Our Negotiation, Contracts, and Comparative Law course is taught out of the Michigan State University College of Law. This challenging and practical course is a 12-session survey of contract law, practical negotiation skills, and comparative theory. Over three weeks, students will learn how to communicate about contracts with attorneys and business people from different cultures and backgrounds.
Through a combination of readings, lectures, and assignments, students will gain an understanding of how contract law functions to promote economic activity, business and personal transactions, and human dignity. Finally, students will have the chance to apply your new knowledge to negotiating and drafting a simple contract in a [relatively] friendly competitive exercise against peers and / or nationals from other cultures.
During the course, students will have the opportunity to cover questions such as:
Dan Barnhizer created and teaches this course with the American Semester Program. Professor Barnhizer is the Bradford Stone Faculty Scholar at Michigan State University College of Law and is a co-author of casebooks in the fields of Contracts and Commercial Transactions. He also directs the Conservation Law Program and the Journals Program at the Law College, as well as the MSU College of Law Institute for Comparative Law & Jurisprudence at the University of Bialystok in Poland.
Learn more about Professor Barnhizer online here.
This course is taught by Full-Time MSU Faculty. Our faculty look forward to teaching ASP courses and often remain connected to students long after the course finishes.
Day trip to Detroit
Students will explore Michigan's largest city through its automotive and Motown music industries.
Tour of the Michigan Capitol Building
Lansing is just down the road from MSU, and it is our state capital. Tour the historic building and learn about Michigan’s history and how our government works.
Lansing Lugnuts Baseball Game
The Lansing Lugnuts are Lansing’s own minor league baseball team, and we’ll go to a game and cheer them on! Experience the traditional American sport of baseball, eat hot dogs at the ball park, and try to get a picture with the Lugnuts’ mascot “Big Lug”. Before we go to the game, our interns will lead you in a game of kickball to help you understand the basics of baseball.
Other Local Excursions
Michigan is home to diverse cities and beautiful parks and lakes, and summer is the best time to explore! We will travel to different areas in Michigan to help you explore both our cities and our landscapes. Potential excursions include a visit to a state park and a beach day on Lake Michigan.
Graduation Ceremony
Celebrate with your new friends the completion of your American Semester Program Short Course! Take part in an American style graduation (after decorating your grad cap) and celebrate with your professors.
Day trip to Chicago or Cedar Point
Students may explore ‘The Windy City’! Chicago is the 3rd largest city in the US and has one of the tallest skylines in the world with the Willis Tower (110 Story) and the John Hancock Center (100 Story) observation decks offering amazing views of the city. Chicago is home to over 250 theaters, however, our favorite is The Second City a comedy club with over 50 years of history some of the most famous comedians got their start right here including Bill Murray, Tina Fey, Joan Rivers, Steve Carell, and Mike Myers.
Cedar Point is a 364-acre amusement park located on a Lake Erie peninsula in Sandusky, Ohio. Opened in the late-1800s, it is reported to be the second-oldest operating amusement park in the United States. The park features a world-record 72 rides, including 17 roller coasters – the second-most in the world.
Tour of the Michigan Capitol Building
Lansing is just down the road from MSU, and it is our state capital. Tour the historic building and learn about Michigan’s history and how our government works.
Lansing Lugnuts Baseball Game
The Lansing Lugnuts are Lansing’s own minor league baseball team, and we’ll go to a game and cheer them on! Experience the traditional American sport of baseball, eat hot dogs at the ball park, and try to get a picture with the Lugnuts’ mascot “Big Lug”.
Explore Michigan Excursions
Michigan is home to diverse cities and beautiful parks and lakes, and summer is the best time to explore! We will travel to different areas in Michigan to help you explore both our cities and our landscapes. Potential excursions include city tours of Detroit, and beach day on Lake Michigan, or a day trip to Mackinac Island in Northern Michigan.
American Cuisine Demonstration
Learn about American cuisine while watching a demonstration by one of our chefs at Brody Square.
Graduation Ceremony
Celebrate with your new friends the completion of your American Semester Program Short Course! Take part in an American style graduation (after decorating your grad cap!), celebrate with your professors, and eat dinner at out Kellogg Conference Center and Hotel.
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
Assessment
PROGRAM DATESJune 29 - July 21, 2024
• June 29: Student Arrival
• June 30: Student Orientation
• July 1: Classes begin
• July 20: Classes End, Graduation Ceremony
• July 21: Student Departure
Other activities yet to be scheduled include: Day trip to Detroit, Lansing Lugnuts Baseball Game, Holland State Park Beach Day, Game Night at a Local Arcade, Tour of Lansing State Capitol
LOCATION
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI
Michigan enjoys all four seasons, and in July, MSU is typically very warm with lots of sunshine. Pictured here is an MSU landmark, Beaumont Tower.
PROGRAM COST:$3,800 USD
Includes:
• Program orientation and tuition
• 50 on-campus meals
• On-campus single room housing
• Excursion to Detroit
• Excursion to Holland State Park
• Lansing Lugnuts baseball game
• Tour of Lansing State Capitol
• Game night at local arcade
• Graduation ceremony
• $20 Lyft voucher to get to campus
Apply online to a Short Course program through our online application system. After creating your Traveler Profile, you can find this program and begin your application! Before you begin your application, however, please prepare the following (you will not be able to complete your application without them):
The American Semester Program is looking for applicants who are in good standing (academically and behaviorally) at their home universities. Although ASP reviews your application, the faculty instructors of each course will have the final admissions decision and they reserve the right to deny admission.
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