Comparative Corp. Governance Comparative Corporate Governance

This course will compare how different European countries (e.g. Germany, Italy, and France) deal with significant corporate governance issues primarily involving publicly traded corporations as compared to the United States. Some of the issues that may be covered include formation, structure, allocation of power, ownership, shareholder voting and governance issues. There will also be some discussion of the European Union harmonization efforts through Directives on Company and Securities Law. In addition, the issue of the effect of globalization and will different systems converge will be covered. While some knowledge of American Corporate and Partnership Law would be helpful, it is not a prerequisite since there will be a basic introduction and discussion of American law. This course is offered as part of the summer study abroad program in Bologna, Italy. The course is not offered every year.