Business, Government and Society
Societies have established and, over time, have changed the roles of business and government to serve their interests. The purpose of this course is to provide the student with fundamental understanding of these roles of business and government and 1) how they have changed; 2) will change over time, and 3) vary from nation to nation.

• The nature of our economic, political and legal system.
• The role of business and markets.
• The role of government. (The regulatory environment of business).
• Business and government in a global (international) environment.
• Selected current issues.

We hope to improve your understanding of the purpose and functions of both business (economic system) and government (legal/political system) as institutions created by society to serve the needs of its people. We hope you will better understand the importance and the various roles of both business and government. We will focus on the United States, but will also compare the roles of business and governments in various others countries. We hope that you will leave this short course with an appreciation of how both business and government are critical to successful societies.

Accounting
This course will introduce students to accounting, financial reporting and financial statement analysis. You will become familiar with general accounting principles and learn how corporations summarize information into corporate financial reports. Then, you will learn how to interpret this information and determine the value of a firm's stock. We will discuss the "soft spots" in the reporting process, and where an astute investor might look to uncover misleading financial reporting. Additionally, you will learn about the different roles that accounting policy makers, financial analysts, and auditors each play in the stock market's reflection of the economic condition of firms with publicly traded securities.

Finance
Finance is the study of how individuals, institutions, and businesses acquire, spend and manage financial resources. This course provides students with a basic understanding of how financial decisions are made in a constantly changing domestic and international business environment. Students will then evaluate how these decisions impact that business's marketing strategies, operations, human resources decisions, and net worth. Topics include the role of finance, finance career opportunities, the financial system, analysis and planning, investment decisions, and international finance.

Marketing
This module introduces students to the terminology, concepts, strategies, and best practices of marketing as performed in both small and large firms. Students focus on the evolution of marketing both in the U.S. and around the world and the importance of understanding markets, customers, and competitors in business operations. We explore the roles that marketing activities like new product development, advertising, pricing, internet communications, and market research play in a firm's long-term financial success. Questions addressed range from "Why would a firm spend over two million dollars to produce and broadcast one thirty-second Super Bowl commercial?" to "How should a firm determine the best price for its new product?"

Personal Finance
This course will give you the tools to be a smarter investor. We will discuss issues and topics associated with investing money, including interest, insurance, debt, diversification, portfolios, employer benefits, and markets.

Leading and Managing
This course is about leadership. It is designed to help you think broadly about leadership and begin to prepare you for leadership and managerial positions in business, government, and non-profit organizations. We will focus on improving your personal leadership and management skills by:

• Understanding the nature of leadership.
• Recognizing your strengths and weaknesses.
• Developing your leadership philosophy.
• Improve your ability to assess business risks and make sound decisions.
• Making you more conscious about the importance of high ethical principles, sound personal and company values, and socially responsible management practices.
• Speaking and writing clearly and effectively.
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