Study Abroad Course
Business, Law and Ethics in the European Union
Spring 2008
Updated: 21 April 2008
| Experience the challenge of negotiating an international contract while exploring the dynamics of global business in the European Union. This course focuses on globalization and its impact on business with a particular emphasis on EU and U.S. business and legal perspectives, ethics and culture. The classroom component of the course begins in Minneapolis, Minnesota and ends in Trier, Germany. In Minneapolis, you will meet German business students via e-mail and begin the process of negotiating a contract. | |
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You will then travel to the heart of the EU - Brussels, Belgium - where you will meet with the German students and learn through on-site interactive visits, cultural immersion, discussion and reflection. This adventure includes meetings with executives from multi-national companies, government officials and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and will address business, legal, business ethics and corporate social responsibility issues as well as economic, socioeconomic, political and cultural issues within the European Union and their impact on conducting business in a global economy. The course ends in Trier, Germany, where you will attend classes and finalize your contracts. The University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business (UST-OCB) and the Center for Ethical Business Cultures (CEBC) jointly offer this 3-credit MBA course. Course: BLAW 615 Prerequisites: None Credits: 3 |
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Brussels 2005 Students and Instructors |
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About Your Instructors |
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Susan Marsnik, J.D. is an associate professor and chair of the Department of Legal Studies in Business at the University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business. She teaches undergraduate and graduate courses. Prior to her academic career, Professor Marsnik practiced law with a boutique law firm where her practice included resolving business disputes and assisting clients on a variety of legal issues. In addition to practicing law, Professor Marsnik worked for ten years as a professional in the book publishing industry and she has experience marketing legal services and consulting law firms on management issues. Her research includes comparative analysis of U.S. and European Union law in a number of areas impacting international business including data privacy, copyright, and sales law. She has published in law journals and an encyclopedia of international law, and authored corporate compliance training programs in European Union legal issues used by Fortune 100 companies. Professor Marsnik has lectured, delivered papers, or taught in MBA programs and law schools in the United Kingdom, France, Hungary, Germany and Russia. |
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Michael Hakenberg, Ph.D., J.D., LL.M. is a German national living in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. He is a professor for German and International Business Law at the Business Department of the University of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschule) Trier, Germany. Dr. Hakenberg received his juris doctor degree (1981) and a Ph.D. in public international law (1987) from the University of Würzburg in Germany. He also holds a master of laws degree from the University of Michigan Law School in Ann Arbor (1983). Dr. Hakenberg is a member of the New York Bar and worked as a lawyer in Seattle, Munich, Stuttgart (Rechtsanwalt) and with an Italian Bank in Luxembourg. In his work he dealt extensively with mergers & acquisitions, corporate and banking law, and international transactional work. In October 1992 Dr. Hakenberg joined the University of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschule; http://www.fh-trier.de) in Trier. His main areas of teaching and research are German, EU and international business law, banking and financial law, and he publishes regularly in these areas. During the spring semester 2003 he was a visiting professor at the University of St. Thomas. Dr. Hakenberg also teaches at the Luxemburg European Campus of Miami University, Oxford, Ohio. |
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Douglas Jondle, Ph.D., MBA received his academic training (M.S. and Ph.D.) in Plant Genetics at the University of Wisconsin – Madison, MBA at the University of St. Thomas and B.S. in Bacteriology at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. As a research station manager for Cargill he was involved in numerous agronomic trait technology projects including transgenic modifications. He is knowledgeable of U.S. and European issues on genetically modified organisms. He works at the Center for Ethical Business Cultures as Director of Research. Dr. Jondle teaches Business Ethics at the University of St. Thomas, has guest lectured at the University of St. Thomas and the University of Minnesota on the subject of business ethics and corporate social responsibility. As a manager with Cargill, Inc., Dr. Jondle has traveled throughout Europe including Germany, France, Netherlands, Austria, Russia and Ukraine. With CEBC, he developed and facilitated graduate level study abroad programs to Brussels, Germany, Luxemburg and the United Kingdom for the University of St. Thomas and the University of Minnesota. |
| About the Course | |
