Academic Information

Purpose:

The purpose of this course is to provide students with an opportunity to gain first-hand exposure to and learn about the economic environment, business culture and social practices in Japan in an experiential manner. The learning focus will be on understanding the political and economic model as well as the business culture and practices of Japan.

Eligibility:

Open to all continuing Bachelor of Commerce students, full-time or part-time in any year of their business degree. However, it is still necessary to determine if the course can fit into your current degree program in order to confirm that you are eligible to participate. This can be done by consulting your academic advisor in the Undergraduate Program Office (Bus 2-20). A signed Permission to Participate form will also be required for registration.

Course Weight:

3 credits

Course Description:

This course introduces students to the business conditions, culture and practices in Japan. Students will learn about the economic and social changes in Japan and how the Japanese business culture and environment differ from those in Canada. Specific topics in this course include current economic trends in Japan, Japanese approach to management and production, Japan-Canada trade relations, Japan in today's global economy and the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

BUEC 444 (Japan) is meant as an introductory course and will focus not only on economic and business practices of the subject country, but will put a heavy emphasis on the cultural, historical and social influences that shape those practices. It is intended to provide perspective to cross-cultural business and benefit those without a strong existing understanding or background of those aspects of Japan.

Students will be required to examine a topic of personal interest through a research paper. Please review the BUEC 444 (Japan) Course Outline for more information.

Course Content:

1. Lectures from course instructor at the UofA during the semester
2. Research paper at the end of semester
3. Participation in all Study Tour activities
4. Lectures from partner institutions in Japan
5. Presentations from company representatives in Japan
6. Group discussions in class and during the Study Tour

Course Schedule:

Lectures and preparatory sessions for the classroom portion of this course (BUEC 444) will be scheduled in the Winter 2020 academic term (January - April) and will meet approximately four times on Saturday morning/afternoons at the Alberta School of Business. There will also be a thorough pre-departure orientation held in early May to prepare all students for the upcoming trip. All participants are expected to attend each of these sessions. The on-site study tour portion of the course will be in Japan in May 2020.

Course Syllabus - BUEC 444 - section 852: International Study Tour to Japan (Winter Term 2020)