International Accounting for Business Majors

Abstract

An International Accounting course can meet the needs of both accounting and non-accounting business majors even if it is designed with only the first financial accounting course as a prerequisite. The course is concept-based rather than rule-based. The paper offers a suggested outline based on the International Accounting course at Weber State University. The course provides students with the opportunity to develop their understanding of international business topics through library and Internet research, writing assignments, oral presentations and group work. The intended outcome of the course is that all business students have an understanding of relevant international accounting issues, the nature of GAAP differences, and the limitations of financial statement comparisons across countries. Students compare domestic and foreign financial statements throughout the course. If a textbook is used, it must be adapted to fit the limited course prerequisite. A list of suggested Internet sites and a list of research topics are included as appendixes.