Overview of Course

Race, Culture, Sex and Business is an interdisciplinary course that will explore the roles that intersecting identities play in determining who becomes an entrepreneur and whether businesses are created and operate out necessity or opportunities to innovate and grow. We will also examine the role of race, culture and sex in the leadership and governance of established organizations. We will use institutional and critical theories to study the historical norms of the countries on our voyage and discuss how global social movements have shaped the evolution of these roles in business transactions and leadership. Students will research the impact of cultural norms, practices, rules, and laws on decision making, inclusion and access to resources. Students will have opportunities to learn about country-specific issues related to race, culture, sex and business directly during field experiences. Our field class will include a visit with necessity and opportunity-based entrepreneurs in South Africa, or a similar experience elsewhere. Through a combination of readings, interactive exercises, field classes, projects and exams, students upon completing this course will understand why social norms and expectations are important to entrepreneurship engagement, organization and outcomes.