MODULE SUMMARY: 

This module will provide you with a comprehensive overview of German civil law. You will become familiar with the key features of German Contract Law (first term) and the Law of Obligations (second term).

AIMS of the MODULE :

The module is designed to introduce you to the basic principles of German Private Law.

The first part of the module focuses on developing a basic understanding of the general part of the BGB, including basic contractual principles. Further topics covered include the historical development and structure of the Civil Code (BGB) as well as general principles and methodology to be used for handling a civil law case.

In this second part, more detailed aspects of the law of obligations (Schuldrecht) are explained. These include topics such as impossibility, default, and problems related to performance of the obligation.
The module also aims to further strengthen your ability to use the Gutachtenstil as a technique. Training the abstraction principle (Abstraktionsprinzip), i.e. the separation between obligations and dispositions such as transfer of ownership, in this way is a core aspect of this module. For this reason, a practical case-based approach will be used. Active participation is expected and students are expected to actively participate in the discussions / case discussions.

MODULE STRUCTURE:

The module will entail two-hour weekly lectures and a fortnightly one-hour tutorial. Advance reading of materials (available on Moodle) will be expected.
Detailed handouts will be provided on Moodle.
Additional reading such as journal articles and excerpts from textbooks will be assigned and made available on Moodle as well.
Teaching, oral and written participation will be in German.

MODULE ASSESSMENT:

During the course of the year, one compulsory practice assignment will need to be submitted per term.

Each of the compulsory practice assignments will lead to detailed written individual feedback as well as a feedback session.

Public law (studied in Year 1) will be included in the syllabus for the final exam and the coursework.