Corporate Social Responsibility and Social Entrepreneurship

2 credits · Law School

This class evaluates the law and policies underlying growing pressure for profit-seeking corporations to increase their role in social and environmental issues. Topics include the economic structure of nonprofit firms, the debate on corporate purpose and the profit-maximization norm, the rise of ESG investing, the proliferation of new legal hybrid forms, recent developments in the law of managerial fiduciary duties, the role of microfinance and fair trade in promoting development, tax and subsidy policies to encourage corporations to pursue social goals and what types of structures best align investors' interest in profit-making with different social purposes. Please refer to the Duke Law website course description for pre- and co- requisite information