American Business School

   

COURSE SELECTION
Courses are offered at the American Business School (ABS) of the Institut de Gestion Sociale. Program participants are integrated with French and international students from around the world. Most courses at ABS are 3 credits (45 contact hours). Courses are taught in English.

Download the ABS Course Offerings file for a list of courses offered in the Fall, Spring and Summer terms. Download the ABS Course Syllabi file for detailed course descriptions. You will need Adobe PDF Reader to open these files.

ABS reserves the right to change courses. Make sure to confirm your course selections with your Program Advisor before approving transfer credit.

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COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Click on the course title to view a short description.

Business, Law & Diplomacy

ACC 110 Financial Accounting I
This is the first part of a course designed to give the business student a solid foundation in accounting theory and practice. The first course assumes no previous background in accounting and is suitable as an introductory course.
3 credits. Prerequisites: none

ACC 120 Financial Accounting II
This is the second part of a course designed to give the business student a solid foundation in accounting theory and practice.
3 credits. Prerequisites: ACC 110

ACC 130 Managerial Accounting
This is a course designed to give the business student a solid foundation in cost accounting theory and practice.
3 credits. Prerequisites: ACC 110, ACC 120

ECO 110 Macroeconomics
This is the first course which is a study of modern economic society, the economic role of consumers, businesses, governments, banks and other institutions. It includes a thorough introduction to economic analysis which aids the understanding of economic behavior.
3 credits. Prerequisites: none

ECO 120 Microeconomics
This is the first course which is a study of modern economic theory. It covers the economic role of consumers, businesses, governments, banks and other institutions. It includes a thorough introduction to economic analysis which aids the understanding of economic behavior.
3 credits. Prerequisites: none

ECO 210 Macroeconomic Analysis
This course builds upon the foundations put into place in ECO 120. It includes topics of current interest and incorporates the latest research in economic modeling.
3 credits. Prerequisites: ECO 110

ECO 220 Microeconomic Analysis
This course builds upon the foundations put into place in ECO 120. It includes topics of current interest and incorporates the latest research in economic modeling.
3 credits. Prerequisites: ECO 120

ECO 324 Money & Banking
In this course, the student will acquire an understanding of the basis for monetary systems and the role played by banks in the creation and circulation of money. As this is a topic which is under constant evolution, current events in the financial world will be used to illustrate the various issues facing the banking industry in both a domestic and international context. Topics will include disintermediation, the origins and functions of the Federal Reserve System, central bank and EC controls, money-laundering regulations and the role of the global banking industry in LDC's.
3 credits. Prerequisites: ECO 110, ECO 120, ACC 110, ACC 120, FIN 210, FIN 220

ECO 450 International Economics
The first part of the course examines classical and modern international economic theory. The second half will apply the theoretical framework to current world international trade issues such as fiscal and monetary policy, exchange rate systems and the international monetary system.
3 credits. Prerequisites: ECO 110, ECO 120

ECO 460 Economic Evolution Since WWII
An examination of the major western European economies from 1945 to the present. The course focuses on France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy and Spain.
3 credits

FIN 210 Business Finance I
This is the first part of a course that provides a solid foundation in fundamental finance theory and practice. The course introduces such basic concepts as securities markets, interest rates and risk/return valuation models. In addition, the course concentrates on how managerial finance can be used to maximize the value of the firm.
3 credits. Prerequisites: ACC 110, ACC 120

FIN 220 Business Finance II
A continuation of the first semester course that provides a solid foundation in fundamental business finance theory and practice. The course introduces such basic concepts as securities markets, interest rates and risk/return valuation models. In addition, the course concentrates on how managerial finance can be used to maximize the value of the firm.
3 credits. Prerequisites: FIN 210

FIN 320 Investment Analysis
This course first provides the student with an understanding of the various investment vehicles available to corporate, institutional and individual investors, as well as the functioning of the markets through which these vehicles can be acquired. These include a range of equity and debt instruments, commodities, as well as options and other products. Methods of arriving at specific investment decisions are presented, with emphasis on valuation models and risk assessment factors.
3 credits. Prerequisites: FIN 210, FIN 220

