Academics

Course Descriptions

Study Abroad Courses

These courses are offered in conjunction with the Law School's Study Abroad Programs.

Chinese Law Summer Program (2 cr. or 5 cr.) D726 The program focuses on the legal aspects of China's emerging market economy and the new opportunities for foreign trade and investment in China. In addition, students are introduced to the Chinese legal system, including its dispute resolution mechanisms and lawyering system. The program examines the formal structure of the Chinese political system by providing instruction in China's constitutional law. Law-related field trips extend the classroom beyond the campus to legal institutions in the city of Beijing, such as the People's National Congress, the People's Supreme Court and an international arbitration forum. Instruction is given by distinguished faculty of Renmin (People's) University of China School of Law and by a member of the Indiana University law faculty who acts as resident professor. In addition to the lectures and law-related field trips, the program also offers cultural excursions in and around Beijing, including visits to the Great Wall of China, Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Summer Palace.

Human Rights Issues from Central and Eastern Europe Before the European Court of Human Rights (1 cr.) DN671 is part of the summer study abroad program in Dubrovnik, Croatia, and will provide an introduction to the supranational system for the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms provided under the European Convention. Subsequently, it will analyze important cases that have come to Strasbourg from Central and Eastern Europe and how they have confronted the Court with new issues. A specific question will be about the advancement of European human rights protection via case law originating in Central and Eastern Europe, both at the European and at the national level.

Legal Aspects of Doing Business in Central and Eastern Europe - the American and the European Perspective (2 cr.) DN668 is part of the summer study abroad program in Dubrovnik, Croatia, and will provide foundational knowledge about the possibilities and the legal environment for doing business in Central and Eastern European Countries (CEECs). The course covers aspects of business law, corporate law, and EU internal market law, as well as cultural and historic aspects that influence the foreign investment climate. One part is taught from a European perspective and specifically highlights differences between the U.S. and CEECs. An additional focus is on the changing nature of doing business in CEECs as they are becoming EU Member States. The other part is taught from an American perspective. In that part, there will be an economic overview of major CEECs and an analysis of managerial, social and legal aspects of entrepreneurship in CEECs as they differ from the U.S., as well as information about the financial sector transformation.

Real Estate Acquisition and Ownership in Central and Eastern Europe (1 cr.) DN670 is part of the summer study abroad program in Dubrovnik, Croatia, and will provide an overview of problems related to real estate acquisition and ownership in Central and Eastern European Countries (CEECs). These problems are unique to the region and part of the Soviet legacy and several waves of expropriations before and after World War II. They have a significant impact on foreign direct investment and the possibilities of economic operators to raise capital in these countries today.

The EU and Central and Eastern Europe -- Judicial Systems (1 cr.) DN669 is part of the summer study abroad program in Dubrovnik, Croatia. The course focuses on the organization and the role of the judiciary in the European Union. It explains the interaction between the European Court of Justice and courts of the member states, specifically addressing changes that membership in the EU imposes on the judiciary in member states and how countries of central and eastern europe have addressed the pressures of EU membership.

The EU and Central and Eastern Europe -- Legal Transformations (1 cr.) DN667 is part of the summer study abroad program in Dubrovnik,Croatia, and looks at the public law side of the transition process in Central and Eastern European Countries. The specific focal points will be constitutional reform, as well as administrative and court reform.