The module aims to develop and deepen students’ understanding and awareness of the most pressing law and social justice issues arising in the context economic globalisation and contemporary governance of business enterprise. It aims to provide students with an opportunity to gain and refine their skills of research, critical reasoning, project and time management, and legal writing relevant to the topic. It aims to prepare students for dealing with complex legal issues relating to the increasingly important responsible business agenda, including the issues of corporate accountability, sustainability, and inclusive trade and commerce.

(LO1) At the end of the module, you will be able to conduct research into complex concepts at the intersection of social justice and international economic law, international business law and corporate governance

(LO2) At the end of the module, you will be able to analyse critically the function and impact of emerging legal frameworks as they shape the societal effects of corporations and international trade relations

(LO3) At the end of the module, you will be able to make reasoned and evidence-based judgements in complex and rapidly evolving areas of law, including those governing trade, investment, commerce and IP

(LO4) At the end of the module, you will be able to articulate the new and ongoing law and policy challenges and solutions relating to embedding the social in global economic relations and the daily operation of contemporary business enterprise

(S1) Communication (oral, written and visual) (inc. referencing and presentation skills)

(S2) Critical thinking and problem solving - Critical analysis

(S3) Critical thinking and problem solving - Synthesis

(S4) Critical thinking and problem solving - Research

The specific syllabus may vary each year to reflect contemporary events and legal developments and will be confirmed in the Module Handbook. An indicative syllabus will comprise, and build on, the following core areas: (1) law, global trade and society; (2) current debates on corporate responsibility and accountability, including business and human rights; (3) societal impacts of the law governing technology and intellectual property rights.

Teaching Method 1: Lectures

Description: Initial lectures at the start of the module will introduce the key issues and signpost your independent research around the module and syllabus. A final lecture will synthesise the core themes from the module and offer feedback to the group on the assessed presentations.

Attendance Recorded: Yes

Scheduled Directed Student Hours: 6 (3x 2 hour lectures)

Unscheduled Directed Student Hours: 0

Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method 2: Seminars

Description: Interactive seminars based on a reading and question list communicated to students before the seminar in light of the module syllabus. Seminars will offer a space to engage critically, in a group setting, with the historical and contemporary issues of law, international business and social justice.

Attendance Recorded: Yes

Scheduled Directed Student Hours: 8 x 2 hours

Unscheduled Directed Student Hours: 0