Course Syllabus
Download the full course syllabus for Standards, Soft Law, and Industry Self-Regulation, including an overview of all 12 modules, learning objectives, and recommended readings.
Module 1 | Introduction & Conceptual Overview
This module provides an introduction to soft law and outlines various types of soft law programs.
Includes slide deck (PPT), teaching notes (Word), and three reading assignments (PDF).
Module 2 | When to Adopt Soft Law
Module 2 provides the pros and cons of soft law vs hard law and describes contexts in which soft law has been found to be most appropriate.
Includes slide deck (PPT), teaching notes (Word), and five reading assignments (PDF).
Module 3 | Private Standards
Module 3 focuses on private standards, including discussion of SSOs and consortia models.
Includes slide deck (PPT), teaching notes (Word), and four reading assignments (PDF).
Module 4 | Standards, IP, and Anti-Trust
Module 4 focuses on legal issues with private standards.
Includes slide deck (PPT), teaching notes (Word), and five reading assignments (PDF).
Module 5 | Case Studies
Module 5 explores the rationale and practical implications of self-regulation through real-world case studies.
Includes slide deck (PPT), teaching notes (Word), and reading assignments (PDF).
Module 6 | Trade Associations and Societies
Module 6 breaks down the role trade associations and professional societies play in bolstering soft law.
Includes slide deck (PPT), teaching notes (Word), and reading assignments (PDF).
Module 7 | Role of the FTC
Module 7 outlines the longstanding role of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in consumer protection, exploring its cases and motivations.
Includes slide deck (PPT), teaching notes (Word), and reading assignments (PDF).
Module 8 | International Soft Law
Module 8 uses a case study on neurotechnologies to explore global emerging tech challenges, international agreements, and more.
Includes slide deck (PPT), teaching notes (Word), and reading assignments (PDF).
Module 9 | Multi-Stakeholder Governance
Module 9 outlines the structure and benefit of multi-stakeholder governance using organizational examples and a nanotechnology case study.
Includes slide deck (PPT), teaching notes (Word), and reading assignments (PDF).
Module 10 | Soft Law & Liability
Module 10 focuses on litigation implications of participation in soft law programs using an autonomous vehicle case study.
Includes slide deck (PPT), teaching notes (Word), and reading assignments (PDF).
Module 11 | Government Voluntary Programs
Module 11 provides an overview of government-run voluntary programs, negotiated agreements, delegated regulation, and more.
Includes slide deck (PPT), teaching notes (Word), and reading assignments (PDF).
Module 12 | AI, Indirect Enforcement, & Hard vs Soft Law
Module 12 focuses on unique AI concerns, the indirect enforcement of soft law, and interactions between hard and soft law.
Includes slide deck (PPT), teaching notes (Word), and reading assignments (PDF).