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.