Recommended: GBS 101

Course provides an overview of current global economic, political and socio-cultural events and perspectives that affect global business. Using a variety of resources, students will analyze and discuss the impact of current events on global business activities.

Students who successfully complete this course will:

• Broaden their knowledge of current global issues and learn techniques for keeping current after the course is finished;

• Be familiar with global trade and business resources, both governmental and private-sponsored;

• Be able to access foreign-based news and perspectives Web sites, to balance their information inputs with the U.S. press and government outputs.

• Understand  the practical, as well as theoretical implications of doing business in a world fragmented by the  great “isms” – capitalism, communism, socialism, totalitarianism and fundamentalism.

• Demonstrate how their own unconscious cultural values and habits may contrast vividly with those of other cultures around the world.

• Be able to discuss the importance of intercultural understanding and communications techniques in making friends and doing business effectively in international markets. 

• Illustrate and explain cultural taboos and accepted standards of communications/behavior in order to avoid the common pitfalls when doing business or traveling in foreign countries--or hosting international visitors here.

• Comprehend and apply the basic meanings of "culture," includingcommon stereotypes and misperceptions that tend to sabotage intercultural relations and business opportunities.

• Understand the basic business and social protocols, customs and etiquettes of key countries or regions of the world most likely to be visited by Oakton College students/international business professionals.

Students and employees at Oakton Community College are required to demonstrate academic integrity and follow Oakton's Code of Academic Conduct. This code prohibits:

• cheating,
• plagiarism (turning in work not written by you, or lacking proper citation),
• falsification and fabrication (lying or distorting the truth),
• helping others to cheat,
• unauthorized changes on official documents,
• pretending to be someone else or having someone else pretend to be you,
• making or accepting bribes, special favors, or threats, and
• any other behavior that violates academic integrity.

There are serious consequences to violations of the academic integrity policy. Oakton's policies and procedures provide students a fair hearing if a complaint is made against you. If you are found to have violated the policy, the minimum penalty is failure on the assignment and, a disciplinary record will be established and kept on file in the office of the Vice President for Student Affairs for a period of 3 years.
Details of the Code of Academic Conduct can be found in the Student Handbook.

1.    Introduction to the Internet as a global information resource.

2.    Understanding global news reporting and resources.

3.    Differentiating “news” from  “propaganda”

4.    A review of global government resources   

5.    Interpreting facts and figures from credible global resources.

6.    Understanding “ISMs” from an economic, political and social perspective.

7.    The globalization of Marketing and Management

8.    The nature of Intercultural Marketing/Communications Understanding Contrasting Cultural Values and Differences.

9.    International Business’ Social, Etiquette, Protocol and Customs

10.    Intercultural Negotiation Processes and Strategies

Instruction techniques may include face-to-face meetings, on-line assignments and Testing Center examinations, as well as E-mail and telephone communications.
Course may be taught as face-to-face, media-based, hybrid or online course.

A.   Students are expected to prepare for weekly online or face-to-face discussion in advance, according to the syllabus.
B.   Reading Assignments
C.   Homework/Internet Assignments--research and/or written papers

Varies by instructor.

Evaluation and final grade will be determined by:
Midterm assessment……………………...........(30%)
Comprehensive course assessment.......(40%)
Weekly Media Notebook assignments…..(20%)
Class and on-line forum participation…...(10%)

There are penalties for late or missing assignments. No “make-up” exams will be given—for any reason. However, special, written research assignments may be offered, at the instructor’s discretion, for partial credit, for missed exams, if students is students present verifiable excuses. All students should attend exams on campus or submit them on-time if on-line. 

If you have a documented learning, psychological, or physical disability you may be entitled to reasonable academic accommodations or services. To request accommodations or services, contact the ASSIST office in the Learning Center. All students are expected to fulfill essential course requirements. The College will not waive any essential skill or requirement of a course or degree program.