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The University of St. Thomas (UST) Opus College of Business and CEBC welcomes your interest in our study abroad course in Business, Law and Ethics during the 2008 spring term. The course will include: |
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Brussels Saturday Market |
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Course curriculum is designed to introduce students to the complexities of globalization as seen through the eyes of a business “going global” through exporting and licensing. The classroom component of the course is augmented by site visits and guest lectures designed to expose students to business, legal, regulatory, and cultural realities of doing business within the European Union. |
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The academic centerpiece of this study abroad course is the contract negotiation exercise. The exercise is based on a successful problem that has been used in business programs on both sides of the Atlantic. The exercise requires buyers and sellers based in different countries to negotiate a contract for the sale of goods. For purposes of this course, the problem has been expanded to encompass more complex business problems that implicate cultural and ethical issues. University of St. Thomas students will act as the sellers. Students at the University of Applied Sciences – Fachhochschule Trier will act as the buyers. The product that is the subject of the contract will most likely be a value added food product with the possibility of including genetically modified organisms (GMOs). |
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Ethics Business Case Simulation |
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Importing products containing GMOs into the EU raises business, legal, ethical and cultural issues that will be explored as part of the course. The American and German MBA students will conduct preliminary negotiations via e-mail and complete the exercise through face-to-face negotiations in Germany. In doing so, each team will be required to make business decisions based on how they approach the cultural, ethical, business, and legal issues in the problem. The instructors will provide students with the content and pedagogical tools necessary to conduct negotiations incorporating the interplay between business, legal, and ethical considerations impacting the business decisions each team makes. |
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Site visits in the EU have been selected to expose students to current and relevant experiences in differential legal and ethical business philosophies and cultural environments within the European community. Given tensions in U.S./EU trade relations over the past decade, and recent World Trade Organization rulings, special emphasis will be directed toward business and cultural issues emerging as patterns. These experiences are designed to enhance student perception of legal and ethical issues faced by U.S. companies conducting business within the European Union. They will, hopefully, challenge students’ legal and ethical decision–making capacities when situations are not so black and white, but are in the gray areas where all decisions seem right. The goal is to have students begin to see value in reaching for the higher standard and in understanding that certain aspects of that standard may be culturally influenced. |
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Brussels Grand Place City Center |
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Course Objectives
Students will:
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Understand key legal principles impacting international business including import/export, trade law, intellectual property, employment law, and company law.
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Develop critical thinking and reasoning skills to analyze the business implications of legal decisions and legal implications of business decisions through oral and written communications.
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Practice creative problem solving techniques in team settings requiring cultural awareness.
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Explore, analyze, and critique systems strategic host organizations have developed to address, anticipate, or prevent legal or ethical problems.
Pre-departure Itinerary
Carefully read the following tentative Pre-departure Itinerary. The sequencing of the subject matter and details are subject to change.
Three classroom sessions. (Saturdays)
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Session 1 - Saturday, 23 February 2008 |
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Time: |
9 a.m. - 12 (noon) |
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Location: |
University of St. Thomas ~ Minneapolis Campus ~ TMH 401 |
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Session 2 - Saturday, 29 March 2008 |
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Time: |
9 a.m. – 12 (noon) / 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. |
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Location: |
University of St. Thomas ~ Minneapolis Campus ~ TMH 401 |
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Session 3 - Saturday, 19 April 2008 |
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Time: |
9 a.m. – 12 (noon) / 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. |
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Location: |
University of St. Thomas ~ Minneapolis Campus ~ TMH 401 |
Travel Itinerary
The following is a tentative Travel Itinerary. Note, subject matter and site visits are subject to change.
