BUS/GERM 392: Layered Berlin: German Culture and the Social Market Economy

Layered Berlin 2015 Group

(4 credits)

4 weeks in Berlin, Germany

Prof. Paul Youngman and Prof. Drew Hess

This is a four-week course that offers students a true immersion in German language, culture and business. In order to give students a complete understanding of contemporary Germany, we integrate a literary-historical analysis of the country's rich history from 1848 to the present day with an introduction to stakeholder-centric business. Through an exciting mix of literary fiction, historical readings and cases and film screenings, along with corporate and cultural site visits, students will gain an understanding of the interdependence between "big C" Culture and business culture.

The setting for the course will be the city of Berlin. The German capital epitomizes many of the political, commercial and artistic strands of Germany history that help shape the so-called modern German identity. Berlin's unique and complex history gives the students a firsthand look at how the past has shaped the culture and commerce of Germany and its neighbors. This course will help students to empathize with the German quest for an understanding of their place in the European community. One consequence of this introspective pursuit is a uniquely German stakeholder-centric sustainable approach to business. Understanding how this approach to business fits in the global economy will help students to see the possibilities and limitations of what it means to be German in the 21st century.

This course meets the requirements for a German major and minor, as well as a Business elective. Open to students who have completed GERM 262.

Program Fee (paid to W&L): $ 1,670.  This includes accommodation in homestays; local excursions; business visits; day trip to Potsdam (including round trip train transportation, a guided tour and entrance to Sanssouci Palace and park and lunch); transportation passes, Mensa cards for use at local university cafes; cultural events and a farewell dinner; 24/7 Emergency Support with IES Abroad; health insurance from CISI and security and political evacuation services provided by CISI and AXA.

Estimated other expenses: Airfare -  $1,200; Meals and spending money -  $1,500.

For further details, please contact Prof. Paul Youngman, youngmanp@wlu.edu or Prof. Drew Hess, hessa@wlu.edu.