English   Danish

2022/2023  BA-BPOLV2012U  After Trump: US Politics, Business and the World Economy

English Title
After Trump: US Politics, Business and the World Economy

Course information
Language English
Course ECTS 7.5 ECTS
Type Elective
Level Bachelor
Duration One Semester
Start time of the course Autumn
Timetable Course schedule will be posted at calendar.cbs.dk
Max. participants 60
Study board
Study Board for BSc/MSc i International Business and Politics, BSc
Course coordinator
  • Edward Ashbee - Department of International Economics, Goverment and Business (EGB)
Main academic disciplines
  • International political economy
  • Political leadership and public management
  • Political Science
Teaching methods
  • Face-to-face teaching
Last updated on 01-02-2022

Relevant links
Learning objectives
  • Evaluate the key features of US policymaking processes and assess their relevance for firms and business organizations
  • Identify, analyze and evaluate the relevant concepts and theories used in the study of US domestic and foreign policymaking
  • Assess contemporary economic trends in both the US and across the world economy and their likely consequences for firms
  • Analyze and evaluate the US’s changing position in the global economy.
  • Relate concepts and theories to empirical evidence
  • Construct and sustain coherent and structured arguments in a well-reasoned manner using frameworks, approaches and methods drawn from the social sciences and based upon an understanding of competing perspectives.
Examination
After Trump: US Politics, Business and the World Economy:
Exam ECTS 7,5
Examination form Home assignment - written product
Individual or group exam Individual exam
Size of written product Max. 10 pages
Assignment type Written assignment
Duration 7 days to prepare
Grading scale 7-point grading scale
Examiner(s) One internal examiner
Exam period Winter and Autumn
Make-up exam/re-exam
Same examination form as the ordinary exam
Description of the exam procedure

The examination paper will consist of questions drawn from the syllabus. Sample questions will be published ahead of the exam and considered in an assignment workshop. 
Course content, structure and pedagogical approach

The course will initially consider the character of policymaking processes and the openings that business interests can use to influence and shape policy outcomes. There will be a particular focus on economic policy. Students will also be introduced to different theoretical frameworks that are - or can be - employed  in the study of US policy processes.

 

On basis of this the course then turns to look at the US’s role in the world. The classes will consider the different actors involved in the making of foreign policy and the character of the US relationships with the countries of the European Union and other major powers. It will ask about the extent to which Donald Trump’s years in office changed the US and its standing across the world. Has the US been weakened or strengthened?  Is there a process of "deglobalization"? Has protectionism become the "new normal"? Are global supply chains under threat? Do multinational companies and other firms need to change their strategies? Is the US being surpassed as global "hegemon"? And, insofar as there have been changes, are these likely to be temporary or enduring shifts? And what are the implications for Europe and Asia?

 

 

In sum the course places business knowledge about US within a broad economic and political context, explores the ambiguous character of relevant economic data, assesses the responses of  firms and promotes critical thinking. 

Description of the teaching methods
The course will be structured around interactive classes with opportunities for questions and student contributions. All students will be encouraged to participate fully. We facilitate the formation of study groups so that the assigned reading is approached collectively and there is a basis for relevant activity outside of the classroom.
Feedback during the teaching period
There will be an assignment workshop to ensure that students approach the examination assignment in a considered and structured way. Furthermore, students are encouraged to form study groups consisting of 4-5 students. Each such study group will be offered a staff office hours session so as to ‘test’ ideas and engage in dialogue.
Student workload
Preparation time (assigned readings, group work etc) 130 hours
Classes and workshops 38 hours
Exam (including exam preparation) 45 hours
Expected literature

 

Richard Johnson (2021) US Foreign Policy: Domestic Roots and International Impact, Bristol University Press

 

 

B Guy Peters (2021) American Public Policy: Promise and Performance, 12th edition, CQ Press / Sage Publishing

 
Last updated on 01-02-2022