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Day 1 - Sunday, 18 May 2008 |
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Location: |
Twin Cities Departure (USA) |
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Activity: |
Participants depart for Europe. |
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Day 2 - Monday, 19 May 2008 |
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Location: |
Brussels, Belgium
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Activity: |
Arrive in Brussels; proceed to Bedford Hotel; on own; walking tour (14:00); group dinner (18.00) arranged by Faculty Directors. Group orientation, including first meetings between U.S. and German business students. |
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Day 3 - Tuesday, 20 May 2008 |
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Location: |
Brussels, Belgium |
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Morning Activity: |
Motor coach transportation provided to Cargill Cerestar.
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Afternoon Activity: |
Group time for negotiations. | |
| Day 4 - Wednesday, 21 May 2008 | ||
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Location: |
Brussels, Belgium |
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Morning Activity: |
Site visit to European Commission and the OALF. |
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Afternoon Activity: |
Motor coach to Trier, Germany, walking tour of city and check-in at Penta Hotel and Europahalle Trier.
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Day 5 - Thursday, 22 May 2008 |
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Location: |
Trier, Germany |
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Morning Activity: |
Group time for negotiations. |
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Afternoon Activity: |
Group time for negotiations. |
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Day 6 - Friday, 23 May 2008 |
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Location: |
Trier, Germany |
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Morning Activity: |
Business Case and Lecture
at Fachhochschule Trier
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Afternoon Activity: |
Group time for negotiations. |
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Day 7 - Saturday, 24 May 2008 |
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Location: |
Trier, Germany |
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Activity: |
Personal time. |
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Day 8 - Sunday, 25 May 2008 |
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Location: |
Trier, Germany |
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Activity: |
Personal time. |
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Day 9 - Monday, 26 May 2008 |
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Location: |
Frankfurt, Germany
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Morning Activity: |
Export Trade Office in Eschborn. |
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Afternoon Activity: |
Cultural event. |
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Day 10 - Tuesday, 27 May 2008 |
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Location: |
Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
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Morning Activity: |
Group time for negotiations. |
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Afternoon Activity: |
Motor coach transportation provided to European Investment Bank. |
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Day 11 - Wednesday, 28 May 2008 |
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Location: |
Trier, Germany |
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Morning Activity: |
Group time for negotiations. |
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Afternoon Activity: |
Group time for negotiations. |
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Day 12 - Thursday, 29 May 2008 |
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Location: |
Trier, Germany |
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Morning Activity: |
Personal time. |
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Afternoon Activity: |
Debrief at Fachhochschule Trier. |
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Day 13 - Friday, 30 May 2008 |
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Location: |
Trier, Germany |
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Morning Activity: |
UST students meetings with instructors at Fachhochschule Trier. |
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Afternoon/Evening Activity: |
Motor coach transportation provided to Mosel River cruise followed by wine tasting and dinner (6 wines, 3 course dinner) at the Georg Fritz von Nell Winery.
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Day 14 - Saturday, 31 May 2008 |
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Location: |
Trier, Germany |
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Activity: |
Depart for return trip to United States. |
Airfare and Extended Stays
| Students will be responsible for arranging airfare to and from Europe. Ground transportation to and from the airports will be left up to the students. This will allow students to take advantage of frequent flyer mileages, company discounts or better deals arranged by personal travel planners. Students are also afforded the opportunity to plan longer stays either before or after the course to allow for business or vacation plans. Note: you will need to arrive in Brussels in time to participate in the afternoon walking tour of Brussels on Monday, 19 May 2008. When arranging for your return to the United States, consider departing from Luxembourg City, Luxembourg or Frankfurt, Germany. |
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Porta Nigra Roman Built City Gate |
Approximate Course Costs
For students taking this course for graduate credit, the course costs are approximate at:
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Course Cost |
Low-End |
High-End |
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Program Fee * |
$1,635.00 |
$1,935.00 |
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Tuition ** |
$2,122.50 |
$2,122.50 |
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Total |
$3,757.50 |
$4,057.50 |
* Program Fee: For UST students taking this course, the program fee is approximate at $1,635 to $1,935 (costs are subject to change). This fee does not include tuition, airfare, ground transportation between airports and hotels, meals or personal spending. The estimated student cost does include the following:
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Trier Walking Tour at the Roman Baths |
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Trier Relaxing After aHard Day of Negotiating |
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**Tuition: This three-credit tuition rate is for University of St. Thomas Evening MBA students. Please note that each participant will need to add in their respective tuition rate.
