BUS 381: Understanding Cultures explores the essence of culture by looking at how faith, values, and attitudes shape socioeconomic systems. Special attention is placed on emerging markets that are at the forefront of radical transition and culture change. Students also explore their own heritage, ethnicity, and unique cultural attributes.

Knowledge of different cultures is vital in our rapidly changing world. Culture can be defined in many different ways, including national culture, socioeconomic culture, community culture, and family culture. In this course we will focus on three dimensions of culture: 1) the macro dimensions, which include national-level historical, political, and economic aspects, 2) the intermediate dimensions, which are centered on more local aspects, including family dynamics, gender and ethnicity, language, sports teams, personal identity, etc, and 3) the micro dimensions associated with individual households and their inhabitants. As we explore these dimensions we will bring to the forefront the relationships and influences culture has on business creation, development, growth and sustainability.

COURSE OBJECTIVES