Undergraduate Module Descriptor

LAW2031: The Law of Obligations

This module descriptor refers to the 2017/8 academic year.

Module Aims

The Law of Obligations I course constitutes the second part of the LLB European (German) / Magister module. It

This part of the course builds on the methodology taught in LAW2014 and intends to give students an insight into the basic principles governing German Civil Law and to provide them with a sound understanding of the first and part of the second book of the German Civil Code (BGB). The following issues are dealt with in more detail: Formation of contracts, contractual capacity, void legal transactions, standard contract terms, agency, rescission, impossibility and delay of performance, pre-contractual liability and positive violation of a contractual duty. Students are expected to acquire a confident grasp of these principles, developing an integrated understanding of German Civil Law. Tutorials are designed to deepen students’ understanding of German law methodology and case solving technique.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here – you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.
On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills1. demonstrate an accurate understanding of German Civil Law and be able show how to apply the German Civil Code systematically, to display how to interpret its provisions and to express yourself confidently in German on the issues named above.
2. display the ability to identify and confidently analyse and solve legal problems by applying the relevant law, and to carry out effective research
3. make obvious an understanding of German methodology which will enable you to handle writing of essays in German law with more confidence.
Discipline-Specific Skills4. demonstrate how to solve civil law cases in a logically structured way by applying, interpreting and critically analysing the law.
5. present sophisticated competence in making use of different sources of information, i.e. textbooks, articles, commentaries, when dealing with German legal issues in general and Civil Law in particular.
6. make evident comparisons with English law and, by doing so, to demonstrate a better understanding both of the German and the English system of private law.
Personal and Key Skills7. demonstrate your improved ability to develop clear arguments in German
8. demonstrate your improved ability to both work independently and in small groups thereby developing your individual as well as team building skills.
9. demonstrate your improved analytical skill and advanced problem solving through a wider perspective applying civil and common law methodology
10. show effective time management and the ability to cope with a more extensive essay of up to 4,000 words.