Course Syllabus
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS LAW– IBN 311
Winter 2014
Instructor:
Course Number:
Time:
Location:
Lisa Pau, J.D., L.L.M.
e-mail: lisa.pau@seattlecolleges.edu
IBN-311
THURS, 4:30 - 7:00 p.m.
BEIT Conference Room, IB 2412C (note, classroom changed)
Course Textbook:
International Business Law and Its Environment (8th Ed.), by
Schaffer/Agusti/Dhooge/Earle, published by Cengage Learning
Office Hours:
By appointment, place TBA. My office is in IB 2423C, Suite 16 (note: this
is a shared part-time faculty office so in order to talk, we may need to
meet elsewhere). Please see me after class to make an appointment.
Course Description & Objectives:
This course is an introduction to international business law and fundamental legal concepts.
The course will help students identify legal issues that arise in the realm of international
business, familiarize students with core concepts and vocabulary, and instill an understanding
of how basic international transactions work from a legal perspective. The goal is to provide
students with an understanding of some of the most common legal issues that arise in
international business. Students will achieve an understanding of the legal framework for
resolving international commercial disputes, and a familiarity with key terminology used by
professionals who work in this field.
The course will examine common risks that affect business transactions in the global
marketplace. Students will learn, among other things, about different methods for resolving
disputes (including litigation, arbitration, and mediation), the relative pros and cons of
exporting versus licensing one’s product to international markets, forming a joint venture or
using another form to set up a business relationship, and potential risks and benefits of foreign
direct investment. Students will also learn the basics of an international sales transaction, what
contracts and other documents are involved, as well as who the key parties are to such a
transaction. Finally, we will learn about international trade agreements, international
marketing and ethics, intellectual property rights, and international labor and employment
matters.
Often, we will illustrate concepts with in-class discussion of news items and current events.
Students are encouraged to read newspapers and magazines and bring questions and
discussion topics that relate to our course of study to the instructor’s attention.
Disclaimer of legal representation:
The Instructor is an experienced attorney who currently does not practice law. Nothing in this
class is intended to establish an attorney-client relationship. Please do not take any
information provided in this course as legal advice. Please do not attempt to seek legal advice
from the Instructor or present your personal legal problems.
Grading System:
Participation & Professionalism:
Writing Assignments/Papers (2):
Quizzes (8):
Midterm Exam:
Final Exam:
Total:
100 Points
100 Points
80 Points
80 Points
140 Points
500 Points
Note: Extra credit will be offered. If your grade in this class is something you are/will be
concerned about, I encourage you to take advantage of ALL extra credit opportunities as they
arise. No “special” extra credit will be offered on an individual basis at the end of the quarter
because you failed the mid-term, missed several classes, had to care for your sick iguana, etc.
CLASSROOM CONDUCT, POLICIES & ASSIGNMENTS
Three (3) important points to know at the outset:
 Language. This course assumes a working knowledge of the English language. The
ability to fluently speak, listen, read and write in English is essential in order to
successfully complete this class.
 Reading expectation. It is critical that students do the reading outlined below IN
ADVANCE of each class. Class discussion is an important part of this course. To
meaningfully participate, students must have completed the reading prior to our class
meetings. Participation points will not be awarded for merely spouting off with
uninformed opinions or personal experiences unconnected to the material. Points will
be awarded for thoughtful comments that demonstrate familiarity with, and thoughtful
processing of, the assigned reading material.
 Professionalism. We will strive at all times to maintain an environment that is
professional and respectful. Students are expected to arrive to class on time, unless
prior arrangements have been made. Please be prepared to engage in class without
distraction. NO CELL PHONE USE, texting, emailing or internet browsing during class.
Policy on Due Dates, Late Submission of Assignments, and Special Accommodations:
- All assignments should be submitted at the start of class on the requested due date, unless
alternative arrangements have been made in advance with the Instructor. Assignments
submitted late will be penalized 20% for each day late.
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- If you need special accommodations due to a disability or for any another reason, please
inform the Instructor as soon as possible and in any event no later than 48 hours in advance of
when you will need the accommodation. This is to ensure that your request is considered in a
timely manner and proper arrangements can be made.
In-Class Discussions:
Students are required to participate in class discussions that cover the reading material. Again,
points will not be awarded for random comments, questions or expressions of personal
opinion. (See above on “Reading expectation.”) Students may be assigned to lead discussions
on particular topics, and will be called upon to answer questions in class. This is not intended
to make you feel uncomfortable, but to foster engagement and active listening.
Please note: Participation in class discussions will be counted towards “Participation &
Professionalism” points. P & P points are worth 20% of your total grade.
Quizzes (8, worth 10 points each):
Quizzes will be given during class and they will be “closed book,” meaning that you are not to
rely on notes or the textbook or your peers, or on any other study aids. Quizzes are not
designed to stress you out – they are designed to motivate you and reward you for completing
the reading and attending class!
Midterm & Final Exam:
The Midterm and Final Exam will be discussed in more detail in class. These exams will most
likely consist of true-false and multiple-choice questions, to be taken on a “limited open book”
basis, meaning that notes and outlines you create yourself will be permitted, but the use of the
textbook will not be permitted. You are encouraged to take notes and create a course outline
to help you keep track of course material and organize your thinking, beginning on Day One
(the first day of class) or earlier. We will discuss how to create a course outline in class. The
Midterm should give you a preview of the format to be used for the Final Exam.
Writing Assignments/Papers (2, worth 50 points each):
Students will be asked to write at least two papers on separate hypothetical scenarios
pertaining to International Business Law. You will be asked to make use of the textbook and
apply your learning to a real-world situation. Students are encouraged to use the Page One
Writing & Language Center on campus. We will discuss the papers more in class.
PLAGIARISM, ACADEMIC DISHONESTY AND CLASS ROOM CONDUCT
Plagiarism and/or other forms of cheating will not be tolerated and will result in a failing grade
as well as a report to the Administration. If you are unclear on what plagiarism is, the library
offers several guides to help you understand and avoid plagiarism.
Please don’t cheat. It will not serve you in the long run.
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READING SCHEDULE & ASSIGNMENT DATES
Week 1 (January 9):
Why study international business law? What are your career goals and how might this class
help you in pursuit of those goals? What will we learn about in this class?

