INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS
Course #62475
Course Syllabus
Instructor:
Diane G. Wolf
Office:
Mid-State Technical College
2600 West Fifth Street
Marshfield, WI 54449
Phone:
Fax:
(715) 389-7022
(715) 389-2864
E-mail:
diane.wolf@mstc.edu
Class Hours:
Office Hours:
appointment.
Monday – 9:00 to 10:50 a.m.; Wednesday 10:00 – 10:50 a.m.
Monday and Wednesday 2:00 – 2:50 p.m.; Thursday 10:00 - 10:50 a.m.; or by
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course will introduce topics concerning international business while illustrating its scope
and importance. Topics will include the impact of geography, trade protectionism, culture, legal
structure, politics, and currency on business dealings. Students will also research a particular
country in depth.
TEXT/MATERIALS:
Text:
John J Wild. International Business – The Challenges of Globalization. 6th ed.
Prentice Hall, 2012. This textbook is required.
Supplies:
One disk 3-1/2, CD, or jump drive
Three-ring binder
Appropriate writing utensils
Paper
Report folder
These supplies are required.
TEACHING METHODS:
1.
Lectures: Important material from the text and outside sources will be covered in class.
Students should plan to take careful notes as not all material can be found in the texts or
readings. Discussion is encouraged, as is student-procured, outside material relevant to
topics being covered. Learning Plans & powerpoint presentations are available on
instructor web page.
2.
Assignments: Various readings and work-related activities will be assigned to supplement
material given in class and from text readings.
3.
Metric Quiz: Students will be required to complete a metric system assessment requiring
80% accuracy. Two additional attempts will be allowed to master the metric system.
3.
Exams: Five topic exams will be given throughout the semester. The value for the
exams is 50 points each. Review will be conducted prior to actual exam.
4.
Grading Procedures: At the beginning of each unit, a packet will be made evaluable, with
competencies, learning objectives and performance criteria information. Each unit will
have a graded activity such as a quiz, exam, case study or written work. Upon successful
completion of these activities, students will receive a grade based on the assigned criteria.
Also, students (in groups) will “adopt” a foreign country. Each group will present
information about its country relating to the topic being discussed in class. Work is due at
the beginning of the class period. Each group will receive one “forgiven” which allows it
to turn in one late assignment without penalty. Otherwise, late work will be penalized
10%. The final tabulation will be part of the Country Project grade which totals 120
points.
5.
Participation and discussion will also be an important element of this course.
COMPETENCIES:
1.
Recognize the scope of international business activity in the U.S. economy and the
skills needed to participate.
2. Illustrate the impact of geography on world trade.
3. Review the impact of political activities on international trade.
4. Explain how different legal systems can affect business transactions.
5. Study different elements of culture.
6. Relate the impact of trade agreements on international business.
7. Identify various trading blocs.
8. Show awareness of how currency issues impact business dealings.
9. Recognize the differences between domestic and global business operations.
10. Explore a foreign country.
CORE ABILITIES:




Act with integrity
Communicate effectively
Demonstrate effective critical and creative thinking
Demonstrate global and social awareness
GRADING RATIONALE:
Grade Determination:
Course competencies will be assessed as follows:
Class contribution and participation……………...…………....30 points
Metric Quiz……………………………………………………25 points
Exams (five throughout semester @50 points each)………....250 points
(lowest score may be discarded)
Country Project ........................................................................120 points
GRADING SCALE:
Grade
A
Requirement
356 - 375 points
A-
337 - 355 points
B+
326 - 336 points
B
311 - 325 points
B-
300 - 310 points
C+
288 - 299 points
C
273 - 287 points
C-
262 - 272 points
D+
251 - 261 points
D
236 - 250 points
D-
225 - 235 points
NC
Below 225
COURSE POLICIES:
Missed Classes: The student is responsible for obtaining material that may have been distributed
on class days when he/she was absent. This can be done through contacting a classmate who was
present. Missed or late assignments can not be made up under any circumstances but with good
cause and adequate notice, an early exam may be given. There are no make-up exams. Only
official excuses will be accepted.
Assignments: All assignments are due at the beginning of class on the date due. Late submission
of assignments will be assessed a penalty of 10% per day. No exceptions are made.
Academic Dishonesty: Business Division students are expected to maintain and promote the
highest standards of personal honesty and professional integrity. These standards apply to all
examinations, assigned work, and projects. Therefore, a student who is found to have been
dishonest (fraudulent, or deceptive in the completion of work or is willing to help others to be
so), or who plagiarizes (presents the work of others as his or her own), is subject to the
disciplinary action up to and including suspension.
Need for Assistance: If you have any condition, such as a physical or learning disability, which
will make it difficult for you to carry out the work as outlined here, or which will require
academic accommodations, please notify the instructor as soon as possible.
SCHEDULE
THIS IS A TENTATIVE SCHEDULE AND MAY BE CHANGED IF NEEDED.
Week
Assessment Activities
Notes
one
Overview of Course
one
LP #1 – Scope of International Business
Chapters 1 & 5
two & three
LP #2 – Impact of Geography
Chapters 12 & 13, handouts
four
Review of LP #1 & 2
Exam 1
five
LP #3 – Impact of Political Activities
Chapters 3 & 4
six
LP#4 – Impact of Legal Activities
Geography Presentation
seven
Review of LP# 3& 4
Exam 2
eight
LP #5 – Cultural Impacts on Trade
Political & Legal Presentation
Chapter 2
nine
Review of LP #5
Exam 3
ten & eleven
LP #6 – Impact of Trade Agreements
Chapters 6, & 7
twelve
LP #7 – Impact of Trading Blocs
Cultural Presentation
Chapter 8
thirteen
Review of LP #6 & 7
Exam 4
fourteen
LP #8 Currency Issues
Chapters 9 & 10
fifteen
LP #9 Business
Operations/Communication
Financial and Alliance
Presentation
Chapters 14, 15, & 16
sixteen
Operations Continued
seventeen
Review of LP#8 & 9
Final Country Presentation
Exam 5