Business History research at the Ross School of Business has centered around the history and socioeconomic impact of the nation's leading business, the auto industry. Based on this research an elective course in business history is offered to provide students with insights regarding the origins and the development of business structures and practices, with the goal of creating an informed foundation for business decisions. While focusing on business and economic history, the course also addresses global and American historical perspectives. The topics are enlivened by discussion of business personalities.