Business and Trade in the Middle East And North Africa

Catalog description

This course exposes students to business practices and their histories in the Middle East and North Africa. For example, a "Souk phenomenon" exists where a series of merchants sell the same products in a designated area, each attracting different customers. Being geographically located on the silk road shaped the attitudes, practices, and psyches of the Arabs. This course demonstrates the importance of trade in forming a people's cosmopolitanism and vice versa. Furthermore, the relevance of multilingualism in laughing "start-ups" in Tunisia, Morocco, and Egypt connects the Arab world with European countries such as France, Italy, and Germany. Students will discover the cultural meaning of "Baksheesh" in the region and the history behind the term. Doing business in the Arab world calls for open-mindedness, knowledge of the nuances between Abu Dhabi, Cario, and Rabat, and understanding of the history behind business culture in this ancient region. Fulfills Core Requirements: Diversity (DIV) and Cultural Elective (CE).