LL135: Introduction to Corporate Law and Governance

The need for corporate law and good governance has become increasingly apparent as large corporate scandals illustrate how some executives have maximised their interests at the expense of the company.

This course provides students with an introduction to corporate law and the legal and non-legal governance mechanisms which encourage directors to act in their company's best interest. Beginning with an introduction to company law, the course then considers the regulation and governance of companies.

Designed to situate corporate law and governance mechanisms in the economic and business context in which they operate, this course will engage you with important questions such as how do corporate law and governance mechanisms facilitate economic activity? As well as how do they respond to the problems generated by the organisational form of the company?

Using an explicitly comparative approach drawing on UK and US corporate law, as well as examples from continental European companies, you will understand the alternative ways corporate law can respond to different economic demands and problems.

Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for this course.

Level: 100 level. Read more information on levels in our FAQs

Fees: Please see Fees and payments

Lectures: 36 hours

Classes: 18 hours

Assessment: One examination and one essay

Typical credit: 3-4 credits (US) 7.5 ECTS points (EU)

Please note: Assessment is optional but may be required for credit by your home institution. Your home institution will be able to advise how you can meet their credit requirements. For more information on exams and credit, read Teaching and assessment

This course is ideal if you want to develop a well-rounded understanding of corporate law and governance and its implications for business. It is especially suitable if you are targeting a role in consulting, corporate law, regulation and business management.

• Understand the basic principles of legal systems and legal analysis
• Identify the different types of business organisation and corporate vocabulary
• Articulate how corporate law and governance mechanisms facilitate economic activity, and how they respond to the problems generated by the organisational form of the company
• Understand the different ways in which law can respond to economic demands and problems
• Illustrate the importance of the distribution of decision making power within an organisation

The design of this course is guided by LSE faculty, as well as industry experts, who will share their experience and in-depth knowledge with you throughout the course.