This seminar offers students an opportunity to study the developments that have contributed to the dynamic growth of the European Union over the past half-century.  The course is taught in two components.  The first component, taught by an Italian law professor at VLS during January or February, is intended to provide the student with a basic background in European Union law (history, evolving institutional structure, key decisions, etc.).  Classes are scheduled during free periods, in the evenings, and/or on weekends to avoid conflicts with regularly scheduled classes.  The second component, offered during Spring Break at the law school in Trento, Italy, consists of a series of lectures by Italian law professors in English on selected topics of European Union law (private law, criminal law, environmental law, etc.)