Sustainability is a prominent concept at both the national and international level. Its importance has recently been restated with the formulation of the Sustainable Development Goals in 2015. This course offers an interdisciplinary perspective by discussing how several aspects of social, economic, and ecological sustainability are linked to national and international law, including the law of the European Union. More specifically, this course shows to what extent law can, on the one hand, promulgate sustainability and, on the other hand, retard the implementation of sustainability goals. This course thus provides an integrative perspective on law and sustainability encouraging business lawyers-to-be to reflect on their own professional role in society and both the possibilities and limitations of legal provisions in general.

This course provides a first insight into international law which may be useful for future courses such European law or other elective courses.

After completing this sustainable economics and business course for lawyers, the students are able to describe different aspects of sustainability and how these aspects are linked to corresponding legal provisions - both at the national and the international level. Further, students will be aware of current (legal) pitfalls and catalysts when it comes to implementing the concept of sustainability.

Engaging in this interdisciplinary discourse on law and sustainability, students learn to assess legal provisions from different perspectives. Throughout the course, students acquire the toolkit to employ their legal education with the call for action with respect to a long-term sustainable development. They learn to suggest legal constructs such that sustainability goals can be met. Writing assignments and presentations are designed to foster critical thinking. Feedback from the course instructors and lively class discussions will help students to recognize and develop these skills.

Particular emphasis is placed on teamwork skills and reflective thinking and experiential knowledge.

Examination-immanent courses (PI) have compulsory attendance. Please mind that regular attendance (> 80 %) is necessary to complete the course. In case of absence the lecturer is to be informed in advance if possible.

The course consists of introductory lectures, individual and group work, general and further readings, written assignments, oral presentations, and seminar discussions. The course language is English.

Course performance will be evaluated multi-dimensionally. 3 criteria are to be considered in the overall assessment:

- active participation in class (30 points),

- 2 written take-home assignments (15 points each), and

- 1 evaluation essay to be submitted at the end of the course (40 points).

As long as the minimum attendance requirement is fulfillied, absences may not directly affect the final grade. Yet, there can be indirect negative effects from being absent. This is especially the case when students cannot participate at graded activities during the course.

katharina.pfaff@wu.ac.at