UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-WHITEWATER
CURRICULUM PROPOSAL FORM #1

NEW DEGREE, MAJOR, OR SUBMAJOR


Degree/Program Title: Economics - International Economics Emphasis  (BA/BS)

Sponsor(s): Tom Schweigert, Mark Skidmore, Sandra Snow

Department(s): Economics

College(s): College of Business and Economics
 

Effective Term: Fall 2001
 

Check if:
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 New Degree: Intent to Plan
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 New Degree: Final Proposal
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 New Major: Intent to Plan
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 New Major: Final Proposal
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 New Submajor: Minor
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 New Submajor: Emphasis/Track
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 New Submajor: Certificate Program
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 Module: Intent to Plan
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 Module: Final Proposal
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 Other ___________________

International Economics Emphasis: This emphasis is of value to students seeking careers in business, government or non-governmental organizations involved with the increasing globalization of the world economy. It provides students with a comprehensive background in: international trade and trade policy; the international financial system and exchange rates; multinational enterprise and foreign investment; economic growth and development; comparative economic systems. An International Economics Emphasis requires the student to complete:

1.  complete the following:

ECON 212 (Economics Principles, Problems and Policies)
ECON 245 (Business Statistics I)
ECON 404 (History of Economic Thought)
ECON 301 (Intermediate Microeconomics)
ECON 302 (Intermediate Macroeconomics)
2. complete 12 credits in economics as follows:
ECON 301 (Intermediate Microeconomics)
ECON 401 (International Economics)
ECON 406 (International Finance and Banking)
ECON 360 (Growth and Development in the World Economy
ECON 431 (Economics of Globalization)
ECON 451 (The Economies of Asia)
ECON 459 (Comparative Economic Systems)
3. a unique major requirement of 6 credits from the following:
SPCH 424 (Cross Cultural Communication)
FNLW 410 (Multinational Business Finance)
MGMT 410 (International Management)
MKTG 361 (International Marketing)
PSCI 350 (International Law)
PSCI 351 (International Relations)
GEOG 332 (Political Geography)

Students are encouraged to have a study abroad experience as part of the emphasis. Thus, a travel-study course or other approved study abroad experience can substitute for three of the above credits (with the exception of ECON 401 and ECON 406).

4. unique major and writing requirement – 9-11 credits:
a) ECON 211 (Economic Principles, Problems, and Policies)
    and B ED (Business Communication)
b) Math 243 (Short Calculus For Business and Social Sciences)
    or Math 250 (Applied Calculus Survey For Business and the Social Sciences)
Four Year Plan of Course Offerings:
All courses are typically offered once per year.

Other Programs Affected and Resource Requirements:
There may be a slight increase in enrollment in Political Science and Geography. However, any effects are likely to be small as this Emphasis constitutes one among three and we offer a general degree in Economics. Therefore, any impact in terms of course load in these areas is likely to be insignificant. No other additional resource requirements are expected from this change.

Goals and Learning Objective of the Program:
The primary objective of formalizing our International Economics Emphasis is to enhance the marketability of our majors in the private, public and nonprofit sectors. Currently, the Emphasis is informal and thus students do not receive any certification of this track. Formalizing the Emphases enables students to present potential employers with evidence of this course of training. Students who complete the international emphasis should have a thorough understanding of the ways in which national economies (governments, households and firms) are integrated into the global economy through international trade in goods and services, international portfolio and direct investment, and international labor mobility. Students also gain an understanding of the international financial system, the world trading system, growth and development issues in less developed countries, and comparative economic systems of the industrialized world, Russia and China. We also encourage students to have some study abroad experience and to take courses outside our major with an international dimension.

Student Need/Demand:
The Economic Department is making several changes to its curriculum. As a result of discussions with the Economics Advisory Board and the Dean, the Department has as an action item to develop several Emphases. The purpose of the Emphases is to demonstrate relevance and applicability of Economics in a variety of career tracks and thus better serve the UW-Whitewater student body.

Relationship to Mission of Institution:
The mission statement for the Economics Department states that a primary objective is to "strive to achieve excellence in teaching" The above changes reflect our desire to improve the quality of education and increase the career opportunities available to our majors.

The proposed change formalizes the Emphasis creates a focus on "International Economics."

Note: Communication Department consulted - Approved
         Finance & Business Law Department consulted - Approved
         Geography and Geology Department consulted - Approved
         Management Department consulted - Approved
         Marketing Department consulted - Approved
         Political Sciences Department consulted - Approved