This seminar explores the legal, economic, social, and intellectual history of the corporation. Each week we will discuss one to three recent papers addressing ancient and medieval predecessors of the corporate form, the joint stock companies (England’s first business corporations), the modern business corporation, and the relationships between the corporation and other historical phenomena, including cities, the state, and empire. The English East India Company will be a particular focus of discussion. Each student enrolled in the class will be responsible for reading all papers; preparing thoughtful comments regarding them; and writing three brief papers.
For details on class times, days of the week, instructors, and grading and exam details, please view the Michigan Law Class Schedule.