SCHOOL OF BUSINESS, ECONOMICS AND LAW

GM0105, International Business and Trade in a Historical Perspective, 7,5 higher education credits International Business and Trade in a Historical Perspective, 7.5 hgskolepong
Second Cycle 1. Confirmation
The course syllabus was confirmed by School of Business, Economics and Law on 2008-12-17 and was last revised by School of Business, Economics and Law on 2011-11-30 to be valid from 2012-01-19. Field of education: Social Sciences 100 % Department: Graduate School

2. Position in the educational system

The course International Business and Trade in a Historical Perspective is a course within in the Master of Science programme in International Business and Trade at the Graduate School, School of Business, Economics and Law, University of Gothenburg. Main field of studies International Business and Trade Specialization A1N, Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements

3. Entry requirements
To be eligible for the course International Business and Trade in a Historical Perspective the participant must fulfil the entrance qualifications for the Master of Science programme in International Business and Trade. Students from the other Master of Science Programmes at Graduate School may also be eligible for the course.

4. Course content
The objective of this course is to discuss the development of world trade from early modern times until today.

2/ 3

Firstly, the historical development of world trade and trade policies are discussed in terms of causes and effects of international trade. A central aspect is the discussion of the importance of trade for growth and distribution of wealth over the world. The role of trade for countries in the less industrialised world is compared to its role for the industrialised world. Linked to this, is the discussion of whether protectionism or free trade has been the best way to promote economic development. Secondly, the course relates to the development of big business. The aim is to achieve an understanding for the present situation of multinational companies by studying their historical development. The studies start with how multi-national companies were formed. Multinationals have sometimes been accused of contributing to social injustice in countries in the third world. In the industrialised world they are accused of disrupting competition. The effects of big business establishment are to a large extent decided by how the activities are regulated. The national state can build institutions and regulate business activities by for example introducing tariffs, different forms of taxation, regulation of wages and so on. An important issue is to study under what circumstances multinational companies are contributing to growth and redistribution and when they are not.

5. Learning outcomes
Upon completion of the course the student will be able to 1. Discuss the importance of world trade for economic development and growth over the world 2. Understand the process of corporate change for the industrial revolution to the 21st century 3. Analyse the importance of different competetive and judicial regimes in the process of international business and trade

6. Literature
Chandler, A & Mazlish, B (eds): Leviathans. Multinational corporations and the new global history, Cambridge University Press 2005

7. Assessment
Learning outcomes 1-3 are assessed through written individual assignments, and oral presentations. A student who has failed a test twice has the right to change examiner, unless weighty argument can be adduced. The request shall be sent to the Graduate School and has to be in writing. The Graduate School is obliged to offer the exam at least five times during the course of each two year period. Students who have made five unsuccessful attempts to pass an exam have lost the possibility of obtaining the Master of Science Degree.

8. Grading scale

3/ 3

The grading scale comprises Fail (U), Pass (G), Pass with Distinction (VG). For Pass on the course, pass is required on all three learning outcomes. For Pass with Distinction on the course, Pass with Distinction is required on at least two learning outcomes, and pass on the remaining learning outcome.

9. Course evaluation
The course will be evaluated upon completion. The results of the evaluation will be communicated to the students and will function as a guide for the development of the course.

10. Additional information

Language of instruction: English. The syllbus in English is the official binding document.