FIN 340 Investment Management
This course deepens the student's understanding of the various investment vehicles available to corporate, institutional and individual investors, as well as the functioning of the markets through which these vehicles can be acquired. Methods of arriving at specific investment decisions are presented, with emphasis on valuation models and risk assessment factors.
3 credits. Prerequisites: FIN 320

FIN 450 International Finance
This course will enable the student to become familiar with the principal financial tools used by multinational corporations in the management of their business. After an overview of the international financial environment and the relevant institutions and markets, we will look at specific strategy options available to MNC's under various conditions. Emphasis will be given to related issues such as the effect of taxation, and the mitigation of political risk and FX exposure.
3 credits. Prerequisites: FIN 210, FIN 220

LAW 210 American Business Law
This course provides a thorough look at the basic principles of contract law in the United States and England. The formation of contracts, the policing and remedial functions of the law of contract, will be examined through a review of the relevant case law and legislation.
3 credits. Prerequisites: none

LAW 310 International Law
This course compares various law systems throughout the world, helping the student realize that one's own law system or that of the United States is not the only one. Law also grows out of historical and cultural values as well.
3 credits. Prerequisites: LAW 210

MGT 210 Process & Functions of Management
This course is a basic introduction to managment, both in its theoretical components and its practice. This course examines basic management philosophy from a variety of perspectives. Upon completion of this course, the student will have developed a basic understanding of the broad concepts that make up the field of management. The emphasis is on the essential functions that are necessary for the successful manager of the 1990s. Special emphasis will be placed on planning, organizing, leading and controlling. The student will also understand the role of the organization and its management in society and the external environment of the firm.
3 credits. Prerequisites: none

MGT 230 International Business
Examination of business activities across national borders with emphasis on the interaction and integration of the functional areas for effective strategic planning in multinational firms operating in developing, newly industrialized and developed countries.
3 credits. Prerequisites: none

MGT 300 European Business (Introduction To)
The objective of this course is to explore the key issues facing European business today and to account for and evaluate some of the strategic and operational responses to Europe’s evolving environment.
3 credits

MGT 320 Entrepreneurship I
This course focuses on all the aspects concerned with setting up and running a business. The legal forms of business are examined, then the market research necessary to prove the business is viable, then the various kinds of financing possible. The students are required to prepare a Business Plan on a fictitious or real idea of setting up a business.
3 credits. Prerequisites: FIN 210, FIN 220, MKT 210

MGT 350 Logistics
This course gives the student an overview of the many dimensions of the complex and dynamic subject of logistics. The course focuses on a systems integration of physical distribution, manufacturing support, choice of transport modes, and presents a comprehensive description of materials management, inventory, information technology and location analysis.
3 credits. Prerequisites: MGT 230

MGT 400 European Business Strategies
European Business Strategy will be studied through intensive lectures and broad-based business analysis primarily through the use of case studies. The focus is on structure and strategy of European business in both old and new Europe. Case studies will include US and European companies active in the European market. Students will work individually and in groups to prepare business cases in sectors experiencing rapid change including among others the aviation, automobile, media,telecommunications and green industries.
3 credits. Prerequisites: FIN 220, ECO 110, ECO 120, MKT 210

MGT 410 Strategic Management
This course is essentially a "capstone" on business education, incorporating all principles of prior business courses and applying these elements to practical, real-life models through assigned case analyses. Both subjective and objective judgement will be required for a complete and satisfactory resolution. The general objective is the broadening of the understanding of the nature and dynamics of complex organizations and the interplay of the various business disciplines (accounting, finance, personnel, management, marketing, economics) in the successful management and leadership of these organizations. The particular objective is the development and utilization of skills in situational analysis and decision-making and in the oral and written communication necessary to effective implementation.
3 credits. Prerequisites: MGT 210

MGT 420 European Community Law & Business Implications
This course is essentially a « capstone » on business education, incorporating all principles of prior business courses and applying these elements to practical, real-life models through assigned case analyses.
3 credits. Prerequisites: LAW 210, LAW 310

