Business and Social Issues in a Legal Context
LLM (Business Law), Faculty of Law
Chulalongkorn University

Course Outline

See the course syllabus online (pdf).Note that the schedule and some readings are subject to amendment.

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Assigned Texts

• See the course syllabus online (pdf)
• University of Victoria Policy on Academic Integrity;

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Course Description, Objectives and Methods

Course Description

Social issues and corporate social responsibilities are increasingly important and inseparable from business considerations, whether trade in goods, trade in services or investment. This course focuses on the following: how environmental considerations, labor standards, human rights, anti-corruption, the protection of local culture, and other social issues affect international business ; and how global/regional trading regimes, international institutions and national governments respond to these issues.

NOTE: Prof. Morris's section of the course will focus on international human rights and corporate social responsibility. Dr. Baumgarten will focus 3 or 4 classes on corruption, and Dr. Kanongnij will focus 3 or 4 classes on environmental issues. The final exam will be jointly created by all three instructors.

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Course Objectives

By the end of this course, it is envisioned that participants will:

• be aware of international human rights frameworks including the UN framework, ASEAN and national frameworks relevant to corporations and businesses; (Prof. Morris)
• have a basic understanding of human rights norms contained in several international human rights instruments and conventions including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and several UN Conventions and Declarations, ILO Conventions or other instruments such as the Millenium Development Goals (MDGs), UN Guidelines on Transnational Corporations, and OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises; (Prof. Morris)
• be aware of several international human rights frameworks, such as the United Nations, ILO and ASEAN and their limitations regarding accountability of corporations and businesses; (Prof. Morris)
• understand emerging concepts and principles of "corporate social responsibility" (CSR) including norms and frameworks such as the UN Global Compact, OECD guidelines; as well as the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs); (Prof. Morris)
• in the context of international human rights norms and CSR frameworks and principles, discuss several relevant cases involving international human rights issues, labour issues and protection of local culture (Prof. Morris);
• be aware of social issues and norms regarding corruption (Dr. Baumgarten, 3 or 4 classes)
• be aware of social issues regarding the environment (Dr. Kanongnij, 3 or 4 classes).

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Instructional Methods

• readings,
• lectures,
• student presentations and class discussions,
• research and writing assignments.

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Course Assignments and Evaluation

See the course syllabus online (pdf)

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Class schedule and readings (subject to amendment)

See the course syllabus online (pdf)