Globalization's Impact on Central American countries

An experiential learning course

Instructor: Christine R. Schrage

Office: 218

Telephone:273-2126

Email: schragec@uni.edu

Course description: An experiential learning course for business students interested in International business.  The course allows the student to work alongside citizens in a developing country.  Business people and citizens involved in the transformation of the Honduran economy and government will provide information through separate sessions and meetings with the students.  Looking at economic development and business growth from the perspective of a developing versus the viewpoint from a developed nation will give the students a broader perspective of how decisions of organizations impact others.

Course level:  100 level (sophomore or higher)  The three credit elective course is limited to 14 students.

Course objectives:

• Provide understanding of another culture.
• Give students an different viewpoint of doing business in another economic, political, and social environment.
• Greater appreciation of the impact of large multi-nationals on developing nations' economic development and politics.
• Understand how the world view of a country's government can hinder or help foreign investment (i.e.: corruption)
• Impact of IMF and World Bank decisions on potential economic growth.
• Analyze the ethics and social responsibility of companies operating in less developed nations.
• Discover what factors other than average income and population can impact market potential of a country.

Course resources:

Instructor's website-     http//uni.edu/~schrage     

Supplemental packet from Student Services in room 321B       

 Book- The Human Farm by Katie Smith

Grading criteria:

    Journal   (instructor will review with students during the final days in Honduras)     50 points

•     Overall quality of journal
•     Organization of information
•     Quality of notes on speakers
•     Reflections on activities

   Participation in activities and discussions while in Honduras                                    50 points

   Final Paper (due at final meeting)                                                                         100 points

• Grammar/readability
• Summary of the experience
• Application of learning experience to business
• How the experience affected the student's perspective
• How the experience fulfilled the course objectives

Grades will be calculated on a percentage basis from your total scores.

Grade	Percentage	Points
A	94-100	188
A-	90-94	180
B+	87-89	174
B	83-86	166
B-	80-82	160
C+	77-79	154
C	73-76	146
C-	70-72	140
D+	67-69	134
D	63-66	126
D-	60-62	120
F	anything lower than 59.9

Graduate students will be required to do a research project and present their work to the class during orientation on August 6.  Both a written document with references must be turned in as well as a copy of the 15 minute Power Point presentation.  The student may research any topic of interest to them that involves either Globalization issues or Honduras.

Activities:

May -   class meets for initial orientation.  Immunizations need to start early.  Students need to have their passports at this time. 

August 5: Orientation session, discuss materials from supplement and make final preparations for the trip.

August 7 to 19- trip to Honduras

• work on development projects with citizens;
• meet and hear speakers involved in the transformation of Honduras;
• meet with Honduran businessmen, learn about the challenges of doing business there;
• hear speakers discuss how the political past has affected the business development of the country.

A date on or before September 1- two hour session, time to be determined later.  Students MUST attend to discuss their reflections since returning.  Also, each student will informally share some highlights of their papers.  At this time, everyone may want to bring their pictures to share (and exchange).  In 2001, we met at the OP on University Avenue.  Everyone had duplicates made of their photos so others could pick out some to complete their albums.

Travel expenses:

Travel costs including airfare, room and board, travel fees will be approximately $1450  per student.  Tuition will be charged as with any other three credit course through the Continuing Education Program. This will be charged to your U-Bill.