LAS463 Law and Business in China

Spring Semester 2025/26

15 credits

Module Organiser: Dr. Zhong Zhang (zhong.zhang@sheffield.ac.uk)

Overview

This course introduces students to the Chinese legal system and looks at law, doing business in China and regulations relevant to this. It would be useful for students who want to be acquainted with practical knowledge about doing business in China. It also suits students who are interested in legal studies and want to acquire international perspectives by studying Chinese law. The course begins with a section on the Chinese legal history and traditions, followed by an overview of the current legal system, covering issues such as the state governance structure and power distribution, the sources of law, law making and implementation. It then focuses on law and regulations that are relevant to doing business in China. Specifically, it examines the law on contract and business organizations, foreign direct investment, labour, real estate, taxation, financial regulations, intellectual property rights and dispute resolution. 

Topics Covered

• Introduction to Law and Legal Systems 

• Chinese Legal History and Tradition 

• Constitution and State Structure 

• Sources of Law and Law Making 

• Contract Law 

• Law on Business Entities 

• Law on Foreign Direct Investment

• Tax and Employment Law 

• Land and Environmental Law 

• Intellectual Property Law 

• Dispute Resolution 

Skills Development

• • • •  Thinking critically and analytically – The ability to challenge ‘conventional wisdom’ and appreciate the influence of politics and legal traditions on the contemporary Chinese legal system;

      •  Practical skills: the ability to analyse legal disputes, provide legal advice on specific issues and understand how law works in real life China;

      • Independent learning and research– Familiar with primary and secondary resources for studying Chinese law and the ability to find and evaluate a range of materials on paper and online;

      •  Communication skills –The ability to express your ideas in seminar discussions and to write a good essay with clear and logical arguments. 

Study Hours

The University recommends that you spend 150 hours working on a 15-credit module. This will include:

• Lecture: 24 hours

• Seminar: 10 hours

• Independent study hours: 116 hrs