Business & Society in Europe

Course description

Europe encompasses the world’s largest and most complicated market. Recent events, particularly those following the ongoing economic crisis on the continent, raise profound questions about the future of Europe. This course will focus on the present and future business issues facing the entire continent. Under this focus, we will examine the following questions: Should a “European” management style be developed instead of the national practices that frequently characterize companies originating in different European nations? How and under what circumstances should the European Union expand to Turkey, Ukraine, and other countries in the East? What has been the impact of the Treaty of Lisbon, in effect since 2009, on European economic, political, and social issues? In order to provide essential background and context for these issues, we will also review key events in modern European History, including the recent Brexit vote and the exit of the United Kingdom from the European Union. In class, we will utilize a variety of approaches, including small-group study, lectures, and case-study analysis, to develop a comprehensive understanding of European business. On virtual excursions to different districts of Berlin, we will study how European and German history have influenced the economic development of this magnificent international capital and we will investigate the impact Berlin has, in turn, had on European business management. The course will also feature guest speakers on different topics in business and society in the European context.