Chapter 1: Introduction to International Business
Take Class Photo. Review Syllabus, goals and conduct of the class. Discuss Study Skills and
how to outline the course. Review Ch 1 and introduce Ch 2.
Week 2 (January 16):
What is the “lay of the land” when it comes to international law? What are the sources of
international law? How is it enforced, and who enforces it? What is jurisdiction? Who are the
actors (or players) when it comes to international law? Is there an international police force?

Chapter 2: International Law and the World’s Legal Systems
Week 3 (January 23):
How might we avoid business disputes? If a dispute is unavoidable, what are the different ways
in which we might resolve it? What is mediation? Arbitration? What happens when you go to
court on an international dispute? What happens when the laws of different countries conflict?

Chapter 3: Resolving International Commercial Disputes
Week 4 (January 30): (* tentative due date for 1st Writing Assignment)
How do parties enter into international sales contracts? What are the basic elements of a
contract, and what are common pitfalls of an international contract? What law governs in the
event of a breach? Why might performance of a contract be excused?

Chapter 4: Sales Contracts and Excuses for Nonperformance
Week 5 (February 6):
In a typical international sales transaction, what documents are involved? How do you
exchange goods for money? How are goods transported? Who is responsible for shipping, and
for loss or damage of goods during shipping? What principles apply in this area?

Chapter 5: The Documentary Sale and Terms of Trade
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Week 6 (February 13):
How do you pay for goods internationally? How can you be confident that you will get the
goods you paid for? Alternatively, how do get paid once you have shipped goods overseas?
What role do banks play, and what are their responsibilities? What is a letter of credit?

Chapter 7: Bank Collections, Trade Finance, and Letters of Credit
(note: we will skip Chapter 6)
Week 7 (February 20):
* Midterm will be held this week at the beginning of class: To be discussed further in class.
What rules govern international trade and who are the major players? What is an international
trade agreement, who/what is the WTO, and why is it controversial? What is the legal
framework for enforcing an international trade agreement? What do such agreements cover
and what should they perhaps cover?

Chapter 9: GATT Law and the World Trade Organization: Basic Principles
(note: we will skip Chapter 8)
Week 8 (February 27):
What special laws regulate relationships in international commerce, for example, a firm’s
relationship with a sales representative working abroad? When it comes to advertising abroad,
what issues should you be aware of? What is the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and how might
it affect your business relationships?

Chapter 16: International Marketing Law: Sales Representatives, Advertising, and
Ethical Issues (note: we will skip Chapters 10-15)
Possible Guest Speaker
Week 9 (March 6):
What is a license versus an ownership right? What are IPRs (intellectual property rights), how
are they transferred, and what are the mechanics of a transfer? How are IPRs enforced
internationally? Why is this area growing so rapidly, and what are the concerns for U.S.
companies in a global business environment?
● Chapter 17: Licensing Agreements and the Protection of Intellectual Property Rights
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Week 10 (March 13):
What are some of the basic approaches to labor law internationally? What factors might affect
a firm’s ability to dismiss an employee? What are the basic principles of employment antidiscrimination laws, both in the U.S. and abroad? What other laws commonly regulate working
conditions?
● Chapter 19: Labor and Employment Discrimination Law
(note: we will skip Chapter 18)
Week 11 (March 20):
Final Class: The format of the Final Exam will depend upon the results of the Midterm. We may
have an in-class final OR a take-home final, or a combination of both.
Final Exam Details to be announced.
ONLINE RESOURCES
- Fac Web Page for “official” class info, handouts & assignments:
http://facweb.northseattle.edu/lpau/IBN_311/
- Instructor’s Class Blog (updates, optional info):
https://people.northseattle.edu/blogs/lpau
LAST BUT NOT LEAST
The syllabus, its contents, and the reading schedule are all subject to change. It is your
responsibility to attend class and stay current. If you need to miss a class, please inform the
Instructor in advance or immediately afterwards of the reason for your absence.
It would be a good idea to speak to a fellow student and review what you missed in class,
including handouts, any revisions to the syllabus/reading schedule, any announcements and/or
other information. You are responsible for staying current on this information.
Last updated: 1.5.14
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