Module Information

Module Identifier
LAM3520
Module Title
Regulation of Business Cartels
Academic Year
2016/2017
Co-ordinator
Professor Christopher Harding
Semester
Semester 2
Other Staff
 

Course Delivery

Delivery Type Delivery length / details
Seminar 11 x 2 Hour Seminars
 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT OF 5,000-6,000 WORDS  80%
Semester Assessment ORAL PRESENTATION  20%
Supplementary Assessment WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT OF 5,000-6,000 WORDS TO BE RESUBMITTED, IF FAILED  80%
Supplementary Assessment ORAL PRESENTATION OR WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT IN LIEU OF ORAL PRESENTATION TO BE SUBMITTED, IF FAILED  20%

Learning Outcomes

The written assignment (on a topic chosen by the student and approved by the module co-ordinator) will enable the student to explore, test and demonstrate an analytical and critical knowledge of the subject; to develop and demonstrate an ability to communicate clearly knowledge and argument relating to the subject; and to apply research skills for purposes of locating literature and material and drafting a coherent written account of an in-depth study. The oral presentation of an assigned topic will enable the student to present a concise view of an aspect of the subject, and to deploy knowledge to answer questions and defend argument.

Brief description

This module will comprise an advanced and in-depth study of the operation of business cartels and the legal regulation of such practices within the framework of competition policy. Anti-competitive business cartels are an important and topical feature of international commerce and historically there has been a significantly different approach to their regulation in North America and in Europe (criminalisation under US law; administrative control in European systems). Recently, there have been signs of convergence in these approaches to legal control. The module will enable students to evaluate these models of regulation, comparatively and in both a European and a more broadly international context.

The main topics to be addressed include: the concept of the business cartel; models of legal control; the development of regulation, 1870 - present; an overview of EC regulation and enforcement; economic analysis of cartel activity; investigations and evidence; enforcement strategies; sanctions; globalisation of cartel law.

Aims

This module will provide an advanced and in-depth study of the operation of business cartels and the legal control of such practices within the framework of competition policy. Anti-competitive business cartels are an important and topical feature of international commerce and historically there has been a significantly different approach to their regulation in North America and in Europe (criminalisation under US law; administrative control in European systems). Recently, there have been signs of convergence in these approaches to legal control. The module will enable students to evaluate these models of regulation, comparatively and in both a European and a more broadly international context.
Students will be able to :

(a) analyse the economic and social significance of business cartels as a form of collusion and co-operative behaviour;
(b) evaluate different strategies of legal control in relation to such activity;
(c) present a critical account of the development of national, international and European law relating to the control of business cartels;
(d) locate and use a range of literature and material relevant to the subject-matter;
(e) relate the specific subject-matter to general theories of regulation and supranational governance;
(f) provide an informed and analytical discussion of aspects of the subject in both written and oral formats.

Transferable skills

Throughout the module, students will practise and develop their skills of research, analysis, time-management, oral and written presentation. In seminars they will develop their ability to listen, understand and explain subject related topics as well as present a point of view orally and discuss their thoughts with the rest of the class; their assignments will enable them to develop their skills of independent research, analysis, presentation and writing (including data collection and retrieval, IT and time management). All learning throughout the module will be relevant to a career in any legal profession.


Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 7