guidelines on home page)
Open Feb 18 and closes Feb 24
Week 6
CH Six Discussion Postings Due March 01
Week 7
CH Seven Discussion Postings Due March 08
Week 8
CH Eight Discussion Postings Due March 15
Week 9
CH Nine Discussion Postings Due March 22
Section Two Test (Proctored see proctor guidelines on home page)
Open March 18 and closes March 24
Week 10
CH Ten Discussion Postings Due March 29
Week 11
SPRING BREAK!!!
Week 12
CH Eleven Discussion Postings Due April 12
Week 13
CH Twelve Discussion Postings Due April 19
Week 14
CH Thirteen Discussion Postings Due April 26
Week 15
CH Fifteen Discussion Postings Due May 03
Week 16
CH Sixteen Quiz and Discussion Postings Due May 11
Section Three Test (Proctored see proctor guidelines on home page)
Open May 6 and closes May 12
Accommodation Notice:
If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability or if
you have emergency medical information to share with me, please make an
appointment to talk with me. I can be reached at rweriksen@lcsc.edu or by
telephone 208-792-2426. The best time to contact me by phone is morning or
early afternoon.
LCSC Disability Services for Students: http://www.lcsc.edu/osl/ada.htm
Technical Support:
For help with Blackboard:
o Blackboard helpdesk phone: 208-792-2635
o Blackboard helpdesk email: blackboard@lcsc.edu
o Helpdesk hours: M-F from 8am-5pm, PST
o Distance Learning website: http://www.lcsc.edu/dl/
For help with LCMail and WarriorWeb:
o IT Helpdesk phone: 208-792-2231
o IT Helpdesk email: helpdesk@lcsc.edu
o IT Helpdesk hours: M-F from 8am-12pm and 1pm-5pm
o IT Helpdesk website: http://www.lcsc.edu/it/helpdesk.asp
Academic Support Services:
 TRIO Academic Services: http://www.lcsc.edu/sss/
 LCSC Library: http://www.lcsc.edu/library/
 Purdue Online Writing Lab (citations and referencing):
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/
LCSC Student Support Services: http://www.lcsc.edu/studentservices/
LCSC Student Code of Conduct: http://www.lcsc.edu/Catalog/ss/code-of-conduct.htm
Syllabus Addendum
Consumer Information
In 2008, the federal government required all post-secondary institutions offering federal financial aid
programs to provide key data to both prospective and current students. To comply with this requirement,
Lewis-Clark State College has developed a consumer information page, which may be accessed at
http://www.lcsc.edu/student-consumer-information/
Disability Accommodations
Students requiring special accommodations or course adaptations due to a disability and/or a health-related
issue should consult their course instructors and the LCSC Student Counseling Center immediately (RCH
111, 792-2211). Official documentation may be required in order to provide an accommodation and/or
adaptation.
Student Rights and Responsibilities
Students have the responsibility for knowing their program requirements, course requirements, and other
information associated with their enrollment at LCSC. Students should review the LCSC General Catalog
(http://webdev.lcsc.edu/catalog and the LCSC Student Handbook (http://www.lcsc.edu/media/1152314/1314-Student-Handbook-Revised.pdf) for more information.
Accidents/Student Insurance
Students participating in LCSC classes normally must look to their personal health insurance policy
(Student Health Insurance Plan or comparable private coverage) should an accident occur. In the event of
an accident, please seek medical help, if necessary, and report the incident to LCSC Security (792-2226).
Fieldtrips or other special student activities may also require students to submit a signed participation
waiver (forms can be obtained from the supporting Division Office).
Enrollment Verification/Attendance
Students who are not actively pursuing their classes may have to repay part or all of their financial aid
awards depending upon the circumstances.
Academic Dishonesty
Academic dishonesty, which includes cheating and plagiarism, is not tolerated at LCSC. Individual faculty
members will impose their own policies and sanctions regarding academic dishonesty. Students who are
accused of being academically dishonest may be referred to the VP for Student Affairs for official
disciplinary action.
Illegal File Sharing
Students using LCSC’s computers and/or computer network must comply with the college’s appropriate
use policies and are prohibited from illegally downloading or sharing data files of any kind. Specific
information about the college’s technology policies and its protocols for combating illegal file sharing may
be found on the VP for Student Affairs’ web page (http://www.lcsc.edu/student-affairs/student-code-ofconduct/ ).
Diversity Vision Statement
Regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation,
you will be treated and respected as a human being.
Disclosures
During this course, if you elect to discuss information with me which you consider to be sensitive or
personal in nature and not to be shared with others, please state this clearly. Your confidentiality in these
circumstances will be respected unless upholding that confidentiality could reasonably put you, other
students, other members of the campus community, or me in danger. In those cases or when I am bound by
law to report what you have told me, such as incidents involving sexual assault or other violent acts, I will
submit a report to appropriate campus authorities.
Updated January 2014