LW0LAW-Law

Module Provider: School of Law
Number of credits: 40 [20 ECTS credits]
Level:F
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Ms Sharon Sinclair-Graham
Email: sharon.sinclair-graham@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

To prepare students for undergraduate programmes which involve the study of law by providing a grounding in the main principles of Contract Law, the Tort of Negligence and the structure of the English legal system.

Aims:

To prepare students for undergraduate programmes which involve the study of law by providing a grounding in the main principles of Contract Law, teh Tort of Negligence and the structure of the English legal system.

Assessable learning outcomes:
On completion of this module students are expected to be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the structure, personnel and functions of the English legal system and the law of negligence and contract;

• Show evidence of the ability to apply techniques of ordered thinking and the skills necessary to analyse and solve legal problems;

• Communicate legal arguments clearly and succinctly and to draw appropriate conclusions;

• Demonstrate a critical awareness of the changing nature of law in society.

Additional outcomes:
The development of library and research skills and the ability to make use of available resources.

Outline content:

The module begins with an introduction to some basic principles of the constitution: sources, parliamentary sovereignty; the rule of law; separation of powers. These principles provide a background to a more detailed study of the English legal system: sources of law to include the legislative process, statutory interpretation, judicial precedent, common law and equity, EU law, the European Convention on Human Rights and the Human Rights Act 1998; institutions and process to include civil and criminal proceedings, the hierarchy of the courts, the judiciary and the jury. Two areas of substantive law are included, the law of contract and the law of negligence. The module introduces students to the principles of formation of a contract: offer, acceptance, intention, and consideration. It then considers terms of a contract (express or implied) and the types of terms,with an overview of remedies for breach of contract.ÌýThe study of the law of negligence is more detailed and includes duty of care, breach, causation and remoteness of damage. The duty situation is exemplified through an examination of psychiatric injury. The course also considers the concept of Vicarious Liability and policy issues underlying the Tort of negligence.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Topics are introduced through a combination of lectures (online or face to face), seminars (can beÌýdelivered remotely as well as face to face) and individual surgeries. Independent learning isÌýencouraged through reading based on textbooks, articles and case studies. Case and statute exercisesÌýassist in the development of skills in legal reasoning.Ìý