Transnational Business and Human Rights

Note: This course satisfies the International/Comparative/Transnational course requirement.

This seminar addresses the emerging field of transnational business and human rights through an interdisciplinary approach that incorporates international law, corporate law, anthropology, and business ethics.  In this course, students will gain an understanding of a variety of topics, including the role of the corporation and the question of corporate social responsibility, existing legal mechanisms for seeking greater corporate accountability (including international law, domestic supply chain disclosure laws, mandatory human rights due diligence laws, forced labour import bans, and litigation); the challenges of protecting human rights within global supply chains; and shareholder activism on human rights.  The course format will combine lecturing and discussion with role-playing simulations and small group exercises.