London School of Economics

In this survey course, students critically assess a selection of fundamental legal issues in the field of Information Technology (IT) Law. Students are introduced to key debates in technology and internet governance: do we need distinct legal rules to regulate technological systems? Who does, and should, enact these rules? Are technological systems like the Internet neutral, and should they be? Once students are equipped with this knowledge of technology governance and the challenges this poses for the law, they go on to consider how the law has responded to the challenges brought about by technological systems and the extent to which legal issues have shaped the development of information society policy. The course does this by examining the key issues under three headings: data; digital platforms and current challenges.

This course is an introduction to strategic management of global firms. It studies the patterns of business globalization and analyzes successful strategies of firms facing the challenges imposed by the international integration of markets and production processes. Topics include the changing structure of industries and the response of companies, both those based in the advanced industrial countries and those based in emerging markets, to increasing international competition and opportunities opened by international integration in terms of markets and efficiency gains. The content of the course reflects the increasing role played by emerging economies in international markets. 

This course examines public-policy making, its characteristics, determinants, and consequences in liberal democracies. The course first provides theoretical foundations from both economics and political science and then examines a number of topics from both theoretical and applied areas of political economy: collective action, electoral competition, fiscal policy and redistribution, bureaucracy, rent-seeking, regulation, information and accountability, and constitutional reforms.

This course examines the main economic aspects of the current development of the European Union (EU) and its policies. The course covers the process of European Integration and its economic impacts on individuals, firms, and regions. Special attention is devoted to the analysis of the economic opportunities and challenges generated by economic integration, and to the assessment of the policies designed to support this process and mitigate its potential side-effects. The course touches on the institutional, political, and historical background of European integration, though its main focus is on the economic analysis of the policies and prospects for the European Union. 

How can we design, build, and sustain "democracies" in places that have been engaged in sustained conflict? The course explores societies torn apart by political violence and ethnic conflict. The main purpose is to diagnose the central problems, and examine what political responses are most appropriate using multiple case studies. The first part of the course mostly looks at the problems. The course begins with an examination of Iraq as an example of armed intervention and regime change. The second part of the course shifts the focus of attention to "solutions" and policy responses to divided societies and failing states. The course looks at which are the most appropriate electoral systems for divided places (and which should be avoided). The course ends by analyzing the "Arab Springs" and the resilience of authoritarianism in the Middle East.

This course is about philosophical and ethical issues related to the conduct of business. Some tough-minded people believe that business is like a game where winning means making as much money as possible. They believe that "business ethics" does not exist, that it is a contradiction in terms, and that whoever thinks otherwise -- whoever thinks that business is also about treating others respectfully -- is either naive, or deluded, or both. What these tough-minded people do not realise is that they are, in fact, making an ethical claim. They claim that, while we generally have ethical obligations towards others in society, when it comes to the game of business everyone is permitted to pay attention only to their personal gain. This statement may be correct, or it may be false. But it is definitely an ethical statement, simply because it makes claims about how people may permissibly behave. So, inadvertently, they are doing business ethics. In this introductory course to business ethics, we look at different types of ethical theories, and we apply them to problems that tend to arise in business contexts. The primary aim of the course is not to present you with ethical solutions or dogmatic responses, but to practice ethical reasoning, analytical skills, and critical thinking, so that towards the end of the course, you will no longer be satisfied with simple answers to difficult problems. You will also practice argumentative and writing skills that will help you express your thoughts clearly and concisely.