MGT 430 Art, Creativity & Entrepreneurship
This course is a “capstone” on today’s visual arts putting the emphasis on both the variety and complexity of emerging artistic practices, and the very unique kind of entrepreneurs artists are. The objective of this course is on one hand to help students to apprehend current art works, to bring out and unleash their own artistic streak and to comprehend the society we live in through a different but, most of the time, accurate prism, i.e. art; on the other hand to grasp the idea that being an artist implies a specific type of management, based on intuition.
3 credits. Prerequisites: 3rd or 4th year business student

MIS 110 Management of Information Systems I
This course will emphasize the use of computers in office work, problem solving and the preparation of documents. This requires an ability to know which applications can be best applied to which problems, as well as the ability to learn and implement new software packages. The course will introduce computer hardware, user’s interface WINDOWS 98/2000 and applications software such as WORDPROCESSING and SPREADSHEETS. The classes will take place in a computer laboratory where each student will have an access to a PC.
3 credits. Prerequisites: none

MIS 120 Management of Information Systems II
This is a continuation of the 1st semester’s course. Students will master the ability to learn and implement new software packages. They will become experienced users of such products as EXCEL, POWERPOINT, and ACCESS. The purpose of this course is to help prepare future managers to provide leadership in managing the use of information system technology. The classes will take place in a computer laboratory where each student will have an access to a PC.
3 credits. Prerequisites: MIS 110

MIS 310 Infrastructure for e-Commerce and Internet Marketing
The aim of this course is to learn how to develop business web sites by using FrontPage, along with HTML, XML, CSS, SQL data base amangement, and other e-business software. The course is hands on, with students developing their own personal web site with multiple, hypothetical business applications, and a group site which simulates a successful e-business site.
3 credits. Prerequisites: MIS 110, MIS 220, MKT 210

MIS 320 E-Commerce and Internet Marketing
This objective of this course is to understand e-business from both theoretical and practical viewpoints. The instructor will present most material in lecture format. Students will be able to understand the concepts of successful e-business, and be able to apply these concepts to current business models on the internet.
3 credits. Prerequisites: MIS 110, MIS 120

MKT 210 Principles of Marketing
An examination of the social and economic implications of marketing for profit and nonprofit institutions, market structure and behavior, marketing institutions, channels of distribution for consumer and industrial goods, pricing and promotion.
3 credits. Prerequisites: none

MKT 320 Advertising
An examination of the various forms of marketing communication, both mass and personal, paid-for and free, are described and discussed. Examples of marketing communications are evaluated and the process of promotional planning is explored.
3 credits. Prerequisites: MKT 210

MKT 241 European Consumer Behavior
This course focuses on the social and cultural factors which influence European consumers. Even though Europe cannot be considered as a block (the European Union is made up of 27 different countries), there are identifiable differences in consumer behavior between Europeans and North Americans
3 credits

MKT 340 Marketing Research
An examination of the acquisition of information for marketing managment decision making, including the formulation of research problems, research design, data sources and collection methods, sampling design, data analysis and presentation of results.
3 credits. Prerequisites: MKT 210, QNT 210, QNT 220

MKT 350 International Marketing
The main emphasis of the course will be on practical experience through the development of a well-conceived international marketing plan. You will develop an understanding of the tools and techniques used in the markdeting of goods and services on a global basis and gain experience in formulating international marketing policies. The student will gain a working knowledge of international marketing terms and concepts. He/she will develop a managerial viewpoint of marketing decion making and gain a basic knowledge of the global environment. The course will attempt to sharpen your analytical and critical skills through case studies and the regular reading and analyzing of current events.
3 credits. Prerequisites: MKT 210

MKT 370 Business Marketing
This course examines industrial products and services, better know as “ business-to-business ” marketing in comparison to consumer product marketing. The student learns about the purchasing, promotion and pricing methods in BTB marketing, as well as the channels of distribution. Provides students with in-depth exposure to the industrial marketing environment and addresses issues which need to be resolved prior to implementing industrial marketing strategies and policies.
3 credits. Prerequisites: MKT 210

MKT 380 Selling
This course tries to furnish the student with an understanding of all aspects of the selling process from the sales management to the sales force point of view. It summarizes the effect of selling in a market economy and applies theories of buyer motivation. To examine effective selling techniques, you have to understand the company, its products and the selling environment. Students learn to demonstrate a product and/or service. Students learn to develop applications of advertsing and effective sales presentations in the preparation of a complete sales presentation step by step.
3 credits. Prerequisites: MKT 210

