The course begins with the legal history of European integration and with an analysis of the institutional foundations of the European Union. Classes then focus on trade within Europe. Students learn about free trade and its many constraints in the Old Continent. This part of the course includes units on Competition Law (antitrust) and intellectual property. The course emphasizes the impact of trade and legal harmonization upon culture, human rights and social policies. The study of external relations of the Union follows, with particular attention to US-EU relations.