Duke in Geneva

The Office of Study Abroad, The Markets & Management Studies Certificate Program and the Philosophy Department offer a six week program in Geneva, Switzerland entitled, "Globalization: Issues in Business Management and Political Philosophy."

Home to a hundred multinational businesses, the European base of the United Nations and of all the Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) which deal with it, Geneva, Switzerland provides an exceptionally relevant location in which to study both the character and practice of international business and its impact on global issues of justice, human rights, ecological protection, disarmament, and economic development.

Situated on the shores of beautiful Lake Geneva, the city of Geneva is famous as one of the centers of the Reformation, and since the 19th century the diplomatic focal point of Europe. Its Palace of Nations was first home to the post world war one League of Nations and since 1945 to the United Geneva is the gateway to the French, Swiss and Italian Alps. Mont Blanc and the high Alps are a short train journey from Geneva. But it is only a few hours from Paris, Munich, and Venice. Geneva is truly an international city in which French, German, Italian, and English are equally familiar as languages and accents.

Students will be housed in single rooms at the Cite Universitaire, of the University of Geneva. These rooms are provided with Internet access, shared kitchen facilities, a café, and other amenities, along with classroom facilities.

The Cite is located near the ancient city-center which preserves the character that John Calvin saw in the 16th century, It offers excellent recreational facilities, but is also close to the lake, its swimming area and large pool, as well as the vibrant city center, and railroad station.

Courses and Credits

MMS 100, International Business: One course

This course's objective is to provide an overview of international business concepts such as the process of globalization, trade agreements, the importance of understanding, various cultures and business practices in those cultures, the various types of ways of setting up businesses in foreign countries, various theories of international business.

In Geneva he class will visit the International Labour Organization. The ILO has a tripartite structure - it brings together governments, employers and workers to establish labor practices worldwide. The ILO publishes widely on fair labor practices, small business enterprises, multi-national organizations and European union labor standards.

Student projects will involve visits to Multinational businesses based in Geneva. Additionally, field trips to other European business centers will be organized.

This class fulfills requirements for the MMS certificate.

Philosophy 127 Philosophy of Globalization - One course

This class will provide an introduction to international political philosophy, through a series of normative problems raised, under the label of "globalization" for individuals, commercial firms, and nation states, by the lowering of transnational barriers to culture, capital, migration and international intervention. We will examine the costs and benefits of the free-market and alternative solutions to market-failure recognized by both supporters and opponents of liberalism in political philosophy. Field trips, both locally to Geneva based human rights organizations, and to countries in which the market has supplanted central planning-Prague, Budapest, Berlin-will be scheduled.

This class fulfils the Ethical Inquiry requirement of Curriculum 2000

Internships

Internships for students will be available from divisions of the UN based in Geneva, including the WHO, and ILO, as well as the many NGOs operating at the UN.

Excursions

The program will involve trips to central European cities like Prague, and Budapest, Dresden or Warsaw, in which students can gage the commercial, cultural, and political impact of the transition from state centrally planned economy and a socialist welfare system to a free-market economy and a reduced social safety net. In addition, students will have the opportunity to become acquainted with the art, music, cuisine, and history of these famous European cities and capitals.

Accommodation

Cite Universitaire, Geneva

Students will be housed in single room accommodation in a terrific location, in the central area of Geneva. Cite Universitaire offers shared kitchen facilities, internet access for students in their rooms, a restaurant on-site, and athletic facilities. These facilities may be viewed on the web site of the Cite Universitaire, Cite Universitaire.

For More Information

To find out more about this program, contact Bonnie Wilson, the M&M Program Coordinator, at 660-5763 or by email . You may also view the entire program brochure at the Study Abroad website