Course Descriptions
The program begins Sunday, May 30, 2010 with an orientation, and concludes on Sunday, June 27, 2010.
Students normally enroll in two courses selected from the courses listed below for a total of six (6) semester hours of credit. All courses taught in Spanish will be interpreted into English. Selected courses taught in English will be interpreted into Spanish.
Overview of Mexican Business Law - Profs. W. MacPherson, P. Vasquez Nieto, and Others
This course discusses NAFTA, the structure of the Mexican legal system, law, and legal profession. This is a comparative study of the Mexican legal systems presented in the context of Mexican legal history, language, and culture. Some Spanish legal terminology is discussed to study the differences between Mexican and American law. Mexican law of interest to non-Mexican persons investing or doing business in Mexico, such as contract, corporate, labor law, and tax law will be discussed.
[3 cr.] MTWThF 9:00 to 10:50 a.m.
NAFTA and Trade in the Americas - Profs. J. Ramirez and W. Grimes
This course introduces students to the substantive legal, procedural and institutional aspects of NAFTA. Students will develop tools for transnational practice by analyzing the myriad of legal issues involved in the trade of goods and services, including investment and intellectual property protection among the countries of Canada, Mexico and the U.S. Special attention will be given to methods of resolving disputes under NAFTA, and to the controversies of environmental and labor law enforcement under the NAFTA Side Agreements. Prospects for future integrations, such as the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA), CAFTA, and others, will be examined.
[3 cr.] MTWThF 11:00-12:50 p.m.
International Business Transactions - Profs. Nathalie Martin and Stewart Paley
This course provides an introduction to transactional work undertaken by international business attorneys. The course focuses on international sales, and is taught based on realistic problems that clients in international transactions might face. We use simulations and other interactive techniques in an attempt to show students what it would be like to practice law in this area. The course has a cultural component as well, through which students consider how local culture affects the way that business is conducted throughout the world. Where appropriate, the course will focus on business transactions in Latin America.
[3 cr.] MTWThF 3:00-4:50 p.m.
Political, Economic, and Social Issues’ Impact on Mexican Law -
Prof. F. Patrón and Others
This course will be divided into two parts. The first part will present an overview of present-day Mexico, focusing on the evolution of the political system, contemporary social problems and economic development of Mexico. This part will also focus on the major problems of the country in order to consolidate democracy and to tackle social disparities. The second two weeks will focus on the evolution of the Mexican legal system given contemporary political, social and economic conditions.
[3 cr.] MTWThF 5:30-7:20 p.m.
