LAW4549 · Corporations, ESG and society

Overview

This unit explores significant changes in real world expectations of the relationship between corporations and society, as exemplified by the current emphasis on environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations in corporate governance and finance. These changing expectations are reflected in legal and regulatory developments that impose obligations on corporations in relation to important socio-political issues, including climate change, human rights and social justice issues. Corporations and corporate activity are therefore no longer concerns solely for law students who envisage a career in corporate and commercial law. Students who embark on careers in business, government, international agencies and the practice of public, environmental and human rights law will also be required to engage with the law’s increasing expectations of corporations and their leaders. This unit will prepare students for this challenge.

Offerings

The Handbook publishes no offerings for this unit.

Assessment

The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

Learning outcomes

1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of major corporate theories and their links to society’s evolving conceptions of the role and responsibilities of corporations.
2. Demonstrate a critical understanding of law and regulation imposing enhanced obligations or responsibilities on corporations in relation to significant socio-political issues and an ability to apply such law and regulation to real-world scenarios.
3. Investigate, analyse and synthesise complex information, problems and concepts in relation to corporate law, policy and theory, and discuss these matters with confidence
4. Work collaboratively within a group to conduct research based on knowledge of appropriate research principles and methods and present the findings in an in-person group presentation incorporating real-world examples.

Workload

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. The unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.