Introduction to Law and Development (LAW351H1F)

At a Glance

First Term
Credits
3
Hours
2
Perspective course
ICT

Enrolment

Maximum
42
33 JD
9 LLM/SJD/MSL/NDEGS/SJD U

Schedule

W: 4:10 - 6:00
Instructor(s): Mariana Mota Prado

This course satisfies either the Perspective or the International/Comparative/Transnational perspective course requirement.

Note: The Blackboard program will be used for this course. Students must self-enrol in Blackboard prior to the start of school in both terms in order to obtain course information.

Law can play an important role in promoting economic, social, political and human development around the world. The purpose of this course is to understand how, when and why it could do so. The materials will be primarily focused on developing countries. After a general introduction to the idea that “law matters” for development, students will be invited to analyze a variety of development problems in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Topics will relate to first year courses (such as contracts and property) and broader legal issues such as constitutional design of political systems and the structure and functioning of the judiciary. In addition, students will be exposed to the history of the development discourse and important concepts in international development, such as the Breton Woods institutions (World Bank and IMF), Foreign Aid, Foreign Direct Investment, Globalization, International Trade, and Rule of Law reforms.

Evaluation
4 discussion papers of 1000-1250 words each, based on the readings and class discussion (no outside research is required). Each paper will be worth 25% of the final grade. There will be no final paper. Papers will be spaced throughout the semester.