Transnational Business and Human Rights

Course aim

This course aims to assist the students to critically assesses global business and human rights nexus, and advance their cognitive, technical and creative skills  to explore and synthesise ‘real world’ scenarios relating to global business and human rights situations. It explores major issues within the interface between transnational corporations (TNCs) and global business, including human rights obligations of TNCs, the manner in which human rights are affected by TNCs, and the linkage between environmental rights, labour rights and the rights to do business in the era of globalisation. With a particular focus on the recent incidents that impact on our social, environmental and economic life, it examines the legal issues in the global framework for improving social responsibility and accountability of TNCs. 

Course content

1. Transnational business and human rights: Context and debate
2. International legal framework for globalization of business
3. Transnational corporations, their activities and theories of change
4. Case study: Ethical sourcing and labour rights in global supply chains
5. International legal framework for protecting human rights
6. Regulating transnational corporations in developing countries
7. Case study: Environmental pollution, sustainable development and corporate ethic
8. Human rights in the rise of ethical investment, branding and standardization regimes
9. Case study: ‘Corporate social responsibility’— voluntary or mandatory for TNCs?
10. Transnational business and human rights: Development and opportunities

Textbook(s)

., Readings will be provided

Prerequisite(s)

Nil

Corequisite(s)

Nil

Teaching method

Component	Duration
INTERNAL, CITY WEST
Seminar	3 hours x 10 weeks
INTERNAL, CITY WEST (INTENSIVE)
Seminar	30 hours x 1-2 weeks
EXTERNAL, CITY WEST, ONLINE
On-line activities	3 hours x 10 weeks

Note: These components may or may not be scheduled in every study period. Please refer to the timetable for further details.

Assessment

Presentation, Research paper

Fees

EFTSL*: 0.125
Commonwealth Supported program (Band 3)
To determine the fee for this course as part of a Commonwealth Supported program, go to:
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Fee-paying program for domestic and international students
International students and students undertaking this course as part of a postgraduate fee paying program must refer to the relevant program home page to determine the cost for undertaking this course.

Non-award enrolment
Non-award tuition fees are set by the university. To determine the cost of this course, go to:
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Not all courses are available on all of the above bases, and students must check to ensure that they are permitted to enrol in a particular course.

* Equivalent Full Time Study Load. Please note: all EFTSL values are published and calculated at ten decimal places. Values are displayed to three decimal places for ease of interpretation.