SOSC 4043 B – Corporate Governance and Business Law in Comparative Context
Winter 2022 Essay Assignment
1) Essay 2 Proposal (DUE March 2, 2022) Mandatory 5%
2) Essay 2 (DUE April 6, 2022) 20%
Instructions
Select a theme upon which you would like to write your essay (see list of themes below).
After selecting this theme compose a detailed research paper that aims to address a
specific topic in relation to issues in corporate governance, corporate law or business
law. You must write your essay on a topic which is substantially more precise than the
themes listed. (e.g. under the theme “corporate crime” you may wish to write about the
more specific topic of “accounting fraud in large financial corporations”). The more
precise and narrow your topic the greater the chance of a meaningful and poignant
essay. You will be expected to make a clear and coherent argument throughout your
essay. Creativity and originality of thought will be rewarded.
You must use a minimum of eight scholarly sources for your essay. The required length
of the winter term essay is between 3500-4000 words (roughly 14-16 pages, excluding
bibliography and notes). Essays should be typed, double-spaced, using 12pt font.
Consistent and proper referencing is required, as is a properly formatted bibliography.
List of Possible Themes
You may write about any topic that falls under the themes listed below. Your research
topic must be demonstrably relevant to issues either in corporate law, business law or
corporate governance. Remember, the themes listed below are just general themes.
Your task will be to find a particular angle or thread of one of these themes to explore in
your paper. Should you wish to write on something which is not listed below please
consult with Prof McGillivray.
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Financial crises
Regulation of financial capital
Vulture funds
Sovereign debt litigation
The pandemic and corporate interests
Concentration of economic power
Global supply chains, the pull economy
Executive compensation
Corporate crime
Money laundering
Tax havens
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SOSC 4043 B – Corporate Governance and Business Law in Comparative Context
Winter 2022 Essay Assignment
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Tort litigation
Class actions
Intellectual property
Antitrust / competition law
Essay Proposal Due March 2, 2022
The purpose of the proposal is twofold. On the one hand you will gain experience
writing academic abstracts and annotated bibliographies. And on the other you will
receive detailed commentary and feedback on your essay plan. As a result, the more
effort and thought that goes into the proposal, the more you will receive in commentary
in return. There are two parts to the proposal: 1) an abstract; 2) an annotated
bibliography.
1) Abstract
Submit your essay topic in the form of a 150-250 word abstract. Explain your object of
study and the nature of your investigation. What questions are you setting out to
answer? What key concepts and theories will be relevant to your research? What do
you think you will argue (i.e. what will be your thesis) in this paper? While your
argument may be subject to change, this abstract will nonetheless guide you through the
writing process.
From the Purdue OWL writing lab:
https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/common_writing_assignments/academic_
proposals/journal_abstracts.html
“While a proposal can be quite long depending on the assignment and purpose, an
abstract is generally kept brief (approximately 150-200 words). However, it includes
some of the same elements as a proposal:
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A statement of the problem and objectives
A summary of employed methods or your research approach (the significance of
the proposed topic should become clear, as well)
A self-contained piece of writing that can be understood independently from the
essay or project” (Purdue OWL)
2) Annotated Bibliography
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SOSC 4043 B – Corporate Governance and Business Law in Comparative Context
Winter 2022 Essay Assignment
As an additional document, include at least eight academic sources in the form of an
annotated bibliography. The bibliographical entries MUST be properly formatted. After
each entry include 2-3 sentences explaining the relevance of the particular source to
your essay. Do not cut and paste from article abstracts, instead explain in your own
words how the source will be helpful in the construction of your argument.
For more information on annotated bibliographies see:
https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/common_writing_assignments/annotated_
bibliographies/index.html
SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS FOR PROPOSAL AND FINAL ESSAY
1) Proposals
Essay proposals (including both the abstract and annotated bibliography) must be
submitted via e-Class by March 2nd. While the proposal is only worth 5% of your final
grade, please note that it is mandatory to submit in order to receive a grade on your
final paper. Commentary and feedback will be provided on the proposals. They will be
returned within one week (March 9th).
2) Final Essays
Final essays must be submitted via e-Class on April 6. Essays must conform to the
following requirements:
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Length: 3,500-4,000 words;
Format: Typed, double spaced, 12 pt. font, 2.5 cm margins, numbered pages, and
you MUST include a title page; and,
Referencing: Consistent format for in text citations and properly formatted
bibliography**
**NB: Essays that do not include a properly formatted bibliography will be penalized
with a 10% deduction from your final essay grade. For example, an essay that scores
78% (B+) based on its content and argumentation would receive a 68% (C+) if the
bibliography is incomplete, incorrectly formatted or missing.
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