MiM Modern Business, Old World, New Countries: Czech Republic and Germany 2024

Course description

The objective of the GIM program is to help you gain an understanding of the economic, political, social, and culture characteristics of a country or region outside of the United States. 

This course will enable you to become familiar with one region and two different cultures in Eastern Europe: The Czech Republic (Czechia) and Germany, through classroom study and in-country experiences. When it is over, you should understand the basics of:

• History:
  Czechia and Germany have complicated and intriguing histories and unique cultures in the world. From the heights of the arts, military and culture power to being at the center of WWII (Germany) or living under the control of the Soviet Union (Czechia) change has been forced on this region for many centuries. From this course, you should be able to speak to several of the key challenges and successes from these countries. 
• Culture, management, and interactions with the rest of the world: 
  The history of the European business market post-WWII and the rise in importance of Eastern Europe’s contributions, and its path to modernization of industry, standards of living, and expectations for the future has not been simple nor easy. Germany has risen from the depths of a two-country existence to driving the economic engine of the EU. You’ll learn how culture and management approach in the region has contributed to, and in some cases, held back growth.
• Recent conditions and trends in Eastern Europe vs Western Europe:
  Based on our understanding of the history of the region and the unique cultural and political environments the people of these regions live in, we’ll discuss and investigate the recent 

In addition to gaining understanding about the Czechia and Germany, I hope the class will give you a model for how you might begin to understand any country and unique culture(s) you may encounter during your professional and personal journeys.

This is designed as an introductory course, so the readings, cases, lectures, and guest speakers assume you have minimal exposure to Germany and Eastern Europe. If you want to explore a topic more deeply, see me for supplemental materials and resources.

Itinerary

• Download the itinerary - Coming soon!