Course Dates
In order to make the European coursework more meaningful, three (3) class sessions must be attended (see Pre-departure Itinerary). Your European learning experience will begin May 19, 2008 and end May 31, 2008.
Application Dates
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Students may begin submitting applications on September 1, 2007. Please note that considerable interest in this opportunity to study in two leading European business centers is expected and enrollment will be limited to 15 students. If you are interested in joining us for this exciting learning experience, please be advised to complete and return your application materials to International Education as soon as possible! If you have any questions regarding the course or the application or enrollment process, do not hesitate to contact the appropriate person(s) listed in Course Contacts. We look forward to hearing from you and having you join us on this exciting study abroad opportunity! |
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Home of Riesling Wine |
How do I apply to this study abroad course?
All participants will need to apply to the study abroad course. Study abroad applications materials can be downloaded from the International Education Center Study Abroad website. All application materials must be submitted, at one time, to International Education; incomplete applications will not be considered.
International Education will send a letter to students once approved for the course. Students will be approved or rejected upon submission of a completed application package. Upon being notified of acceptance, students will be informed of additional information that will need to be completed and submitted.
How do I enroll in the study abroad course?
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Every course participant must be a University of St. Thomas graduate student.
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Luxembourg City |
Please note that upon acceptance into the course, International Education will enroll you in the course. Important: You cannot apply or enroll for BLAW 615 Business, Law and Ethics in the European Union via Murphy online registration.
Wait-Listed Students
When the maximum enrollment of 15 students is reached, any additional student applications will be placed on a wait list. To ensure timely enrollment, remember to submit applications with all required application materials and deposit.
When a cancellation occurs, students will be notified of acceptance immediately by the program coordinator. If no cancellations occur by the final deadline, students will be contacted and deposit refunded. There will be no monetary refund for passport/ID photos.
What To Do Upon Acceptance
After you have received notification of acceptance into the BLAW 615 you will be required to complete and submit additional information. Please note that International Education will enroll you in the course.
The following represents the material you will receive, need to review, complete and submit to International Education:
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Complete and sign the Short-term Study Abroad Medical Report. This form does not require a physician’s signature. If you are bring a travel companion with you, please request or download a second form for your guest to complete.
It will be your responsibility to make arrangements for personal air transportation to and from Europe, and ground transportation to and from the airports and hotels in Europe. Note you will need to arrive in Brussels in time to participate in the afternoon walking tour of Brussels on Monday 19 May 2008.
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In addition to the two passport-quality photos submitted with your application, you will require two (2) more photos to process your passport (if you do not already have one). Make sure your passport is current. If the course is cancelled there will be no monetary refunds for the required passport/ID photos. Students may retrieve unused photos from International Educational upon request.
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Cancellation Fees and Refunds
The application is considered a binding contract and all cancellations must be submitted in writing to International Education. The date such notification is received is considered the cancellation date.
Please refer to the Short-term Study Abroad & Away Policies and Procedures booklet, available from the International Education website (provide the link) or available from International Education, for specific information regarding cancellations, cancellation fees and cancellation refunds.
Course Contacts
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For information regarding the course please contact: |
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For questions regarding course application, registration and billing, please contact: |
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For questions regarding travel and any special travel arrangements please contact: |
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Center for Ethical Business Cultures
1000 LaSalle Avenue, TMH 331 ▪ Minneapolis, MN 55403-2005 ▪ USA
Phone: 651 962 4120 or 800 328 6819 Ext. 2-4120 ▪ Facsimile: 651 962 4042
Email: mail@cebcglobal.org
© 1978-2008 Center for Ethical Business Cultures. All Rights Reserved.
Business Partnering with the University of St. Thomas - Minnesota