MKT 390 Sports Marketing
The aim of this course is to provide students with an introduction to the concepts and theories unique to sports marketing and review the basic priciples of marketing in the context of sports. This course seeks to cover all of the relevant issues in designing an integrated marketing strategy.
3 credits. Prerequisites: MKT 210

PHI 310 Business Ethics
Increasingly, emphasis is being placed by society on the need for the business community to behave in a "responsible" manner. Does this lead necessarily to conflict with a firm's legitimate drive to earn profits ? This course will provide a forum to examine the principal ethical areas which impact business, such as insider information, deceptive advertising, public health and safety. The discussion will focus on possible motivations behind "unethical" behavior, the legal environment, and the usefulness of internal measures to control this problem.
3 credits. Prerequisites: none

QNT 210 Business Statistics
This course provides second year students with an overall picture of the scope and structure of business statistics. The objective of this course is to proovide the students with a practical understanding of some widely used statistical tools and methods and the ability to use this knowledge to prepare a quantitative study, process the gathered data and interpret its results.
3 credits. Prerequisites: MAT 120

PRO 310 Productions & Operation Management
This course provides second year students with the broad concepts that make up the field of Operations Management. It focuses on the design, operation and control of productive systems.
3 credits. Prerequisites: QNT 210

QNT 220 Quantitative Analysis
This course provides second year students with an overall picture of the nature and scope of quantitative techniques. It describes several of the quantitative methods, explains how they work and shows how they can be applied and interpreted. It emphasizes real-worl problems and the role of modeling in solving such problems. The focus will be kept on the relationship between problem and model.
3 credits. Prerequisites: QNT 210

French Language, Culture, Regional Studies & Liberal Arts

ART 110 Impressionism
This is a course designed to give students a foundation in the origins and developments of the impressionist art movement in Europe. The objective of this course is to help students appreciate art and make students more aware of the legacy of art and its impact on human civilization.
3 credits. Prerequisites: none
40 € museum fee

ART 120 Post-Impressionism
This class explores the rich period in French art that follows the heyday of Impressionism and which is characterized by a great variety of styles and artistic ambitions. We will examine the later art of founding members of the Impressionist Movement like Monet, Renoir and Cézanne. We will look at Seurat’s search for a scientific painting style in Divisionism, the expressive and symbolic use of colour by Van Gogh and Gaugin, the importance of myth and legend to the Symbolists (Moreau and Redon) and the search for a new decorative style in the art of the Nabis and Toulouse-Lautrec at the end of the 19th century.
3 credits. Prerequisites: none
40 € museum fee

ENG 101 Academic Methodology
This is a class to help students organize their time, to develop efficient study skills and habits and to learn the techniques required in the production of an academic research paper and reports.
3 credits. Prerequisites: none

ENG 110 Critical Reading & Writing I
The objective of this class is to develop students' abilities to read analytically and write clearly, using literature to illustrate how messages can be conveyed and constructed. Special attention will also be paid to editing and peer analysis.
3 credits. Prerequisites: none

ENG 120 Critical Reading & Writing II
This is the continuation of the first semester course. The objective of this class is to develop students' abilities to read analytically and write clearly, using literature to illustrate how messages can be conveyed and constructed. Special attention will also be paid to editing and peer analysis.
3 credits. Prerequisites: ENG 110

ENG 130 Communication Techniques/Speech
This is a highly participative course helping students to assess and improve their own communication competencies. Students will explore different techniques for public speaking and presentations in a variety of situations.
3 credits. Prerequisites: ENG 101, ENG 110

ENG 210 Advanced Critical Thinking I
This class has two main OBJECTIVES: the first is to refine the student’s ability to express himself clearly and in a manner which is appropriate to an American academic situation as well as his capacity to carry out deeper analysis of denser texts.
3 credits. Prerequisites: ENG 110, ENG 120

ENG 220 Advanced Critical Thinking II
This class has two main OBJECTIVES: the first is to refine the student's ability to express him clearly and in manner which is appropriate to an American academic situation as well as his capacity to carry out deeper analysis of denser texts.
3 credits. Prerequisites: ENG 210

