Faculty-Led Short Courses Abroad
Several McIntire professors offer courses that include a component of on-Grounds classes and study-abroad during the winter, spring, or summer. Current offerings include the following:
January Term 2012
COMM 4290: "Systems Case Studies" (Argentina) focuses on the application of business and engineering concepts, analysis, and design methodologies; modeling techniques; and interdisciplinary teamwork to real-world cases in Mendoza, Argentina. A primary area of emphasis will be developing deeper intercultural competence by working with Argentine clients within the signature industry of Mendoza: winemaking. In addition, students will gain experience and skills with identifying system goals, formulating requirements and performance metrics, creating and evaluating alternative solutions, and presenting recommendations to a client organization. This 3-credit-hour course counts toward an IT concentration, as part of the Global Commerce Track, or as a McIntire elective. For more information, contact Professor Ryan Nelson (rnelson@virginia.edu).
COMM 4390: "Market Insights in Southeast Asia" (Vietnam and Indonesia) is a research-oriented course that blends relevant classroom discussions, executive presentations, company visits, and market research to explore economics, market strategy, culture, and context in Vietnam and Indonesia. This 3-credit-hour course counts toward a Marketing concentration, as part of the Global Commerce Track, or as a McIntire elective. For more information, contact Professor James “Trey” Maxham (jgm3w@virginia.edu).
COMM 4825: "Development Practice: NGOs in Bangladesh" (Bangladesh) focuses on the critical role that non-governmental organizations can play in economic development. The class will visit headquarters of microfinance institutions such as Grameen Bank, and large social enterprises such as BRAC in Dhaka. Students will also visit village health clinics, schools, and micro-lending operations at the village level, and will tour fish hatcheries, crafts production facilities, and small enterprises in the countryside. This 3-credit-hour course counts toward a Management concentration, as part of the Global Commerce Track, or as a McIntire elective. For more information, contact Professor Brad Brown (bradbrown@virginia.edu).
Spring Break 2012
COMM 4160 / GCOM 7351: "Special Topics in International Accounting" (Ireland) includes a trip to Ireland during spring break. Students in this spring semester course will learn about the economic impact of international accounting practices and specifically the benefits resulting from lowering taxes in Ireland. Students will speak with the Irish development board as well as the chamber of commerce in Londonderry. They will stay in County Donegal, close to Londonderry, where much of the historical conflict between the IRA and the British government took place. This 3-credit-hour course counts toward an Accounting concentration for fourth-year students, as part of the Global Commerce Track, or as an elective credit for M.S. in Accounting students. For more information, contact Professor Sue Porter (slp7m@virginia.edu).
May Term 2012
COMM 4650: "Business, Politics & Culture in the European Union" (Bath, Brussels, and Paris) is an intensive examination of a complex and rapidly changing economic situation among the countries in the European Union. The class will travel from its academic base at the University of Bath in the United Kingdom to meet with officials in Brussels, the capital of the EU. Along the way, aspects of European culture and history will be examined. The trip will conclude in Paris. This 3-credit-hour course counts toward a Management concentration, as part of the Global Commerce Track, or as a McIntire elective. For more information, contact Professor Bill Wilkerson (wrw@virgnia.edu).
COMM 4530: "Consumers and Markets in India" (Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore) is a research-oriented course in the Marketing concentration curriculum that blends relevant classroom discussions, executive presentations, company visits, and market research. This course explores aspects of consumer behavior and marketing strategies as they apply to the Indian market. Students will focus on (a) how foreign multinational firms approach the Indian marketplace, (b) specific characteristics of Indian consumer segments, and (c) strategies adopted by “homegrown” Indian firms to effectively compete in India and across the world. These topics and other marketing-related issues will be studied as a part of “commerce in context” as the class experiences different aspects of Indian culture and society. This 3-credit-hour course counts toward a Marketing concentration, as part of the Global Commerce Track, or as a McIntire elective. For more information, contact Professor Amar Cheema (cheema@virginia.edu).
COMM 4559: "Sustainable Practices in Greece and Turkey: Local Solutions to Global Challenges" (Greece and Turkey) “Sustainability” implies both environmental and societal goals and actions. Some global issues are being addressed through multinational cooperation, but many issues are being tackled locally by governments, businesses, and civil society. This May-term course in Greece and Turkey examines several programs being undertaken by local leaders to address problems in their communities. Students will see what is being done to promote clean jobs through tourism in these countries so full of history. Students will also examine efforts to promote sustainable agriculture and fisheries, and how various communities are working to address influxes of migrating people to ensure the sustainability of their societies. This 3-credit-hour course counts toward a Management concentration, as part of the Global Commerce Track, or as a McIntire elective. For more information, contact Professor Brad Brown (bradbrown@virginia.edu).
COMM 4742: "International Finance and Accounting" (London) Students will gain an understanding of international finance by studying and living in London (the other “Financial Capital of the World”) for two weeks. The pedagogy is based on in-class lectures and discussions as well as visits to global financial institutions, companies, and regulators. Students will learn about the benefits and risks of international investing. This 3-credit-hour course counts toward the Global Commerce Track or as a McIntire elective. For more information contact Professor Karin Bonding (kb4v@virginia.edu).