LAW 771LEC - Current Issues in the US Economy

This course will explore current issues in the U.S. economy. Together we will take up events as they unfold in the news, so precision about what will be discussed is impossible. Similar courses in the past have addressed initial public offerings, major acquisitions, the collapse of financial institutions, bankruptcies, insider trading and other scandals, securities market structure, derivative and structured debt markets, government regulations (or failures to regulate), and actions taken by the Federal Reserve. Attention will be paid to events abroad, if they are of sufficient magnitude to affect US markets. Suffice it to say there will be plenty of material. The class will be taught based on group discussion. Participants will be expected to keep up with developments in the business press. Evaluation will be by in-class presentations, general participation, and weekly short papers. The class is open to all interested second and third year students. There are no prerequisites, but the basic course in Business Associations is recommended. At the student’s option, the Colloquium may be taken for seminar credit, with the permission of the instructor, in which case a substantial final paper is required. Finally, the course serves as the “colloquium” for students seeking the Finance and Development Concentration but who do not wish, or are unable, to spend a semester in the New York City Program.

Credits: 3