ENG 311 American Writers in Paris
Gertrude Stein wrote in Paris, France "American is my country but Paris is my hometown." Although few Americans lived in France as long as Stein or identified with Paris to the same degree, Paris has long attracted Americans who have sought to express in word, paint, photography and music their responses to this unfamiliar world. However, if Paris offered a glimpse into another culture, another way of life, it was also a mirror which revealed their own values, their own thoughts and concerns. Most writers, in other words, brought their "hometown" to Paris. In so doing they reveal to us a complex meshing of imagination and experience with which we can compare and glimpse our own presence in France. In this course, we will first discuss the general theoretical issues addressed by the writers. Then, we will sample various short selections from various authors so as to gain some insight into the social, political and intellectual concerns that Americans have brought with them. Finally, we will read 4 novels written in the 20th century. Although the "American Writer in Paris" is the focus of this course, we too are writers who have brought ourselves to the French capital. Not only, then, will we immerse ourselves in the haunts and places our writers have known, but we will also record our own impressions and share them with one another.
3 credits. Prerequisites: ENG 110, 120, 210, 220

ENG 494 Post World War II French Cinema and Society
Students will study folklore, especially in relationship to storytelling and the fairy tale. A familiarity with myth/oral narrative, the contemporary legend, and the folk/fairy tale enables students to see themselves as part of a larger cultural story as well as recognize and validate particular stories that give meaning to their own experience. We will study how folklore motifs travel through history and genre. In addition, students will explore the theory and evolution of these genres in relationship to ideologies of culture such as gender and politics. As a result of this work, students will become aware of the power and intricacy of folklore and how pervasive fairy tale imagery is in the contemporary life of western culture.
3 credits. Prerequisites: ENG 110, 120, 210, 220

FRE 110-120 Elementary French
The study of French pronunciation, vocabulary and grammar at beginner's level. The student concentrates on mastering the basics of the French language through various exercises. The emphasis is on oral communication skills, but with attention to written French as well.
3 credits. Prerequisites: none

FRE 210-220 Intermediate French
This is a continuation of the elementary French course. There will be a complete review of the structure of the French language with emphasis on the oral aspect of the language. Listening comprehension and reading skills are also stressed. Additional emphasis will be placed on mastering French grammar.
3 credits. Prerequisites: FRE 120

FRE 250-260 Advanced French
This is a continuation of the intermediate French course. There will be a complete review of the structure of the French language with emphasis on the oral aspect of the language. Listening comprehension and reading skills are also stressed. Additional emphasis will be placed on civilization and culture.
3 credits. Prerequisites: FRE 220

FRE 320 French Civilization (Paris & French Society)
Wine, cheese, baguette, Hexagon, Marianne, Asterix, all symbols (recognizable or not) of France. This course is a look into what constitutes the roots of French society. An outsider is certainly familiar with some aspects of French culture, buyt in your stay here we will try to uncover the more subtle sides of French civilization that make the French so complex. The backdrop of the course is the History of Paris, and will be supplemented with field trips to help you discover the city and its environs.
3 credits. Prerequisites: none
This course requires a €40 museum fee.

GER 110 Intermediate German I
This course is designed for those students possessing a basic knowledge of German. The focus is on perfecting oral and written skills in the German language.
3 credits. Prerequisites: none

GER 120 Intermediate German I
This course is a continuation of the first-semester course. It reinforces and adds to what the students already know. The focus is on perfecting oral and written skills in the German language, with an additional focus on the German culture(s).
3 credits. Prerequisites: GER110

HIS 210 American History I
The objective of this course is to acquaint students with the development of the United States from its colonial inception through the development and consolidations of its political, economic and social institutions by period up to the Reconstruction following the civil War.
3 credits: Prerequisites: none

HIS 220 American History II
This is the second half of the first-year American history course. The objective of this course is to acquaint students with the development of the United States from the War of Secession up to the present day through its political, economic and social institutions.
3 credits: Prerequisites: HIS 210

