Curriculum

The goal of this course is to offer a variety of opportunities for students to learn about social entrepreneurship and engage students in learning the contributors to high-performing social enterprises. Students will explore stories of established environmental and social enterprises through books and case studies to uncover common themes and approaches. In addition, students will engage in class discussion for full emersion into the mindset of socially oriented businesses and activities.

This course will provide seminar participants a richer understanding and an appreciation of the South African business environment in the contexts of the Southern African sub-region, the African continent, and the international economy.

Fundamentals I is intensive and emphasizes interactive activities that develop oral proficiency. Participants study the four communicative skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing)with emphasis on the development of oral interaction. The use
of a cassette player may be required. Classes meet four times a week.

This is an introductory course for beginning language learners. No prior knowledge is required. Students study language fundamentals such as pronunciations, vocabulary and grammar. The emphases are: a) establishing a solid foundation in pronunciations; b) building up vocabulary and sentence patterns in communicative contexts; c) introducing writing systems and preparing students to read characters. In addition, cultural and social information that go along with language use are also included in the teaching.

As business enters the 21st century, a shift in thinking about business? role in society is underway. Society?s demands for social and environmental responsibility are growing dramatically and few managers have the requisite skills to respond effectively. This course is designed to give future business leaders the knowledge and tools needed to develop a CSR strategy that creates value, not only for society and the environment, but also competitive and financial value for the company.

All entering students begin their degree program with this mandatory, one-week course. Foundations Week introduces tools and insights necessary for success and career effectiveness on a global scale. The course presents key aspects of leadership, team building, motivation, ethics, and cross-cultural communication. It also offers self-assessment tools and opportunities to explore career management and job search strategies. The program?s action-learning approach includes case discussions, exercises, simulations, group discussions, presentations, lectures and videos.

This course is an overview of the process of the management of technology and innovation including the strategic, managerial and organizational structure variables that influence its success or failure. Topics include the impact of new technologies on industries, dominant designs and platform leadership, incremental and transformational innovations, lifecycle dynamics, technology transfer, entrepreneurship, critical success factors in managing innovative projects and managing innovation professions in co-located and virtual environments.

This course examines development prospects and policy in less developed and transition economies. Issues include trade, investment, foreign aid, international debt, technology transfer, poverty, environment, social development, and sustainable development. The roles of global and regional organizations, government policy, and domestic and foreign corporations are explored.

The objective of the course is to introduce the participants to the basic concepts of sustainable development, raise awareness to the challenges, limits, and opportunities faced by the private sector. Brazil?s government, society, and business community have shown a great commitment to balancing economic development and environmental sustainability. From programs to reduce the rate of Amazon deforestation, to a gigantic bio-energy industry, and innovative carbon credit-generating initiatives, Brazil is leading a true revolution of economic possibilities.