HIS 344 Nation, Race and Citizenship: America and France
In the late 18th century, two nations dedicated to the principles of Republican government burst open the political world. The one, United States of America, announced in the Declaration of Independence (1776) that "all men are created equal… endowed by their creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." The other, France, claimed in the Declaration of the Rights of Man (1789) that "Men are born free and equal in rights." And yet, America was a slave society and did not legally rule that discrimination was illegal until 1954. And France, constructed a world wide colonial system that included slavery in various of its territories. In this course, we will explore in literature, film, essay, political discourse and popular culture questions of race and constructions of the national identity in both America and France in the 19th and 20th centuries. Particular attention will be given to the experience and writings of African, African American and Maghrebian (North African) writers in France. We will also make use of two landmark book stores, Shakespeare and Company and Présence Africaine (centers for literary readings and conversation) where we can engage those who live the content of this course. The Paris and the France most Americans experience is the well traveled path to be found in the pages of travel guides. Political events and street demonstrations of the last few years, however, suggest that we need to pay attention to a Paris that does not appear in these travel guides.
3 credits: Prerequisites: European History course

HIS 431 History of Modern France
The course will travel the path of modern France’s historical evolution, encounter some of its most celebrated literary and political personalities and examine some of its most enduring obstacles to achieving the principles of its own revolutionary platform, “liberty, equality, and fraternity.”
3 credits

MAT 101 Basic Mathematics
This course is an overview of the basics of Mathematics. It should help students who have some difficulties in mathematical calculations and should enable them to follow easily the MATH 110 course. It should help students meet the requirements of business today. A strong emphasis is placed on exercises and individual work.
3 credits. Prerequisites: none

MAT 110 Pre-Calculus Mathematics
This course provides the fundamental basis in mathematics necessary to prepare students who need an algebra-trigonometry review to bridge the gap between elementary algebra and the more advanced courses in precalculus mathematics. It is designed to meet the goal of developing mathematical skills, instill confidence, and incorporate an ability to solve problems quickly and accurately, relevant to the demands of modern business.
3 credits. Prerequisites: none

MAT 120 Calculus
This course is the continuation of the first-semester mathematics course. It is designed to illustrate the many applications of calculus to the management sciences. It will provide the first year student with knowledge of the tools that will be needed in Economics, Accounting or Statistics.
3 credits. Prerequisites: MAT 110

MGT 110 Intercultural Studies
The objective of this course is to give every student an understanding of the complexity of the environment in which they find themselves at school, in th eir host country and in internships in foreign countries. Students will learn how to analyse the culytural framework in which they find themselves. They will learn how to work in harmony with people from different cultural environments. This growth in understanding will help students develop a much more open-minded approach to cultural differences and an tolerance for ambiguity. This tolerance & open-mindedness will later serve them in their international careers where the ability to adapt and integrate quickly are greatly appreciated.
3 credits. Prerequisites: none

POL 210 International Relations
Basic concepts and processes of world politics will be illustrated through the analysis of power rivalries, competing images and ideologies and transformation of world economic relations. Students should acquire a basic understanding of the nation state system, power relationships, the balance of power, and of political and economic relations among nations so that they will be more aware and informed as world citizens.
3 credits. Prerequisites: none

POL 333A The Anthropology of Tourism
Tourism is the largest sector of the rapidly growing global economy. The course will focus on two cities, Paris and Honolulu, as they are emblematic destinations of global tourism.
3 credits

POL 333 Global Cities- Paris
This course will treat Paris as a text for investigating some of the tensions between a modernist and post-modernist experience of the global city. Utilizing both readings about urban space and experience, end empirical investigations of Paris, this course will try to frame the central questions that global cities and their citizens now face. Thus, rather than treat Paris as a city unto itself, it will examine Paris as a site of contested meanings, diverse flows of people, competing orders of governance: as a city of the globe.
3 credits

PSY 110 Introduction to Psychology
This course is an introduction to the basic concepts and methods of psychology. Primary emphasis is on the study of human behavior, motivation, emotion, intelligence and personality.
3 credits. Prerequisites: none

SCI 110 Environmental Science
This course is an introduction to the basic concepts and methods of environmental science – study of the environment of Earth, man’s effect on the environment and solutions to environmental problems. Special stress is laid on the management of the invironment in industry and on the economic effects of environmental degradation and improvement.
3 credits. Prerequisites: none